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Purpose: To compare the color dimensions, color discrepancies (E00), and surface roughness of milled materials before and after application of a bleaching agent. Materials and Methods: A total of 10 extracted molars were obtained. Each tooth was cut in transverse sections to create disks (3-mm thick, 10-mm diameter; control group). Disk specimens of eight materials (n = 10 per group) were fabricated: polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) interim material (PMMA-Telio group), two resin nanoceramics (RNC-Ultimate group and RNC-Cerasmart group), two hybrid ceramics (HC-Shofu group and HC-Enamic group), lithium disilicate (LD-Emax group), zirconia-reinforced glass ceramic (ZGC-Suprinity group), and zirconia (Zr-InCeram group). Color measurements were obtained using a spectrophotometer before and after applying 35% hydrogen peroxide-based bleaching agent. Pre- and postbleaching surface roughness (Sa) analyses were completed using a profilometer. Results: Significant L*, a*, b*, and E00 value differences were found (P < .05). Color discrepancies (E00) ranged from 0.30 ± 0.14 to 4.82 ± 0.10. The highest color discrepancies were measured on the PMMA-Telio group, while the lowest color discrepancies were computed for ZGC-Suprinity, RNCUltimate, and RNC-Cerasmart. Significant surface roughness differences were found (P < .05). The largest increase of surface roughness values between the pre- and postbleaching measurements was obtained in the PMMA-Telio group with a mean Sa value of 4.73 ± 3.02, while the largest decrease of surface roughness values between the pre- and postbleaching measurements was obtained in the Zr-InCeram group with a mean Sa value of -1.58 ± 0.10. Conclusions: The milled materials showed significant pre- and postbleaching color and surface roughness discrepancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate and effective determination of antimicrobial resistance is essential to limiting the spread of infectious diseases and ensuring human health. Herein, a simple, accurate, and high-throughput phage-based colorimetric sensing strategy was developed for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Taking advantage of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, the genome of the T4 phage was modularly engineered to carry lacZ-α (lacZa), a marker gene encoding the α-fragment of β-galactosidase (β-gal). T4lacZa phages were identified by blue-white selection and then used for a biosensing application. In this strategy, the bacterial solution is exposed to the T4lacZa phage, causing target bacteria to overexpress β-gal. Upon the addition of a colorimetric substrate, the β-gal initiates an enzymatic reaction, resulting in a solution color change from yellow to red. This sensing strategy offers a visual way to monitor bacterial growth in the presence of antibiotics, enabling the determination of bacterial antimicrobial susceptibility. As a proof of concept, our developed sensing strategy was successfully applied to identify 9 different multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) in urine samples with 100% specificity. Compared with conventional disk diffusion susceptibility tests, the engineered phage-based sensing strategy can shorten the detection time by at least half without losing detection sensitivity, providing an alternative high-throughput method for AST in clinical diagnosis.

Successful integration of point-of-care testing (POCT) into clinical settings requires improved assay sensitivity and precision to match laboratory standards. Here, we show how innovations in amplified biosensing, imaging, and data processing, coupled with deep learning, can help improve POCT. To demonstrate the performance of our approach, we present a rapid and cost-effective paper-based high-sensitivity vertical flow assay (hs-VFA) for quantitative measurement of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), a biomarker widely used for measuring acute cardiac damage and assessing cardiovascular risk. The hs-VFA includes a colorimetric paper-based sensor, a portable reader with time-lapse imaging, and computational algorithms for digital assay validation and outlier detection. Operating at the level of a rapid at-home test, the hs-VFA enabled the accurate quantification of cTnI using 50 μL of serum within 15 min per test and achieved a detection limit of 0.2 pg/mL, enabled by gold ion amplification chemistry and time-lapse imaging. It also achieved high precision with a coefficient of variation of

The highly contagious nature and 100% fatality rate contribute to the ongoing and expanding impact of the African swine fever virus (ASFV), causing significant economic losses worldwide. Herein, we developed a cascaded colorimetric detection using the combination of a CRISPR/Cas14a system, G-quadruplex DNAzyme, and microfluidic paper-based analytical device. This CRISPR/Cas14a-G4 biosensor could detect ASFV as low as 5 copies/μL and differentiate the wild-type and mutated ASFV DNA with 2-nt difference. Moreover, this approach was employed to detect ASFV in porcine plasma. A broad linear detection range was observed, and the limit of detection in spiked porcine plasma was calculated to be as low as 42-85 copies/μL. Our results indicate that the developed paper platform exhibits the advantages of high sensitivity, excellent specificity, and low cost, making it promising for clinical applications in the field of DNA disease detection and suitable for popularization in low-resourced areas.

This study presents a breakthrough in the field of onsite bacterial detection, offering an innovative, rapid, and ultrasensitive colorimetric biosensor for the detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7, using chemically modified melamine foam (MF). Different from conventional platforms, such as 96-well plates and fiber-based membranes, the modified MF features a macroporous reticulated three-dimensional (3D) framework structure, allowing fast and free movement of large biomolecules and bacteria cells through the MF structure in every direction and ensuring good accessibility of entire active binding sites of the framework structure with the target bacteria, which significantly increased sensitive and volume-responsive detection of whole-cell bacteria. The biosensing platform requires less than 1.5 h to complete the quantitative detection with a sensitivity of 10 cfu/mL, discernible by the naked eye, and an enhanced sensitivity of 5 cfu/mL with the help of a smartphone. Following a short enrichment period of 1 h, the sensitivity was further amplified to 2 cfu/mL. The biosensor material is volume responsive, making the biosensing platform sensitivity increase as the volume of the sample increases, and is highly suitable for testing large-volume fluid samples. This novel material paves the way for the development of volume-flexible biosensing platforms for the record-fast, onsite, selective, and ultrasensitive detection of various pathogenic bacteria in real-world applications.

Objective: To investigate the relationship of dyslipidemia and menopausal symptoms in Chinese menopausal women. Material and methods: A total of 989 eligible participants with menopausal syndrome were recruited from outpatient clinics in several cities in China. Menopausal symptoms were assessed using the Chinese Menopause Rating Scale (CMRS), the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Serum lipid profile was measured using enzyme colorimetry. The relationship between lipid profile and menopausal symptoms was assessed using Student's t test/nonparametric Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman's correlation test, and binary logistic regression analysis. Results: Among the 989 patients, 527 had dyslipidemia while 462 did not. Patients with dyslipidemia had significantly higher Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) scores than those without (p < 0.001), while there was no significant difference in Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores. Patients without dyslipidemia had higher scores on the Chinese Menopause Rating Scale (CMRS) vascular dimension compared to those with dyslipidemia (p = 0.003). The correlation test revealed that variables associated with dyslipidemia included age (p = 0.031), CMRS hot flashes dimension score (P = 0.003), and SAS score (p < 0.001). Regression analysis demonstrated that BMI (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01–1.16, p = 0.027), SAS scores (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.07–1.13), vasomotor dimension (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.83–0.95), physical dimension (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.93–1.00), and social dimension (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.74–0.95) were independently associated with an increased risk of dyslipidemia. Conclusions: This study showed that anxiety was associated with an unfavorable lipid profile, and menopausal depression seemed to have no relationship with lipid profile, while vasomotor symptoms appeared to be a favorable factor for dyslipidemia in Chinese menopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This article aims to demonstrate the clinical application of a comprehensive workflow that integrates digital tools for accurate color matching, and its immediate implementation in the restoration of anterior teeth. Clinical Considerations: Two patients demonstrating dissatisfaction regarding a maxillary central incisor had an old restoration replaced resorting to a digital workflow to enhance the predictability of the new direct restoration. OptiShade allowed the precise assessment of tooth color and the CompoShade application provided precise color and material selection, as well as the determination of a layering strategy. Precision and accuracy of the colorimeter and the composite layering application were demonstrated clinically in vivo. Conclusions: Implementing a digital workflow with the integration of OptiShade measurements and the CompoShade layering recipe calculation, as well as the respective realistic try‐in, enables the achievement of precise color matching for anterior composite restorations. Clinical Significance: The employment of a digital colorimeter and layering recipes simplify shade matching, and optimizes composite resin clinical use and success. The implementation of a realistic try‐in, previous to the definitive restoration, allows the clinician to perform any adjustments if needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Image color difference (CD) measurement, a crucial concept in color science and imaging technology, aims to quantify the perceived difference between two colors. Most widely recognized CD formulae are recommended by the Commission Internationale de l'Èclairage (CIE), which are tailored to homogeneous color patches and may not generalize effectively to images encompassing diverse content. Developing effective CD metrics for natural images remains an active and ongoing area of research. Drawing inspiration from the design principles found in CIE-recommended formulae, which place a premium on achieving a perceptually uniform color space, we posit that an ideal color space should adhere to the following criteria: (1) Characterizing any color pixel with three degrees of freedom, which is necessary and sufficient; (2) The visual distance between two pixels is proportional to the Euclidean distance, i.e., perceptual uniformity; (3) The transformation between color spaces is inherently reversible and has low computational complexity. To satisfy these criteria, we investigate to leverage deep invertible neural network (DINNs) to learn an invertible coordinate transform, in which the Euclidean distance is employed to compute the CD on a pixel-by-pixel basis within the transformed color space and subsequently average the resulting CD map to obtain the global CD for a pair of images. By using DINNs, the acquired coordinate transform can maintain three-dimensional properties and mathematical invertibility. The resulting metric, referred to as CD-iNet, is end-to-end optimized on color patch datasets and image datasets simultaneously. Extensive quantitative and qualitative experiments on smartphone photograph datasets demonstrate the superiority of CD-iNet over existing metrics. Besides, CD-iNet can produce competitive local CD maps without requiring dense supervision and be robust against geometric distortions. More importantly, the transformed color space exhibits reasonable characteristics of perceptual uniformity, e.g., low cross-contamination between color attributes. Codes are available at: https://github.com/hellooks/CD-iNet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing acidity of seawater caused by increasing anthropogenic carbon dioxide absorbed into the seawater attracted the interest of researchers due to increased concern on the deterioration of marine systems and food supply to humans. Total alkalinity (TA) is one of the important parameters in determining carbonate chemistry and is described as the capacity of the sample to neutralize acids. Over the last two decades, many analytical techniques have been developed to determine TA. This article presents a review of different analytical techniques including titration, colorimetric, spectrophotometric, and potentiometric analyses in measuring TA. Among these analytical techniques, potentiometry analysis, which utilizes electrode systems such as glass electrode and ion-selective electrode used as indicator electrodes, is the most used technique. Important features such as principle, limitations, and challenges of the involved technique are discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesquilignans PD is a natural phenylpropanoid compound that was isolated from Zanthoxylum nitidum var. tomentosum. In this study, we assessed the antitumor effect of PD on SK-Hep-1 and HepG2 cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The results revealed that PD markedly inhibited the proliferation and migration of both liver cancer cells. Moreover, PD induced apoptosis, autophagy, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in liver cancer cells. Notably, PD increased the protein levels of p-p38 MAPK and p-ERK1/2 in liver cancer cells. This is the first report on the anticancer effect of PD, which is mediated via increased ROS production and MAPK signaling activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxide (GO) is the most sought-after constituent in developing solutions for problems across biosensing and diagnostics to implants, automotive to space missions, and manufacturing to waste rehabilitation. GO is costly if procured externally and time-intensive if produced by conventional processes. In this paper, GO is synthesized using an efficient, cost-effective method at a much faster rate. The quality of GO is at par with the standards, and techno-economic analysis reveals that the proposed method took 20–25% less time for synthesis than practised methods. The proposed method is profitable, and the payback period is around 6 to 7 months. Lipase, successfully immobilized on synthesized GO, showed four times free enzyme activity with 75% enzyme loading. This work indicates that the GO from the proposed method, on ultrasonication generates nanometric GO (nano-GO) that are highly biocompatible for lipase-immobilized biosensor applications. The biorecognition module fabricated using GO showed a response time of under 10 min and compatibility with samples with pH between 6 and 9 with a temperature range of 20–45 °C. The biosensor showed a 5.28 µg/mL limit of detection (LOD) and a 1 U/µg/mL sensitivity with a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 5–250 µg/mL. Retention of 60% activity when stored at 10 °C after ten days was observed. The biorecognition module showed resilience to up to 30 mg/L of metal interferents and contaminants. The biorecognition was found to be significant for colorimetry-based paper biosensing. A colorimetric biorecognition module to detect triglyceride (TG) was designed using graphene oxide (GO) nanomaterial, synthesized by modifying previously reported methods. The method reported in the study is 20 to 25% fast and simultaneously provides an excellent quality product. The proposed method was 200% more economical. It was observed that as part of the solid matrix, the GO NPs are an excellent candidate for lipase-immobilized colorimetric biosensors for triglyceride detection. The matrix met the necessary benchmarks of a colorimetric biosensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymers blending has attracted significant interest in recent years owing to the possibility of synergistic interactions between blended materials which can be impressively beneficial over single substrates. Herein, a Tara gum derivative-(PVA-TG) blend was exploited as stabilizing agent for the synthesis of cyto-compatible PAPBA/(PVA-TG)/Ag, colloidal nanocomposite. Based on the in-situ oxidative polymerization strategy, 3-aminobenzene boronic acid (ABBA), was used for the reduction of silver salt, inside highly hydrophilic (PVA-TG) blend. As a result, AgNPs is formed, while ABBA, is oxidized to its conducting polymer conformation (PAPBA), all within the blended polymers solution. PAPBA/(PVA-TG)/Ag, showed dose-dependent cell viability with IC50 of 3.9 µg/mL against human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells, based on in vitro MTT assay, which attested to its cyto-compatibility. The material was fully characterized using various analytical equipment and was deployed for the detection of metal ion (Au3+ ion) in solution. At the optimal detection conditions, absorbance ratios, (A560/A429) displayed linearity with Au3+ concentrations from 0.10 to 10.0 & 10.0–80.0 µM, with 28.5 nM detection limit (LOD). Further, the mechanistic basis of the detection strategy was proven to be based on galvanic replacement and was applied to Au3+ detection/monitoring in environmental samples with reliable precision and accuracy (99.4–102.3%). In all, we have showcased an innovatively contrived synthesis strategy which can be of huge benefit in toxic metal ions monitoring in water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The broad availability of smartphones has provided new opportunities to develop less expensive, portable, and integrated point-of-care (POC) platforms. Here, a platform that consists of three main components is introduced: a portable housing, a centrifugal microfluidic disc, and a mobile phone. The mobile phone supplies the electrical power and serves as an analysing system. The low-cost housing made from cardboard serves as a platform to conduct tests. The electrical energy stored in mobile phones was demonstrated to be adequate for spinning a centrifugal disc up to 3000 revolutions per minute (RPM), a rotation speed suitable for majority of centrifugal microfluidics-based assays. For controlling the rotational speed, a combination of magnetic and acoustic tachometry using embedded sensors of the mobile phone was used. Experimentally, the smartphone-based tachometry was proven to be comparable with a standard laser-based tachometer. As a proof of concept, two applications were demonstrated using the portable platform: a colorimetric sandwich immunoassay to detect interleukin-2 (IL-2) having a limit of detection (LOD) of 65.17 ng/mL and a fully automated measurement of hematocrit level integrating blood-plasma separation, imaging, and image analysis that takes less than 5 mins to complete. The low-cost platform weighing less than 150 g and operated by a mobile phone has the potential to meet the REASSURED criteria for advanced diagnostics in resource limited settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioactive compounds have been shown to promote healthy human development and protect against certain diseases including some cancers. Tropical pumpkins bred for consumption, such as calabaza (Cucurbita moschata), possess these compounds, though concentrations vary considerably between varieties. Bioactive compound quantification methods can be expensive, complex, and generate considerable hazardous waste. A predictive tool utilizing the relationship between extrinsic properties and tristimulus colorimetry values of calabaza would allow for significantly higher throughput with lower requirements for equipment, training, and laboratory consumables. Therefore, this study examined correlations between flesh color and bioactive compound quantities of several calabaza germplasm lines to assess the utility of a sustainable and portable predictive tool. CIEL* a* b* values of pumpkin flesh were assessed using a colorimeter and compared to bioactive compound concentrations determined analytically. Redness was found to correlate with increased ascorbic acid and total soluble solids content. Yellowness correlated with β-carotene equivalent carotenoids and ascorbic acid content. These results suggest that colorimetry may be a viable pre-screening technique for quantifying bioactive compounds in C. moschata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports a series of yellow-green near-infrared (NIR) reflective pigments, Ba(Mg 6-x-y Zn y Ti 6-x Cr 2x)O 19 (x = 0–1.0, y = 0–2.5), with strong NIR reflectivity for solar thermal energy regulation. Comprehensive analyses were carried out to characterize the obtained pigments including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–Vis–NIR spectrophotometry, and CIE L*a*b* color measurement. Absorption spectra of Ba(Mg 6-x Ti 6-x Cr 2x)O 19 showed that the yellow-green absorption is attributed to the octahedrally coordinated Cr3+ with d-d electron transitions of 4A 2 (F)→4T 1 (F) and 4A 2 (F)→4T 2 (F). However, their broad absorption peak centered at 1200 nm severely deteriorated the insulating properties of the pigments. Through substituting Mg with Zn, the obtained pigment Ba(Mg 2.5 Zn 2.5 Ti 5 Cr 2)O 19 showed an excellent NIR solar reflectance (R* = 67 %) with color performances (L* = 61.98, a* = −18.72, b* = 22.23). EnergyPlus simulation results show that for a warm city (Haikou), the Ba(Mg 2.5 Zn 2.5 Ti 5 Cr 2)O 19 coating for the external surface of a model house (TSR = 35 %, R* = 55 %) can reduce annual cooling energy consumption by 8 % of the house. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting glucose levels is crucial for diabetes patients as it enables timely and effective management, preventing complications and promoting overall health. In this endeavor, we have designed a novel, affordable point-of-care diagnostic device utilizing microfluidic principles, a smartphone camera, and established laboratory colorimetric methods for accurate glucose estimation. Our proposed microfluidic device comprises layers of adhesive poly-vinyl films stacked on a poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) base sheet, with micro-channel contours precision-cut using a cutting printer. Employing the gold standard glucose-oxidase/peroxidase reaction on this microfluidic platform, we achieve enzymatic glucose determination. The resulting colored complex, formed by phenol and 4-aminoantipyrine in the presence of hydrogen peroxide generated during glucose oxidation, is captured at various glucose concentrations using a smartphone camera. Raw images are processed and utilized as input data for a 2-D convolutional neural network (CNN) deep learning classifier, demonstrating an impressive 95% overall accuracy against new images. The glucose predictions done by CNN are compared with ISO 15197:2013/2015 gold standard norms. Furthermore, the classifier exhibits outstanding precision, recall, and F1 score of 94%, 93%, and 93%, respectively, as validated through our study, showcasing its exceptional predictive capability. Next, a user-friendly smartphone application named "GLUCOLENS AI" was developed to capture images, perform image processing, and communicate with cloud server containing the CNN classifier. The developed CNN model can be successfully used as a pre-trained model for future glucose concentration predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a ratiometric fluorescent sensor CdTe QDs@ZIF-8 with butterfly spectra is successfully constructed by in situ encapsulating mercaptopropionic acid-modified CdTe quantum dots in zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) with a simple strategy, and used for the detection of tetracycline in fluorescence/smartphone colorimetry dual-mode. ZIF-8 not only reduces the agglomeration of the quantum dots but also surprisingly generates a new green fluorescence signal at 524 nm while the red fluorescence of the CdTe quantum dots at 650 nm quenches when tetracycline is added. The two opposing fluorescence signals create a butterfly-shaped fluorescence spectrum, allowing the sensor to detect tetracycline over a linear range of 0–70 μM with the detection limit (LOD) of 0.0155 μM by using a ratiometric fluorescence technique. What is more, based on the obvious color change of the fluorescent sensor gradually from red to green under UV light, a highly stable point-of-care testing sensor has been developed for on-site detection of tetracycline through color recognition by smartphones, which can be used for real-time detection of this antibiotic in the range of 0–1000 μM with the LOD of 0.0249 μM. This work provides a simple and efficient method for the on-site detection of tetracycline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Careful selection of materials and resin cement shade can minimize color changes in laminate veneers. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of two ceramic material types, lithium disilicate glass–ceramic material (Ivoclar, Schaan/Liechtenstein; IPS e.max), computer aided design (CAD) and IPS e.max Press, and four different resin cement shades on color changes in lithium disilicate ceramic laminate veneers. Methods: Forty extracted human maxillary first premolars were prepared to receive a laminate veneer. Optical scanning and digital designing were used to prepare 20 IPS e.max CAD and 20 IPS e.max Press veneer samples. These samples were divided into four groups based on resin cement shade and material: Group CAD A1 : (IPS e.max CAD with A1 cement shade), Group CAD T : (IPS e.max CAD with translucent cement shade), Group CAD M : (IPS e.max CAD with milky bright cement shade), Group CAD B1 : (IPS e.max CAD with B1 cement shade) and the same divisions for IPS e.max Press. Before cementation, color measurements were obtained using precision colorimeter NR110. After cementation, the ∆E (color change) value was recorded and tabulated. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's post hoc test were used to evaluate the influence of ceramic material types and cement shade on ∆E. Results: There were significant differences between the IPS e.max CAD and e.max Press veneers for the four tested cement shades. The highest color change was observed in press M veneers (8.84 ± 0.63931) while the lowest color change was observed in CAD M veneers (0.5 ± 0.16371). There were significant differences in color change based on cement shade, with B1 showing the greatest change (8.84 ± 0.47440 for Press veneers and 2.3 ± 0.11992 for CAD veneers). Conclusions: Different shades of resin cements and different manufacturing techniques produce different levels of color changes therefore careful selection of materials and cement shade can minimize color changes in laminate veneers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: White tea, derived from the Camellia sinensis plant like other teas, uses tender buds and young leaves and undergoes minimal processing. This results in higher levels of antioxidants and bioactive substances, which may enhance thermogenesis more effectively than other teas. This first human study aimed to investigate the acute effects of white tea consumption on resting energy expenditure (REE) and some vital signs, including blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and body temperature (BT). Methods: Thirty-two healthy female volunteers with normal initial BP and whose caffeine intakes were < 300 mg/d were enrolled in the study. The caffeine and total phenolic content of white tea samples were determined by the high-performance liquid chromatography method and the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method, respectively. After baseline measurements, participants consumed white tea containing 6 mg of caffeine per kilogram of lean body mass, and the white tea was prepared with bottled drinking water at 80 °C and brewed for 3 min. REE, BP, and BT were assessed at various intervals (baseline, 30 min, 120 min, and 180 min) post-consumption of the white tea. Results: The results revealed a significant increase in REE by 8.7% at 180 min after the consumption. In particular, there was a substantial difference in both values between the intervals of 30 min to 180 min and baseline to 180 min for REE (p < 0.05). Maximal oxygen consumption and BT also increased significantly over time (p < 0.05) and the observed increment in BT suggests a thermogenic effect associated with white tea consumption. However, systolic BP, diastolic BP, and heart rate showed no significant difference. Conclusions: These findings suggest white tea consumption may acutely enhance REE and maximal oxygen consumption, so the results are promising for body weight management. This study is the first human study in the literature about the effects of white tea on energy expenditure and vital signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reviews the progress and challenges in developing rapid colorimetric and turbidimetric test kits for commercial soil nutrient analyses, focusing on nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Although common laboratory analytical techniques are accurate, they are often expensive and require advanced technical skills. Consequently, commercial in situ soil test kits have gained attention as potential alternatives to these tests. These kits use universal extractants that can simultaneously extract multiple nutrients and colorimetry and turbidimetry for nutrient determination. A critical aspect of these kits is the selection of suitable extractants that are effective under various soil conditions, chemically safe, compatible with analytical systems, and have a long shelf life. This review assesses the efficacy of several extractants in conjunction with colorimetric and turbidimetric reagents. Examples include H3A-4 and Kelowna extractants using the zinc–Griess reagent, salicylic method, molybdenum yellow method, and sodium tetraphenyl boron method for nitrate, ammonium, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively. These extractants and reagents have been highlighted for their adaptability, safety, rapid color formation, and minimal compatibility issues, making them promising candidates for rapid test kit development. However, rapid soil test kits are designed to provide a general understanding of soil nutrient status. They are not intended to replace detailed laboratory analyses in situations where precision is critical. Additionally, these kits should be validated against standard laboratory methods to determine their accuracy and reliability. This review highlights the importance of balancing practicality and accuracy when developing rapid soil test kits for soil nutrient analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual-responsive ratio electrochemical-colorimetric method for nitrite (NO2−) is established based on the combination of nanoenzyme (Mn3O4) catalysis with diazotization reactions. The Mn3O4 can oxidize colorless 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) into blue TMBox. The NO2− induces the diazotization reaction of TMBox, leading to a decrease of the signal at 652 nm and the generation of a new signal from diazotized TMBox at 445 nm. Furthermore, the presence of NO2− reduces the electrochemical oxidation signal of TMB and simultaneously provides its electrochemical signal. Compared with traditional single-mode detection, dual-mode detection offers higher sensitivity, lower detection limits, and better interference resistance. The inherent advantages of this method make it feasible to detect NO2− in real samples, offering broad prospects for applications in food safety and environmental monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uniform PtCoRuRhFe high-entropy alloy nanoflowers (HEANFs) were fabricated by a simple wet-chemical co-reduction method in oleylamine for quantitative colorimetric determination of captopril (CAP) based on multi-site synergistic signal amplification. Specifically, the peroxidase mimetic activity of the PtCoRuRhFe HEANFs was examined through catalysis of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) oxidation, whose catalytic mechanism was investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The role of the ·O2− was figured out during the catalytic procedure. Further, the oxidation of TMB (oxTMB) can be effectively reduced by CAP, accompanied by quickly transforming the solution color from blue to colorless. More importantly, the absorbance at 652 nm is linearly related to the CAP concentration in a range 5.0–50.0 mM with a low detection limit of 2.82 mM. The method has been applied to the determination of CAP in human urine samples. It offers a simple and high-efficiency method for facile and visual detection of CAP in hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Huashi Baidu Formula (HBF) is a clinical formula known for its efficacy against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). HBF may reduce the number of patients with abnormal serum creatinine while improving respiratory symptoms, suggesting that this formula may have potential for treating acute kidney injury (AKI). However, the protective effect of HBF on AKI has not been definitively confirmed, and the mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, the present study explored the renoprotective effects and molecular mechanisms of HBF and screened for its active ingredients to identify new potential applications of renoprotection by HBF. Methods: The present study first assessed the protective effects of HBF on AKI in a DOX-induced mouse model. Then, RNA-seq and bioinformatics analyses were used to explore the related pathological processes and potential molecular mechanisms, which were subsequently validated using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Furthermore, candidate compounds with potential binding affinity to two pivotal targets, sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), were screened from the 29 constituents present in the blood using Microscale Thermophoresis (MST). Finally, to identify the active ingredients, the candidate components were re-screened using the SphK1 kinase activity detection system or the uPA/PAI-1 substrate colorimetric assay system. Results: In the DOX-induced AKI mouse model, therapeutic administration of HBF significantly reduced the levels of CRE, BUN, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and UA in plasma and the levels of MDA, T-CHO, and TG in kidney tissue. Additionally, the levels of TP and Alb in plasma and SOD and CAT in the kidney tissue were significantly increased. Histopathological assessment revealed that HBF reduced tubular vacuolation, renal interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration, tubular atrophy, and positive staining of renal interstitial collagen. RNA-seq and bioinformatics analyses showed that oxidative stress, the immune-inflammatory response, and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation could be the pathological processes that HBF targets to exerts its renoprotective effects. Furthermore, HBF regulated the APJ/SPHK1/NF-κB and APJ/PAI-1/TGFβ signaling axes and reduced the phosphorylation levels of NF-κB p65 and SMAD2 and the expression of cytokines and the ECM downstream of the axis. Finally, six SphK1 inhibitors (paeoniflorin, astragalin, emodin, glycyrrhisoflavone, quercetin, and liquiritigenin) and three PAI-1 inhibitors (glycyrrhisoflavone, licochalcone B, and isoliquiritigenin) were identified as potentially active ingredients in HBF. Conclusion: In brief, our investigation underscores the renoprotective effect of HBF in a DOX-induced AKI model mice, elucidating its mechanisms through distinct pathological processes and identifying key bioactive compounds. These findings offer new insights for broadening the clinical applications of HBF and unravelling its molecular mode of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A colorimetric device is proposed for identifying and detecting the adulteration of various types of starch and flour by diffuse reflection of UV and IR radiation from LEDs. The color characteristics of the samples (RGB channel values) were determined using cameras on OnePlus 10 Pro and iPhone 14 smartphones with installed applications PhotoMetrix PRO, ColorGrab, and RGBer. Near-infrared spectra (4000–10 000 cm–1) were recorded on a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer. Specialized software packages, including TQ Analyst 9, The Unscrambler X, and XLSTAT, processed the dataset of colorimetric and spectral characteristics. The identification features included clustering patterns for different types of starch and flour in principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. Optimal wavelengths for determining the quality of adulteration of the tested samples were identified: for starch, the simultaneous use of all LEDs (365, 390, 850, and 880 nm); for flour, LEDs with wavelengths of 365 and 390 nm. The qualitative adulteration was assessed using graphs of the dependence of the F1 component on the mass fraction of the added foreign substance in the starch or flour. The effectiveness of the colorimetric method was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in the near-infrared region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onosma sintenisii Hausskn. ex Bornm. (O. sintenisii) belongs to the Boraginaceae family and it is an endemic species from Irano-turanian phytogeographical region (central and eastern Anatolia) that distributes in steppe areas. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant, in vitro cytotoxic and apoptosis induction of methanol extract of aerial parts of O. sintenisii. As a result of GC/MS analysis, 14 components were identified, and the major compounds of the extracts are retronecine (13.94%), α.-D-Glucopyranosiduronic acid (10.86%), melaniline (7.5%) and 1,2-Butanediol (4.02%), respectively. Antioxidant properties of O. sintenisii were determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and superoxide radical scavenging activity methods. While the DPPH free radical scavenging activity results of O. sintenisii extract varied between 62.49% and 32.27%, reducing power activity and superoxide radical scavenging activity were found to be low. The result of the MTT assay revealed strong anticancer activity of O. sintenisii extract. The most significant cytotoxic effect was noted at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL after 48 hours. These findings together with flow cytometry analysis suggest that apoptosis can be the main mechanism underlying cell death after O. sintenisii extract treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acidic conditions affect the archaeological bone in the burial and in uncontrolled display and storage environment or due to improper restoration processes. Accordingly, bones become weak and fragile. This study aims to evaluate nano calcium propionate and nano styrene butyl acrylate (used for the first time in the treatment of bones) at different concentrations for deacidification and consolidation of fragile bones. New bone samples were prepared. Artificial accelerated aging (acid and heat) was applied to prepare aged untreated samples. Deacidification and consolidation processes using the materials mentioned above were applied. The analytical techniques used were transmission electron microscope (TEM) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were used for morphological and thermal stability investigation for the prepared nano styrene butyl acrylate copolymer and its calcium propionate nonocomposites, a digital microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) for investigation of the surface morphology, pH value measurement, change of color measurement, attenuated total reflection—Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR/FTIR), contact angle (wettability), and X-ray diffraction analysis for measurement of bone crystallinity. The results proved that acid-heat aging affected bone properties such as changes in surface morphology and color, decrease in pH value, and contact angle. Bone samples became more crystalline, and the chemical composition of bone was also affected. The treatment of aged untreated bone samples with the materials used in this study improved their properties, such as increasing the pH value and contact angle. The surface morphology, color change, and crystallinity of bone improved and became more stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of the American Institute for Conservation is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We reported the gold/silver core-shell nanoparticles (Aucore@Agshell NPs) functionalized with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as versatile nano-agents demonstrated for human urine-based biosensing of cysteamine and catalytic conversion from nitrobenzene (NB) to aniline. First, the hybrid bimetallic nanoparticles, i.e., β-CD-Aucore@Agshell NPs, constituted a colorimetric sensing platform based on localized surface plasmons, enabling cysteamine (Cyst) to be detected in a remarkably rapid manner, i.e., within 2 min, which was greatly shortened in comparison with that of our previous report. This was due largely to use of β-CD being effectively replaceable by Cyst. The detection of Cyst was demonstrated using human urine specimens in the linear range of 25–750 nM with a limit of detection of 1.83 nM. Excellent specificity in detecting Cyst was also demonstrated against potential interfering molecules. Meanwhile, the β-CD-Aucore@Agshell NPs were demonstrated as nanocatalysts for converting NB to aniline with efficiency enhanced by more than three-fold over the pure gold nanoparticles previously reported, due to the dual functions of the structural core-shell. The demonstrated versatile features of the hybrid nanoparticles can find applications in human urine-based biosensors for Cyst detection, and in the screening of Cyst-containing drugs, while detoxicating NB for ecological protection in aqueous media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Nutrition & Food Security is the property of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Nutrition & Food Security Research Center and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Road markings (RMs) typically consist of a paint layer and a retroreflective layer. They play a crucial role in road safety by offering visibility and guidance to drivers. Over their lifetime, dirt particles, oils, and greases are adsorbed on the RM surface, reducing their visibility and service life. A self-cleaning ability has been widely studied in several substrates. However, for RMs, this represents a breakthrough and a sustainable advance, while having the potential to increase their service life and enhance road safety. In this context, nanotechnology can be a strong ally through the application of semiconductor materials, such as TiO2, to develop the self-cleaning ability. In addition to this novelty in RMs, quantifying this ability in terms of pollutant removal efficiency is also a challenge. In this sense, artificial intelligence (AI) and colorimetry can be combined to achieve improved results. The aims of the work herein reported were to assess the self-cleaning capability in an RM paint through the mass incorporation of semiconductors, evaluate their photocatalytic efficiency using traditional (spectrophotometric) and modern (AI-enhanced) colorimetry techniques, and compare the results obtained using both techniques. To this end, a water-based acrylic RM paint was modified through the mass incorporation of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3% of nano-TiO2, and a pollutant model widely used, Rhodamine B, was applied onto their surface. The samples were irradiated with a light source that simulates sunlight for 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. Visual analysis and spectrophotometric and artificial intelligence-enhanced colorimetry techniques were used and compared to evaluate the pollutant removal. The results confirm that RM paints with 2% and 3% nano-TiO2 incorporated have a significantly higher pollutant removal ability and that both colorimetric techniques used are suitable for this assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of pomace in bakery products opens up new possibilities for the management of waste products from the fruit industry. Such activities are integral to the concept of sustainable development and the circular economy. In this research, the quality of dough and final products was analyzed by replacing 10–50% of the typical flour (wheat, rice, and corn) with chokeberry pomace flour. The instrumental color measurements and the sensory analysis showed that the dough and the muffins made with the fruit flour were significantly different from the control samples. Flour substitutions of over 10%, while enriching muffins with chokeberry flour, led to a decrease in product quality (texture, dough rise, sensory quality), especially for muffins with gluten. The sensory study showed that a substitution of 10% of typical flour resulted in products acceptable to potential consumers, but a higher substitution reduced the overall quality. It was found that the use of chokeberry pomace in making muffins was limited and more feasible for gluten-free products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review evaluated accuracy of ureteric jet angles on color Doppler sonography in diagnosing vesico‐ureteric reflux (VUR) in children, using voiding cystourethrogram as the reference standard. Six databases were searched, yielding 13 eligible studies of an initial 429, 7 with comparable data. Risk of bias and applicability were assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS‐2) tool. Most studies demonstrated a correlation between increasing jet angle and VUR severity, but reporting and techniques varied, preventing meta‐analysis. Ureteric jet angle sonography may have potential as a VUR triaging tool. Further investigations with rigorous methodology are required. Funding support was obtained from Queensland University of Technology. PROSPERO Registration CRD42020159799. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research introduced a microfluidic kit for rapid and economic detection of melamine (MLM) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in milk samples. The kit allows for simultaneous identification of MLM and NaOCl by reacting with cyanuric acid-modified Au nanoparticles (Au@Ca) and N, N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine, respectively. The resulting color changes are used as the analytical signal for detection. All of the effective operational parameters were optimized by a one-factor-at-a-time approach. Under the optimum conditions (pH 6.5, path length = 50 mm, flow rate = 0.1 ml/min) a linear relationship between the concentrations of MLM and NaOCl and the blue component of the analyzed RGB pixels of the images captured with a smartphone camera was observed. The linear ranges for MLM and NaOCl were obtained in the concentration ranges of 0.1–1 and 0.1–4.5 µM, respectively, with 0.040 µM and 0.078 µM detection limits, consecutively. The results indicate that the proposed microfluidic kit provides strong selectivity and high reproducibility for detecting MLM and NaOCl in milk samples. To validate the performance of the method, the microfluidic kit was employed for analyzing five different milk samples, yielding recovery values between 94.0% and 105.0% and relative standard deviation values lower than 4.12% indicating the proposed system has admissible accuracy for both analytes. Besides, the results were compared to those obtained using high-performance liquid chromatography, as a standard reference method, and a good agreement between the two approaches was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osmotic drying is commonly utilized to create innovative products, as it can improve the sensory and nutritional qualities of the final products. The present study aims to investigate the effect of different osmotic solutions, including soaking in 1% citric acid, 10% NaCl, and a combination of 1% citric acid and 10% NaCl, as well as different doses of gamma irradiation (1 and 3 kGy), on the quality properties of dehydrated vegetable slices. The chemical composition, mineral content, Color measurement, texture profile, vitamin C levels, and sensory attributes were evaluated for dried vegetable slices. The findings showed that treating vegetable slices with a combination of 1% citric acid and 10% NaCl increased ash (3.43–4.34%), hardness, and total phenolic content (38.37–117.04 mg GAE/100 g). It was the most preferred by the panelists in sensory evaluation scores in comparison to the other treatments. Moreover, there were no significant differences in terms of chemical composition, mineral content, and texture profile analysis between irradiation doses of 1 and 3 kGy. Furthermore, samples irradiated at 1 kGy had significantly higher scores in sensory evaluation compared to both irradiated and unirradiated samples. The current study recommends treating vegetable slices with a combination of 1% citric acid and 10% NaCl before drying to enhance most of the quality attributes of the dried vegetable slices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

4-Chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4-CPA), a synthetic plant regulator, has been banned due to its cumulative toxicity to humans. However, unqualified sampling remains common in the market. To address the poor sensitivity of 4-CPA antibodies reported previously, a highly sensitive monoclonal antibody specific to 4-CPA was produced by redesigning and synthesizing a novel hapten in this study. Additionally, a visual colorimetric immunosensor based on TMB2+ mediated etching of gold nanorods (Au NRs) was developed. The ∆λ of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak exhibited a linear dependence on the 4-CPA concentration in the range of 0.2–6.25 ng mL−1, with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.2 ng mL−1. Recovery tests (85.0% to 108%) and HPLC validation demonstrated the immunosensor's accuracy and precision. This visual colorimetric immunosensor illustrates significant potential for rapid detection of 4-CPA in biological environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Current denture base resins lack adequate strength and antimicrobial properties, necessitating the exploration of alternative solutions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of curcumin incorporation on the physico-mechanical properties of heat-cured denture base resin, filling a gap in the literature regarding this correlation. Methods: Heat-cured denture base resin was supplemented with increasing concentrations of curcumin (CR). Groups were designated as CR-0 (0%), CR-0.05 (0.05%), CR-0.10 (0.10%), CR-0.50 (0.50%), and CR-1 (1%), based on the increasing concentrations of curcumin incorporated into the material. Physico-mechanical properties, including flexural strength, surface roughness, fracture toughness, impact strength, and color difference, were evaluated following the testing standards. Statistical analysis involved Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA followed by Dunn's test for multiple comparisons, with significance set at P ≤ 0.05 and Bonferroni's correction applied to p-values. Results: Flexural strength peaked at 153.80 MPa in the CR-0.10 group, while surface roughness was lowest at 0.14 micrometers in the CR-0.50 group. Fracture toughness reached its highest value at 1.80 kJ/m^2 in the CR-0.05 group, and impact strength was greatest at 6.52 Joules in the CR-0.05 group. Additionally, color difference was least pronounced in the CR-0.50 group. Flexural strength, surface roughness, fracture toughness, impact strength, and color difference varied significantly among the control group and different curcumin concentrations (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Incorporating curcumin into denture base resin alters both optical and mechanical properties. Further research is required to validate the findings and determine the optimal curcumin concentration without compromising the material efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction Materials and Methods Results Conclusions Clinical Significance This study investigated the in vivo color range of human teeth using a research‐grade noncontact spectroradiometer, analyzing the effects of gender, age, ethnicity, and lifestyle factors, including diet, smoking, and oral hygiene.A total of 1004 participants were recruited at two research sites and stratified by gender, age, and ethnicity, and data on their dietary and oral habits were collected. Noninvasive color measurements of an upper central incisor were performed using a spectroradiometer and a fiber‐coupled Xe‐Arc light source. Color differences were computed using the CIELAB and CIEDE2000 color difference formulas, statistically analyzed, and interpreted through comparisons with 50:50% perceptibility (PT) and acceptability (AT) thresholds for dentistry.CIELAB and CIEDE2000 color coordinate values varied significantly. Female teeth appeared lighter and less yellow than men's. Age correlated with darker, more chromatic teeth, stabilizing only after Age 46. Significant ethnic differences were observed, particularly between African‐American and Asian participants. Coffee consumption impacted teeth yellowness and chromaticity, while tea had no significant effect. Frequent tooth brushing led to lighter teeth, and tooth whitening considerably influenced color, emphasizing the effect of cosmetic dental treatments. Smoking showed minimal impact, with slight discoloration noted among light smokers compared to nonsmokers.Color coordinate values by gender, age, and ethnicity exhibited statistically significant differences and, in most cases, noticeable color differences. With exceptions, the dietary/oral habits of the patient had a significant impact on the color of human teeth.The findings from this study provide detailed information and understanding of the color range and distribution of human teeth, which can help enhance the esthetic outcome of dental care and, consequently, the patient's satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Materials and Methods Results Conclusions Clinical Significance To examine the effects of six whitening mouthwashes on tooth color and immediate bond strength to the enamel.Human incisors were divided into seven groups (n = 10) according to mouthwashes (R.O.C.S Black Edition White, Splat White Plus, Colgate Plax White Charcoal, Signal White Now, Listerine Advanced White, Colgate Optic White, and distilled water). After the initial color measurements, the teeth were exposed to mouthwash for 4 weeks. Then, the color measurements were repeated. Then, cylindrical composite resin blocks were immediately applied to the enamel surfaces and subjected to shear bond strength tests. Data were analyzed using Kruskal‐Wallis and Bonferroni tests (α = 0.05).Δ푏, Δ퐿, and ΔE00 values did not present significant differences among the groups. Significant differences among the groups were determined for Δ푎 and ΔWID values (p < 0.05). R.O.C.S Black Edition White and Splat White Plus produced clinically acceptable color changes. Signal White Now, Splat White Plus, and Listerine Advanced White created acceptable whiteness changes. The mouthwashes did not statistically affect the bond strength compared to the distilled water (p > 0.05).Whitening mouthwash containing blue covarine revealed more acceptable color and whitening changes. Mouthwash containing charcoal led to the lowest enamel bond strength values.The content of whitening mouthwashes affected the degree of tooth whitening and shear bond strength to enamel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractAccurate, rapid, and quantitative detection of D-penicillamine (D-PA) in pharmaceutical formulations is imperative for drug quality and clinical medication guidance. Various colorimetric and fluorescent assays have been constructed for D-PA based on nanomaterials. However, the reliable and rapid detection of D-PA in pharmaceutical formulations remains a challenge because these methods suffer from shortcomings such as time-consuming procedures, poor uniformity, and complicated nanomaterial preparation. In this work, an effective and facile homogeneous dual-mode optical sensing strategy was established based on the strong complexation between D-PA and Cu2+ and catalyzed the oxidation of O-phenylenediamine. This platform displayed a sensitive response to D-PA from 5 to 100 µmol/L, with a detection limits of 0.54 µmol/L (fluorescence) and 0.76 µmol/L (colorimetry). As expected, the method was successfully applied to the determination of D-PA in pharmaceutical formulations with satisfactory results. Overall, this developed strategy provides a facile and rapid dual-mode optical platform for D-PA and has great potential in D-PA-related pharmaceutical quality control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bovine lungworm, Dictyocaulus viviparus (Bloch, 1782), is highly pathogenic and disease outbreaks can be difficult to predict and manage. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is vital, but without a sensitive diagnostic test this remains challenging in clinical practice. High performance molecular detection tools are therefore required to improve the diagnosis of this parasite and promote the implementation of strategic control measures. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), a rapid DNA assay, offers potential for field-based detection. Here we report a novel LAMP assay (DviLAMP), that was designed to target the D. viviparus internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) ribosomal DNA region. Firstly, genomic DNA was extracted from a single D. viviparus L1 larva to amplify and clone the ITS2 into the recombinant plasmid (DviITS2). The DviLAMP successfully detected the target, with results shown by gel electrophoresis and real-time analysis, in addition to point-of-care amenable end-point detection: colorimetry and lateral flow dipstick (LFD). Analytical sensitivity can detect 0.5 ng DviITS2 following 45 min of incubation at 64°C, increasing to just 1 pg following 90 min of incubation. Using the same primers, other nematodes of cattle, Ostertagia ostertagi and Cooperia oncophora, were also detectable both by gel electrophoresis and real-time. However, when FITC and biotin tagged primers were incorporated to adapt the DviLAMP to LFD end-point detection, the LFD showed specific detection of D. viviparus. Further development of DviLAMP as a point-of-care test could significantly improve the sensitivity of lungworm diagnosis in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The longevity and acceptance of aesthetic dental materials are directly proportional to color stability. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the use of multivitamins and the color stability of dental restorative materials. A total of 45 discs of nanohybrid composite, 45 of Reinforced Glass Ionomer (RGI), and 45 of Giomer were prepared. Subsequently, the samples were randomly divided into three solution groups (n = 15): Group 1—Sambucol Pediatric Syrup, Group 2—Hidropolivital Baby Drops, and Group 3—artificial saliva, which is preparation for patients with xerostomia. For 28 days, the specimens were immersed in 10 mL of each multivitamin for two minutes every 24 h. Color measurements were repeated on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Statistical analysis was performed using the Jamovi software version 2.2.5, employing the Shapiro–Wilk test for normality and the Kruskal–Wallis test for non-parametric data. When comparing materials, statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed between RGI and Giomer, and RGI and composite, but not between Giomer and composite (p = 0.716). The highest change was observed in RGI–Hidropolivital ΔE00 = 3.27 (2.38–4.59) and the least in composite–Sambucol ΔE00 = 0.72 (0.30–1.18). In conclusion, the exposure time and the multivitamin influence the color change of restorative materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic lead pollution remains a serious environmental concern due to the high incidence of human exposure worldwide and its severe health impact, particularly to children. We report a device-free colorimetric sensor for lead(II) ions in water based on the microdrop detection of the lead(II) rhodizonate complex trapped into a solid-solution of cellulose paper. This allows for the selective colorimetric detection of Pb2+ with a qualitative and quantitative detection limit of ~ 1 ppm. Comparative studies with Li+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Cd2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, Hg2+, Co2+, Ce2+, Mn2+, Cr2+, Cr2+, and Au3+ show high detectability for Pb2+ due to the unique charge transfer band present in the kinetically trapped Pb-RA complex. We demonstrated that without the solid-solution matrix, the lead(II) rhodizonate complex polymerizes into an extended solid. The mechanism and kinetics of Pb2+ detection were studied by UV-visible spectroscopy, XRD, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and dynamic light scattering analysis (DLS). This device-free sensing method for Pb2+ is highly portable and suitable for applications on the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants such as herbs, vegetables, fruits, and cereals are closely related to human life. Developing effective testing methods to ensure their safety and quantify their active components are of significant importance. Recently, nanomaterials with enzyme-like activity (known as nanozymes) have been widely developed in various assays, including colorimetric, fluorescence, chemiluminescence, and electrochemical analysis. This review presents the latest advances in analyzing phytochemicals and hazardous substances in plant samples based on nanozymes, including some active ingredients, organophosphorus pesticides, heavy metal ions, and mycotoxins. Additionally, the current shortcomings and challenges of the actual sample analysis were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of ferroptosis‐related gene heat shock protein beta‐1 (HSPB1) on acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods: The RNA‐seq and clinical data of AML samples were obtained from the Genomic Data Commons database, and the FerrDb database was used to screen the marker, drive and suppressor of ferroptosis. Besides, DESeq2 was applied for differential expression analysis on AML samples and screening for differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The screened DEGs were subjected to the intersection analysis with ferroptosis‐related genes to identify the ferroptosis‐related DEGs. Next, the functional pathways of ferroptosis‐related DEGs were further be discussed by Gene Ontology as well as Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis of DEGs. Additionally, lasso regression analysis was employed to determine the differential genes related to prognosis in patients with AML and the survival analysis was performed. Subsequently, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay were applied to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of HSPB1 in normal/AML bone marrow tissues and human normal (HS‐5)/AML (HL‐60) bone marrow cells, respectively. Furthermore, HSPB1 was knocked down to assess the expression changes of glutathione peroxidase 4 and acyl‐CoA synthetase long‐chain family member 4. Ultimately, the viability and oxidative stress levels of HL‐60 were analyzed by Cell Counting Kit‐8 and biochemical detection. Results: A total of 4986 DEGs were identified in AML samples, with 3324 up‐regulated and 1662 down‐regulated. The enrichment analysis illustrated that ferroptosis‐related DEGs were significantly enriched in response to metal irons, oxidative stress, and other pathways. After lasso regression analysis, 17 feature genes related to the prognosis of patients with AML were obtained, with HSPB1 exhibiting a significant correlation. The reliability of our models was verified by Cox regression analysis and survival analysis of the hazard model. Furthermore, the outcomes of quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot showed that mRNA and protein expression levels of HSPB1 were significantly increased in the AML Group and HL‐60 cells. The knockdown of HSPB1 in HL‐60 cells reduced the protein level of glutathione peroxidase 4, increased the protein level of acyl‐CoA synthetase long‐chain family member 4, decreased the cell viability, and aggravated oxidative stress. Conclusion: Ferroptosis‐related gene HSPB1 is highly expressed in patients with AML. In addition, HSPB1 may be involved in the occurrence and development of AML by regulating oxidative stress and ferroptosis‐related pathways. This study provides new clues for further understanding of AML molecular mechanisms. Also, HSPB1 is expected to be a potential therapeutic target for AML in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 20 different types of magmatic-origin natural stones commonly used in the construction sector were subjected to the most prevalent aging effects in nature, namely freeze-thaw and thermal shock. Prior to and after the aging tests, the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) values of each sample were calculated by measuring their solar light reflectance values and solar light scattering values. Additionally, the surface color measurements of each sample were taken according to the CIA color index, and the color change (∆E) values were calculated. The primary objective of this study is to determine the changes in SRI and ΔE values of natural stones due to freeze-thaw and thermal shock aging and to examine the impact of the findings on the formation of urban heat islands. As a result of the study, it was determined that the SRI values of the samples were higher after both aging experiments compared to before the aging experiments. When examining ΔE values, it was found that thermal shock experiments caused more significant color changes compared to freeze-thaw experiments. It has been determined that the overall increase in both SRI and ΔE values will contribute to the reduction of the urban heat island effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the use of alternative ingredients obtained from Pandalus borealis by-products on flesh pigmentation and growth in post-smolt Salmo salar (initial weight of ~ 300 g). Four experimental diets were fed to fish in triplicate tanks for 16 weeks: a control diet and three other diets containing either synthetic astaxanthin, shrimp hydrolyzate, or shrimp oil. Fish that were fed the shrimp hydrolyzate diet exhibited higher red hue (based on L*a*b* data) when compared to fish fed the two other pigmented diets and had higher final weight. In addition, shrimp oil was found to be as efficient as artificial astaxanthin to increase the intensity of flesh pigmentation in Atlantic salmon. The shrimp hydrolyzate tested in our study provides an excellent source of astaxanthin and protein for Atlantic salmon. Likewise, shrimp oil could also constitute a natural source of astaxanthin and oil to this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Color of wine gives information on many aspects of the product, and it is one of the main parameters defining wine quality. Consequently, color is an important attribute described in the Designations of Origin (PDO)'s technical specifications. In this paper, color reference grids for color sensory evaluation of white, rosé and red wines (linked to a specific methodology and controlled illumination) are developed, presented, and validated. The color intensity and color hue parameters of 2353 wines of different types have been analyzed using these reference grids during the period 2021–2023. Considering the results obtained, the usefulness of having a double color measurement (color intensity and color hue) is questioned and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal contamination especially in aqueous media has become an important risk to human health and environment. Therefore, due to the broad distribution of barium (Ba2+) and strontium (Sr2+) ions in the environment and wide variety of their harmful health effects for human, development of efficacious systems for their accurate and selective determination is of great importance. Aiming to develop a point-of-care and easy-to-use sensing device, a paper-based colorimetric sensing device was designed for simultaneous measurement of Ba2+ and Sr2+ ions standing on the basis of the color change of sodium rhodizonate (SR) in the presence of various concentrations of the target analytes. These color changes were photographed using a smartphone, and after analyzing with Photoshop 2022 software, the average variations in the intensities of colors (RGB (red, green, blue) model) were used to draw the calibration curves. The quantitative identification of Ba2+ and Sr2+ ions in a single solution was carried out by masking one of them at a moment. The average color intensities (G) displayed a linear relationship with the concentration of the analytes in the ranges of 5––300 ppm and 5–350 ppm with the limit of detection (LOD) values of 3.64 and 4.75 ppm for Ba2+ and Sr2+ ions, respectively. Moreover, the selectivity of the proposed analytical device was assessed; SR was selective for the target analytes versus the other ions causing a considerable color change. Furthermore, the practical application of this colorimetric device was investigated by the excellent performance in real samples indicating its potential for field applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conditions for the smart colorimetric determination of cetylpyridinium chloride and sodium dodecyl sulfate by reaction with Coomassie brilliant blue G (CBBG) have been proposed. The nature of the absorption and fluorescence spectra of aqueous solutions of CBBG as a function of acidity has been investigated. A variety of reagent forms and associations with ionic surfactants have been demonstrated. The composition of the associates formed in the CBBG–cationic surfactant system has been established. The increase in the analytical signal of the cationic surfactant and the stabilization of the colloid-chemical state of the system during reactions in the organized medium of the nonionic surfactant Triton X-100 has been demonstrated. These effects are realized through association in premicellar solutions and as a result of the solubilization of components in Triton X-100 micellar solutions. The addition of long-chain cationic surfactants to the reagent occurs with the replacement of the heteroatom proton. The absorption of CBBG–cationic surfactant associates solutions increases with the length of the cationic surfactant hydrocarbon chain. Ethanol additives decrease the aggregation of CBBG. The technique of cationic surfactant determination has been tested in the analysis of the pharmaceutical. The results show that the simplicity of analytical signal registration with satisfactory correctness and acceptably high sensitivity of determination is an advantage of the developed technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunoassays have been widely used for the determination of various analytes in the fields of disease diagnosis, food safety, and environmental monitoring. Dual-signal immunoassays are now advanced and integrated detection technologies with excellent self-correction and self-validation capabilities. In this work, we summarize the recent advances in the development of optical and electrochemical dual-signal immunoassays, including colorimetric, fluorescence, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), electrochemical, electrochemiluminescence, and photoelectrochemical methods. This review particularly emphasizes the working principle of diverse dual-signal immunoassays and the utilization of dual-functional molecules and nanomaterials. It also outlines the challenges and prospects of future research on dual-signal immunoassays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]