Crop residues represent more than half of the world’s agricultural phytomass. Residual biomass, from agriculture or forestry, can be converted into synthesis gas (syngas) to generate energy ...(electrical or thermal) or chemicals. The paper uses eco-efficiency as a tool to compare these two options. A basis of 1000 kg/hour of residual pecan nut shell residue was considered to estimate the material flow of chemicals that can be produced, as well as the power that can be generated through residual biomass gasification. This study compares two alternate routes: (1) gasification with air, which renders a gas stream with hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane and other hydrocarbons, as well as nitrogen; and (2) gasification with steam, where a residual biomass amount is used as fuel, rendering a gas stream like the first route, but without nitrogen. The eco-efficiency index shows that a decrease of environmental influence leads to a high output material flow for the alternative process with higher economic values, thus a higher proportion of input raw materials can be transformed into chemical products. The paper highlights that eco-efficiency can be used as a decision-making tool to choose between transformation processes by combining scientific and technical issues with economic ones. This can help to move towards a better and more sustainable use of natural resources through the utilisation of residual biomass.
•Agricultural residual biomass can be used to produce energy or chemicals.•Eco-efficiency is used as a tool to choose between two process alternatives.•Air and steam processes were analysed to produce synthesis gas.•Sales revenue and raw material transformation were used as basis for analysis.•Eco-efficiency can be helpful to choose between transformation processes.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
Aim
To evaluate in a laboratory setting the effects of Endosequence BC Sealer HiFlow (Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA, USA), a novel calcium silicate‐based sealer developed for use in warm canal filling ...techniques, on human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs).
Methodology
Eluates of EndoSequence BC Sealer HiFlow (BCHiF) (Brasseler USA), EndoSequence BC Sealer (BCS) (Brasseler USA) and AH Plus (AHP) (Dentsply DeTrey GmbH, Konstanz, Germany) were placed in contact with hPDLSCs. The characterization of the chemical elements of the root canal sealers was assessed using scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (SEM‐EDX). Inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) was used to determine the ion release of the sealers. MTT assay and wound healing techniques were used to determine cell viability and migration, respectively. Cell morphology and cell attachment were assessed using a direct contact technique of hPDLSCs onto the surface of the sealers and analysed by SEM. The bioactivity potential was carried out with the Alizarin Red and qPCR testing methods. The statistical differences were evaluated using one‐way anova and Tukey’s test (P < 0.05).
Results
ICP‐MS and EDX revealed significantly more zirconium in BCHiF than BCS (P < 0.05), whereas BCS had slightly higher levels of Ca2+ than BCHiF (P < 0.05). The cell viability assay revealed no relevant differences between BCS and BCHiF when compared with the control group (P > 0.05). Both BCS and BCHiF had similar rates of cell migration to the control group at 24 and 48 h. Cell morphology and adhesion capacity were also similar for BCS and BCHiF groups, whilst the AHP group was associated with reduced adhesion capacity. The Alizarin Red assay revealed a significant difference between the BCS and the control group (P < 0.001), as well as for the BCHiF group (P < 0.001). Finally, BCS and BCHiF promoted overexpression of osteo/cementogenic genes.
Conclusions
In general, EndoSequence BC Sealer HiFlow possesses suitable biological properties to be safely used as a root canal filling material and promote increased expression of oste/cementogenic genes by hPDLSCs.
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BFBNIB, CMK, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Several dynamical properties of electromagnetic waves such as energy, momentum, angular momentum, and optical helicity have been recently reexamined in dispersive and lossless media. Here, we address ...an alternative derivation for the optical chirality, extending it so as to include dissipative effects as well. To this end, we first elaborate on the most complete form of the conservation law for the optical chirality, without any restrictions on the nature of the medium. As a result we find a general expression for the optical chirality density both in lossless and lossy dispersive media. Our definition is perfectly consistent with that originally introduced for electromagnetic fields in free space, and is applicable to any material system, including dielectrics, plasmonic nanostructures, and left-handed metamaterials.
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CMK, CTK, FMFMET, IJS, NUK, PNG, UL, UM
Aim
To evaluate the biological effects in vitro of MTA‐Angelus (MTA‐Ang; Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brazil), MTA Repair HP (MTA‐HP; Angelus) and NeoMTA Plus (NeoMTA‐P; Avalon Biomed Inc, Bradenton, FL, ...USA) on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs).
Methodology
Cell viability and cell migration assays were performed using eluates of each material. To evaluate cell morphology and cell attachment to the different materials, hDPSCs were directly seeded onto the material surfaces and analysed by immunocytofluorescence and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The chemical composition of the materials was determined by energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX), and eluates were analysed by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). Statistical analysis was performed with the analysis of variance and Bonferroni or Tukey post‐test (α < 0.05).
Results
Undiluted MTA‐Ang, MTA‐HP and NeoMTA‐P displayed a significant increase in cell viability greater than that obtained using complete medium alone (control) (*P < 0.05; **P < 0.01; ***P < 0.001). Moreover, a cell migration assay revealed cell migration rates after incubation with extracts of MTA‐Ang, MTA‐HP and NeoMTA‐P that were similar to levels obtained in the control group. In addition, stretched cytoskeletal F‐actin fibres were detected in the cells treated with the three material extracts. SEM studies revealed a high degree of cell proliferation and attachment on all three materials. EDX analysis demonstrated similar weight percentages of C, O and Ca in all three materials, whilst other elements such as Al, Si and S were also found.
Conclusions
MTA‐Ang, MTA‐HP and NeoMTA‐P were associated with biological effects on hDPSCs in terms of cell proliferation, morphology, migration and attachment.
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BFBNIB, CMK, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
During the last two decades, many higher education institutions have become involved in embedding sustainable development into their academic systems. The research for this paper was built upon ...discussions on declarations, charters, and other initiatives designed to commit their institutions to education for sustainable development. It analyses if such commitment leads to more sustainable development implementation within the academic institution. The research was performed using a survey, based upon a literature review of 60 peer-reviewed papers. The survey was divided into eight categories: background; institutional framework; campus operations; education; research; outreach and collaboration; on-campus experiences; and assessment and reporting. The survey was answered by 84 respondents from 70 institutions, worldwide. The responses were analysed via descriptive analysis, grounded theory, and inferential statistics. The results revealed that there were many examples of sustainable development implementation throughout the system; however, generally the efforts tended to be compartmentalised. The analyses also highlighted strong linkages between the institution's commitment to sustainability, implementation, and signing a declaration, charter, or initiative. The findings suggested that academic leadership's commitment was a leading cause for signing a declaration, charter, or initiative, and implementing sustainable development. The research team provided recommendations for higher educational leaders, including acknowledge that the higher education institution system is comprised of several inter-related elements; commit to sustainability by integrating it into policies and strategies; show the commitment by signing a declaration, charter, or initiative; establish short-, medium-, and long-term plans for its institutionalisation; and ensure that sustainable development is implemented throughout the system.
•A literature review was done to explore SD implementation in HEIs.•A survey was developed to explore SD commitment and implementation in practice.•The survey was answered by respondents from 70 HEIs.•The results showed strong links between SD commitment and implementation.•Most SD efforts were not holistically integrated throughout the HEI system.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
In regenerative dentistry, stem cell-based therapy often requires a scaffold to deliver cells and/or growth factors to the injured site. Graphene oxide (GO) and silk fibroin (SF) are promising ...biomaterials for tissue engineering as they are both non toxic and promote cell proliferation. On the other hand, periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are mesenchymal stem cells readily accessible with a promising use in cell therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of composite films of GO, SF and GO combined with fibroin in the mesenchymal phenotype, viability, adhesion and proliferation rate of PDLSCs. PDLSCs obtained from healthy extracted teeth were cultured on GO, SF or combination of GO and SF films up to 10 days. Adhesion level of PDSCs on the different biomaterials were evaluated after 12 h of culture, whereas proliferation rate of cells was assessed using the MTT assay. Level of apoptosis was determined using Annexin-V and 7-AAD and mesenchymal markers expression of PDLSCs were analyzed by flow cytometry. At day 7 of culture, MTT experiments showed a high rate of proliferation of PDLSCs growing on GO films compared to the other tested biomaterials, although it was slightly lower than in plastic (control). However PDLSCs growing in fibroin or GO plus fibroin films showed a discrete proliferation. Importantly, at day 10 of culture it was observed a significant increase in PDLSCs proliferation rate in GO films compared to plastic (
P
< 0.05), as well as in GO plus fibroin compared to fibroin alone (
P
< 0.001). Flow cytometry analysis showed that culture of PDLSCs in fibroin, GO or GO plus fibroin films did not significantly alter the level of expression of the mesenchymal markers CD73, CD90 or CD105 up to 168 h, being the cell viability in GO even better than obtained in plastic. Our findings suggest that the combination of human dental stem cells/fibroin/GO based-bioengineered constructs have strong potential for their therapeutic use in regenerative dentistry.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Regarded as a promising alternative to spatially shaping matter, time-varying media can be seized to control and manipulate wave phenomena, including thermal radiation. Here, based upon the framework ...of macroscopic quantum electrodynamics, we elaborate a comprehensive quantum theoretical formulation that lies the basis for investigating thermal emission effects in time-modulated media. Our theory unveils unique physical features brought about by time-varying media: nontrivial correlations between fluctuating electromagnetic currents at different frequencies and positions, thermal radiation overcoming the black-body spectrum, and quantum vacuum amplification effects at finite temperature. We illustrate how these features lead to striking phenomena and innovative thermal emitters, specifically, showing that the time-modulation releases strong field fluctuations confined within epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) bodies, and that, in turn, it enables a narrowband (partially coherent) emission spanning the whole range of wavevectors, from near to far-field regimes.
Aim
To evaluate the biocompatibility of three calcium silicate‐based endodontic sealers, Bioroot BC Sealer (Septodont, Saint‐Maur‐des‐Fosses, France), Endoseal MTA (EndoSeal, Maruchi, Seoul, Korea) ...and Nano‐ceramic Sealer (B&L Biotech, Fairfax, VA, USA) (NCS), on human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs).
Methodology
Human periodontal ligament stem cells were cultured in the presence of various endodontic sealer eluates for 24 h. Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay. Cell death and changes in phenotype induced by the set endodontic sealer eluates were evaluated through flow cytometry. Also, an in vitro scratch wound‐healing model was used to determine their effects in cell migration. Finally, to assess cell morphology and attachment to the different sealers, hPDLSCs were directly seeded onto the material surfaces and analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). One‐way analysis of variance (anova) followed by a Bonferroni post‐test was performed (P < 0.05).
Results
At 24 h, cell spreading was evident in the presence of Bioroot BC Sealer (BR) and Nano‐ceramic Sealer (NCS), but not Endoseal MTA (ES). At 72 h, BR and NCS exhibited high and moderate cell proliferation, respectively, whereas ES revealed low rates of cell proliferation (P < 0.05). Similar results were obtained in a cell death assay. In addition, hPDLSCs maintained their mesenchymal phenotype in all conditions although their capacity to migrate was higher in the presence of BR. Finally, SEM studies revealed a good degree of proliferation, cell spreading and attachment, especially when using BR and NCS discs.
Conclusions
BR and NCS were associated with better cytocompatibility than ES. Further in vitro and in vivo investigations are required to confirm the suitability of these calcium silicate‐based endodontic sealers for clinical application.
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BFBNIB, CMK, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Aims
To investigate the cytotoxicity and bioactivity of several pulpotomy materials: Biodentine (Septodont, Saint‐Maur‐des‐Fosses, France) MTA (Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brazil), Theracal LC (Bisco ...Inc., Schamburg, IL, USA) and IRM (Dentsply DeTrey GmbH, Konstanz, Germany), after contact with stem cells isolated from human exfoliated primary teeth (SHEDs).
Methodology
SHEDs were cultured in the presence of the eluates of various pulpotomy materials for 24, 48 and 72 h. Cell viability was determined by mitochondrial dehydrogenase enzymatic (MTT) assay. Apoptosis and changes in cell phenotype were evaluated by flow cytometry. Also, an in vitro scratch wound‐healing assay was used to determine their effects on cell migration. To assess cell morphology and attachment to the different pulpotomy materials, SHEDs were directly seeded onto the material surfaces and analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, the deposition of a calcified matrix in presence of these materials was verified by Alizarin Red staining. Statistical analysis was performed with analysis of variance and Bonferroni or Tukey post‐test (α = 0.05).
Results
Cell viability in the presence of Biodentine eluates was significantly higher to that obtained using complete medium alone (control; P < 0.01) and was also significantly higher than using MTA Angelus from 48 h of incubation (P < 0.01). However, Theracal LC and IRM were associated with low rates of cell viability (P < 0.001). Similar results were obtained in an apoptosis assay. In addition, SHEDs maintained their mesenchymal phenotype in all conditions although their capacity to migrate was higher in the presence of Biodentine. SEM studies revealed a suitable proliferation rate, cell spreading and attachment, especially when using Biodentine and MTA Angelus discs. Finally, Biodentine eluates significantly induced calcified matrix deposition from 7 days of culture (P < 0.01).
Conclusions
Biodentine exhibited better cytocompatibility and bioactivity than MTA Angelus, Theracal LC and IRM.
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BFBNIB, CMK, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of MTA Repair HP, NeoMTA Plus, and Biodentine, new bioactive materials used for dental pulp capping, on human dental pulp stem ...cells (hDPSCs).
Biological testing was carried out in vitro on hDPSCs. Cell viability and cell migration assays were performed using eluates of each capping material. To evaluate cell morphology and cell attachment to the different materials, hDPSCs were directly seeded onto the material surfaces and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The chemical composition of the pulp-capping materials was determined by energy-dispersive X-ray and eluates were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Statistical differences were assessed by analysis of variance and Tukey test (P < .05).
Cell viability was moderate after 24 and 48 hours in the presence of MTA Repair HP and NeoMTA Plus, whereas at 48 and 72 hours, Biodentine showed higher rates of cell viability than MTA Repair HP and NeoMTA Plus (P < .001). A cell migration assay revealed adequate cell migration rates for MTA Repair HP and NeoMTA Plus, both similar to the control group rates, meanwhile the highest cell migration rate was observed in the presence of Biodentine (P < .001). Scanning electron microscope studies showed a high degree of cell proliferation and adhesion on Biodentine disks but moderate rates on MTA Repair HP and NeoMTA Plus disks. Energy-dispersive X-ray pointed to similar weight percentages of C, O, and Ca in all 3 materials, whereas other elements such as Al, Si, and S were also found.
The new pulp-capping materials MTA Repair HP, NeoMTA Plus, and Biodentine showed a suitable degree of cytocompatibility with hDPSCs, and good cell migration rates, although Biodentine showed higher rates of proliferation time-dependent.
•Results of this work suggest that hDPSCs show suitable biological response in terms of cell viability, cell proliferation, and cell migration when in contact with extracts from NeoMTA Plus, MTA Repair HP, and Biodentine.•NeoMTA Plus and MTA Repair HP exhibited similar cytocompatibility and cell attachment with hDPSCs, whereas Biodentine promotes higher proliferation rates, cell migration, and cell attachment.•Further in vitro and in vivo investigations are required to contrast these results and to prove suitable clinical applications of NeoMTA Plus and MTA Repair HP.
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