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Effect of luting materials and root third on glass fiber posts bonding strength after hydrothermal aging

Statement of the problem Teeth with extensive coronal destruction face the challenge of retaining the restorative materials; however, glass fiber posts cemented with resin materials can help to address the issue. The retention of these posts depends on the bond strength to the dentin structure and may vary significantly along the root thirds. Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different luting materials and root thirds on the bonding strength of glass fiber posts to radicular dentin after hydrothermal aging. Materials and methods Seventy bovine incisors were divided into 7 groups (n = 10), according to the luting materials: Panavia V5 ( PV5 ), Rebilda DC ( RDC ), LuxaCore Z ( LCZ ), Allcem Core ( ACC ), RelyX Ultimate ( RXU ), RelyX U200 ( RXU200 ) or Fuji Plus ( FP ). After posts cementation, the roots were thermocycled (10,000 cycles; 5–55°C), sectioned into thirds, and tested for push-out bond strength (2.0 kN; 0.5 mm/min). Failure patterns were classified using a stereomicroscope, according to the material and root third. Data were statistically analyzed (α = 0.05). Results Bond strength significantly differed among root thirds for PV5 , ACC , RXU , and RXU200 (p < 0.05), while no significant differences were found for RDC , LCZ , and FP (p ≥ 0.05). PV5 and RXU exhibited the highest overall bond strength values. PV5 presented means of 14.97 ± 3.68 MPa (cervical), 11.08 ± 3.12 MPa (middle), and 10.47 ± 2.45 MPa (apical), while RXU showed 16.97 ± 4.22 MPa, 16.48 ± 3.61 MPa, and 6.51 ± 1.26 MPa, respectively. Overall, PV5 and RXU demonstrated superior and more consistent bond strength across root thirds, whereas the other cements displayed lower and more heterogeneous results. Conclusions The luting material influenced the bond strength of glass fiber posts to intraradicular dentin. Dual-cure resin cements with self-etch adhesive systems that contain functional monomers, such as PV5 and RXU , achieved more predictable adhesion, particularly in deep and complex regions. Clinical implications Analysis of bond strength and failure patterns supports clinical decision-making by identifying luting cements with superior retention, even in challenging regions, contributing to greater treatment longevity.

Smart comprehend gesture based emotions recognition system for people with hearing disability utilizing spatio temporal graph convolutional network techniques

Effects of esketamine on postoperative pain, anxiety, depression, sleep, and inflammation in pregnancies undergoing cesarean section: A randomized controlled trial

Objective Postoperative pain is the most notable issue after cesarean section (CS). The contributing factors include hyperalgesia, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and inflammation. In this study, we explored the effects of esketamine on pain, hyperalgesia, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and inflammation after CS. Methods This randomized, blinded, controlled trial enrolled single-term pregnant women scheduled for elective CS. This trial was a single-center study conducted at Chongqing University Fuling Hospital. A simple randomization method was used. SPSS version 26.0 generated random numbers. The participants were randomly included in the esketamine group (group E: intravenous esketamine 0.5 mg/kg + sufentanil 4 μg/kg followed by patient-controlled intravenous analgesia with esketamine 0.5 mg/kg) or the control group (C: normal saline + sufentanil 4 μg/kg PCIA). The primary outcome was the maximum pain numerical rating scale (NRS) score within 24 h postoperatively. The secondary outcomes included pain NRS scores for moving incision, visceral, and rest incision pain at 0–6 h, 6–12 h and 12–24 h; pressure pain threshold and tolerance at 30 min and 24 h postoperatively; PCIA drug consumption, number of compressions, and dosage of rescue analgesics; time to first PCIA compression; serum C-reactive protein (CRP) at 24 h; incidence of drug-related side effects; and rates of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders on postoperative day 2. Results Ninety-eight women were randomly included in group E (n = 50) or C (n = 48). Group E showed significantly lower maximum NRS pain scores within 24 h (5 [4–5] vs. 6 [5–6], P  < 0.0001) and relieved rest incision, visceral, and moving incision pain at all time points. The PCIA compression was significantly delayed and CRP levels, as well as the incidence of postoperative depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders, were lower in group E. There were no statistically significant differences in hyperalgesia or side effects between the groups. Conclusion Intravenous esketamine could effectively reduce postoperative pain, psychological disorders, and inflammation after CS. This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with registration number ChiCTR2300078310.

Independent inner cell mass and trophectoderm morphology as non-invasive predictors of embryo euploidy in IVF

Transcriptional regulator NtrC modulates nitrogen assimilation, virulence, and the extracellular glutamine synthetase activity in Acinetobacter baumannii

Acinetobacter baumannii is a growing threat characterized by worrisome antibiotic resistance. A deeper understanding of its resistance and virulence mechanisms is essential for developing new and effective treatments. Herein, we explore the role of the two-component (NtrB-NtrC) signal transduction system and two distinct glutamine synthetases (GlnA-1 and GlnA-2) in the nitrogen assimilation, stress response, and virulence in A. baumannii . Under nitrogen-limited conditions, the ntrC mutant showed significantly defective growth kinetics when ammonium was the sole source of nitrogen, whereas the glnA2 mutant exhibited an obvious growth defect when putrescine was the sole source of nitrogen. Moreover, under nitrogen limitation, the glnA1 and glnA2 expression increased by approximately twofold and ninefold, respectively. An enzymatic activity assay demonstrated that the A. baumannii extracellular glutamine synthetase activity is dependent on the type II secretion system (T2SS), confirming our previous results from a T2SS secretome study. Interestingly, this activity is also regulated by NtrC. An infection model using Galleria mellonella revealed that the ntrC mutant was significantly less virulent than both the wild-type and glnA2 mutant strains. These results provide new insights into the nitrogen regulatory network and its contribution to the A. baumannii virulence, underscoring NtrC as a promising target for future antimicrobial strategies.

Emotional–Familiarity processing fluency moderates the Anxiety–Resilience association: evidence from a Chinese Cross-Sectional survey

Investigating spatial distribution of kindergartens in Chinese cities: A spatial stratified heterogeneity approach

The spatial equity of kindergarten distribution is a critical concern for China’s educational policy. This study investigates the socioeconomic determinants underlying the spatial stratification of kindergartens across 323 Chinese cities. Utilizing a spatial stratified heterogeneity framework, we employed web-crawling techniques to gather kindergarten location data and applied Geographical Detector (GD) analysis complemented by Pearson correlation and Grey relational degree methods to quantify the influence and interactions of key factors. Our principal results indicate that: (1) The distribution of kindergartens is highly aggregated in affluent eastern coastal regions, but this pattern becomes more scattered when normalized per capita, revealing disparities in access. (2) Economic capacity (per capita income) and educational attainment (average years of education) are the two most powerful single factors (q-statistics of 0.351 and 0.343, respectively) explaining the spatial distribution. (3) Critically, interaction effects between factors—particularly between income and marriageable population or education levels—are shown to be non-linearly enhanced, meaning their combined effect is stronger than the sum of their individual parts. This study’s main contribution is a robust, methodologically novel empirical analysis that moves beyond linear assumptions to identify the synergistic drivers of kindergarten distribution. We conclude that policy makers must prioritize interventional strategies that simultaneously address economic and educational development to effectively reduce spatial inequities in preschool education access. Moreover, regional economic support policies or targeted public investment in kindergartens could bridge the gaps between urban and rural areas and promote more equitable access to preschool education.

Process parameter optimization for alumina ceramic parts manufactured by fused deposition modelling

Intestinal decontamination with rifaximin attenuates LSEC dysfunction and liver fibrosis in mice

Background The gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of liver disease. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), as the first hepatic barrier exposed to blood from the portal circulation, may be influenced by gut-derived microbiota and their byproducts. This study aimed to investigate the interaction between gut microbiota and LSECs and to clarify how this interaction impacts the progression of liver cirrhosis. Methods Liver cirrhosis was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) injection and bile duct ligation (BDL). CCl 4 and BDL mice were administered rifaximin. The primary LSECs were isolated from mice and treated with LPS. 16S rRNA sequencing was conducted to examine changes in the gut microbiota of cirrhotic mice following rifaximin treatment. Results Rifaximin attenuated liver fibrosis and LSEC dysfunction in CCl 4 and BDL mice. Liver cirrhosis induced remarkable changes in the gut microbiome while rifaximin treatment could partially reverse these alterations. Serum lipopolysaccharides (LPS) level was elevated in cirrhotic mice, while reduced following rifaximin treatment. Furthermore, LPS treatment could induce LSEC dysfunction by inhibiting eNOS mRNA expression, which was attenuated by TLR4 inhibitor, indicating that TLR4 signaling was involved in LPS-induced LSEC dysfunction. Conclusions Intestinal microbiota dysbiosis allows more LPS to enter the portal circulation, which may in turn exacerbate LSEC dysfunction and liver fibrosis. Intestinal decontamination with rifaximin improves LSEC function and alleviates liver fibrosis, a process linked to the reconstruction of the gut microbiome and a reduction in gut-derived LPS.

Interferential current stimulation during dental facial treatment improves masticatory function

Abstract Interferential current transcutaneous stimulation (IW) has been reported to influence swallowing-related sensorimotor function, although its immediate effects on mastication remain unclear. In a randomized, sham-controlled crossover study, we examined whether IW stimulation applied over the masseter region is associated with immediate improvements in masticatory performance. The primary endpoint was glucose elution from a standardized gummy jelly, an indicator of masticatory and occlusal function; the secondary endpoint was a 0–100 mm VAS of chewing ease. Mixed-effects modeling adjusted for period and sequence. IW produced immediate, within-session gains in occlusal function: glucose elution increased after IW (mean difference + 31.5 mg/dL, p < 0.001) but decreased with sham (− 19.8 mg/dL, p = 0.0019). VAS improved within both treatments, with a larger median gain under IW, and the mixed-effects model favored IW over sham. Although this study does not directly assess neural circuits, the observed pattern is consistent with peripheral sensory influences on masticatory output. Expectancy effects and other nonspecific contributors cannot be fully excluded and should be addressed in future studies using active control conditions and direct physiological measures. IW may offer a rapid, noninvasive adjunct to oral rehabilitation; confirmatory trials should incorporate direct force/EMG, jaw kinematics, and salivary measures, and assess durability and clinical outcomes. Trial registration: UMIN-CTR UMIN000058249 (registered 2025-07-01). Direct link: https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000066586 .

Fluid shear stress-dependent modulation of the basal endothelial glycocalyx

The vascular endothelial glycocalyx is a major regulator of endothelium function, serving as a vital mechanotransducer and barrier. Shear stress due to blood flow exerted on the apical endothelial cell (EC) and glycocalyx have been the primary focus of the field due to their direct interaction. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the basal glycocalyx, exposed to the basement membrane, is sensitive to apical fluid shear stress and necessary for promoting mechanotransduction pathways key in the EC response to blood flow. Here, we demonstrate the fluid shear stress-dependent modulation of the basal endothelial glycocalyx, showing a notably different expression pattern and overall increased expression compared to the apical glycocalyx. Our findings, coupled with prior evidence linking the basal GCX to cytoskeletal dynamics, underscore its potential role in vascular barrier integrity and mechanotransduction.

Near-infrared spectroscopy for moisture content prediction in soil-mixed woody biomass

Stool and vaginal microbiome profiles patterns among Black and White endometrial cancer survivors: A pilot study in North Carolina

Background Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in the US. Endometrial cancer survivors may experience changes in microbiome due to cancer treatment and other factors. The human microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining the proper functioning of the body. A more diverse microbiome often indicates a healthier gut environment, while lower vaginal microbiome diversity, specifically a Lactobacillus -dominant vagitype, is associated with more favorable health outcomes. The objectives of this pilot study were to evaluate potential variation in stool and vaginal microbiome communities and to assess the feasibility and acceptability of self-sampling among endometrial cancer survivors. Methods Endometrial cancer survivors (N = 50) enrolled in the Carolina Endometrial Cancer Study, a cohort of women diagnosed with endometrial cancer, were mailed Genotek vaginal swab and stool self-collection kits. Self-reported questionnaires assessed information on survivors’ demographics, sexual and bowel function, and perspectives on the self-sampling processes. Tumor characteristics and cancer treatment information were assessed from medical records. Microbiota profiles were characterized by bacteria 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Results Overall, 48 vaginal swabs and 47 stool samples were obtained. Alpha (Shannon p  = 0.04) and beta (Bray-Curtis p  = 0.004) diversity of vaginal microbiome samples varied by cancer treatment, with higher microbial diversity after chemotherapy or radiation compared to surgery alone. In the surgery only group, 63% of samples were Lactobacillus -dominant compared to 17% among the chemotherapy or radiation group. Stool microbiome diversity did not vary by cancer treatment status. No statistically significant differences in alpha or beta diversity were observed in either vaginal or stool microbiome communities across racial subgroups or by sexual or bowel function. Conclusion Self-collection of stool and vaginal microbiome samples is feasible and acceptable in cancer survivors. Our results suggest that radiation and chemotherapy for endometrial cancer may decrease the abundance of beneficial Lactobacillus and increase less favorable vaginal microbial diversity among endometrial cancer survivors.

Co-speciation and host-switching drives diversity of picornaviruses and sapoviruses in Malagasy fruit bats

Abstract Bats are reservoir hosts for numerous well-known zoonotic viruses, but their broader virus-hosting capacities remain understudied. Picornavirales are an order of enteric viruses that cause disease across a wide range of mammalian hosts, including Hepatitis A in humans and foot-and-mouth disease in ungulates. Host-switching and recombination drive the diversification of Picornavirales worldwide. Picornaviridae and Caliciviridae (families within Picornavirales ) have been described in bats across mainland Africa, but surveillance for these viruses has been rare in the Southwest Indian Ocean Islands. Prior work in Madagascar has described numerous bat viruses, some with zoonotic potential, that demonstrate both high identity to and extreme divergence from viruses found in sister bat species in Africa. Using metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing of urine and fecal samples obtained from three species of endemic Malagasy fruit bats ( Eidolon dupreanum , Pteropus rufus , and Rousettus madagascariensis ), we identify and describe 13 full-length and 38 partial-length genomic sequences within the Picornaviridae and Caliciviridae families (36 picornavirus and 15 Sapovirus sequences). We find evidence that host-switching between Madagascar and mainland African bat picornaviruses and sapoviruses, followed by host-parasite co-speciation, likely shaped the diversification pattens of these novel sequences, with little evidence for cross-species transmission among Malagasy bat species in close contact.

Evaluation of Pseudomonas fluorescens for biocontrol of early blight (Alternaria solani) in tomato in North Wollo, Ethiopia

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a widely used vegetable in Ethiopia, but its production is severely affected by late blight, early blight and bacterial wilt. This study aims to isolate Pseudomonas fluorescens as a bio-control agent against Alternaria solani. Biological control using Pseudomonas fluorescens offers a potential alternative to chemical fungicides. Rhizosphere soil and healthy tomato roots were sampled from three Kebeles in North Wollo, Ethiopia. P. fluorescens was isolated on Pseudomonas Isolation Agar, while A. solani isolated from infected leaves on Potato Dextrose Agar and confirmed pathogenic on tomato seedlings. Three isolates of P. fluorescens (Pfs12, Pfk13, Pfsa31) were screened in vitro using the dual culture method, and their efficacy was further tested in vivo under greenhouse conditions. Isolates Pfs12 and Pfk13 showed moderate effectiveness against the radial growth of A. solani, achieving percent growth inhibitions of 56.04% and 55.04%, respectively. The standard chemical treatment (mancozeb) resulted in a 54.84% growth inhibition. The control group (Pseudomonas fluorescens) also demonstrated a moderate growth inhibition of 57.65% against A. solani. Data were gathered regarding disease parameters. The day after transplanting, the percent disease index was significantly lower in all treated groups compared to the control (water). The isolate Pfsa31 achieved the lowest disease index of 24.733%, which was comparable to the standard chemical treatment at 28.467%. Both treatments were significantly different from the control (water) at 60.333%. The findings showed the bio-control potential of selected P. fluorescens isolates as effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides for the management of early blight disease in tomato cultivation, emphasizing the importance of utilizing indigenous strains for optimal performance.

Unraveling gene interaction networks in colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease via a novel hybrid radial basis function network

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant global health challenge, closely linked with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Understanding the genetic and molecular underpinnings of CRC and its association with IBD is critical for early diagnosis and personalized treatment. This study introduces a novel Hybrid Radial Basis Function (RBF) Network approach for gene clustering to uncover key genetic interactions and pathways associated with these conditions. Gene datasets related to CRC and IBD were retrieved from public databases, including OMIM and Entrez Gene. Functional and structural analyses of these genes were conducted using bioinformatics tools such as STRING and GeneMania. A Hybrid RBF Network clustering methodology was employed to analyze gene sequence similarities, leveraging density thresholds, Gaussian functions, and clustering resolution parameters for optimal performance. The clustering quality was evaluated using metrics like the Silhouette Score, Calinski–Harabasz Index, and Davies–Bouldin Index. The study identified central genes such as APC, SMAD4, and MSH2 as critical nodes in the gene interaction network, emphasizing their role in CRC and IBD pathogenesis. The clustering methodology demonstrated superior performance (Silhouette Score: 0.70; Calinski–Harabasz Index: 30.5; Davies-Bouldin Index: 0.50) compared to conventional techniques. Furthermore, interactions between NLRP3 and PYCARD highlighted the potential involvement of inflammasomes in linking chronic inflammation to carcinogenesis. The proposed Hybrid RBF Network approach provides a robust framework for gene clustering and provides new insights into the genetic basis of CRC and IBD. Our work highlights the transformative potential of machine learning and bioinformatics in advancing genomic research and precision medicine.

Host genetic background and environment have different effects on the establishment and structure of the adult worker honey bee gut microbiota

Many studies have highlighted the importance of gut microbiomes to many aspects of host physiology. Therefore, understanding how factors, such as host genetics and environment, impact the establishment and composition of the gut microbiota can provide insight into host biological functioning. Here, we controlled the microbial inoculation of honey bees across distinct social groups, each composed of a mixture of bees from three distinct genetic backgrounds, and each housed in a distinct cage environment. We determined the relative effects of host genetic background and cage environment on the establishment and composition of the gut microbiota. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we found that host genetic background and cage environment had effects on gut microbiota structure, with each influencing gut microbiota beta diversity. In addition, host genetic background and cage environment each affected the abundance of different individual gut microbes. Together, these results suggest that host genetic background and environment may play distinct roles in shaping the establishment and structure of host gut microbiota.

Comparision of the efficacy of photodynamic therapy and imiquimod cream in patients with actinic keratosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Tunable narrow-and-sharp defect modes and transmission peak degeneracy in periodic superconducting photonic crystals

The transmittance and the defect mode (DM) are investigated in a one-dimensional superconducting photonic crystal (PC). The structure is composed of periodically stacked SD/DS pairs with a strict central symmetry, where S and D denote superconductor and dielectric layers, respectively. A sharp and narrow DM emerges at the center of the photonic bandgap. Transmission peak degeneracy can be observed by increasing the period number. With this fractal-like behavior, the transmittance is highly sensitive to external stimuli. The DM wavelength λ c linearly blue-shifts with the hydrostatic pressure, and monotonically red-shifts with the temperature. While increasing the incident angle, λ c bule-shifts first smoothly and then sharply. Notably, enhanced tunability is achieved under low pressures, elevated temperatures, and large incidence angles, suggesting superior modulation capabilities. High pressure sensitivity of the DM wavelength, up to 128nm/GPa, is achieved with low deformations. Moreover, the DM maintains near-perfect transmittance unless the temperature is higher than the critical temperature of the superconductor. These findings highlight the potential of such defect-engineered superconducting PCs for high-performance optical sensing applications.

Impact of donor’s acute kidney injury on graft outcomes of deceased donor kidney transplantation