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Buriti is a fruit rich in antioxidant compounds, and hydroalcoholic extracts were produced from its pulp to investigate the extraction conditions that result in the highest concentrations of bioactive compounds and maximum antioxidant capacity. The results showed considerable variation in the bioactive compound contents in the pulp: total phenolics (104.64–270.61 mg GAE 100 g-1), total flavonoids (17.74–60.46 mg EC 100 g−1), and total carotenoids (1.30–3.92 mg kg−1). The antioxidant capacity of the extracts, evaluated by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods, ranged from 1.23 to 3.47 μmol ET g−1, 6.34–15.86 μmol ET g−1, and 4.74–11.95 μmol ET g−1, respectively, highlighting the broad diversity of antioxidant activities present in the extracts. Data modeling generated statistically significant mathematical models and contour graphs, which allowed the identification of the optimal extraction conditions for the compounds. Total carotenoids were most effectively extracted with 20 % buriti pulp, intermediate ethanol concentrations, and temperatures around 70 °C. All other bioactive compounds were more efficiently extracted with 5 % buriti pulp, intermediate ethanol concentrations, and temperatures close to 30 °C. The results confirmed the efficiency of the extractions and highlighted the excellent antioxidant potential of buriti pulp. Additionally, the analysis of the optimal regions for extracting antioxidant compounds from the pulp can be applied in future studies to optimize the extraction process, providing a solid foundation for using this fruit in industrial processes, such as the production of functional ingredients.

Bulky cellulosic network structures (BRC) with densities between 60 and 130 g/l were investigated as a sustainable alternative to fossil-based foams for impact liners in bicycle helmets. The mechanical properties of BRC foams were characterized across a wide range of strain rates and incorporated into a validated finite element model of a hardshell helmet. Virtual impact tests simulating both consumer information and certification scenarios were conducted to compare BRC-lined helmets against conventional expanded polystyrene (EPS) designs. Results showed that BRC outperformed EPS in oblique impacts, reducing angular accelerations and velocity changes by approximately 33 %, particularly for z-axis rotations. The average risk of sustaining AIS2 injuries and concussions was lower for BRC (8 % and 34 % respectively) compared to EPS (13 % and 46 %). However, BRC helmets exhibited bottoming out in certain straight impacts, potentially failing certification tests. This limitation was addressed through design modifications. The study demonstrates that cellulosic fibre network structures have the potential to replace fossil-based foams in bicycle helmets while providing adequate protection and improved performance in mitigating rotational forces.

Pulp quality significantly affects paper products, necessitating a balance between brightness, strength, and environmental sustainability. The bleaching process, which includes delignification and brightening stages, is crucial for achieving high pulp brightness. Current pulp bleaching research emphasizes optimizing processes and developing predictive models for better quality control, yet real-time pulp brightness monitoring remains a challenge. This research developed a MATLAB program to predict pulp brightness and consistency in real-time during bleaching, conducted entirely without incurring any financial costs. Empirical models for predicting pulp consistency at the extraction-oxidative-peroxide (EOP) and D1 stages were created using second-order polynomial equations, incorporating production rate and inlet pressure as variables. Brightness increment correlations were formulated based on temperature, chemical flow rate, residence time, pH, and inlet pressure, with specific models for the preceding chlorine dioxide (DA), EOP, and second chlorine dioxide (D1) stages. Data normalization ensured efficient processing by standardizing parameter scales. Results showed relationships between brightness increment and parameters for each sub-stage such as DA is linear for pH, quadratic for chlorine dioxide (ClO2) flow rate, cubic for temperature and residence time; EOP is linear for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) flow rate, quadratic for temperature, cubic for inlet pressure, residence time, and pH; D1 is linear for pH, quadratic for ClO2 flow rate and residence time, cubic for inlet pressure and temperature. The coefficient of determination (R2) for the DA, EOP, and D1 sub-stages are 0.85313, 0.86526, and 0.86322, respectively. Parameters with the highest contributions in each stage were identified, such as inlet pressure in the D1 substage yielding the highest brightness gain. This system offers an alternative approach for analyzing pulp quality issues and is adaptable to future mill operational needs.

Herein, we isolated three triterpenoid saponins from the methanol extract of the fruit pulp of argan. The structures of the identified compounds were determined using comprehensive NMR spectroscopy analyses (1H, 13C NMR, COSY, TOCSY, ROESY, and HSQC), combined with mass spectroscopy. Gas chromatography (GC) was utilized to determine the monosaccharide contents after the samples underwent methanolysis and their glycoside configuration was proved via their trimethylsilyl derivatives. Furthermore, the methanol extract of the fruit pulp and its n-butanol fraction were evaluated for their antioxidant properties via DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, antidiabetic activity using α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities, and antibacterial properties utilizing microdilution and antibiofilm assays. Compared to the crude methanol extract, our results showed that the n-butanol fraction exhibited more potent antioxidant activity and antibacterial potential against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 12.5–50 mg/mL); while no effect on the bacterial biofilm was observed. The methanol extract was more effective in inhibiting α-glucosidase (EC50 = 0.15 mg/mL), however, the n-butanol fraction elicited strong α-amylase inhibition (EC50 = 0.49 mg/mL). These findings suggest that the fruit pulp of argan could serve as a potential source of phytochemicals suitable for the treatment of diabetes and its related complications.

ABSTRACT: The term bioactivity is being increasingly used in medicine and dentistry. Due to its positive connotation, it is frequently utilised for advertising dental restorative materials. However, there is confusion about what the term means, and concerns have been raised about its potential overuse. Therefore, FDI decided to publish a Policy Statement about the bioactivity of dental restorative materials to clarify the term and provide some caveats for its use in advertising. Background information for this Policy Statement was taken from the current literature, mainly from the PubMed database and the internet. Bioactive restorative materials should have beneficial/desired effects. These effects should be local, intended, and nontoxic and should not interfere with a material's principal purpose, namely dental tissue replacement. Three mechanisms for the bioactivity of such materials have been identified: purely biological, mixed biological/chemical, or strictly chemical. Therefore, when the term bioactivity is used in an advertisement or in a description of a dental restorative material, scientific evidence (in vitro or in situ, and preferably in clinical studies) should be provided describing the mechanism of action, the duration of the effect (especially for materials releasing antibacterial substances), and the lack of significant adverse biological side effects (including the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance). Finally, it should be documented that the prime purpose, for instance, to be used to rebuild the form and function of lost tooth substance or lost teeth, is not impaired, as demonstrated by data from in vitro and clinical studies. The use of the term bioactive dental restorative material in material advertisement/information should be restricted to materials that fulfil all the requirements as described in the FDI Policy Statement.

To evaluate the release and activity of Indian jujube phenolics in vivo, its peel and pulp were subjected to simulated digestions. The phenolics content and antioxidant activity of the digested samples were determined. The results showed that the total phenolics/flavonoids in the peel were respectively 4.63 and 4.48 times higher than that in the pulp. The release of phenolics and flavonoids respectively increased by 79.75% and 39.98% in the peel and 86.34% and 23.54% in the pulp after the intestinal digestion. The correlation between the total phenolics/flavonoids and antioxidant activity was higher in the peel (r > 0.858, p 89.88%) during the digestion, implying that these phenolics may play a vital role in the function of Indian jujubes.

The objective was to address the repercussion of adding titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO 2 -nt) into high-viscosity conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) on the biological properties of pre-odontoblastic cells (MDPC-23) challenged by lipopolysaccharides (LPS - 2 μg/mL). TiO 2 -nt was added to Ketac Molar EasyMix at 3, 5, 7 %, whereas unblended GIC served as control. Analyses included proliferation (n=6; 24, 48, 72 h), metabolism (MTT; n=6; 24, 48, 72 h); morphology laser microscopy (n=3; 24, 48, 72 h); proteome assessments IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, VEGF, TNF-α (n=3; 12, 18 h); mRNA levels (RT-PCR) of Il-1β, Il-6, Il-10, VEGF, TNF-α (n=3; 12, 18 h) and DSPP (n=3; 24, 72, 120 h). Data analysis included Shapiro-Wilk, Levene, and generalized linear models (α=0.05). Results demonstrated that cell proliferation increased over time for all groups, and was not impacted by TiO 2 -nt (p>0.05). GIC groups displayed lower MTT values compared to cells cultured without GIC discs (p=0.019); disregarding the presence of TiO 2 . Remarkably, TiO 2 -nt reversed the effect of GIC, reducing the levels of selected biomarkers. LPS treatment modified the expression of the immune-inflammatory markers by MDPC-23 cells (p<0.0001). Morphological analysis did not reveal distinctions for any of the studied. TiO 2 -nt modulated immune-inflammatory and dentin marker expression by MDPC-23 cells cultured on conventional GIC discs, and did not affect cell morphology/viability, regardless LPS exposure. In conclusion, TiO 2 -nt may become a reliable clinical strategy to encourage pulp tissue repair., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Kamila Rosamilia Kantovitz reports financial support was provided by State of Sao Paulo Research Foundation. Maria Davoli Meyer reports financial support was provided by State of Sao Paulo Research Foundation. Kamila Rosamilia Kantovitz reports administrative support and equipment, drugs, or supplies were provided by São Leopoldo Mandic College. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Macauba is a productive palm tree species in the tropical biome, and presents some advantages, as cultivation suitable for lands outside the rain forests, and lower rate of oil acidification after harvesting. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of storage time of macauba fruits, followed by drying, on the pulp oil content and quality. Ripe macauba fruits stored under room conditions (23 ± 1 ºC) for 0, 10, 20 and 30 days were oven dried at 60 °C and 100 °C for 24 h. The control was left undried. Physical, chemical and biochemical aspects of the pulp and physicochemical properties of its oil were evaluated. It was observed that oil content increased throughout the storage time after fruits drying, and drying the fruit at 100 °C after 30 days of storage optimizes the overall pulp oil quality.

Rutabaga (Brassica napus L.) belonging to Brassicaceae family, is a rich source of polyphenols and glucosinolates. Its consumption in human diet is highly appreciated for its nutritional contribution and health benefits. Brassica napus L. is recognized as the world's most widely grown temperate oilseed crop containing erucic acid for industrial applications, plants germination, animal feed and fuel. In this work we prepared two different extracts of Rutabaga root’s pulp and peel, e.g. ultrasound assisted extract (UAE) and homogenizer assisted extract (HAE). The four extracts have been analyzed by HPLC-MS to assess the phytochemical characterization and tested by antioxidant and enzyme inhibitor assays. Rutabaga pulp and peel extracts possess tyrosinase and glucosidase inhibitory activities together with a moderate antioxidant ability. Our results show a high level of glucosinolates, in particular neoglucobrassicin in the peel extract, which let us suppose a potential application as crop in industry and as supplement in human diet.

Polyphenol extracts from red raspberry (RR) whole fruit or pulp, but not seed, attenuate high-fat (HF) diet-induced obesity in mice. Because host metabolism is linked to the microbiota, we investigated the effects of polyphenols from RR fruit, pulp, and seed on the microbiome. RR polyphenols significantly decreased the abundance of specific taxa that were increased during HF feeding relative to a low-fat diet, including Ruminococcus and an unclassified genus from Clostridiales. Compared to a HF diet, pulp and seed polyphenols increased Roseburia abundance and decreased levels of an unclassified genus from Mogibacteriaceae. RR seed polyphenols uniquely increased Bifidobacterium compared to a HF diet. The most notable taxon driving differential abundance among all diets was an unclassified genus from Coriobacteriaceae. Importantly, host metabolic markers improved by pulp polyphenols were strongly correlated with select microbiome features, indicating that specific gut bacteria may be involved in RR polyphenol catabolism and/or mediating health benefits.

Gelatin gummy jelly is a chewable snack with attractive synthetic colour and flavour. The use of natural carotenoid colourant, found in Gac aril or pulp, potentially benefits consumer health. The objectives of this study were to formulate gummy prototypes designed with varying levels of gelatin, sucrose, and glucose syrup, to vary the addition of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and freeze-dried (FD) Gac aril and pulp to the selected prototype, and to investigate changes in coloured WPC-mixed gelatin gummy during storage. The prototype containing gelatin, sucrose, and glucose syrup at 10, 50, and 40%, respectively, was selected based on its hardness, gumminess, and chewiness values. The addition of WPC (0.75%) to the selected prototype increased the values of hardness, springiness, and gumminess but reduced the values of cohesiveness and chewiness. Coloured WPC-mixed gelatin gummy with blends (0.5 g/100 g) of FD Gac aril and pulp at a ratio of 75:25 appeared yellow-orange and received the highest acceptance score. The quality of coloured WPC-mixed gelatin changed to a dull colour and a softer texture gel during storage. Therefore, Gac-coloured WPC-mixed gelatin gummy improvement for colour and texture qualities should be of concern for shelf-life stability.

This study highlights the importance of determining substrate specificity at variable experimental conditions. Lipases and esterases were isolated from microorganisms cultivated from Eucalyptus wood species and then concentrated (cellulases removed) and characterized. Phenol red agar plates supplemented with 1% olive oil or tributyrin was ascertained to be the most favourable method of screening for lipolytic activity. Lipolytic activity of the various enzymes were highest at 45–61 U/ml at the optimum temperature and pH of between at 30–35 °C and pH 4–5, respectively. Change in pH influenced the substrate specificity of the enzymes tested. The majority of enzymes tested displayed a propensity for longer aliphatic acyl chains such as dodecanoate (C12), myristate (C14), palmitate (C16) and stearate (C18) indicating that they could be characterised as potential lipases. Prospective esterases were also detected with specificity towards acetate (C2), butyrate (C4) and valerate (C5). Enzymes maintained up to 95% activity at the optimal pH and temperature for 2–3 h. It is essential to test substrates at various pH and temperature when determining optimum activity of lipolytic enzymes, a method rarely employed. The stability of the enzymes at acidic pH and moderate temperatures makes them excellent candidates for application in the treatment of pitch during acid bi-sulphite pulping, which would greatly benefit the pulp and paper industry.

Introduction: Horizontal root fracture (HRF) is a complex traumatic dental injury that affects the pulp, dentin, cementum, and periodontal ligament. This retrospective cohort study evaluated treatment outcomes in permanent teeth with HRF., Methods: We analyzed clinical and radiographic data from a dental trauma center (2006-2022). Permanent teeth with HRF with a follow up of ≥12 weeks were considered for outcome assessment (defined as clinical normalcy and radiographic healing at the fracture line). Prognostic factors were identified through multivariable logistic regression analyses (P value ≤ .05)., Results: 125 teeth from 103 patients were included. After a median follow-up of 79 weeks, the overall favorable outcome was 92%. This includes teeth that received emergency splinting/repositioning at baseline (62.2%) and those that received subsequent endodontic intervention for the coronal fragment (baseline: 85%; subsequent follow-ups: 91.8%). Being male and incomplete root development were both significantly associated with a better outcome of splinting/repositioning (OR = 2.58; 95% CI, 1.06-6.24 and OR = 4.37; 95% CI, 1.16-16.41, respectively) and a reduced likelihood of requiring endodontic treatment (OR = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.20-0.96 and OR = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.08-0.76, respectively). Treatment delays surpassing one week were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of requiring endodontic treatment compared to timely presentations within 24 hours (OR = 3.06; 95% CI, 1.07-8.77; P value < .05)., Conclusion: With timely diagnosis and treatment, and close monitoring, HRF cases can achieve a 92% favorable outcome. Male sex and incomplete root development correlate with improved baseline outcomes and a reduced need for endodontic treatment. Conversely, delayed presentation increases the likelihood of requiring endodontic intervention., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The efficacy and safety of a single novel electronic pulp sensitivity tester with a transilluminator (PSTT) capable of providing 4 different tests was compared with gold standard (GS) pulp testing methods., Methods: Four hundred eighty teeth, including 3 from each quadrant and their contralateral and opposing teeth, were randomly assessed using the PSTT or GS methods. Seven days later, the same teeth were assessed using the method not used earlier so that all teeth were evaluated using both methods. Sixty previously root canal-treated teeth, serving as negative controls, were assessed identically to the experimental groups. Results were analyzed using IBM SPSS software (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY) (P < .05)., Results: A higher percentage of teeth responded to cold and electricity using GS methods compared with the PSTT (99.4 vs 93.1 and 99.6 vs 97.3, respectively). A lower percentage of teeth responded to heat using the GS method compared with the PSTT (50.0 vs 68.1). Chi-square tests determined differences in the proportion of sensitivity to temperature, and electric testing methods were statistically significant (P < .001 and P = .004, respectively). No difference in the proportion of sensitivity was observed for transillumination. The Wilcoxon signed rank test determined significantly shorter cold testing times using the GS method (P = .024). Shorter testing times were observed using the PSTT for heat (P < .001), electric pulp testing (P = .048), and transillumination (P = .001). The overall PSTT testing time was significantly shorter than the GS testing time (P = .03). Tissue injury was not observed., Conclusions: The PSTT efficiently and safely provided heat and transillumination for pulpal diagnosis. Improvements are needed to enhance the cold and electric stimulus efficacy., (Copyright © 2023 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim of this scoping review was to summarize and discuss the morphological features and associated factors of pulpal mineralizations (PMs) as described within the literature., Data: The study protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework platform and is available at the following link: https://osf.io/hfqwe. This scoping review was developed according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines., Sources: A literature search of four electronic databases was performed in SCOPUS, MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and Word of Science, with the last search on May 29, 2023. Study selection was completed by two reviewers independently. Data was extracted regarding study characteristics, types, and features of PM and associated factors., Study Selection: Of 1016 studies initially identified ten which qualified were included in this scoping review. Systemic and local factors that result in pulpal insult can contribute to the development of PMs. Three forms of PM have been reported, pulp stones, diffuse mineralizations, and mineralized ectopic connective tissue, with discrete and diffuse mineralization being the two clinically relevant forms. The different forms of PMs exhibit dissimilar morphological features., Conclusion: Pulpal mineralizations exist in two clinically relevant forms: diffuse and discrete mineralizations and are likely associated with a pulpal insult., Clinical Significance: Understanding the morphology of dental pulp mineralization is the first step to expanding the knowledge of pulp mineralization and could result in improved diagnosis of endodontic pathosis., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Teeth are one of the body tissues remaining after severe decomposition from which a DNA profile can be obtained to aid in human identification. Currently, the standard approach to isolate DNA from teeth requires pulverizing the entire tooth. This destructive approach compromises any further morphological or anthropological study. We report on two methods of DNA isolation that minimizes destruction of the tooth when accessing the DNA within pulp and cementum. Forty-nine teeth, removed as part of normal dental procedures, were buried for up to 92 days, with a further nine teeth acting as unburied controls. Additionally, four teeth samples collected during a forensic examination were included in this study. The two processes were: using a fine drill to access the pulp from the crown and then using endodontic files to collect the biological material; and using a sterile blade to scrape the cementum. It was found that the samples collected from the cementum had greater DNA quality compared to those samples obtained from the pulp. Microbial activity was found to play a role in the degradation of the nuclear material, reducing DNA yields from pulp. DNA profiling data from 24 loci, including 22 STR markers, indicated that multi-rooted teeth provided better DNA quantity and quality than those with a single root. The DNA quantity obtained from pulp samples of teeth which exhibited cavities was adversely affected, although this DNA loss was not from samples collected from the cementum of teeth in similar condition. Obtaining samples from DNA profiling from the cementum was found to be ideal if the morphological preservation of the tooth is required. Obtaining pathogen DNA is of interest when an occlusal approach to retrieve pulp may serve as a good alternative to prepare DNA without destruction of the tooth structure., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Fruits are wildly consumed and considered to have various health benefits. The aim of this study was to supply new information on the antiproliferative function of selected fruits for nutritionists and the general public. The in vitro antiproliferative activities of the peels, pulps and seeds of 61 fruits on four cancer cell lines, A549 (human lung cancer cells), MCF-7 (human breast cancer cells), HepG2 (human hepatoma cells) and HT-29 (human colon cancer cells) were evaluated by MTT assay. The results revealed that different fruits and different parts of one fruit exhibited different antiproliferative capacities. Nine of the 162 samples from 61 fruits showed remarkable inhibitory effects toward the four cancer cell lines, and all decreased the viability of the cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. The results suggested that some fruits (such as honey peach, salak, orange, and Peru ground cherry) may serve as potential dietary supplement for the prevention and treatment of cancer because of strong antiproliferative activities against the cancer cell lines.

The recovery of kraft lignin from black liquor allows an increasing of the pulp production of a kraft mill (marginal tonnage) and at the same time provide a valuable material that can be used as energy or chemical feedstock. However, because lignin precipitation is an energy- and material-consuming process, the environmental consequences from a life cycle perspective are under discourse. The aim of this study is to investigate, through the application of consequential life cycle assessment, the potential environmental benefits of kraft lignin recovery and its subsequent use as an energy or chemical feedstock. A newly developed chemical recovery strategy was assessed. The results revealed how the use of lignin as energy feedstock is not environmentally advantageous compared to producing energy directly from the pulp mill's recovery boiler. However, the best results were observed when lignin was used as a chemical feedstock in four applications to replace bitumen, carbon black, phenol, and bisphenol-A., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Joseph S.M. Samec reports financial support was provided by Swedish Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research. Joseph S.M. Samec reports a relationship with RenFuel that includes: board membership. JS is professor at SU and co-founder of RenFuel, a company valorizing lignin., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: In young individuals, deciduous tooth pulp might be used as a natural, biologic scaffold for the regenerative endodontic treatment (RET) of young permanent teeth with necrotic pulps and apical periodontitis. The present case series demonstrates the clinical and radiographic outcomes of a novel RET using deciduous pulp autotransplantation in traumatized, necrotic young permanent incisors., Methods: Five previously traumatized maxillary incisors of four 8- to 11.5-year-old patients were treated with a RET protocol that used 2.5% NaOCl irrigation and placement of calcium hydroxide dressing in the first visit. After 4 weeks, the intracanal medication was removed, and the whole pulp tissue harvested from the neighboring maxillary deciduous canine was transplanted into the disinfected root canal without induced apical bleeding. Following placement of a mineral trioxide aggregate coronal barrier, the access cavities were restored with acid-etch resin composite. The root canals of donor primary canines were filled with calcium hydroxide-iodoform paste and were restored as with the permanent incisors., Results: Three patients were followed-up for 24 months, and 1 patient for 12 months. All teeth demonstrated radiographic evidence of complete periapical healing, slight increase in dentinal wall thickness, and continued apical closure in the absence of clinical symptoms. A positive response to cold test was obtained in 1 incisor at 12 months and 2 at 24 months., Conclusions: Based on 12- and 24-month clinical and radiographic findings, the present cases demonstrate a favorable outcome of a RET protocol using deciduous pulp autotransplantation in young permanent incisors with pulp necrosis., (Copyright © 2022 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to develop a novel method of endodontic therapy, which we refer to as dental pulp autotransplantation. Three patients (2 males and 1 female) were selected for endodontic treatment of a uniradicular premolar and extraction of a third molar (without odontosection). Electric assessment of pulp vitality and computed tomographic imaging were undertaken followed by endodontic access and instrumentation using triantibiotic solution for irrigation in the host tooth. A few minutes before the transplant procedure, the third molar was extracted, the tooth was sectioned with a diamond blade in a low-speed handpiece, and the pulp was carefully removed. After premolar instrumentation, the harvested and preserved pulp tissue was reinserted into the root canal followed by direct pulp capping performed using Biodentine (Septodont, Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France), a liner of resin-modified glass ionomer cement and composite resin restoration. The teeth were followed up for at least 12 months after the procedures and were analyzed using computed tomographic imaging, electric pulp vitality testing, and Doppler ultrasound examination. At the 3- and 6-month follow-ups, positive pulp vitality and regression of periapical lesions were verified. After 9-12 months, all teeth were revascularized as determined by Doppler imaging, and the tooth vitality was reestablished with no signs of endodontic/periodontal radiolucency or complications. Within the limitations of the study, considering that it was a case series with only 3 patients, we described a highly innovative procedure of pulp autotransplantation, which appears to be feasible, highlighting the potential for clinical application of pulp regeneration using this new modality of endodontic therapy., (Copyright © 2021 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Dental pulp is a highly vascularized tissue, situated in an inextensible environment surrounded by rigid dentinal walls. The pulp receives its blood supply solely from the small apical foramen of a tooth root. Due to the unique anatomy that controls nutrition supply, regeneration of pulp tissue in a full-length tooth root has long been a challenge in regenerative endodontics. In this study, we designed and synthesized a multifunctional peptide-conjugated, pH-sensitive, non-viral gene vector for fast revascularization and pulp regeneration in a full-length human tooth root. The multifunctional peptide was designed to have distinctive features, including a cell-penetrating peptide to enhance cellular uptake, a nuclear localization signal peptide to assist in the translocation of an angiogenic gene into the nucleus, and a fluorescent tryptophan residue to visualize and quantify the transfection efficiency. Furthermore, a pH-sensitive dimethylmaleic anhydride (DMA) was integrated with the multifunctional peptide to enhance the transfected gene complex to escape from endosomes/lysosomes after internalization. In vitro experiments showed that the multifunctional non-viral gene vector significantly increased internalization and gene transfection efficiency as well as reduced cytotoxicity. After dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were transfected with the multifunctional gene vector/pVEGF complexes, the expression of VEGF from the DPSCs was upregulated for more than eight folds, which in turn greatly enhanced endothelial cell migration and vascular-like tube formation. Six weeks after implantation, the VEGF-transfected DPSCs accelerated new blood vessel formation and the regenerated pulp tissue occupied most of the area in the canal of a full-length human tooth root. The multifunctional peptide conjugated non-viral gene delivery is a safe and effective approach for regenerative endodontics. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Pulp regeneration in a full-length tooth root canal has long been a challenge in regenerative endodontics. This is due to the unique root anatomy that allows the blood supply of the tooth root only from a small apical foramen (< 1 mm), leading to a severe barrier for revascularization during pulp regeneration. In this work, we designed a multifunctional peptide-conjugated, pH-sensitive, non-viral gene vector to address this challenge. Our work shows that the peptide-conjugated system was an excellent carrier for fast revascularization and pulp tissue regeneration in a full-length toot root. This study will interest the multidisciplinary readership in gene delivery, biomaterials, and dental/craniofacial tissue engineering community., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To investigate the pulpal repair potential of an experimental zirconium-oxide containing tricalcium-silicate cement, referred to as 'TCS 50'., Materials and Methods: The effect of TCS 50 on viability, proliferation, migration, and odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) was assessed using XTT assay, in-vitro wound healing assay and RT-PCR, respectively. Additionally, the pulp-capping potential was evaluated using a vital human tooth model. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test and post-hoc test (Mann-Whitney U test). The tests were performed at a significance level of α = 0.05., Results: The effect of TCS 50 towards HDPCs was dose dependent. Undiluted TCS 50 extract showed no immediate adverse impact on cell viability (p > .05); however, it significantly inhibited proliferation and migration of HDPCs (p < .05). A 25% diluted TCS 50 extract showed no significant effect on cell viability, proliferation or migration (p > .05), and it significantly enhanced odontoblastic differentiation of HDPCs (p < .05). In pulps capped with TCS 50 for both 2 and 4 weeks, H&E staining revealed a normal morphology of pulp tissue; mineralized foci with cellular components entrapped in the matrix were formed underneath the exposure site. Collagen I expression was weak within the matrix of mineralized foci, while the expression of nestin was positive for entrapped cellular components within the mineralized foci, indicating that the formed mineralized foci corresponded to an initial form of reparative dentin formation., Conclusion: TCS 50 is capable of generating an early pulp-healing reaction and therefore could serve as a promising pulp-capping agent., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) is a key morphogen in regenerative endodontics; yet, its location within the hard tissue phase of dentin and its availability in mature roots have not been fully elucidated., Methods: Young mature (n = 8) and immature (n = 11) roots from sound premolars were obtained from 13 orthodontic patients aged 17 ± 1 and 12 ± 1 years, respectively. Roots were cleaned of organic remnants in 5% sodium hypochlorite. The width of the minor foramen was measured using a digital microscope. TGF-β1 distribution was assessed in 3 roots per group by immunostaining combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy. The root dentin of the remaining 13 roots was powdered and decalcified in 17% EDTA to determine the overall levels of hard tissue-embedded TGF-β1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were compared between groups using the Student t test (α = .05)., Results: The minor foramen was 168 ± 49 μm versus 557 ± 295 μm in mature compared with immature roots (P < .05). TGF-β1 was highly stainable toward the pulp space in both groups. It was clearly associated with peritubular dentin and apparently absent in nontubular outer dentin. TGF-β1 content was 115 ± 31 pg and 74 ± 35 pg/100 mg mature versus immature root dentin, respectively (P > .05)., Conclusions: TGF-β1 is deposited into the peritubular dentin. It should be possible to release this molecule in regenerative endodontic procedures from young mature roots as well as immature roots., (Copyright © 2020 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Odontoblasts produce dentin throughout life and in response to trauma. The purpose of this study was to identify the roles of endogenous Wnt signaling in regulating the rate of dentin accumulation., Methods: Histology, immunohistochemistry, vital dye labeling, and histomorphometric assays were used to quantify the rate of dentin accumulation as a function of age. Two strains of Wnt reporter mice were used to identify and follow the distribution and number of Wnt-responsive odontoblasts as a function of age. To show a causal relationship between dentin secretion and Wnt signaling, dentin accumulation was monitored in a strain of mice in which Wnt signaling was aberrantly elevated., Results: Dentin deposition occurs throughout life, but the rate of accumulation slows with age. This decline in dentin secretion correlates with a decrease in endogenous Wnt signaling. In a genetically modified strain of mice, instead of tubular dentin, aberrantly elevated Wnt signaling resulted in accumulation of reparative dentin or osteodentin secreted from predontoblasts., Conclusions: Wnt signaling regulates dentin secretion by odontoblasts, and the formation of reparative or osteodentin is the direct consequence of elevated Wnt signaling. These preclinical data have therapeutic implications for the development of a biologically based pulp capping medicant., (Copyright © 2019 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the cytocompatibility and angiogenic potential of 2 antibiotics (clindamycin [CLIN] and minocycline [MINO]) at distinct concentrations on dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)., Methods: DPSCs and HUVECs were exposed to cell culture media modified with CLIN or MINO at concentrations ranging from 30 μg/mL-1000 μg/mL. Cell toxicity and proliferation were investigated using the lactate dehydrogenase and tetrazolium reduction assays, respectively. A capillarylike tube formation in vitro assay was conducted to determine the angiogenic potential associated with each antibiotic. Additionally, selected morphometric angiogenesis parameters were determined using dedicated software (WimTube; Onimagin Technologies SCA, Córdoba, Spain). All statistical analyses were performed using 1-way analysis of variance and the Tukey post hoc test (α= .05)., Results: The collected data showed that compared with the control (cell culture media, alpha-minimum essential medium Eagle) increasing the antibiotic concentration significantly decreased cell viability and proliferation of both DPSCs and HUVECs. In terms of angiogenic potential, when tested at 30 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL, CLIN significantly amplified tube formation when compared with MINO with angiogenesis parameters (ie, tube length and tube number) similar to the effect promoted by exogenous vascular endothelial growth factor (50 ng/mL)., Conclusions: CLIN was less cytotoxic when compared with MINO at higher concentrations. Of note, CLIN did not hinder the proangiogenic activity induced by vascular endothelial growth factor to the same extent as MINO, suggesting that the replacement of MINO by CLIN might translate into positive implications in the overall regenerative outcome., (Copyright © 2019 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Maintaining the vitality of the dental pulp, the highly innervated and highly vascular, innermost layer of the tooth, is a critical goal of any dental procedure. Upon injury, targeting the pulp with specific therapies is challenging because it is encased in hard tissues. This project describes a method that can effectively deliver therapeutic agents to the pulp. This method relies on the use of nanoparticles that can be actively steered using magnetic forces to the pulp, traveling through naturally occurring channels in the dentin (the middle layer of the tooth). This method can reduce the inflammation of injured pulp and improve the penetration of dental adhesives into dentin. Such a delivery method would be less expensive, and both less painful and less traumatic than existing therapeutic options available for treatment of injured dental pulp. This technique would be simple and could be readily translated to clinical use., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Agricultural straw-based pulp making plays a vital role in pulp and paper industry, especially in forest deficient countries such as China. However, the environmental performance of straw-based pulp has scarcely been studied. A life cycle assessment on wheat straw-based pulp making in China was conducted to fill of the gaps in comprehensive environmental assessments of agricultural straw-based pulp making. On average, the global warming potential (GWP), GWP excluding biogenic carbon, acidification potential and eutrophication potential of wheat straw based pulp making are 2299kg CO 2 -eq, 4550kg CO 2 -eq, 16.43kg SO 2 -eq and 2.56kg Phosphate-eq respectively. The dominant factors contributing to environmental impacts are coal consumption, electricity consumption, and chemical (NaOH, ClO 2 ) input. Chemical input decrease and energy recovery increase reduce the total environmental impacts dramatically. Compared with wood-based and recycled pulp making, wheat straw-based pulp making has higher environmental impacts, which are mainly due to higher energy and chemical requirements. However, the environmental impacts of wheat straw-based pulp making are lower than hemp and flax based pulp making from previous studies. It is also noteworthy that biogenic carbon emission is significant in bio industries. If carbon sequestration is taken into account in pulp making industry, wheat straw-based pulp making is a net emitter rather than a net absorber of carbon dioxide. Since wheat straw-based pulp making provides an alternative for agricultural residue management, its evaluation framework should be expanded to further reveal its environmental benefits., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

To determine the amounts and chemical forms of chlorine compounds in elemental chlorine-free (ECF) bleached pulp for sanitary products, a chemical-form-based quantitative analysis flow scheme was created. The scheme involves quantitative determination of compounds eluted in elution tests assuming dermal exposure. The results indicated that most of the chlorine compounds in pulp used for sanitary products were insoluble organically bound chlorine and water-soluble chlorides consisting of chloride ions. The total amount of chlorine obtained by analysis of the total chlorine in the pulp products was close to the sum of the amounts of water-soluble chlorides, residual chlorine, chloroacetic acids, and insoluble organically bound chlorine. Therefore, the balance of chlorine measured by the flow scheme was acceptable. Little residual chlorine was detected in the pulp products, suggesting that the chlorine dioxide used for bleaching was almost completely converted into inactive inorganic chlorides and organic chlorine compounds and that these substances do not affect the health risk posed by pulp products. A risk assessment of the detected chloroacetic acid and dichloroacetic acid revealed that there is no concern about the health risk posed by use of these products., (Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The balance between the immune/inflammatory and regenerative responses in the diseased pulp is central to the clinical outcome, and this response is unique within the body because of its tissue site. Cariogenic bacteria invade the dentin and pulp tissues, triggering molecular and cellular events dependent on the disease stage. At the early onset, odontoblasts respond to bacterial components in an attempt to protect the tooth's hard and soft tissues and limit disease progression. However, as disease advances, the odontoblasts die, and cells central to the pulp core, including resident immune cells, pulpal fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and stem cells, respond to the bacterial challenge via their expression of a range of pattern recognition receptors that identify pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Subsequently, recruitment and activation occurs of a range of immune cell types, including neutrophils, macrophages, and T and B cells, which are attracted to the diseased site by cytokine/chemokine chemotactic gradients initially generated by resident pulpal cells. Although these cells aim to disinfect the tooth, their extravasation, migration, and antibacterial activity (eg, release of reactive oxygen species [ROS]) along with the bacterial toxins cause pulp damage and impede tissue regeneration processes. Recently, a novel bacterial killing mechanism termed neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) has also been described that uses ROS signaling and results in cellular DNA extrusion. The NETs are decorated with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and their interaction with bacteria results in microbial entrapment and death. Recent data show that NETs can be stimulated by bacteria associated with endodontic infections, and they may be present in inflamed pulp tissue. Interestingly, some bacteria associated with pulpal infections express deoxyribonuclease enzymes, which may enable their evasion of NETs. Furthermore, although NETs aim to localize and kill invading bacteria using AMPs and histones, limiting the spread of the infection, data also indicate that NETs can exacerbate inflammation and their components are cytotoxic. This review considers the potential role of NETs within pulpal infections and how these structures may influence the pulp's vitality and regenerative responses., (Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The elimination of microbial flora in cases of immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulp is both key and a challenging goal for the long-term success of regenerative therapy. Recent research has focused on the development of cell-friendly intracanal drug delivery systems. This in vitro study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial action of 3-dimensional (3D) tubular-shaped triple antibiotic-eluting nanofibrous constructs against a multispecies biofilm on human dentin. Polydioxanone polymer solutions, antibiotic-free or incorporated with metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline, were electrospun into 3D tubular-shaped constructs. A multispecies biofilm consisting of Actinomyces naeslundii, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Enterococcus faecalis was forced inside the dentinal tubules via centrifugation in a dentin slice in vitro model. The infected specimens were exposed to 2 experimental groups (ie, 3D tubular-shaped triple antibiotic-eluting constructs and triple antibiotic paste [TAP]) and 2 control groups (7-day biofilm untreated and antibiotic-free 3D tubular-shaped constructs). Biofilm elimination was quantitatively analyzed with confocal laser scanning microscopy. Confocal laser scanning microscopic (CLSM) analysis showed a dense population of viable (green) bacteria adhered to dentin and penetrated into the dentinal tubules. Upon 3D tubular-shaped triple antibiotic-eluting nanofibrous construct exposure, nearly complete elimination of viable bacteria on the dentin surface and inside the dentinal tubules was shown in the CLSM images, which was similar (P < .05) to the bacterial death promoted by the TAP group but significantly greater when compared with both the antibiotic-free 3D tubular-shaped constructs and the control (saline). The proposed 3D tubular-shaped antibiotic-eluting construct showed pronounced antimicrobial effects against the multispecies biofilm tested and therefore holds significant clinical potential as a disinfection strategy before regenerative endodontics., (Copyright © 2017 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Pulp regeneration and its clinical translation into regenerative endodontic procedures are receiving increasing research attention, leading to significant growth of the published scientific and clinical literature within these areas. Development of research strategies, which consider patient-, clinician-, and scientist-based outcomes, will allow greater focus on key research questions driving more rapid clinical translation. Three key areas of focus for these research questions should include cells, signaling, and infection/inflammation. A translational pathway is envisaged in which clinical approaches are increasingly refined to provide regenerative endodontic protocols that are based on a robust understanding of the physiological processes and events responsible for the normal secretion, structure, and biological behavior of pulpal tissue., (Copyright © 2017 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Flavonoids are responsible of different fruit sensorial properties. In Japanese plum (Prunus salicina L.) these compounds are variable in both type and quantity during the different stages of fruit growth and maturation. Here we present the first study which determines the expression profile of structural genes of the flavonoid pathway and accumulation profiles of total phenols, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins during fruit development stages in contrasting cultivars in Japanese plum. The biosynthesis of these compounds is differentially regulated in different tissues and cultivars. Our result showed that all pigmented tissues increased the expression of the leucoanthocyanidin dioxygenase (LDOX) gene, while all tissues without anthocyanin accumulation presented a minimal expression of LDOX. In addition, the regulation of putative transcription factors PsMYB10 and PsMYB1 were correlated positively and negatively with the pigmented tissues respectively, suggesting a critical and coordinated mechanism involved in the change of the fruit color., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Human dental pulp stem/progenitor cells (DPSCs) show remarkable regenerative potential in vivo. During regeneration, DPSCs may interact with their inflammatory environment via toll-like receptors (TLRs). The present study aimed to depict for the first time the TLR expression profile of DPSCs., Methods: Cells were isolated from human dental pulp, STRO-1-immunomagnetically sorted, and seeded out to obtain single colony-forming units. DPSCs were characterized for CD14, CD34, CD45, CD73, CD90, CD105, and CD146 expression and for their multilineage differentiation potential. After incubation of DPSCs in basic or inflammatory medium (interleukin-1β, interferon-γ, interferon-α, tumor necrosis factor-α), TLR expression profiles were generated (DPSCs and DPSCs-i)., Results: DPSCs showed all characteristics of stem/progenitor cells. In basic medium DPSCs expressed TLRs 1-10 in different quantities. The inflammatory medium upregulated the expression of TLRs 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8, downregulated TLRs 1, 7, 9, and 10, and abolished TLR6., Conclusions: The current study describes for the first time the distinctive TLR expression profile of DPSCs in uninflamed and inflamed conditions., (Copyright © 2016 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)