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BACKGROUND: Postharvest dehydration affects the metabolism of grapes, impacting odorous secondary metabolites and therefore the features of the corresponding passito wines – high‐quality products with winemaking practices linked to specific territories and related autochthonous grape varieties. Water loss and temperature conditions are the main variables of the dehydration process. This study assessed how they impacted the patterns of free and glycosylated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of the exocarp (pulp) and epicarp (skin) in Nebbiolo and Aleatico, a neutral and semi‐aromatic red grape variety, respectively. Dehydration parameters were set in tunnel conditions, and VOCs were quantitatively analyzed by solid phase extraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. RESULTS: For Nebbiolo grapes, weight loss had a greater impact on free volatiles than dehydration temperature, with a 20% weight loss increasing total VOCs in both exocarp and epicarp. Low temperature (10 °C) significantly increased (P < 0.05) the glycosylated VOCs' terpene content. In Aleatico grapes, weight loss was key in modulating free volatiles, with 30% weight loss and 15 °C leading to significant increases in VOCs, especially exocarp terpenes, acids and benzenoids. More stressful dehydration (30% weight loss at 25 °C) resulted in higher aroma precursor concentrations. CONCLUSION: These findings can assist passito wine production in preserving varietal aromas of original grapes trough optimized dehydration conditions, preventing sensory homologation occurring because of strong uncontrolled dehydration. They can also promote optimization of energy consumption, thus fostering financial and environmental sustainability. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aim Materials and Methods Results Conclusion To develop and evaluate a novel multi‐method micro‐computed tomography (μCT) imaging protocol for enhanced visualization of both hard and soft tissues in murine mandibles, addressing the limitations of traditional imaging techniques in dental research.We employed a contrast‐enhanced (CE) μCT imaging technique using Lugol's iodine as a contrast agent to visualize the intricate structures of murine mandibles. The protocol involved the combination of conventional μCT imaging as well as CE‐μCT, including decalcification with EDTA, allowing for simultaneous assessment of hard and soft tissues. The method is compared with standard imaging modalities, and the ability to visualize detailed anatomical features is discussed.The CE‐μCT imaging technique provided superior visualization of murine mandibular structures, including dental pulp, periodontal ligaments and the surrounding soft tissues, along with conventional μCT imaging of alveolar bone and teeth. This method revealed detailed anatomical features with high specificity and contrast, surpassing traditional imaging approaches.Our findings demonstrate the potential of CE‐μCT imaging with Lugol's iodine as a powerful tool for dental research. This technique offers a comprehensive view of the murine mandible, facilitating advanced studies in tissue engineering, dental pathology and the development of dental materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) from hardwood bleached kraft pulp (HwBKP) are produced via enzymatic, chemical, and mechanical treatment. A nanoporous structured CNF-based separator is produced, and the electrochemical performance, morphology, and thermal stability analyses are performed in comparison to the commercial polyethylene separator. The results obtained show that the electrolyte-philic CNF separator has capacity retention of 88.6% over 200 cycles and very good ionic conductivity and wettability results due to its high hydrophilic nature. At 140°C, the CNF separator was resilient to heat and remained intact. The CNF separator reflects high thermal resistance and good electrolyte uptake properties that are among the mandatory requirements of a separator hence, a promising contender for use in lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used for regenerative therapy. Dental pulp MSCs make extracted wisdom teeth a useful resource in humans. Preclinical validation of regenerative therapies requires large animal models such as the sheep. Since stem cells can be retrieved from the dental pulp of ovine incisors, the best age to extract a maximal volume of dental pulp needs to be defined. The objective of this ex vivo study was to quantify incisors dental pulp volume, in sheep of various age. Three jaws were dedicated to histology (one per age group); the others were imaged with a computed tomography scanner [3 years‐old (n = 9), 4 (n = 3) and 6 (n = 5)]. The incisors dental pulp volume was measured after 3D reconstruction. Multiple linear regression showed that dental pulp volume of ovine incisors decreases with age (β‐estimate = −3.3; p < 0.0001) and teeth position from the more central to the more lateral (β‐estimate = −4.9; p = 0.0009). Weight was not a relevant variable in the regression model. The dental pulp volume ranged from 36.7 to 19.6 mm3 in 3‐year‐old sheep, from 23.6 to 11.3 in 4‐year‐old sheep, and from 19.4 to 11.5 in 6‐year‐old sheep. The pulp volume of the most central teeth (first intermediate) was significantly higher than the most lateral teeth (corner). Haematoxylin–Eosin–Safran of the whole incisors, and of isolated dental pulps demonstrated a similar morphology to that in humans. The first intermediate incisor of 3‐year‐old sheep should be selected preferentially in preclinical research to retrieve the highest volume of dental pulp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to study the physicochemical, nutritional, and antioxidant characteristics of the pulp and seeds of the jackfruit collected in the East Cameroon region to reduce the malnutrition problems encountered in the said region. To achieve this work, we first administered a survey. We observed that 50 people from Bertoua knew the fruit among the 200 people surveyed. After that, the physicochemical characteristics and nutritional value of Artocarpus heterophyllus pulp and seeds from Bertoua were evaluated. Finally, the antioxidant compounds (total phenolic and flavonoid contents) and the antioxidant activities were evaluated through the DPPH free radical scavenging capacity, the ability to reduce ferric ions, and the hydroxyl radical scavenging ability using the aqueous, ethanolic, and hydro‐ethanolic extracts of these samples (pulp and seeds). Results (means ± standard deviation) were obtained in triplicate and analyzed statistically by the analysis of variance (ANOVA) at the 0.05 probability level. The results revealed that the jackfruit pulp has a water content (89.85% ± 0.49) significantly higher than that of seeds (60.075% ± 0.12). The pH of jackfruit pulp (5 ± 0) is significantly lower than that of seeds (6 ± 0). Jackfruit pulp had a carbohydrate content (54.39% ± 0.47) significantly higher than that of seeds (49.01% ± 0.43). The protein content of jackfruit pulp (18.35% ± 0.04) is lower than that of the seeds (21.66% ± 0.31). For mineral content, the maximum contents of K (848 mg/100 g ± 10.34) and Na (69.53 mg/100 g ± 0) were identified in the jackfruit pulp while those of Ca (132 mg/100 g ± 9.42), Mg (43.73 mg/100 g ± 9.12), and P (101.51 mg/100 g ± 4.02) were found in the seeds. However, all extracts possessed both antioxidant compounds (phenols and flavonoids) and antioxidant activities. In conclusion, the jackfruit appears to be a fruit that can improve the nutritional status of the populations of eastern Cameroon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Liquefaction of biomass has an advantage over other thermochemical processes of conversion and its co‐liquefaction aims to overcome the restrictions and limitations imposed upon single feedstock liquefaction. Valorization of Citrus limetta peel and pulp wastes by their co‐liquefaction in a hydrogen‐donor solvent such as methanol was chosen as an objective herein for efficient conversion of raw materials to obtain better quality biocrude. RESULTS: A maximum biocrude yield of 11.25 wt. % was obtained from solvothermal co‐liquefaction of Citrus limetta peel and pulp biomasses at 260 °C temperature, with 30 min residence time, at three different ratios of biomass to solvent (1:2, 1:3 and 1:4). This was higher than the biocrude yield from liquefaction of individual C. limetta pulp biomass as well as other studies on similar citrus fruit wastes. The higher heating value (HHV) of biocrude was raised to 25.72 MJ kg−1 at 1:3 biomass:solvent ratio by co‐liquefaction, showing its synergy over individual C. limetta peel biocrude. The presence of esters, ketones, alcohols, hydrocarbons and fatty acids in the biocrude product were found from Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) results. The biochar obtained was mesoporous in nature and could be employed for adsorption in bioremediation of water and soil. CONCLUSION: Co‐liquefaction of homogeneous lignocellulosic biomasses have the ability to boost production and the quality of the biocrude and biochar attained in comparison to products of individual liquefaction. Future studies on upgrading the quality of products are required. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment combined with adhesive filling therapy on rat dental pulps. Cavities were prepared in the first maxillary molars of 20 Sprague Dawley rats. The first molar and the unprepared second molar of one randomly selected maxillary quadrant were treated with CAP. The prepared cavities were filled with composite. After 24 h and 28 days, 10 rats each were killed. Teeth were demineralized and embedded in paraffin and histological sections were stained with hematoxylin–eosin and chloracetatesterase. None of the pulps displayed necrosis. Plasma treatment caused no additional alteration to the dental pulp in combination with adhesive filling therapy. These findings indicate that plasma treatment is compatible with the regenerative potential of the pulp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: New protein sources with low environmental and climatic impact are needed. Perennial crops show advantages as compared to annual crops and the upcoming biorefinery technology can extract proteins from the perennial biomass for protein concentrate production. The search for best‐suited biomass crops needs to include harvest during the full growing season to support economic viability of biorefinery plants. Here we examined two grasses under increasing N fertilizer regime (175, 350 and 525 kg N ha−1) and three legumes, subject to a four‐cut strategy. The well‐defined Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) was used to estimate potential extractable protein. A key, previously presented in the literature, was applied in order to translate the CNCPS results into potential extracted protein concentrate. RESULTS: Crude protein (CP) yield per hectare was highest in red clover in 2015 (2907 kg CP ha−1) and the fertilized (525 kg N ha−1) tall fescue in 2016 (2435 kg CP ha−1). When translating the numbers into potential extraction of protein concentrate, the red clover had the highest protein concentrate yield per hectare in 2015 (835 kg CP ha−1) and lucerne in 2016 (803 kg CP ha−1). CONCLUSION: The results revealed that the entire season needs attention for optimization and not only the first cut, since both CP yields and quality peaks in different cuts across the five species and 2 years. Further knowledge of CP yield responses to field management and species mixtures are needed in order to advise farmers on the optimal crop for biorefining. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This prospective in vivo study aimed to optimize the assessment of pulpal contrast‐enhancement (PCE) on dental magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) and investigate physiological PCE patterns. Methodology: In 70 study participants, 1585 healthy teeth were examined using 3‐Tesla dMRI before and after contrast agent administration. For all teeth, the quotient of post‐ and pre‐contrast pulp signal intensity (Q‐PSI) was calculated to quantify PCE. First, pulp chambers were analysed in 10 participants to compare the coefficient of variation of mean versus maximum Q‐PSI values (Q‐PSImean versus Q‐PSImax). Second, dynamic PCE was evaluated in 10 subjects to optimize the time interval between contrast agent application and image acquisition. Finally, 50 participants (age groups: 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59 and 60–69 years) were examined to analyse age, gender, tooth types and maxilla versus mandible as independent factors of PCE. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed rank test and linear mixed models. Results: PCE assessment based on Q‐PSImax was associated with a significantly smaller coefficient of variation compared with Q‐PSImean, with median values of 0.17 versus 0.21 (p =.002). Analysis of dynamic PCE revealed an optimal timing interval for image acquisition 4 min after contrast media application. No significant differences in PCE were observed by comparing age groups, female versus male participants and maxillary versus mandibular teeth (p >.05). Differences between tooth types were small (median Q‐PSImax values of 2.52/2.32/2.30/2.20 for molars/premolars/canines/incisors) but significant (p <.05), except for the comparison of canines versus premolars (p =.80). Conclusions: PCE in dMRI was a stable intra‐individual marker with only minor differences between different tooth types, thus forming an important basis for intra‐individual controls when assessing teeth with suspected endodontic pathosis. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that PCE is independent of age, gender and jaw type. These findings indicate that dMRI‐based PCE analysis could be a valuable diagnostic tool for the identification of various pulp diseases in future patient studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although fruit pulping is a highly effective global practice for ensuring a steady supply of fruit for processing during the off‐season, industrial pulping of Kenyan guava cultivars is lacking, contributing to their annual losses. The present study compared the yield characteristics, physicochemical profile, and nutrient retention of pulp extracted from white and red‐fleshed Kenyan guavas using cold and hot extraction methods. Results: The pulp yield was highest in the red guava with the pulp to by‐product ratio being significantly (p < 0.05) higher at 2.58, 2.97, and 3.30 for cold, hot water, and steam‐blanched compared to 1.66, 1.95, and 2.03 for the white guava respectively. Although hot extraction methods resulted in significantly (p < 0.0001) higher yields (67%–77%) compared to the cold (62%–73%), the heat‐labile nutrients were affected with as much as 60% and 64% of the white and the red guava's vitamin C being lost. The steam blanched pulps exhibited significantly (p < 0.0001) high overall color changes (∆E) ranging from 22–30 in the pasteurized white guava pulp compared to the red's (−0.24–6). The cold extraction method resulted in better retention of β‐carotene (1.9 ± 0.4 mg), zinc (5.6 ± 2.1 mg), iron (20.1 ± 8.6 mg), flavonoids (241.3 ± 56mgCE), phenolics (1548.7 ± 25.8mgGAE) and antioxidant activities (1998.6 ± 333μMTE) per 100 g in the red guava pulp. Conclusion: Compared to the white cold‐extracted pulp, the red guava pulp was more suitable for further processing due to its high nutrient retention, high pulp to by‐products ratio, and textural properties therefore recommended for the adoption of processing the Kenyan guava cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate attitudes and approaches of UK primary care dentists to carrying out vital pulp treatment (VPT) after carious exposure and with additional signs and symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis. Methodology: An electronic questionnaire was openly distributed via publicly funded (NHS) local dental committees, corporate dental service‐providers, professional societies and social media. Principally NHS practitioners and those from mixed and private practice were targeted, in addition to community and military dental officers, and dental therapists. Participants were asked questions relating to several clinical scenarios, with responses analysed using descriptive statistics. χ2 tests with sequential Bonferroni correction were used to explore variables including the method of remuneration, practitioner type (dentist/therapist), postgraduate qualification(s), place of graduation and years since qualification. Variables with a relationship p ≤.2 were selected for backwards likelihood ratio logistic modelling. Results: In total, 648 primary care practitioners were included for analysis. Calcium hydroxide (CH) was most frequently used for direct pulp caps (DPCs) (398/600; 66.3%) with calcium silicate cements (CSCs) less frequently used (119/600; 19.8%). Rubber dam was used by 222/599 (37.1%) practitioners. A definitive pulpotomy for the management of teeth with signs and symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis was selected by 65/613 (10.6%) dentists. The principal barrier for the provision of definitive pulpotomies was a lack of training (602/612; 98.4%). Regression analysis identified NHS practitioners as a good predictor for using CH for DPCs, having shorter emergency appointments, limited access to magnification and not using rubber dam. Non‐UK graduates were more likely to select CSCs, appropriately control pulpal haemorrhage, undertake appropriate postoperative evaluation and use rubber dam. Conclusions: Practitioners deviated from evidence‐based guidelines in a number of aspects including material selection, asepsis and case selection. A number of other challenges exist in primary care in providing predictable VPTs, including lack of time and access to magnification. These were most evident in NHS practice, potentially exacerbating existing social health inequalities. Possible inconsistencies in the UK undergraduate curriculum were supported by a lack of association between years since qualification and technique employed as well as the fact that non‐UK graduates and dentists with postgraduate qualifications adhered more to evidence‐based VPT guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forest sector can play a pivotal role in mitigating climate warming by decreasing emissions to the atmosphere and increasing carbon removals. In an expanding bioeconomy, the pulp and paper industry provides opportunities for various low‐carbon wood products with promising substitution effects. However, assessing climate effects of wood product systems is complex and requires a holistic approach. The objective of this study was to advance time dynamic climate impact assessment of a bioeconomically promising wood product from a system perspective. For this purpose, a time dynamic life cycle assessment was conducted on a pulp‐based beverage carton. The assessment included fossil value chain emissions from cradle to grave, effects from biogenic carbon in a eucalyptus plantation, and credits from substitution. A polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle was considered for material substitution (MS) and differing marginal electricity and heat mixes for energy substitution. The results revealed dominating climate warming from value chain emissions and slight offsetting by biogenic carbon from standing biomass and soil organic carbon, and short‐term carbon storage in the beverage carton. MS and displacing marginal energy mixes transformed the climate warming into a substantial total cooling effect. However, substitution effects varied strongly in terms of substitution factors and temperature change with varying replacement rate of the beverage carton and different marginal energy mixes. A climate cooling range of −0.8 · 10−15 to −1.8 · 10−15 K per unit of beverage carton by 2050 was found, highlighting potential relevance for climate policy making. Thus, production and use of wood‐based beverage cartons over PET bottles can have climate cooling effects. Further assessments on alternative forestry systems (e.g., Nordic forests) are needed to identify the role of biogenic carbon in holistic climate assessments, with dynamic substitution effects included to increase the validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate current approaches and attitudes towards the management of deep caries in primary dental care within the United Kingdom (UK). Methodology: Open distribution of an electronic questionnaire survey was undertaken to primary care dental professionals working in publicly funded National Health Service [NHS], privately funded, military and community dental services. Demographic variables investigated included the following: place of qualification, method of remuneration, level of restorative training, materials available, years qualified, appointment length and clinician type. Management variables focussed on case‐based scenarios. Univariate analyses of responses to questions were undertaken using χ2 tests with sequential Bonferroni correction. Variables with a statistical relationship of p ≤.2 were selected for binary logistic regression modelling. Results: A total of 657 responses were received. Practitioners with formal postgraduate qualifications (PGQ) were more likely (OR, 95%CI) to undertake further tests to aid diagnosis including: gaining a patient history (1.80, 1.01–3.20), periapical radiography (1.43, 1.01–2.03), cold pulp testing (2.079, 1.46–2.97) and electric pulp testing (1.65, 1.02–2.65). Rubber dam was infrequently used for deep caries management (29.2%). Non‐NHS practitioners were much more likely to use rubber dam (3.40, 2.15–5.37), as were those that had completed PGQ (2.24, 1.48–3.38). Non‐selective caries removal was used in deep caries by 41.4% of practitioners. Indirect pulp caps were carried out by 56.7% of practitioners. NHS practitioners were more likely to place calcium hydroxide (3.74, 1.97–7.15), whilst non‐NHS practitioners were more likely to place calcium silicate cements (CSCs) (3.303, 1.71–6.38) as were non‐UK graduates (5.63, 2.47–12.86) and those with PGQ (2.12, 1.17–3.87). Conclusions: This UK survey highlights significant variation in the management of deep caries. There is lack of consensus regarding the use of a standard systematic approach to diagnosing disease, with a reliance on history and tests with poor specificity. Non‐selective caries removal for managing deep carious lesions remains common, with low rubber dam compliance underlining a lack of asepsis. Notably, a significant number of practitioners placed indirect pulp caps, but CSCs and GIC were not commonly used. At present, although clear guidelines are available this is not translating into consistent management approaches in practice, suggesting that better dissemination of current treatments is essential to undergraduate and postgraduate groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Dental pulp stem cells from primary teeth cultured in serum‐free conditions may have clinical use for the repair and regeneration of teeth as well as other complex tissues and organs. The aim of this study was to test the change in the stem cell markers expression/ stem cell population in human primary pulp cells at the different stages of root resorption. Methods: Caries‐free human primary canines at defined stages of physiological root resorption were included (n = 9). In vitro cultures were established in xeno‐free, serum‐free Essential 8™ medium with human truncated vitronectin for cell attachment. An embryonic stem cell line (GENEA002) was used as a positive control. The expression of embryonic stem cell markers (Oct4, Nanog and Sox2), neural crest stem cell markers (nestin and Dlx2) and mesenchymal stem cell surface markers (CD90, CD73 and CD105) were investigated by immunocytochemistry. Mesenchymal stem cell markers CD105, CD73 and CD90 and haematopoietic markers: CD45, CD34, CD11b, CD19 and HLA‐DR were quantified with flow cytometry. Results: The early neural progenitor markers nestin and Dlx2 were detected in most serum‐free cultured dental pulp stem cells, regardless of the tooth resorption stage from which they were harvested. Only isolated cells were found that expressed the embryonic stem cell transcription factors Oct4A, Nanog and Sox2, and in the late stages of resorption, no Oct4A was detected. The majority expressed the mesenchymal stem cell markers CD90, CD73 and CD105. Flow cytometry found positive signals for CD90 > 97.3%, CD73 > 99.6% and CD105 > 82.5%, with no detectable differences between resorption stages. Conclusions: This study identified populations of dental pulp cells in vitro with markers characteristically associated with embryonic stem cells, neural crest‐derived cells and mesenchymal stem cells. Flow cytometry found CD105 expressed at lower levels than CD90 and CD73. The consistency of stem cell marker expression in cells cultured from teeth at different resorption stages suggests that pre‐exfoliated primary teeth that are free of caries may provide a convenient source of multipotent stem cells for use in regenerative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable foam (biofoam) packaging is made from natural polymers as the main raw material and it is environmentally friendly. However, this packaging is water sensitive, thus it is not suitable for products with high moisture content. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of surface modification of cassava starch‐based biofoam, using Alkyl Ketene Dimer/AKD as sizing agent, on its hydrophobic characteristics. A completely randomized factorial design is carried out using two factors and two replications. Factor A is a type of pulp of oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) with different treatment modifications (pulp A; pulp B; pulp C) and factor B is the concentration of AKD (0%; 2.5%; 3.3%; 5.0%). Biofoam is made by thermopressing. Its characterization observed includes physical properties, mechanical properties, and morphological structure. The results show that surface modification of biofoam with AKD significantly effected its moisture content, density, water absorption capacity, and compressive strength. The addition of AKD externally as a sizing agent is able to reduce water absorption capacity by an average of 83.26% compared to biofoam without coating with AKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stem/progenitor cell‐mediated pulpal regeneration could represent a promising therapeutic alternative in the field of clinical endodontics. Aim: The present study aimed to systematically assess and meta‐analyse dental pulpal tissue regeneration, pulpal vitality and apical healing after the transplantation of stem/progenitor cells versus no transplantation. Data sources: MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL and EMBASE were searched up to January 2019 for animal experiments and human trials evaluating the pulpal transplantation of stem/progenitor cells. Cross‐referencing and hand search were additionally performed. Study eligibility criteria, participants and interventions: Based on randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials (CCTs), conducted in animals or humans, the effect of the transplantation of stem/progenitor cells compared to no transplantation on pulpal tissue regeneration, pulpal vitality and apical healing was examined. Study appraisal and synthesis methods: The primary outcome was histologically determined pulpal tissue regeneration, whilst pulpal vitality and apical healing were secondary outcomes. The SYstematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) guidelines and the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB 2.0) were used for risk‐of‐bias assessment. Pooled standardized differences in means (SDM) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using random‐effects meta‐analyses. Results: From 2834 identified articles, eight animal experiments (82 animals with 336 experimental pulpal defects) and one human trial (40 humans with 40 pulpal defects) were included. Risk of bias of most animal studies was high, whilst the human trial revealed 'some concerns'. Stem/progenitor cell‐transplanted pulps demonstrated significantly increased pulpal tissue regeneration compared with controls (SDM [95%CI]: 6.29 [3.78–8.80]). Limitations: Data on pulpal vitality and apical healing were sparse and inconsistent. Heterogeneity across studies was substantial, publication bias was present, and mainly indirect, surrogate outcome measures were applied. The overall strength of evidence was very low. Conclusions and implications of key findings: The transplanation of stem/progenitor cells shows promise for pulp regeneration, whilst clinical routine application is still not in reach. Further investigations, employing a comprehensive set of outcomes including those demonstrating functional pulp regeneration relevant for patient‐centred care, are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Phenolic compounds, vitamin C, and the antioxidant activity of wasted parts of citrus (orange, lemon, and grapefruit) fruits were investigated. Ethanolic extracts from whole fruit, peel, and pulp containing seeds of each type of citruses were prepared. Within each type of citrus, results revealed that peels contained a higher amount of phenolic compound, flavonoids, vitamin C, and antioxidant activity than those of their inner wasted parts (pulp and seeds). Peels of grapefruit had the highest total phenolic content followed by lemon and orange, which was found to be 77.3, 49.8, and 35.6 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g of peels, respectively. In contrast, orange peels contain the highest amount of flavonoids (83.3 mg of catechin equivalent/g) and vitamin C (110.4 mg/100 g) compared to the peels of the other citrus fruit used in this study. In general, the high content of antioxidant capacity and activity of citrus waste, particularly the peels, indicated that they may impart health and nutritional benefit when involving in the food industry as a natural antioxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: S100 calcium‐binding protein A1 (S100A12) is a pro‐inflammatory molecule which is secreted during inflammation and induces chemotaxis and the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines via interaction with receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) and subsequent, activation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB). The present study was designed to determine the expression levels of S100A12, RAGE, and NF‐κB in the inflamed pulp of carried teeth. Methods: In the present study, mRNA from 50 inflamed pulp and 50 healthy pulp were used for expression studies using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The expression levels of S100A12, RAGE, and NF‐κB were compared between inflamed and healthy tissues. Results: The results revealed that the expression of S100A12, but not of RAGE or NF‐κB, was significantly decreased in inflamed pulp when compared to healthy pulp. mRNA levels of RAGE were also increased in the inflamed pulp taken from men when compared with women. Conclusion: The results suggest that S100A12 does not participate in the induction of inflammation in dental pulp. However, RAGE can participate in the inflammation in the pulp of males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baobab ( Adansonia digitata L.) is an indigenous fruit tree associated with the Savannah drylands of sub-Saharan Africa. Local communities mainly utilize the leaves, pulp, and seeds of baobab as a source of food and for income generation. The present study was conducted to determine the nutritive attributes of baobab fruit pulp and seeds across provenances in east, west, and southern Africa and to determine whether the nutrient content varied with the provenance of origin. Pulp and seed proximate composition and mineral element concentration were determined using the AOAC 1984 methods and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy ( ICP- AES), respectively. The results showed that there exist significant variation ( p < .05) in pulp moisture, protein, fiber, ash, and elemental content among provenances. The highest mean pulp crude fiber (8.68 g 100 g−1 dw) was recorded in Kenya. At country level, Malawi had the highest mean pulp potassium (22.2 mg g−1), calcium (4,300 mg kg−1), magnesium (2,300 mg kg−1), sodium (1,000 mg kg−1), and phosphorus (1,100 mg kg−1) levels. Kenya had the highest mean pulp iron (57.4 μg g−1) and manganese (27.2 μg g−1) content, while Mali had the lowest iron (13.1 μg g−1) and manganese (8.6 μg g−1). At country level, the mean seed calcium content was highest (3,200 mg kg−1) in Malawi and lowest (2,000 mg kg−1) in Kenya. The highest mean iron content of 63.7 μg g−1 was recorded in seeds from Kenya, while the lowest (25.8 μg g−1) was in Mali. Baobab seed mineral and proximate content varied significantly ( p < .001) among the selected countries. Overall, baobab fruit pulp and seeds contain significant amounts of nutritionally essential minerals and proximate components but the amounts varied significantly among the selected countries. This variation offers opportunities for selecting provenances to concentrate on during germplasm collection for conservation and domestication of baobab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bleached NBSK (Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft) pulp was fractionated using a pilot pressure screen. Then the fractionated fibres were characterized using a Fibre Quality Analyzer (FQA) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). It was found that the mean fibre length and width significantly decreased after fractionation. Aspect ratio (length divided by width) of the fractionated fibres was lower than NBSK fibres. The SEM analysis indicated that the diameter of the NBSK fibres was in the range of 100 to 200 μm, while the fractionated fibre diameters were found to be 10 to 40 nm. The fibre length of the fractions varied from a few hundred nanometres to a few micrometres. The fractionated fibres were incorporated into sodium alginate-based biodegradable films during solution casting. It was found that the fractionated fibres significantly improved the mechanical properties of the sodium alginate films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the changes in cell density and morphology of selected cells of the ageing human dental pulp.Background: Changes in cell density and morphology of dental pulp cells over time may affect their capability to respond to tooth injury.Materials and Methods: One hundred thirty-one extracted teeth were obtained from individuals between the ages of 6 and 80 years. The apical 1/3 of the root region was removed from all teeth prior to routine processing for producing histological slides. The histology slides were used to study the changes in cell density and morphology of selected pulp cells; odontoblasts, subodontoblasts and fibroblasts in the crown and root regions of the dental pulp. Student's t-test and one-way anova were used for statistical analyses.Results: In all age groups, the cell density for all types of cells was found to be higher in the crown than in the root (p < 0.05). In general, the pulp cell density was found to decrease with age in both the crown and root regions. However, it was noted that the reduction of coronal odontoblasts occurred later in life (40-49 years) when compared to that of subodontoblasts or fibroblasts (30-39 years).Conclusions: The density of the coronal pulp cells reduces and these cells undergo morphological changes with ageing of individuals and this may affect the pulp's ability to resist tooth injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we explore the current state of specific corporate responsibility practices in the global forest sector. We compare the motivations for the leading forest industry companies to invest in certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), and in the ISO 14001 environmental management system. For the empirical investigation, we use quantitative survey data collected from 60 of the world's leading forestry companies. This study's empirical results indicate that incentives for adopting forest certification are more often external rather than internal, and more market driven than regulation driven, which would suggest the dominance of extrinsic motivation. The results also indicate that the adoption of ISO 14001 certification represents a reactive strategic approach, emphasizing customer satisfaction as a key motivation. Motivations differ depending on the firm's business sector and the geographical location of its headquarters. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus fruit processing industries produce a vast quantity of waste materials as peel and pulp that are not handled properly. In present study, waste generated from citrus has been used for extraction of cellulose and nanocellulose. The aggregated cellulose, derived after alkaline treatment, was acid hydrolysed; resulted in reduction of the size of cellulose fibre. The cellulose showed amorphous structure revealed by X‐ray diffraction analysis. Scanning electron microscopy analysis explained densely packed structure of nanocellulose. High magnification revealed break points in cellulose fibre due to acidic treatment; looked like carbon nanotubes. The simple solubility test demonstrated that different solvents had different effects on the dissolution of nanocellulose. The study reveals that citrus peel is also a good candidate of cellulose that can be utilised for different applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amino acid profile of the Synsepalum dulcificum berry was studied. Among the essential amino acid observed, leucine (2.35 g/100 g protein) was the highest while methionine (0.31 g/100 g protein) was the lowest. The nonessential amino acids were also discovered, with glutamic acid (3.43 g/100 g protein) being the highest and glycine (0.38 g/100 g protein), the lowest. The study of the oxidizable vitamins revealed that vitamin C (1.33 mg/100 g) was more abundant than vitamin A (2.54 µg) and vitamin E (0.78 mg/100 g). This information will hopefully enhance the fruits acceptability by more people and thus, generally promote its utilization and appreciation in our diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determined the influence of pulp maceration and β-glucosidase on mango wine physico-chemical properties and volatile profiles. The distinction in p H, sugars and organic acids among different treatments was not statistically significant. All wine samples reached around 8% (v/v) ethanol from about 16% (w/v) of sugars. The wine with pulp contact contained about ten times higher α-terpinolene and up to three times higher acetate esters than the wine without pulp contact, but mitigated the production of medium-chain fatty acids and relative ethyl esters by up to six times. β-glucosidase enhanced terpenols by up to ten times and acetate esters by up to three times. Furthermore, enzyme treatment mitigated, by up to five times, the formation of medium-chain fatty acids and ethyl esters to moderate levels. Sensory evaluation showed pulp contact, and β-glucosidase not only improved the intensity and complexity of wine aroma but balanced odour attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Gap junctions play an important role in differentiation of odontoblasts. Gap junction protein, connexin 43 is expressed in odontoblast. However, the detailed localization in odontoblasts has yet to be fully investigated. We investigated the localization of connexin43 in rat odontoblasts immuno-electron microscopically. The rats were transcardially fixed with 1% paraformaldehyde in 0.1M phosphate buffer, and mandibles were decalcified with 10% ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid. Pre-embedding method was carried out for immuno-electron microscopic analysis. Microscopically, gap junctions were localized between bodies of odontoblasts, and between bodies and processes of odontoblasts. The gap junctions were labeled with gold particles that indicated connexin43. These results suggest that gap junctions between odontoblasts are definitely composed of connexin43 in rats, and our methods used in this study is useful to investigate localization of connexin43 immuno-electron microscopically. Microsc. Res. Tech., 76:988-991, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To summarize the collective in vitro, in vivo and clinical evidence of the involvement of the receptor activator of NF-κ B ligand ( RANKL)-osteoprotegerin ( OPG) system, a system of two molecules controlling osteoclast differentiation and hard-tissue resorption, in pulpal and periapical pathophysiology. Methodology A systematic search related to RANKL and/or OPG and pulp or periapical disease was conducted on Medline, Biosis, Cochrane, Embase and Web of Science databases using keywords and controlled vocabulary. No language restriction was applied. Two independent reviewers first screened titles and abstracts and then the full texts that were initially included. The reference lists of the identified publications were examined for additional titles. Results A total of 33 papers were identified. In vitro studies ( N = 11) revealed that pulpal cells can be stimulated by various inflammatory agents to produce RANKL, whilst many studies did not consider the RANKL/ OPG ratio. Animal studies ( N = 9) mostly focused on the time course and development of periapical lesions in relation to the RANKL- OPG system. Levels of RANKL and OPG in the necrotizing pulp were not investigated. Human studies ( N = 13) showed a steady-state expression of OPG in the odontoblast layer. Conflicting results have been reported regarding the role of RANKL in active apical periodontitis, again because the correlation of this molecule with its inhibitor ( OPG) was often disregarded. Conclusions There is relatively little information currently available that would highlight the specific role of RANKL and OPG in pulpal and periapical disease. OPG may play a protective role against internal resorption, whilst an increased periapical RANKL/ OPG ratio might indicate bone resorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim Thermal decoupling results from the differential effect of temperature on the many components of biological systems from molecular to ecosystem scales. We tested the hypotheses that elevated temperature decouples berry sensory traits, and that this effect is cultivar-dependent. Methods and Results We assessed 20 sensory traits in berries from a factorial field experiment combining two temperature regimes (elevated temperature and control) and four cultivars ( Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Semillon and Shiraz) over two thermally contrasting seasons in the Barossa Valley. The thermal response had two elements: offset, which accounts for the average advancement (or delay) across traits, and decoupling, which measures the scatter in the response of the different traits. Large decoupling was generally associated with large offset (e.g. Cabernet Franc), but large decoupling was also observed with minor offset (e.g. Semillon). Two types of decoupling were identified: decoupling mostly driven by differential response between seed and other berry components, and decoupling with a dominant variation in traits within berry parts. Conclusion Elevated temperature decoupled berry sensory traits, and this effect was cultivar- and season-dependent. Significance of the Study Awareness of the magnitude and type of decoupling would likely contribute to viticultural and winemaking adaptations in warmer regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medium optimization was carried out to enhance laccase production from a novel Rheinheimera species, isolated from industrial effluent. Out of the 15 variables tested by Placket-Burman design (PBD)-yeast extract, soyabean meal, and peptone were the positively significant ones, enhancing laccase production. Both simple and complex sugars showed a negative effect on laccase production. Central composite design (CCD) of experiments, using the three positively significant variables in combinations, showed that laccase production was not affected by molar carbon, molar nitrogen levels or molar C/ N ratio. Maximum laccase yield of 2.5 × 105 nkat L−1, 31 fold enhancement over the unoptimized medium, was achieved when soyabean meal (0.6%) was used alone as medium showing that laccase production was substrate dependent. Laccase was used, in the presence of 2 mM ABTS, for the biobleaching of eucalyptus kraft pulp resulting in kappa number reduction by 20% and brightness increase by 2.9%. Biobleaching improved further by sequential application of an alkalophilic xylanase (X) and laccase-ABTS system (LAS) that decreased kappa number by 10, 15, and 35%, increased brightness by 2.7, 3.2, and 5.9% as compared to X treated, LAS treated and untreated control, respectively. XLAS treatment resulted in 15, 13, 10.9% increase in burst factor, tear factor, and viscosity with a 20% reduced consumption of elemental chlorine and hypochlorite. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smith JG, Smith AJ, Shelton RM, Cooper PR. Antibacterial activity of dentine and pulp extracellular matrix extracts. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 749-755, 2012. Abstract Aim To determine whether extracellular matrix (ECM) preparations from pulp (pECM) and dentine (dECM) possess antimicrobial activity. Methodology Dentine and pulp ECM preparations were isolated with 10% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), pH 7.2 and sequential use of 0.5 mol L−1 NaCl, pH 11.7 and 0.1 mol L−1 tartaric acid, pH 2.0, respectively, with protease inhibitor inclusion throughout. Antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus oralis and Enterococcus faecalis was assessed using turbidity as a measure of bacteria growth. The cytotoxicity of the extracts on primary pulp cells was also determined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Statistical analysis of data was performed using paired student's t-tests. Results Extracellular matrix extracts from the pulp and dentine showed antibacterial activity against three types of anaerobic bacteria associated with dental disease ( P < 0.05). The ECM extracts demonstrated no significant cytotoxic effect on pulpal cells at the concentrations used for antibacterial activity. Conclusions The bacteriostatic antibacterial activity of pECM and dECM indicates that the release of these matrix molecules from pulp and dentine may contribute to defence responses during dental disease, treatment and repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laurent P, Camps J, About I. Biodentine™ induces TGF- β1 release from human pulp cells and early dental pulp mineralization. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 439-448, 2012. Abstract Aim To assess the ability of a recently developed tricalcium silicate-based cement (Biodentine™) to induce reparative dentine synthesis and to investigate its capacity to modulate pulp cells TGF- β1 secretion. Methodology Biodentine™ was directly applied onto the dental pulp in an entire human tooth culture model. After various culture periods, the interaction of the material with dental pulp tissue was analysed on tissue sections. The effect of increasing surface area of this material on TGF- β1 secretion was investigated on pulp cell cultures and compared with that of MTA, calcium hydroxide and Xeno®III adhesive resin. After performing artificial injuries on pulp cell cultures, the materials eluates were added for 24 h and then TGF- β1 secretion was quantified by ELISA. Controls were performed by incubating intact cells with the culture medium, while injured cells TGF- β1 level was used as the baseline value. Results Biodentine™ induced mineralized foci formation early after its application. The mineralization appeared under the form of osteodentine and expressed markers of odontoblasts. Biodentine™ significantly increased TGF- β1 secretion from pulp cells ( P < 0.03) independently of the contact surface increase. This increase was also observed with calcium hydroxide and MTA, but not with the resinous Xeno®III. The statistical analysis showed statistically significant differences between capping materials and the resinous Xeno®III ( P < 0.001). Conclusions When Biodentine™ was applied directly onto the pulp, it induced an early form of reparative dentine synthesis, probably due to a modulation of pulp cell TGF- β1 secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jafarzadeh H, Abbott PV. Review of pulp sensibility tests. Part Ι: general information and thermal tests. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 738–762, 2010. A major, and essential, part of the diagnostic process for pulp disease is the use of pulp sensibility tests. When diagnosing pulp pain, these tests can be used to reproduce the symptoms reported by the patient to diagnose the diseased tooth as well as the disease state. However, a major shortcoming with these tests is that they only indirectly provide an indication of the state of the pulp by measuring a neural response rather than the vascular supply, so both false positive and false negative results can occur. The relevant literature on pulp sensibility tests in the context of endodontics up to January 2009 was reviewed using PubMed and MEDLINE database searches. This search identified papers published between November 1964 and January 2009 in all languages. Thermal tests have been used as an integral part of dental examinations. Two types of thermal tests are available, one uses a cold stimulus and the other uses a hot stimulus, and each has various methods of delivery. If these tests are used properly, injury to the pulp is highly unlikely. A review of the literature regarding the rationale, indications, limitations, and interpretation of thermal tests, the value of these diagnostic tests, as well as a discussion of the important points about each of these tests is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ansari G, Ranjpour M. Mineral trioxide aggregate and formocresol pulpotomy of primary teeth: a 2-year follow-up. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 413–418, 2010. Aim To compare the clinical and radiographic response of primary teeth to vital pulpotomy using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or formocresol (FC). Methodology A group of 17 children aged 4–9 were selected from those referred to the Paedodontic Department at Shahid Beheshti University, Dental School. Cases with at least two matching teeth were selected (40 teeth), showing signs of pulp involvement. A pulpotomy procedure was carried out in all cases with FC in control teeth whilst MTA was placed in experimental teeth. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at 1-, 6-, 12- and 24-month recall. Statistical analysis using a Fischer exact test was performed on the data to determine significant differences between the groups. Results Overall, 22 second and 18 first primary molars were included. The gender ratio was one male to three female. No significant difference was found between the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the two groups at 6-, 12- and 24-month follow-up ( P > 0.05). Internal resorption was seen significantly more often in FC cases after 12 months than MTA cases. Overall radiographic appearance of normal structures at 24th month was seen in more than 95% of the cases in MTA and 90% in the FC-treated group ( P > 0.05). Conclusion Mineral trioxide aggregate for pulp treatment of primary teeth can be considered a replacement for FC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To determine the prevalence of pulp stones in a group of patients using radiographs, and to assess any associations with age, gender, systemic diseases, tooth type, jaw, caries, restorations, impacted third molars and dental anomalies including dens invaginatus, taurodontism, dens evaginatus and microdontia. Methodology A total of 519 patients were selected randomly amongst patients referred to Oral Diagnosis and Radiology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Ankara University. After clinical inspection, full-mouth periapical radiographs were obtained. An oral radiologist examined the radiographs to identify pulp stones. Frequency distribution of teeth with pulp stones was calculated and statistical analysis was performed with chi-square test. Results Of the patients, 313 (60%) were female and 206 (40%) were male. Sixty (12%) had one or more teeth that contained pulp stones. Amongst the 13 474 teeth examined radiographically, 627 (5%) had pulp stones. There was no significant association between pulp stone occurrence and gender or systemic diseases. As age increased, the prevalence of pulp stones increased ( P < 0.01). Molars had statistically more pulp stones than premolars and incisors ( P < 0.001). Frequencies in both maxillary and mandibular jaw were similar. There was no association between pulp stones and impacted third molars, caries, restorations or dental anomalies. Conclusions The prevalence of pulp stones increased with age and was significantly higher in molar teeth than premolars and incisors. There was no significant association between pulp stones and gender, systemic diseases, impacted third molars, condition of the crown and dental anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To compare oncostatin M (OSM) expression in clinically healthy and inflamed specimened human pulp tissue. Methodology Thirty pulpal tissue specimens (15 clinically healthy and 15 inflamed) were obtained from extracted third molars with informed consent from patients. The levels of OSM were compared between clinically healthy pulp and inflamed pulp tissues using the semi-quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. In addition, immunohistochemistry was used to identify the in situ localization of OSM expression in pulp specimens. For testing of differences in the OSM between the clinically healthy and inflamed human dental pulps, the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney rank sum test was applied. Differences in OSM expression between tissue with low and high levels of inflammation were subsequently analysed by Fisher’s exact test. Results Inflamed pulps exhibited significantly higher OSM mRNA gene expression than clinically healthy pulps ( P < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that OSM expression was significantly higher in inflamed than clinically healthy pulps ( P < 0.05). OSM staining was detected in odontoblasts, fibroblasts, inflammatory infiltrates and endothelial cells. Conclusions Oncostatin M expression was elevated in inflamed pulp tissue. OSM is potentially involved in the disease process of pulpal inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular supply is the most accurate marker of pulp vitality. Tests for assessing vascular supply that rely on the passage of light through a tooth have been considered as possible methods for detecting pulp vitality. Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), which is a noninvasive, objective, painless, semi-quantitative method, has been shown to be reliable for measuring pulpal blood flow. The relevant literature on LDF in the context of endodontics up to March 2008 was reviewed using PubMed and MEDLINE database searches. This search identified papers published between June 1983 and March 2008. Laser light is transmitted to the pulp by means of a fibre optic probe. Scattered light from moving red blood cells will be frequency-shifted whilst that from the static tissue remains unshifted. The reflected light, composed of Doppler-shifted and unshifted light, is returned by afferent fibres and a signal is produced. This technique has been successfully employed for estimating pulpal vitality in adults and children, differential diagnosis of apical radiolucencies (on the basis of pulp vitality), examining the reactions to pharmacological agents or electrical and thermal stimulation, and monitoring of pulpal responses to orthodontic procedures and traumatic injuries. Assessments may be highly susceptible to environmental and technique-related factors. Nonpulpal signals, principally from periodontal blood flow, may contaminate the signal. Because this test produces no noxious stimuli, apprehensive or distressed patients accept it more readily than current methods of pulp vitality assessment. A review of the literature and a discussion of the application of this system in endodontics are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Watershed characteristics, study streams, sample sites, mills, and mill effluents are provided for 4 streams included in a long-term study to assess potential effects of pulp and paper mill effluents on US receiving waters. The study streams are Codorus Creek (Pennsylvania, USA), Leaf River (Mississippi, USA) and McKenzie and Willamette rivers (Oregon, USA) and were chosen to represent a blend of mill process types, effluent concentrations, and coldwater/warmwater stream systems. The described effluent quality, water quality, and habitat data sets encompass the initial 7 to 8 y of a study anticipated to continue >10 y and provide a backdrop to a series of articles describing periphyton, macroinvertebrate, and fish community properties in these same streams. The mean in-stream waste concentration (IWC) for these 4 effluent discharges was 32.4%, 2.0%, 0.5%, and 0.2% v/v for Codorus Creek and Leaf, McKenzie, and Willamette rivers, respectively, as compared with a median of 0.4% for US mills. Effluent quality measurements included Selenastrum capricornutum, Ceriodaphnia dubia, and Pimephales promelas chronic bioassays as sanctioned by the US Environmental Protection Agency for estimating effluent effects on receiving-water aquatic communities. Based on mean bioassay inhibition concentration for a 25% effect and on mean IWC, a margin of safety against adverse biological effects of 2, 25, 137, and 150 times was indicated for Codorus Creek and Leaf, McKenzie, and Willamette rivers, respectively. Habitat and water quality assessment was carried out over a gradient of sample sites above and below the effluent discharge to determine nonmill-related conditions that might interfere with interpretation of effluent effects. Noneffluent related localized differences in conditions for some parameters, including current velocity (McKenzie River), and surface incident photosynthetically active radiation (Codorus Creek and Willamette River) occurred at the sample stations immediately upstream or downstream of the effluent discharge. In addition, broader watershed differences were evident on Codorus Creek, where a relatively rich riparian corridor and stream structure occurred upstream in contrast to areas of canopy and stream-structure loss in the downstream urban area. The mill effluent discharges contributed to increases in receiving-water color and conductivity, although upstream tributaries contributed additional conductivity to Codorus Creek and color to the Leaf River. The McKenzie River provided the only example of a nutrient increase immediately downstream of a mill discharge. This increase in total nitrogen (0.11 vs 0.16 mg/L) could not, however, be differentiated with respect to whether it was of mill effluent or tributary stream origin. Tributary streams were potentially important total nitrogen contributors on Codorus Creek and the Willamette River. As an integrated study, the effluent quality and physical/chemical watershed descriptions provided here represent 1 component of the broader study addressing potential point-source effluent effects within the context of the larger watershed and a multiyear timescale. The absence of effluent-related in-stream chemical/physical responses, other than increases in conductivity and color, and a considerable bioassay-based margin of safety, provides for a working hypothesis that there will be no effluent-related biological population/community responses from these 4 mill discharges. This hypothesis, as it relates to periphyton, macroinvertebrate, and fish communities, will be addressed in other articles in this series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To use immunocytochemistry for determining the expression of HCN1, HCN2 and HCN3 (three subunits of the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated current channel) in rodent trigeminal ganglia (TG) that innervate healthy teeth and determine if expression of HCN subunits is increased in TG following pulp exposure. Methodology Pulps were exposed in right maxillary incisors of male Sprague-Dawley rats. After fixation, TG were removed, cryostat sectioned, and immunocytochemistry was utilized to study the expression of HCN1-3 subunits. Immunoreactivity of individual neurons from the maxillary region of the TG was determined with ImageJ software. Differences in the number immunopositive neurons amongst groups were tested for statistical significance with either a Yates or Pearson’s chi-square or Fisher’s exact probability tests depending on neuron sample size. Differences in the intensity of immunoreactivity between groups were tested for statistical significance with a Student’s t-test. Results The majority of TG neurons were immunopositive for HCN1-3. Moreover, statistically significant increases in the number of TG neurons immunopositive for HCN1 and the intensity of HCN1-3 immunoreactivity were observed within hours of exposing the tooth pulp. Conclusions HCN1-3 expression, as determined by immunocytochemistry, is increased within hours after injury. Given that Ih can facilitate neuronal excitability, results of the current study suggest that antagonists to HCN1-3 subunits could work as analgesics in the alleviation of orofacial pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To determine the effect of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibition on periapical lesion formation in a rat model. Methodology The pulp chambers of mandibular fist molars of adult SD rats were exposed to be infected by oral microbes. The experimental group was fed 20 mg kg−1 MMP-inhibitor chemically modified tetracycline-3 (CMT-3) daily in an oral gavage and the controls were fed the vehicle. After 2 and 4 weeks, the mandibles ( n = 10 in both groups at both times) were radiographed, decalcified and subjected to histological analysis. Extension of necrosis in first molar distal root canals was measured from the histological sections, and periapical lesion sizes in the same roots were determined from radiographs and histological sections. Mann–Whitney U-test was used for the statistical analysis. Results There was a statistically significant difference in the extension of necrosis in root canals between 2 and 4 weeks in the control group ( P < 0.05), but not with MMP inhibition. Radiographically, MMP inhibition increased the periapical lesion size by 70% and 34% after 2 and 4 weeks respectively ( P < 0.05 in after 2 weeks). In histological measurements, lesion size increased with MMP inhibition by 26% and 8% after 2 and 4 weeks respectively. Conclusions MMP inhibition affects pulpal and periapical inflammation, increasing the rate of spreading of necrosis in root canals and the rate of periapical lesion formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since only a few data have been published concerning the effects of resinous dental materials on the pulp–dentin complex, the aim of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of resin‐based materials applied as liners in deep cavities prepared in human teeth. Methods: After preparing class V cavities, the following dental materials were applied on the axial walls: group 1, Vitrebond™ (VIT; 3M ESPE); group 2, Ultra‐Blend® Plus™ (UBP; Untradent); and group 3, Clearfil™ SE Bond (CSEB; Kuraray). In group 4 (control), the hard‐setting calcium hydroxide cement Dycal (CH; Caulk/Dentsply) was used. The teeth extracted at 7 days or between 30 and 85 days after the clinical procedures were processed for histological evaluation. Results: For all the experimental and control groups, most of specimens exhibited no pulpal response or slight inflammatory reaction associated with slight tissue disorganization at 7‐day period. Moderate inflammatory pulpal response occurred only in one tooth (RDT = 262 μm) of group 3 in which transdentinal diffusion of resin components was observed. Conclusion: The resin‐based dental cements VIT and UBP as well as the bonding agent CSEB presented acceptable biocompatibility when applied in deep cavities prepared in sound human teeth. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dentine–pulp complex displays exquisite regenerative potential in response to injury. The postnatal dental pulp contains a variety of potential progenitor/stem cells, which may participate in dental regeneration. A population of multipotent mesenchymal progenitor cells known as dental pulp stem cells with high proliferative potential for self-renewal has been described and may be important to the regenerative capacity of the tissue. The nature of the progenitor/stem cell populations in the pulp is of importance in understanding their potentialities and development of isolation or recruitment strategies, and allowing exploitation of their use in regeneration and tissue engineering. Various strategies will be required to ensure not only effective isolation of these cells, but also controlled signalling of their differentiation and regulation of secretory behaviour. Characterization of these cells and determination of their potentialities in terms of specificity of regenerative response will form the foundation for development of new clinical treatment modalities, whether involving directed recruitment of the cells and seeding of stem cells at sites of injury for regeneration or use of the stem cells with appropriate scaffolds for tissue engineering solutions. Such approaches will provide an innovative and novel biologically based new generation of clinical treatments for dental disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remodelling of the periodontium after application of mechanical forces constitutes the basis of clinical orthodontics and various immunoregulatory molecules are involved in this process. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the cytokines interleukin-1 α (IL-1 α) and tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α) in dental tissues during the early phases of orthodontic tooth movement. Eightteen male Wistar rats were used. All maxillary right first molars were moved orthodontically, with a force of 0.5 N, for 3 h, 1 d, and 3 d. The contralateral sides served as untreated controls. Parasagittal sections of the maxillary molars and the surrounding tissues were subjected to immunohistochemical staining for IL-1 α or TNF- α, and were evaluated with light microscopy. IL-1 α and TNF- α were expressed in the bone and periodontal ligament (PDL) along the roots of the orthodontically moved molars and in the gingiva. Increased expression of both cytokines was observed in the aforementioned areas after 1 and 3 d of tooth movement. The pulp tissue exhibited only minor changes in cytokine expression during tooth movement. The results suggest that mechanical stress results in almost immediate inflammatory reactions in various dental tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: The aim of this in vivo study was to evaluate the response of the pulp-dentin complex following application of resin-modified glass-ionomer cement, calcium hydroxide hard-setting cement and EDTA-soluble preparation of dentine matrix proteins (ESDP) in deep cavities prepared in non-human primate teeth. Methods: Eighteen deep Class V buccal cavities were prepared in premolars of four capuccin monkeys. In Groups 1 and 2, the cavity floor was lined with ESDP or a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (Vitrebond - 3M ESPE), respectively. In Group 3 (control), the cavity was lined with a hard setting calcium hydroxide cement (Dycal - Dentsply). The cavities were subsequently filled with amalgam. After 6 months, the animals were sacrificed and the teeth were prepared for microscopic assessment. Six-micron thick serial sections were stained with H/E, Masson's trichrome and Brown & Brenn techniques. Results: No inflammatory pulpal response was observed for all experimental and control Groups. However, the amount of reactionary dentin deposition differed between groups in the rank order ESDP (Group 1) > calcium hydroxide (Group 3) > resin-modified glass-ionomer (Group 2). These differences were statistically significant. Conclusions: All materials were biocompatible when applied in deep cavities. ESDP stimulated higher deposition of reactionary dentin matrix than Vitrebond and Dycal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cDNA library was constructed and characterized from the pulp of Cara Cara navel orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) at different stages of ripening. Tittering results revealed that approximately 5.086 × 105 independent clones were included in this library. Electrophoresis gel results of 15 randomly selected clones revealed that the size of the insertion fragments ranged from 400 bp to 2 kb, with an average size of 900 bp. Sequencing results of 150 randomly picked clones showed that the recombination rate was 94%. During subsequent sequence analysis, 41 of 139 clones failed to be identified and the amino sequence of 71 clones shared less than 30% identity with related plants in GenBank. Of 27 clones whose amino sequences shared more than 60% identity with other related plants in GenBank, 17 clones showed an 80% identity with the corresponding candidate genes of citrus. The clone recognized as the type III metallothionein-like (MT) gene was observed to occur 13 times, indicating that the protein may play an important role in fruit development and ripening. (Managing editor: Li-Hui Zhao) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study was a histological examination of pulp tissue exposed to Carisolv ‘new gel’ after 1 to 28 days. Methods: An occlusal cavity was prepared in 64 caries-free molar teeth of 16 Wistar rats. The roofs of the pulp chambers were perforated and Carisolv ‘new gel’ solution was placed onto the exposed pulps of 32 molar teeth for 20 minutes. Thirty-two contralateral molar teeth served as controls and were coated with an inert liquid containing isotonic saline solution and carmellose for 20 minutes as well. The pulps of all teeth were capped with Ca(OH)2 and the cavities were filled with a flowable composite in combination with a self-etching dentine adhesive. The animals were sacrificed after 1, 3, 7 and 28 days. Eight teeth per group and the tune period were histologically examined, scored, and statistically evaluated (Wilcoxon-test). Results: The results showed no statistically significant differences between the Carisolv group and the control group (p>0.05). The observed pulp reaction was essentially the same as those reported in the past being typical for the effect of calcium hydroxide as a direct pulp capping agent. Conclusion: Compared to Ca(OH)2, Carisolv ‘new gel’ did not cause any different or additional pulp reaction in healthy teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complementary DNA (cDNA) microarray and two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis, combined with mass spectrometry, enable simultaneous analysis of expression patterns of thousands of genes, but their use in pulp biology has been limited. Here we compared gene and protein expression of pulp tissues from sound and carious human teeth using cDNA microarray and 2-D gel electrophoresis to evaluate their usefulness in pulp biology research and to identify the genes with changes in carious teeth. The cDNA microarray revealed several differentially expressed genes and genes with a high expression in both tissues. These genes have various functions, e.g. effects on vascular and nerve structures, inflammation, and cell differentiation. Variability between cDNA hybridizations indicates that the overall gene expression pattern may vary significantly between individual teeth. The 2-D gel electrophoresis revealed no change between healthy and diseased tissue. The identification of 96 proteins in the pulp tissue revealed none of the gene products with corresponding high/different mRNA expression in cDNA microarray. Interestingly, we detected also a hypothetical protein (putative nucleoside diphosphate kinase), and present therefore the first evidence for the existence of this protein. Even though the methods reveal potentially important gene expression, they may currently have only limited value in in vivo pulp biology research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Krage TL, Stiefel A, Stephan BM, Zimmer S, Lambrichts I, Raab WH-M. Microhardness changes in dentine after neonatal capsaicin application. International Endodontic Journal, 38, 570–574, 2005. To determine if desensitization of the nociceptive innervation in the dental pulp has an effect on odontoblast function in the rat. Neonatal systemic application of capsaicin was used to selectively eliminate nociceptive innervation. 12 capsaicin-treated rats were intravitally perfused at 150 days of life with 4% formaldehyde and jaws were prepared for Vicker's microhardness (VMH) measurement. As a control, 12 rats were injected with vehicle on the 3rd day of life and intravital perfusion was carried out exactly as those used for the experimental group. Immunohistological labeling of CGRP was carried out in both groups to assure the efficiency of desensitization in the experimental group. The VMH was measured in the incisors of each animal for a quantitative analysis of dentine quality. Vicker's microhardness was significantly higher in the control rats compared with the capsaicin-treated rats ( P < 0.001). Neonatal systemic application of capsaicin produces changes in the quality of dentine in the rat over time and therefore it is suggestive that selective elimination of the nociceptive innervation in pulpal tissue may effect odontoblast function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huang F-M, Tsai C-H, Chen Y-J, Liu C-M, Chou M-Y, Chang Y-C.Upregulation of tissue-type plasminogen activator in inflamed human dental pulps.International Endodontic Journal,38, 328–333, 2005.To compare tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) expression in normal human pulp and inflamed human pulp tissue specimens.Thirty pulpal tissue specimens (13 normal and 17 inflamed pulps) were obtained from extracted third molars. The levels of t-PA between normal pulp and inflamed pulp tissues were compared using the quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis. In addition, immunohistochemistry was used to identify thein situlocalization of t-PA expression in pulp specimens. Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney rank sum test was applied for the statistical analysis of the results.t-PA mRNA gene was found more in inflamed pulps when compared with normal pulp tissue (P < 0.05). The results from immunohistochemistry demonstrated that t-PA expression was significantly higher in the inflamed pulp (P = 0.025). t-PA stain was detected in the fibroblasts, inflammatory infiltrates and endothelial cells.t-PA expression was significantly higher in inflamed pulp tissue. t-PA may play an important role in the pathogenesis of pulpal inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]