Evaluation of Structural and Compositional Changes on the Root Surface Exposed to Diode Laser (810 nm): An In?vitro Study

Background: The laser therapy has been used as an adjuvant for conventional periodontal disease as they exhibit a bactericidal effect on scaling and root planning by its thermal and photo disruptive effects on the pathogens. This study focuses on the structural and compositional changes induced on the root surfaces of teeth following diode laser (DL) application with increasing quantum of exposure time. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the structural and compositional changes on the root surface of extracted human permanent teeth after application of DLs (810 nm) with varying time interval. Materials and Methods: Twenty samples of single?rooted periodontally compromised extracted teeth were utilized for this study. Root planning was done and the roughness caused by the instrumentation was measured using profilometric analysis. Then, the samples were divided into four groups, with DL application time: Group 1 – laser application for 15 s, Group 2 – laser application for 30 s, Group 3 – laser application for 45 s, and Group 4 – laser application for 60 s. A scanning electron microscope was used to examine the cemental surface and energy?dispersive X?ray analysis software assesses the compositional changes of the teeth in each group. Results: This study reveals that on exposure of DL (810 nm) on the root surface when time of exposure increases, there were relative increases in surface irregularities and charring. There were significant changes in the chemical composition of the tooth surface.

A New Centrifugation Method for the Improvement of Platelet-rich Fibrin Products: A Preliminary Study.

Introduction: Nowadays, there are many articles about Platelet Rich Plasma/Platelet Rich Fibrin families. A novel platelet-rich product called titanium prepared platelet-rich fibrin (T-PRF) has stronger and thicker fibrin than that of the classic glass tube prepared platelet-rich fibrin. Strong fibrin structure is important to extend the time for resorption of fibrin in-vivo, and increase the release time of growth factors. Objective: In this preliminary study of a new centrifugation method, we aimed to change the direction of fibrin formation during the platelet aggregation, and make T-PRF much denser and more resistant. According to our hypothesis, it can make it possible to use in guided bone, and guided tissue regeneration more successfully. Methods: Blood samples of 10 healthy male volunteers were collected, and four 10ml blood samples, one for each of four groups, were transferred to a Ti tube from each volunteer. The first group was centrifuged for a 20-minute period clockwise (T-PRF group), and the other groups were centrifuged for a total of 20 minutes with two-minute (2min MT-PRF group), five-minute (5 min MT-PRF group), and ten-minute (10min MT-PRF group) periods clockwise and counter-clockwise. Results: By hematoxylin and eosin stain, the 10min MT-PRF group showed a better-organized network with continuous integrity compared to the other groups. With the immunofluorescent staining, fibrin seemed thicker and better organized in the 10 min MT-PRF group. SEM examination showed more complex and denser fibrin clusters in the 10 min MT-PRF group than the other groups. Conclusion: This pilot study defines 10 min MT-PRF as a new autogenous product with superior fibrin network. Our results showed that, fibrin formation was made more organised and denser with 2-way direction centrifugation.

In vitro study of dentin hypersensitivity treated with Nd:YAG laser / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT:Objective To observe the structural changes of dentin irradiated with Nd:YAG laser under dif-ferent parameters and the changes of calcium-phosphorus ration,and evaluate the optimal parameters of Nd:YAG laser in treating dentin hypersensitivity (DH).Methods The model of dentin hypersensitivity was established by acid etching method.Samples were irradiated with Nd:YAG laser under different parameters.The morphological alterations of the dentin surfaces and Ca-P ratio were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM)combined with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis.Results Compared with those in the control group,dentinal tubules could be blocked partially or totally with no cracks in A-C (30 mj,5 Hz),(30 mj,10 Hz)and (50 mj,5 Hz)groups. Dentinal tubules could be entirely blocked but with cracks in D (50 mj,10 Hz)and E (80 mj,5 Hz)groups.Dentin was carbonized in F (80 mj,10 Hz)group.Compared with that in the control group,Ca-P ratio was decreased sig-nificantly (P <0.05).Conclusion The suitable energy parameter of Nd:YAG laser in treating dentin hypersensi-tivity is (30 mj,10 Hz)and (50 mj,5 Hz).

Morphological and micromorphological characteristics of Desmodium fruits (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae)

The genus Desmodium is represented in Santa Catarina State, Brazil, by 13 species, all with lomentaceous fruits. Shape, size and isthmus margin of loments vary, while the surface is glabrous, or covered by trichomes of different types. Morphological diversity of trichomes becomes particularly relevant to taxonomic description. The trichome types present on the surface of Desmodium fruits provide data for the identification and classification of species in the State. To assess this, three fruits of each species were collected and deposited at two herbaria, HBR and FLOR, in Santa Catarina, Brazil. Some rehydrated samples were examined using light microscopy (LM); and some sections were exposed to the following histochemical reagents: Sudan III for oils and Thionine for mucilage. The structural aspects of trichomes can be classified into uni- or multicel- lular and may still be simple, i.e., nonglandular or glandular. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), five types of trichomes were identified and analyzed among the Desmodium species studied: uncinate, uniseriate, globose multicellular, globose unicellular and subulate. Characteristics, such as loment margin and article form, glabrescent or pillous indument, trichome type, with or without papillous epidermal cells and epicuticular striations, showed relevant diagnostic value. An identification key was developed for Desmodium species from Santa Catarina State, Brazil, based on macro and micromorphological characters of the fruit.

Características morfológicas y micromorfológicos de frutos Desmodium (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae). El género Desmodium está representado en Santa Catarina, Brasil, por 13 especies, todas con frutos lomentaceos. Los lomentos han tenido variación en forma, tamaño y características del margen del istmo, y la superficie es glabra o cubierta por tricomas de diferentes tipos. La diversidad morfológica de los tricomas se vuelve particularmente relevante para la descripción taxonómica. Los tipos de tri- comas presentes en la superficie de los frutos Desmodium, proporcionan datos para la identificación y clasificación de las especies en el Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Tres frutos de cada especie fueron recogidos y depositados en el Herbario (HBR y FLOR, Santa Catarina, Brasil). Algu- nas muestras fueron rehidratadas y examinadas usando microscopía de luz (LM), las secciones fueron expuestas a los siguientes reactivos histoquímicos: Sudan III para los aceites y Tionina para mucílago. Los aspectos estructurales de los tricomas se pueden clasificar en uni o multicelulares y pueden todavía ser simples, es decir, no glandular o glandular. Por medio del uso de la microscopía elec- trónica de barrido (SEM), cinco tipos de tricomas se han identificado y analizado entre las especies de Desmodium estudiadas: uncinado, uniseriado, globoso multicelular, globoso unicelular y subulado. Características como el margen del lomento y la forma del artículo, indumento glabrescente o piloso, tipo de tricomas con o sin células epidérmicas papilosas, y estrías epicuticulares mostraron valor de diagnóstico relevante. La clave de identificación fue desarrollada para especies de Desmodium del Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil, basado en caracteres macro y micromorfológicos del fruto.

Pyrolysis characteristics of radix rhizoma rhei, cortex moudan radicis, and radix sanguisorbae and correlations with the carbonizing process of Chinese herbs / 中国天然药物

AIM@#The aim of the work is to study the pyrolysis characteristics of radix rhizoma rhei, cortex moudan radicis, and radix sanguisorbae in an inert atmosphere of argon (Ar), and to investigate the mechanism of the carbonizing process of the three traditional Chinese herbs.@*METHODS@#The pyrolysis characteristics of the crude materials and their extracts were studied by thermogravimetry-mass spectrometry (TG-MS) in a carrier gas of argon, coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. Correlation of the pyrolysis behaviors with the carbonizing process by stir-frying of traditional Chinese medicines was made.@*RESULTS@#Within the temperature range of 200-300 °C, which is the testing range for the study of the carbonizing process of Chinese herbs, the temperatures indicated by the maximum weight loss rate peak of the above three extracts were taken as the upper-limit temperatures of the carbonizing process of the herbs, and which were 200, 240 and 247 °C for radix rhizoma rhei, cortex moudan radicis, and radix Sanguisorbae, respectively. The ion monitoring signal peaks detected by the TG-MS method corresponded with reports that the level of chemical components of traditional Chinese medicinal materials would decrease after the carbonizing process. It was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods that better results of "medicinal property preservation" could be obtained by heating at 200 °C for radix rhizoma rhei, at about 250 °C for cortex moudan radicis, and radix sanguisorbae, as the relative intensity values of the common peaks were among the middle of their three carbonized samples by programmed heating.@*CONCLUSION@#The upper-limit temperatures of the carbonizing process for radix rhizoma rhei, cortex moudan radicis and radix sanguisorbae were 200, 240 and 247 °C respectively. It is feasible to research the mechanism and technology of the carbonizing process of traditional Chinese medicinal materials using thermogravimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and scanning electron microscopy methods.

Saccharification of Sugarcane Bagasse by Enzymatic Treatment for bioethanol production

Aims: The escalating demands for traditional fossil fuels with unsecured deliverance and issues of climate change compel the researchers to develop alternative fuels like bioethanol. This study examines the prospect of biofuel production from high carbohydrate containing lignocellulosic material, e.g. sugarcane bagasse through biological means. Methodology and Results: Cellulolytic enzymes were collected from the culture filtrate of thermotolerant Trichoderma viride grown on variously pre-treated sugarcane bagasse. CMCase and FPase enzyme activities were determined as a measure of suitable substrate pre-treatment and optimum condition for cellulolytic enzyme production. The highest CMCase and FPase activity was found to be 1.217 U/ml and 0.109 U/ml respectively under the production conditions of 200 rpm, pH 4.0 and 50 °C using steamed NaOH treated bagasse as substrate. SEM was carried out to compare and confirm the activity of cellulolytic enzymes on sugarcane bagasse. Saccharification of pre-treated bagasse was carried out with crude enzymes together using a two-factor experimental design. Under optimized conditions the pre-treated bagasse was saccharified up to 42.7 % in 24 h. The hydrolysate was concentrated by heating to suitable concentration and then used for fermentation by an indigenous isolate of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. With 50 and 80 % brix containing liquor the concentration of alcohol was 0.579 % and 1.15 % respectively. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: This is the first report in Bangladesh for the production of cellulosic ethanol using local isolates. Though the rate of alcohol production was very low, a great impetus in this field can maximize the production thereby meet the demand for fuel in future.

Antibacterial properties and chemical characterization of the essential oils from summer savory extracted by microwave-assisted hydrodistillation

Antibacterial properties and chemical characterization of the essential oils from summer savory (Satureja hortensis) extracted by microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) were compared with those of the essential oils extracted using the traditional hydrodistillation (HD) method. While MAHD at 660 W required half as much time as HD needed, similar antibacterial efficacies were found from the essential oils obtained by the two extraction methods on two food pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, a gram positive bacterium, and Escherchia coli, a gram negative bacterium). Also, as it was the case with the essential oils extracted by HD, that of MAHD indicated greater influence on S. aureus than on E. coli. The compositions of the extracted essential oils were also studied using GC-MS analysis. The same components with negligible differences in their quantities were found in the extracted essential oils using the two methods outlined above. Overall, to reduce the extraction time, MAHD can be applied at higher microwave levels without any compromise in the antibacterial properties of the essential oils extracted.

Análisis a través de microscopía electrónica de barrido de dos dientes con tratamiento endodóncico sometidos a altas temperaturas: estudio piloto / Scanning electron microscopy analysis of two endodontically treated teeth subjected to high temperatures: a pilot study

Introducción: el objetivo fue describir los cambios físico-químicos que ocurren en los tejidos y materiales dentales empleados en un tratamiento endodóncico convencional, al ser sometidos a altas temperaturas, a través de microscopía electrónica de barrido (MEB). Métodos: in vitro, se sometieron dos dientes premolares humanos a 200 y 400 ºC respectivamente, con el fin de estandarizar una técnica para la observación de los cambios físicos y químicos en los tejidos dentales (esmalte y dentina) y de los materiales de uso odontológico empleados comúnmente en endodoncia (gutapercha y cemento endodóncico a base de resina epóxica). Resultados: tanto los tejidos como los materiales dentales observados en este estudio piloto, presentaron gran resistencia a las altas temperaturas sin variar considerablemente su macroestructura, de tal manera que los cambios físicos (estabilidad dimensional, fisuras, grietas, fracturas, textura, carbonización) y químicos (elementos químicos constituyentes) pueden llegar a ser identificables y asociarse a cada rango de temperatura específico através del análisis MEB y espectrofotométrico. Conclusiones: los tejidos y los materiales dentales presentan gran resistencia a la acciónde altas temperaturas sin alterar su macroestructura de forma significativa. Del mismo modo, presentan cambios físicos y químicos que pueden contribuir con el proceso de identificación de un cadáver o restos humanos quemados, incinerados o carbonizados.

Introduction: the objective of this study was to describe the physicochemical changes occurring in dental tissues andmaterials used in a conventional endodontic treatment when subjected to high temperatures, by means of scanning electron microscopy(SEM) Methods: in vitro, two human premolar teeth were subjected to temperatures of 200°C and 400°C respectively, with the purpose ofstandardizing a technique for the observation of physical and chemical changes in dental tissues (enamel and dentin) and dental materialscommonly used in endodontic treatment (root canal gutta-percha and epoxy resin-based endodontic cement). Results: both the tissues and the dental materials analyzed in this pilot study presented great resistance to high temperatures without significantly changing their macrostructure; therefore, the physical changes (dimensional stability, cracks, crevices, fractures, texture, carbonization) and the chemical ones (constituent chemical elements) may turn out to be identifiable and associated with each specific temperature range by means of SEM and spectrophotometric analysis. Conclusions: dental tissues and materials display great resistance to the action of high temperatures, without significantly altering their macrostructure. Similarly, they experience physical and chemical changes that may contribute to theprocess of identification of a corpse or human remains that have been burned, incinerated or charred.

Larval Gnathostoma hispidum detected in the red banded odd-tooth snake, Dinodon rufozonatum rufozonatum, from China

A total of 205 larval gnathostomes were collected from 18 (22.5%) of 80 red banded odd-tooth snakes, Dinodon rufozonatum rufozonatum, which had been smuggled from China and confiscated at Customs in Busan, Republic of Korea. In order to identify the species, some of the larvae were observed by a light microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The larvae were 2.18 x 0.29 mm in average size, and had a pair of lips at the anterior end, a muscular esophagus, 2 pairs of cervical sacs, and brownish intestines. The head bulb was characteristically equipped with 4 rows of hooklets; the average number of hooklets in each respective row was 38.6, 40.5, 41.5, and 43.7. In SEM views, the mouth evidenced a pair of lateral lips of equal size in a half-moon shape. Each lip featured a couple of labial papillae and a small amphid located between the 2 papillae. The hooklets on the head bulb had single-pointed, posteriorly-curved tips. The cuticular spines were larger and more densely distributed on the anterior part of the body, and decreased gradually in size and number toward the posterior body. On the basis of these morphological characteristics, the larvae were identified as the third stage larvae of Gnathostoma hispidum.

SEM observations on seeds of some herbaceous Phyllanthus L. species (Phyllanthaceae) / Observações de sementes de algumas espécies herbáceas de Phyllanthus L. (Phyllanthaceae) em MEV

Six medicinal herbaceous Phyllanthus L. (Phyllanthaceae) species, P. tenellus Roxb., P. niruri L., P. stipulatus (Raf.) Webster, P. urinaria L., P. caroliniensis Walt., and P. amarus Schum. & Thonn. are difficult to distinguish. In order to solve this problem, the ornamentation of the seed surfaces was analyzed by SEM (scanning electron microscopy). Differences between lateral, dorsal and ventral surfaces were observed. The seeds were cut into sections at different angles, exposing testa sculptures. Three types of surface ornamentation patterns were observed and they showed to be avaluable diagnostic.

Seis espécies herbáceas de Phyllanthus L. (P. tenellus Roxb., P. niruri L., P. stipulatus (Raf.) Webster, P. urinaria L., P. caroliniensis Walt. e P. amarus Schum. & Thonn.) mencionadas como medicinais apresentam dificuldades na identificação. Com o objetivo de auxiliar neste problema e determinar diferenças entre as espécies, o padrão de ornamentação das sementes foi estudado utilizando técnicas de microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). As sementes apresentaram ornamentação distinta, sendo observadas as superfícies laterais, dorsais e ventrais. As espécies puderam ser separadas em três tipos de ornamentação, que demonstraram importância como caractere diagnóstico para a sua separação.

THE VASCULAR ARCHITECTURE OF THE ADRENAL GLAND IN THE FETUSES AND NEWBORNS / 解剖学报

The blood vessels of the adrenal gland of 28 fetuses and newborns were studied in this work. Three methods, the injection replication of the microvasculature for scanning electron microscopy, the injection of ink for light microscope and lead latex injection for gross anatomy, have been used. The superior, middle and inferior arteries of the adrenal gland originate from the inferior phrenic artery, abdominal aorta and renal artery respectively. They branch into fin- er arteries when they reach the surface of the gland and run through the capsule of the gland. The finer arteries divide into branches beneath the capsula of the gland. Some of the ultimate branches divide into capillaries and form the subcapsular plexus proper. Others enter directly into the adrenal cortex and medulla separately. They are named the cortical arteries and medullary arteries. Looped cortical arteries run into the cortex from subcapsular plexus, and return to the subcapsular plexus and supply it with blood. We call them the "V" type arteries. The subcapsular plexus gives off numerous capillaries that form the adult cortical capillary plexus which supplies, in turn, the fetal cortex capillaries with blood. The cortical arteries give off the capillaries to supply blood to the fetal cortex. These two kinds of the capillaries form the fetal cortical capillary plexus. In the middle of the fetal cortex the capillaries converge into small veins which run centripetally. Some of them form the first order branch of the central vein. Others break up into the capillaries near the central region. These capillaries converge into the small venous channels which drain into the central vein. This form of vessels is named the "portal vessels". Medullary cells migrating in the cortex are supplied with blood by the medullary arteries proper. The small veins converge gradually to form a treelike pattern and finally drain into the central vein which emerges as the adrenal vein on the anterior surface of the gland. The right adrenal vein drains into the vena cava inferior and the left one into the renal vein. Adrenal arteries are accompanied by the corresponding veins. The superior adrenal vein drains toward the inferior phrenic vein. The middle adrenal vein drains into the adrenal vein, and the inferior one into the renal vein.