Candida auris Outbreak in a Multidisciplinary Hospital in Romania during the Post-Pandemic Era: Potential Solutions and Challenges in Surveillance and Epidemiological Control.

Candida auris is a newly emerging yeast, which is raising public health concerns due to its outbreak potential, lack of protocols for decontamination and isolation of patients or contacts, increased resistance to common antifungals, and associated high mortality. This research aimed to describe the challenges related to identifying the outbreak, limiting further contamination, and treating affected individuals. We retrospectively analyzed all cases of C. auris detected between October 2022 and August 2023, but our investigation focused on a three-month-long outbreak in the department of cardio-vascular surgery and the related intensive care unit. Along with isolated cases in different wards, we identified 13 patients who became infected or colonized in the same area and time, even though the epidemiological link could only be traced in 10 patients, according to the epidemiologic investigation. In conclusion, our study emphasizes the substantial challenge encountered in clinical practice when attempting to diagnose and limit the spread of an outbreak. Therefore, it is crucial to promptly apply contact precaution measures and appropriate environmental cleaning, from the first positive case detected.

A Successful Approach to Diagnosing Shiga-like Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli-Induced Colitis.

Shiga-like toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a well-known cause of foodborne acute diarrheic diseases, especially in children and the elderly. The potentially fatal complications associated with toxin production range from bloody diarrhea and ischemic colitis to kidney failure, hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), and colon perforation. Here, we describe a case and literature review of STEC-induced colitis, highlighting the clinical features and the necessary tools for the best diagnostic approach and management. Facing challenging differential diagnosis, ranging from ischemic colitis and inflammatory bowel disease to infectious processes due to a pathogenic or opportunistic agent, we conducted a step-by-step exploration. Following bacteriological investigation, imagistic screening, and colonoscopy, we ruled out some of the initial suppositions and reached a final diagnosis, while also considering the pathological results. Although antibiotics are not indicated in this pathology, our patient did receive antibiotics, given the risk of translocation and colon perforation, without any associated complications such as HUS or peritonitis. Detailed and rigorous investigations conducted by a multi-specialty team are required for prompt medical support. Coping with the symptoms and refraining from further complications are the mainstem aims of treatment.

Biophysical stimulation for bone regeneration using a chitosan/barium titanate ferroelectric composite.

Herein we report the synthesis of a ferroelectric composed of chitosan (C)/barium titanate (BT) nanoparticles (NPs) with enhanced biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and piezoelectric behavior that can be advantageously used in biomedical applications. FTIR and SEM measurements were performed to assess the mechanism of interaction between the C matrix and BT NPs and their correlation with the biological responses. The dielectric measurements of the as-prepared composites reveal that incorporation of 50% BT NPs in the chitosan matrix leads to a steady increase of the dielectric constant as compared with neat chitosan films. The ferroelectric behavior of the sample was confirmed by the values of the loss factor (0.21-0.003) in the analyzed frequency range (10-1-106 Hz). This behavior suggests that ferroelectric C/BT nanocomposites can act as an active material that promotes accelerated bone regeneration.

Photopolymerization Pattern of New Methacrylate Cellulose Acetate Derivatives.

Polymeric photocrosslinked networks, of particular interest in the design of materials with targeted characteristics, can be easily prepared by grafting light-sensitive moieties, such as methacrylates, on polymeric chains and, after photochemical reactions, provide materials with multiple applications via photopolymerization. In this work, photopolymerizable urethane-methacrylate sequences were attached to free hydroxyl units of cellulose acetate chains in various proportions (functionalization degree from 5 to 100%) to study the properties of the resulting macromolecules and the influence of the cellulosic material structure on the double bond conversion degree. Additionally, to manipulate the properties of the photocured systems, the methacrylate-functionalized cellulose acetate derivatives were mixed with low molecular weight dimethacrylate derivatives (containing castor oil and polypropylene glycol flexible chains), and the influence of UV-curable composition on the photopolymerization parameters being studied. The achieved data reveal that the addition of dimethacrylate comonomers augmented the polymerization rates and conversion degrees, leading to polymer networks with various microstructures.

Increasing the Awareness of Under-Diagnosed Tropical Cases of Dengue in Romania.

Global travelling increases every year and according to a report released during the COVID-19 pandemic by the UN World Tourism Organization, international travel doubled in 2022, compared to levels in 2021. his fact led also to travel-imported cases of arboviral infections and physicians are often confronted with tropical diseases, such as dengue or chikungunya. Since there is are no pathognomonic cues for these tropical illnesses, early diagnosis is still a big challenge and it depends on many factors, such as exposure risk factors, the epidemiological context, the incubation period, and the wide spectrum of differential diagnoses, including cosmopolitan or exotic infections. Since the clinical presentation of dengue is not typical and there are other febrile illnesses similar to arboviral diseases, misdiagnosis is common even among experienced doctors. Differential diagnosis needs up to date knowledge considering the short viraemic period, the antibody cross-reactivity, and the traps in recognising the nonspecific symptom picture. We present two cases of Dengue diagnosed in Romania which were initially clinically misconstrued, despite the characteristic symptom picture. The main purpose is to increase the level of awareness and to underline the difficulties that clinicians face in recognizing travel-related imported dengue virus disease.

Cellulose acetate/polyurethane blend as support matrix with high optical transparency and improved mechanical properties for photocatalyst CeO2 nanoparticles immobilization.

Advanced manufacturing technologies for efficient catalytic materials have triggered the rational design of catalysts as well as extensive investigation into preparative methodologies. Herein, we report the preparation of new versatile cellulose acetate/polyurethane (CA/PU) blends for efficient immobilization of CeO2 nanoparticles, the appropriate composition of polymer mixture being chosen after rigorous analysis (SEM, FTIR, optical, mechanical). The band gap energy for hybrid films ranged between 3.02 eV and 2.05 eV, the lowest value being measured for the film with Co-doped CeO2 NPs (B3 film). The best results in photodegradation of methylene blue under visible-light irradiation was attained after 50 min for B3 film (rate constant k = 45.34× 10-3 min-1), while the total mineralization of MB in the same conditions as evaluated by HPLC-ESI MS and TOC analyses was achieved after 90 min. Effect of co-ions (SO42-, Cl- or NO3-) on photocatalytic performance was studied, and scavenger tests were used to identify the active species involved in the photocatalytic mechanism. Also, the photocatalytic efficiency of B3 sample was tested for rhodamine B, metronidazole and 4-nitrophenol degradation. Evaluation of the stability and integrity of hybrid film after 5 catalysis cycles reveal that the photocatalytic potential is retained with no substantial structural changes.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Kinetic Studies of Β-Cyclodextrin Crosslinked with Lignin for Drug Delivery.

ß-Cyclodextrin was attached to lignin/lignin crosslinked by epichlorohydrin and served as a drug delivery matrix. Ketoconazole and piroxicam were added into the polymeric matrix as antifungal and anti-inflammatory agents, respectively. The percentage of drug retained ranged from 48.4% to 58.4% for ketoconazole and piroxicam, respectively. It was found that their tensile strengths increased with decreasing particle size, ranging between 59% and 71% for lignin crosslinked with ß-cyclodextrin base matrix (LCD). Depending on the polymeric matrix, the drug release kinetics fit well in the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, with or without Fickian diffusion. From the materials based on the mixture of epoxidized lignin and ß-cyclodextrin, the medicines were released more slowly (the release rate constant presents lower values ranging between 1.117 and 1.783), as compared with those comprising LCD (2.210-4.824). The materials were also demonstrated to have antimicrobial activity. The antioxidant activity of LCD loaded with piroxicam was found to be 23.9% greater than that of the base matrix (LCD). These findings could be useful towards ß-cyclodextrin attached to lignin formulation development of drug carriers with antioxidant activity.

Reusable catalysts based on CeO2/cellulose derivative with visible light photocatalytic activity tuned by noble metal nanoparticles inclusion.

For environmental preservation, it is crucial to effectively remove organic waste from water. Several approaches have been put forth, but photocatalysis stands out as a quick and effective solution. In this study, some hybrid polymeric structures that were created by photopolymerizing cellulose acetate/castor oil urethane methacrylates with embedded CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and in situ photogenerated noble metal nanoparticles (Ag, Au, Pd) are characterized, and photochemically thoroughly evaluated. The effective modification of cellulose acetate with urethane methacrylate sequences and the degree of functionalization were first observed using 1H NMR and FTIR spectra. Additionally, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, FT-IR and UV-visible spectroscopy were utilized to analyse the resultant nanocomposites. The homogeneous dispersion of CeO2 NPs (10-40 nm) into an organic matrix with the suitable functionalities, namely urethane and hydroxyl groups, favour the interfacial charge transfer reducing the Eg up to 2.85 eV. Moreover, noble metal nanoparticles (5-15 nm), such as Ag, Au and Pd introduction in nanocomposites, significantly lowered the Eg: 2.1 eV for CeAg samples, 1.7 eV for CeAu films and 1.5 eV for CePd films, respectively. This opens up new avenues for the creation of flexible cellulose-based photocatalysts that are active in visible light.

Exploring the Influence of Synthesis Parameters on the Optical Properties for Various CeO2 NPs.

Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles were synthesized with a chemical precipitation method in different experimental conditions using cerium nitrate hexahydrate (Ce(NO3)3·6H2O) as a precursor, modifying the solution pH, the reaction time, and Co atoms as dopants, in order to tune the band gap energy values of the prepared samples. The physical characteristics of the synthesized ceria nanoparticles were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis analyses and photoluminescence measurements. XRD data revealed a pure cubic fluorite structure of CeO2 NPs, the estimation of crystallite sizes by Scherrer's formula indicates the formation of crystals with dimensions between 11.24 and 21.65 nm. All samples contain nearly spherical CeO2 nanoparticles, as well as cubic, rhomboidal, triangular, or polyhedral nanoparticles that can be identified by TEM images. The optical investigation of CeO2 samples revealed that the band gap energy values are between 3.18 eV and 2.85 eV, and, after doping with Co atoms, the Eg of samples decreased to about 2.0 eV. In this study, we managed to obtain CeO2 NPs with Eg under 3.0 eV by only modifying the synthesis parameters. In addition, by doping with Co ions, the band gap energy value was lowered to 2.0 eV. This aspect leads to promising results that provide an encouraging approach for future photocatalytic investigations.

Anthrax meningoencephalitis complicated with brain abscess - A case report.

Bacillus anthracis is a sporulating gram-positive rod whose main route of entry into the human body is cutaneous. Anthrax meningitis is usually fulminant and fatal. We present here a successfully treated case of anthrax meningoencephalitis complicated with brain abscess. The patient was a shepherd, with disease onset 7 days prior to hospital admission with fever, chills, occipital headache, and vertigo, followed by right hemiplegia, motor aphasia, agitation and coma. He had cutaneous lesions with black eschar on the limbs, which was a clue (along with his occupation), for diagnosis suspicion. The polymerase chain reaction for B. anthracis DNA was positive in both cerebrospinal fluid and cutaneous lesions. The cerebrospinal fluid was compatible with bacterial meningitis without being haemorrhagic. Magnetic resonance imaging showed meningeal enhancement and multiple intraparenchymal heterogeneous lesions with an important haemorrhagic component in the left parietal lobe, surrounded by vasogenic oedema with maintenance, 22 days later, of the left parietal lobe lesion, having a ring contrast enhancement and a central diffusion restriction, compatible with an abscess. From admission, he was intensively treated with combined large-spectrum antibiotics; this could be the most valuable factor in the successful outcome.

Incidence of thyroid carcinomas in an extended retrospective study of 526 autopsies.

Thyroid cancer accounts for 1% of all malignancies, and is becoming increasingly common worldwide. The literature reports a prevalence of ~50% of thyroid nodules detected during autopsies in subjects with unknown thyroid pathology. An extended retrospective study of 526 autopsy cases was performed to identify the prevalence of thyroid carcinoma, among various types of thyroid nodules identified incidentally. Tissue samples were taken from thyroid nodules, for investigation of the presence of thyroid carcinoma, along with their macroscopic and microscopic features by means of histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) methods. Histopathological diagnosis of malignancy was found in 51 cases of analyzed thyroid samples. Systematic detailed studies demonstrated that a thyroid gland, apparently normal on macroscopic examination, may be the site of pathological manifestations, sometimes presenting carcinomatous findings. Among thyroid carcinomas, the highest frequency was that of papillary microcarcinomas, which have a long evolution, and are incidentally detected during autopsies. Papillary microcarcinoma is an extremely common incidental finding and the vast majority of these tumors pursue a benign course. Furthermore, it is therefore necessary to create national screening programs for the early detection of thyroid carcinoma.

Aliphatic Polyurethane Elastomers Quaternized with Silane-Functionalized TiO2 Nanoparticles with UV-Shielding Features.

The design of high-performance nanocomposites with improved mechanical, thermal or optical properties compared to starting polymers has generated special interest due to their use in a wide range of targeted applications. In the present work, polymer nanocomposites composed of polyurethane elastomers based on polycaprolactone or polycaprolactone/poly(ethylene glycol) soft segments and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles as an inorganic filler were prepared and characterized. Initially, the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles was modified with (3-iodopropyl) trimethoxysilane as a coupling agent, and thereafter, the tertiary amine groups from polyurethane hard segments were quaternized with the silane-modified TiO2 nanoparticles in order to ensure covalent binding of the nanoparticles on the polymeric chains. In the preparation of polymer nanocomposites, two quaternization degrees were taken into account (1/1 and 1/0.5 molar ratios), and the resulting nanocomposite coatings were characterized by various methods (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, contact angle, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis). The mechanical parameters of the samples evaluated by tensile testing confirm the elastomeric character of the polyurethanes and of the corresponding composites, indicating the obtaining of highly flexible materials. The absorbance/transmittance measurements of PU/TiO2 thin films in the wavelength range of 200-700 nm show that these partially block UV-A radiation and all UV-B radiation from sunlight and could possibly be used as UV-protective elastomeric coatings.

Comparative Study on the Influence of Noble Metal Nanoparticles (Ag, Au, Pd) on the Photocatalytic Activity of ZnO NPs Embedded in Renewable Castor Oil Polymer Matrices.

Hybrid polymeric materials, due to the unique combination of properties that can be obtained by the convenient variation of organic and inorganic components, represent an attractive alternative for many applications, especially photocatalysis. Herein, we report the preparation of nanocomposite films containing functionalized ZnO nanoparticles, as well as in situ photogenerated noble metal nanoparticles (Ag, Au, Pd), for the achieving of materials with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light. The flexible free-standing nanocomposite films were synthesized by photopolymerization of a monomer mixture (silane castor oil urethane dimethacrylate and polypropylene oxide urethane dimethacrylate) in the presence of a Irgacure 819 photoinitiator. The efficiency of ZnO NPs functionalization was established by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis, while the polymer composites were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to evidence the formation, size and distribution of the nanoparticles inside the photocrosslinked matrix. To establish the photocatalytic capacity of nanocomposite films, the decomposition of various pollutants (methyl orange, phenol, metronidazole) was monitored under visible light irradiation, the best results being obtained for Au/ZnO film. Also, the advantage of immobilizing the catalysts in a polymeric support and its recycling ability without a significant decrease in photocatalytic efficiency was analysed.

Cellulose Acetate Incorporating Organically Functionalized CeO2 NPs: Efficient Materials for UV Filtering Applications.

One of the major issues faced when constructing various materials incorporating inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) is aggregation leading to loss of their final activity. In our work, cellulose acetate (CA) has been used to serve as matrix for the synthesis of UV-shielding and transparent films containing various amounts (1-5 wt.%) of cerium oxide (CeO2) NPs. In order to attain an improved dispersion and a better connectivity between NPs and the cellulose matrix, the surface of CeO2 NPs have been previously functionalized by the reaction with 3-aminopropyl(diethoxy)methylsilane (APDMS). The uniform dispersion of the NPs in the homogeneous thin films has been evidenced by using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) characterization. The investigation of the optical properties for the hybrid films through UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed that the presence of CeO2 NPs in the CA matrix determined the appearance of strong UV absorption bands in the region 312-317 nm, which supports their use as efficient UV absorbers. This study has shown that UV shielding ability of the nanocomposites can be easily tuned by adjusting the numberof inorganic NPs in the CA template.

Photocatalysis applications of some hybrid polymeric composites incorporating TiO2 nanoparticles and their combinations with SiO2/Fe2O3.

Polymer nanocomposites containing titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) combined with other inorganic components (Si-O-Si or/and γ-Fe2O3) were prepared by the dispersion of premade NPs (nanocrystalline TiO2, TiO2/SiO2, TiO2/Fe2O3, TiO2/SiO2/Fe2O3) within a photopolymerizable urethane dimethacrylate (polytetrahydrofuran-urethane dimethacrylate, PTHF-UDMA). The physicochemical characterization of nanoparticles and hybrid polymeric composites with 10 wt % NPs (S1-S4) was realized through XRD, TEM and FTIR analyses. The mean size (10-30 nm) and the crystallinity of the NPs varied as a function of the inorganic constituent. The catalytic activity of these hybrid films was tested for the photodegradation of phenol, hydroquinone and dopamine in aqueous solution under UV or visible-light irradiation. The best results were obtained for the films with TiO2/Fe2O3 or TiO2/SiO2/Fe2O3 NPs. The degradation of the mentioned model pollutants varied between 71% and 100% (after 250 min of irradiation) depending on the composition of the hybrid film tested and the light applied (UV-visible light). Also, it was established that such hybrid films can be reused at least for five cycles, without losing too much of the photocatalytic efficiency (ca. 7%). These findings could have implications in the development of new nanocatalysts.

New acid BisGMA analogs for dental adhesive applications with antimicrobial activity.

OBJECTIVE: To achieve bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate (BisGMA) analogs with reduced viscosity to be used in the formulation of dental adhesives containing biocidal components. METHODS: A series of low-viscosity BisGMA derivatives (η: 39-12Pas) modified with 30, 60 and, respectively 80mol% carboxylic acid units were synthesized and characterized. Hydrogen bonding interactions in our monomers, the photopolymerization behavior and implicitly the conversion degree (DC) for some experimental adhesive formulations containing acid-modified BisGMA, commercial BisGMA (only in F1-F3), triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate were examined by FTIR spectroscopy. The water effects on the photocrosslinked networks together with the flexural strength/modulus were also investigated. The adhesive penetration into the dentin surface was surveyed by SEM analysis, and the antimicrobial activity triggered by the incorporation of 0.5wt% AgNO3, 10wt% zinc methacrylate or 1wt% triclosan methacrylate in selected adhesive formulations on the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans strains was evidenced. RESULTS: The contribution of the hydrogen bonding interactions was found to be lower in BisGMA derivatives than in non-modified BisGMA, and the DC varied between 56.5 (F6) and 83.7% (F1) compared with a control formulation based on BisGMA:TEGDMA (DC=58.2%). The flexural strength and flexural modulus varied in the range 33.7MPa (F6)-54.4MPa (F8)MPa and 0.64 (F6)-1.43 (F8)GPa, respectively. SEM observation of adhesive-dentin interface revealed the formation of resin tags for the carboxyl-containing adhesive, while for the control adhesive they are hardly formed. Also, the microorganism development was inhibited, the proposed materials displaying antimicrobial activity. SIGNIFICANCE: The experimental formulations based on carboxyl-functionalized BisGMA exhibit a similar or even improved behavior over control sample, suggesting their potential applicability as antimicrobial dental adhesives.

A new fluorinated urethane dimethacrylate with carboxylic groups for use in dental adhesive compositions.

A urethane macromer containing hexafluoroisopropylidene, poly(ethylene oxide) and carboxylic moieties (UF-DMA) was synthesized and used in proportions varying between 15 and 35 wt.% (F1-F3) in dental adhesive formulations besides BisGMA, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate. The FTIR and (1)H ((13)C) NMR spectra confirmed the chemical structure of the UF-DMA. The experimental adhesives were characterized with regard to the degree of conversion, water sorption/solubility, contact angle, diffusion coefficient, Vickers hardness, and morphology of the crosslinked networks and compared with the specimens containing 10 wt.% hydroxyapatite (HAP) or calcium phosphate (CaP). The conversion degree (after 180 s of irradiation with visible light) ranged from 59.5% (F1) to 74.8% (F3), whereas the water sorption was between 23.15 µg mm(-3) (F1) and 40.52 µg mm(-3) (F3). Upon the addition of HAP or CaP this parameter attained values of 37.82-49.14 µg mm(-3) (F1-F3-HAP) and 34.58-45.56 µg mm(-3), respectively. Also, the formation of resin tags through the infiltration of a dental composition (F3) was visualized by SEM analysis. The results suggest that UF-DMA taken as co-monomer in dental adhesives of acrylic type may provide improved properties in the moist environment of the mouth.

Synthesis of poly(alkenoic acid) with L-leucine residue and methacrylate photopolymerizable groups useful in formulating dental restorative materials.

To develop resin-modified glass ionomer materials, we synthesized methacrylate-functionalized acrylic copolymer (PAlk-LeuM) derived from acrylic acid, itaconic acid and N-acryloyl-L-leucine using (N-methacryloyloxyethylcarbamoyl-N'-4-hydroxybutyl) urea as the modifying agent. The spectroscopic (proton/carbon nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) characteristics, and the gel permeation chromatography/Brookfield viscosity measurements were analysed and compared with those of the non-modified copolymer (PAlk-Leu). The photocurable copolymer (PAlk-LeuM, ~14 mol% methacrylate groups) and its precursor (PAlk-Leu) were incorporated in dental ionomer compositions besides diglycidyl methacrylate of bisphenol A (Bis-GMA) or an analogue of Bis-GMA (Bis-GMA-1), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate. The kinetic data obtained by photo-differential scanning calorimetry showed that both the degree of conversion (60.50-75.62%) and the polymerization rate (0.07-0.14 s(-1)) depend mainly on the amount of copolymer (40-50 wt.%), and conversions over 70% were attained in the formulations with 40 wt.% PAlk-LeuM. To formulate light-curable cements, each organic composition was mixed with filler (90 wt.% fluoroaluminosilicate/10 wt.% hydroxyapatite) into a 2.7:1 ratio (powder/liquid ratio). The light-cured specimens exhibited flexural strength (FS), compressive strength (CS) and diametral tensile strength (DTS) varying between 28.08 and 64.79 MPa (FS), 103.68-147.13 MPa (CS) and 16.89-31.87 MPa (DTS). The best values for FS, CS and DTS were found for the materials with the lowest amount of PAlk-LeuM. Other properties such as the surface hardness, water sorption/water solubility, surface morphology and fluorescence caused by adding the fluorescein monomer were also evaluated.

New urethane oligodimethacrylates with quaternary alkylammonium for formulating dental composites.

The aim of this study was to prepare urethane dimethacrylates containing quaternary alkyl (C16, C12) ammonium and polyethylene glycol short sequences (Mn, 400 g/mol) and to investigate their behaviour in some experimental formulations in order to evaluate their potential applicability in the dental composites field. The structure of urethane dimethacrylates has been confirmed by (1)H ((13)C) NMR and FTIR spectra, as well as by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography measurements. The effects of the cationic macromers on the properties of the filled/non-filled composites were examined through FTIR, photoDSC, and specific measurements as volumetric polymerization shrinkage, water sorption/solubility, contact angle, mechanical parameters, and morphology. The monomer compositions based on cationic dimethacrylate (6.88-27.52 wt%), BisGMA-analogue (48.18-68.82 wt%) and TEGDMA (23.3 wt%) showed a good photoreactivity in terms of double bond conversion (DC, 50.07-68.81 %) and polymerization rate (Rp, 0.099-0.141 s(-1)) measured by photoDSC compared to a control sample (BisGMA-1/TEGDMA: DC, 45.91 %; Rp, 0.162 s(-1)), while the polymerization shrinkage increased in acceptable limits (5.37-7.74 vol%). The mechanical properties (compressive, flexural and diametral tensile strength) of the composite resin incorporating 70 wt% silanized zirconium silicate micro/nanopowder can be modulated by the initial co-monomer concentrations.