Trace and minor elements play crucial roles in a variety of biological processes, including amyloid fibrils formation. Mechanisms include activation or inhibition of enzymatic reactions, competition between elements and metal proteins for binding positions, also changes to the permeability of cellular membranes. These may influence carcinogenic processes, with trace and minor element concentrations in normal and amyloid tissues potentially aiding in cancer diagnosis and etiology. With the analytical capability of the spectroscopic technique X-ray fluorescence (XRF), this can be used to detect and quantify the presence of elements in amyloid characterization, two of the trace elements known to be associated with amyloid fibrils. In present work, involving samples from a total of 22 subjects, samples of normal and amyloid-containing tissues of heart, kidney, thyroid, and other tissue organs were obtained, analyzed via energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). The elemental distribution of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), arsenic (As), and iron (Fe) was examined in both normal and amyloidogenic tissues using perpetual thin slices. In amyloidogenic tissues the levels of K, Ca, and Fe were found to be less than in corresponding normal tissues. Moreover, the presence of As was only observed in amyloidogenic samples; in a few cases in which there was an absence of As, amyloid samples were found to contain Fe. Analysis of arsenic in amyloid plaques has previously been difficult, often producing contradictory results. Using the present EDXRF facility we could distinguish between amyloidogenic and normal samples, with potential correlations in respect of the presence or concentration of specific elements.
To incorporate different concentrations of Al2O9Zr3 (1%, 5%, and 10%) nanoparticles (NP) into the ER adhesive and subsequently assess the impact of this addition on the degree of conversion, μTBS, and antimicrobial efficacy. The current research involved a wide-ranging examination that merged various investigative techniques, including the application of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface characterization of NP coupled with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, μTBS testing, and microbial analysis. Teeth were divided into four groups based on the application of modified and unmodified three-step ER adhesive primer. Group 1 (0% Al2O9Zr3 NPs) Control, Group 2 (1% Al2O9Zr3 NPs), Group 3 (5% Al2O9Zr3 NPs), and Group 4 (10% Al2O9Zr3 NPs). EDX analysis of Al2O9Zr3 NPs was performed showing elemental distribution in synthesized NPs. Zirconium (Zr), Aluminum (Al), and Oxides (O2). After primer application, an assessment of the survival rate of Streptococcus mutans was completed. The FTIR spectra were analyzed to observe the characteristic peaks indicating the conversion of double bonds, both before and after the curing process, for the adhesive Etch and rinse containing 1,5,10 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs. μTBS and failure mode assessment were performed using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) and stereomicroscope respectively. The μTBS and S.mutans survival rates comparison among different groups was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc (p = .05). Group 4 (10 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive) specimens exhibited the minimum survival of S.mutans (0.11 ± 0.02 CFU/mL). Nonetheless, Group 1 (0 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive) displayed the maximum surviving S.mutans (0.52 ± 0.08 CFU/mL). Moreover, Group 2 (1 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive) (21.22 ± 0.73 MPa) samples displayed highest μTBS. However, the bond strength was weakest in Group 1 (0 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive) (14.13 ± 0.32 MPa) study samples. The etch-and-rinse adhesive exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity and micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS) when 1% Al2O9Zr3 NPs was incorporated, as opposed to the control group. Nevertheless, the incorporation of Al2O9Zr3 NPs led to a decrease in DC. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: 10 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive specimens exhibited the minimum survival of S.mutans. 1 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive samples displayed the most strong composite/CAD bond. The highest DC was observed in Group 1: 0 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive.