Comparative morphology of eggs of Rhodnius domesticus Neiva & Pinto, Rhodnius neglectus Lent and Rhodnius prolixus Stål (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae).

Rhodnius species are potential vectors of the etiological agent of Chagas disease (CD), the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. CD impacts around seven million people in Latin America, resulting in approximately fourteen thousand deaths per year. Several species of Rhodnius are notable not only for their epidemiological relevance, but also for the challenging distinction between their species. Rhodnius has twenty species, each with its specific epidemiological importance. Rhodnius neglectus and Rhodnius prolixus are found with colonies in domiciliary environments. The observation of eggs in human dwellings signals the colonization process of these insects, increasing the risk of contamination of the population, since correct identification of eggs is necessary to help more effective vector control programs. Here we highlight diagnostic characters of eggs for these three species.

Natural history and morphology of immature stages of Tolype medialis (Jones, 1912) (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae: Macromphaliinae).

Lasiocampidae belongs to superfamily Lasiocampoidea and contains more than a thousand species nearly distributed worldwide. Despite the great species richness and wide distribution, this group has internal phylogenetic relationships still little explored and with few studies on the morphology and biology of its immatures. This study describes the immature stages of the neotropical species Tolype medialis (Jones, 1912), focusing on the morphology and natural history. The eggs of T. medialis are oviposited freely inside a conical structure, and the larvae showed gregarious behavior in all instars. The seventh and eighth instar bear a pair of abdominal rounded flattened reddish brown glands on the segments A1, A2, A7, and A8 that produce a wax-like secretion that covers the pupae and the internal walls of the cocoon. In order to add information to the Lasiocampidae family, we compare and discuss these and other traits from the morphology and natural history of T. medialis immatures.

Avaliação das características de superfície e variação de massa de diferentes tipos de resina após escovação simulada / Evaluation of surface characteristics and mass variation of different types of resin after simulated toothbrushing

Introdução: O aumento da exigência estética pelos pacientes e o contínuo desenvolvimento de materiais - tais como resinas bulk fill de alta e baixa viscosidade e flow, demanda uma crescente necessidade de estudos nesta área para avaliar as propriedades dos materiais quando submetidos ao desgaste ocasionado pela escovação dentária ao longo do tempo. Objetivo: Avaliar as características superficiais de restaurações antes e após o processo de escovação simulada e comparar os resultados entre os mesmos. Materiais e métodos: Foram confeccionados ao total 80 corpos de prova (7x4mm), sendo 20 para cada tipo de resina utilizada, na cor A1: Bulk Fill One (3M/ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA), Bulk Fill Flow (3M/ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA), Z350XT (3M/ESPE St. Paul, MN, USA) e Z350XT Flow (3M/ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA). Após a confecção, os corpos de prova permaneceram por 24 horas imersos em água destilada em estufa a 37°C, momento no qual foi realizado o acabamento e polimento com a sequência de discos de lixa Praxis (TDV, Brasil). Metade dos corpos de prova foi submetida a 60,000 ciclos de escovação simulada, enquanto a outra metade foi o grupo controle (n=10). A superfície das restaurações foi avaliada por meio do Microscópio Eletrônico de Varredura (MEV), rugosidade superficial (Ra) e variação de massa (através de pesagem) das restaurações antes e após o processo de escovação simulada. Para análise estatística, foi utilizada a análise de variância ANOVA dois fatores e pós teste de Tukey. Resultados: Na análise feita pelo MEV, em amplificação de 500x, foi observada a protuberância de partículas médias e pequenas em todas as resinas após a escovação simulada, com exceção da resina de tipo Z350 flow. Todos os materiais apresentaram aumento da Ra após a escovação simulada. Com relação a variação de massa, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa. Conclusão: O processo abrasivo ocasionado pela escovação leva a mudanças na disposição das partículas, o que ocasiona mudanças na superfície do material e aumento na rugosidade. Por outro lado, não foi demonstrada diferença com relação a variação de massa (AU).

Introduction: The increasing of the aesthetic exigency by the patients and the continual development of materials ­ such as bulk fill and flow composites, demands a crescent need of studies on this area to evaluate the properties of the materials when submitted to the wear occasioned by toothbrushing abrasion over time. Objective: To evaluate the surface characteristics of restorations performed before and after the process of simulated toothbrushing and to compare the results between the composites. Materials and methods: In total, 80 samples were made (7x4mm), being 20 to each type of resin utilized, color A1: Bulk Fill One (3M/ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA), Bulk Fill Flow (3M/ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA), Z350XT (3M/ESPE St. Paul, MN, USA) and Z350XT Flow (3M/ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA). After the confection of the specimens, the samples were immersed in distilled water for 24 hours and stored at 37°C in stove, moment that was performed the finishing and polishing with the sequence of sandpaper discs (TDV, Brasil). Half of the specimens was submitted to 60,000 cycles of simulated toothbrushing, meanwhile the other half was the control group (n=10). The surface of the restorations was evaluated through Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), surface roughness (Ra), and weight loss (through measurements), in two moments: before and after the process of simulated toothbrushing. To the statistical analysis, it was used the variance analysis ANOVA two factors and Tukey's post test. Results: In the analysis performed by SEM, in amplification of 500x, it was observed the presence of medium and small protruding particles in all resins tested after simulated toothbrushing, with exception of the resin Z350 flow. All materials presented increasing on Ra after simulated toothbrushing. Regarding to mass variation, there was not any significant statistical difference. Conclusion: The abrasive process occasioned by toothbrushing leads to changes on the particles disposition, which causes changes on the surface and increase on the roughness. On the other hand, there was not any difference regarding to mass variation (AU).

A systematic study on 33 gallbladder stones resembling adult Clonorchis sinensis worms.

Limited studies provide direct evidence of Clonorchis sinensis adults in the early stage of gallbladder stone formation. Our current research systematically studied 33 gallbladder stones resembling adult worms and shed light on the definite connection of C. sinensis infection with concomitant cholelithiasis. A total of 33 gallbladder stones resembling adult C. sinensis worms were systematically analysed. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray energy spectrometry were used to analyse the composition and microstructure. Meanwhile, a histopathological examination of the stone was carried out. The 33 gallbladder stones resembling adult C. sinensis worms included nine calcium carbonate (CaCO3) stones, 12 bilirubinate stones and 12 mixed stones. Clonorchis sinensis eggs were found in 30 cases, including all CaCO3 and mixed stones. Parasite tissues were detected in 12 cases, which were mainly CaCO3 stones or bilirubinate-CaCO3 mixed stones. The outer layer of stones was wrapped with 12.88% calcium salt, as revealed by X-ray energy spectrometry, while surprisingly, many C. sinensis eggs were found in the inner part of these stones. Based on our current findings, we concluded that calcification and packaging occurred after C. sinensis adult entrance into the gallbladder, subsequently leading to the early formation of CaCO3 or bilirubinate-CaCO3 mixed gallbladder stones. This discovery highlights definite evidence for C. sinensis infection causing gallbladder stones.

Subulura eliseae sp. n. (Ascaridida: Subuluroidea), a parasite of Marmosa spp. from Amazon rainforest, Brazil.

The parasite biodiversity of mouse opossums in Brazil remains incompletely explored. We describe a new species of Subulura (Ascaridida: Subuluroidea) from the large intestine of the white-bellied woolly mouse opossum, Marmosa constantiae, based on the results of light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We also partially sequenced the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (MT-CO1) gene of the new species, using molecular phylogenetic analyses to determine its relationships within the Subuluroidea superfamily. As molecular data on subuluroid species are extremely limited, few inferences could be drawn from our phylogenies. Our SEM observations showed the detailed morphology of the cephalic extremity, precloacal pseudo-sucker, caudal papillae, phasmids and vulva. Subulura eliseae sp. n. differs from the other four Subulura parasites species of marsupials by the number of caudal papillae and the structure dimensions, and size of the spicule. Moreover, S. eliseae sp. n. has ten pairs of caudal papillae, which is unique compared to other species. We present morphometric and molecular data on this new species, contributing to future studies on subuluroids.

Integrative Taxonomy Reveals Molicola uncinatus and Gymnorhynchus gigas (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha) Coinfection in the Atlantic Pomfret Brama brama From the Mediterranean Sea, With Notes on the Phylogenetic Position of G. gigas Within the Family Gymnorhynchidae.

The cestode family Gymnorhynchidae Dollfus, 1935 (Trypanorhyncha) comprises three genera and six valid species that are typically intestinal parasites of large pelagic sharks. Members of Gymnorhynchidae show a wide geographic distribution and represent a global sanitary concern because as larvae they infect the edible flesh of several commercially important fishes with some species having allergenic potential. Larval Gymnorhynchidae collected from the muscles of the Atlantic pomfret Brama brama from various localities in the Mediterranean Sea were identified and characterized by combining traditional morphology, scanning electronic microscopy, and molecular analyses using newly generated nuclear 18S and 28S rRNA sequences. Overall, 98 larvae were collected from 20 (100%) Atlantic pomfrets (intensity of infection: 4.9; range: 1-12). High-quality sequences were obtained for 54 larvae. Of these, 11 and 43 larvae were identified as Molicola uncinatus and Gymnorhynchus gigas, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis showed the existence of three main clades within Gymnorhynchidae. The first included species of G. gigas and M. uncinatus from the Mediterranean and Atlantic; the second and third major clades included an unidentified species of Molicola from the Indian Ocean and specimens of Gymnorhynchus isuri from the Mediterranean and Atlantic, respectively. Finally, Chimaerarhynchus rougetae was the basal and most diverging taxon. The phylogenetic analysis suggested that G. gigas is more closely related to the members of Molicola. We demonstrated the coinfection of M. uncinatus and G. gigas from all localities studied and extended the intermediate hosts and geographical range of M. uncinatus by including the Atlantic pomfret and the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas, respectively. The present results supported the previous proposal that G. gigas and Molicola species should be included in the same genus. Our study demonstrated the usefulness of the integrative taxonomy for the unequivocal recognition of larval trypanorhynch species, resolving the current difficulties in the taxonomy, and elucidating the poorly known ecological and biological aspects of members of Gymnorhynchidae.

Development of hydroxyapatite-coated nonwovens for efficient isolation of somatic stem cells from adipose tissues.

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are an attractive cell source for cell therapy. Despite the increasing number of clinical applications, the methodology for ASC isolation is not optimized for every individual. In this study, we developed an effective material to stabilize explant cultures from small-fragment adipose tissues. Methods: Polypropylene/polyethylene nonwoven sheets were coated with hydroxyapatite (HA) particles. Adipose fragments were then placed on these sheets, and their ability to trap tissue was monitored during explant culture. The yield and properties of the cells were compared to those of cells isolated by conventional collagenase digestion. Results: Hydroxyapatite-coated nonwovens immediately trapped adipose fragments when placed on the sheets. The adhesion was stable even in culture media, leading to cell migration and proliferation from the tissue along with the nonwoven fibers. A higher fiber density further enhanced cell growth. Although cells on nonwoven explants could not be fully collected with cell dissociation enzymes, the cell yield was significantly higher than that of conventional monolayer culture without impacting stem cell properties. Conclusions: Hydroxyapatite-coated nonwovens are useful for the effective primary explant culture of connective tissues without enzymatic cell dissociation.

ULTRAMICROSCOPIC ERYTHROCYTES PROFILE AS A COMPONENT OF THE BABESIOSIS PATHOGENESIS.

OBJECTIVE: The aim is to identify the ultramicroscopic features of the erythrocytes as a component of the babesiosis pathogenesis using scanning electronic microscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Blood samples from 18 domestic dogs with clinically, microscopically, molecularly and genetically confirmed babesiosis served as the study material. The group of comparative control consisted of clinically healthy people (n=31) and domestic dogs (n=6). The method of scanning electron microscopy was used to study the spatial (three-dimensional coordinate system: the plane formed by the axes OX; OY; OZ) pathology of the size and shape of erythrocytes, microrelief of blood cells surfaces, membranopathies (raptures, macromolecules, conglomerates, micropores). The native peripheral blood smears of various origins were performed in accordance with the generally accepted method without fixation, staining/contrast. For this purpose, 0.01 ml of native blood was applied to the degreased surface of the metal platform (S=1 cm2), dried in the air of the laboratory premise, analyzed (× 2000), using the resources of the equipment (SEO-SEM Inspect S50-B; energy dispersive spectrometer AZtecOne with detector X-MaxN20 (Oxford Instruments plc, UC) and power source in the gun: tungsten cathode with thermoelectron emission. This scanning electron microscope made it possible to examine the object under conditions of accelerating voltage of 100 kV. The analysis of the obtained results was performed in comparison. RESULTS: Results: Under conditions of babesiosis development, the erythrocyte link of hematopoiesis responded by the reduction of the number of normocytes (99.0 % in clinically healthy people and domestic dogs, 77.3 % in dogs with babesiosis), increased of the number of regenerative forms of erythrocytes (1% in clinically healthy people and domestic dogs, 1,5 % in dogs with babesiosis), appearanced of degenerative forms of erythrocytes with characteristic pathology of cell size and shape, membranopathies (damage of the integrity of the membrane with the formation of defects). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Changes of the ultramicroscopic erythrocytes profile is one of the leading component of the babesiosis pathogenesis. The use of scanning electronic microscopy helps to obtain ultramicroscopic data on the presence of extraerythrocytic forms of Babesia on the background of the impossibility of diagnosis of anisochromia with detailing of inclusions in erythrocytes.

Female calling, life cycle, and microstructures of the parasitic beetle Ripidius quadriceps Abeille de Perrin.

The precopulatory behaviour of the larviform females of Ripidius quadriceps Abeille de Perrin, 1872 is described. The calling posture of virgin females is documented. The cephalic morphology and microstructures are visualised using scanning electron microscopy, in particular the secretory pores in the cuticle of inflatable maxillary palps. An exhaustive overview of relevant publications revealed that the location of secretory pores on the head of females is unique within the order Coleoptera. Compared to other beetles with sedentary calling females, the calling phase of the short-lived and non-feeding female of Ripidius is exceptionally short. For bioassays, various traps using virgin females of Ripidius were tested. It is likely that the sedentary behaviour of the short-lived female combined with a unique morphology and priority for investing in reproduction is compensated for by the actively flying males with remarkably flabellate antennae. The life cycle of this species, including some of the exceptions recorded at the individual level, is discussed. Perspectives for a biological and morphological survey of this rarely collected western Palaearctic species are outlined. In addition, the calling behaviour, secretory sites and location of pheromone glands in females of Coleoptera producing long range pheromones is reviewed.

Color Stability, Chemico-Physical and Optical Features of the Most Common PETG and PU Based Orthodontic Aligners for Clear Aligner Therapy.

It is difficult to find research papers collecting comparative results about characterization studies of clear aligners. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to provide the first comparative analysis of most commercial clear aligners, in terms of their stability towards intra-oral staining agents, their physicochemical and optical properties, as well as their water absorption behavior. Five types of aligners, characterized by different techniques, are considered: Erkodur, Essix Plastic, Ghost Aligner, Zendura, and Invisalign. The obtained results show that clear aligners are made up of PETG, semi rigid PU, and a mixture of PU and PETG, with different degrees of crystallinity which affect the transparency of each aligner. In particular, the PETG-based materials reveal the highest value of short-range order and the highest properties in terms of transparency in the visible range. After 14 days of immersion into red wine and coffee, PETG and PU-based aligners reveal a perceivable change in color (NBS values from 1.5 to 3), corresponding to a loss of transparency due to the deposition of impurities on the surface. These results are particularly marked for Invisalign, showing changes towards other colors (NBS up to 35), probably due to the thermoforming process which led to the formation of a wrinkled surface entrapping the impurities.

Effect of cleanser solutions on the retention force of oring attachment: an in vitro study

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cleaning solutions on the retention force of o-ring-type overdenture attachments. The effect of four solutions on nitrile rings were evaluated: Cepacol (C), Cepacol with fluoride (CF), Listerine (L) and 0.05% sodium hypochlorite (SH); deionized water (DW) was used as a control. Matrices containing two implants and abutments and acrylic specimens with the metal capsules were obtained and divided into the groups. A simulation of 90 overnight immersions (8 h) was performed, and the tensile strength value was obtained at the beginning (T0) and in every 30 days (T1, T2 and T3) (n=6). In order to analyze o-ring surface damage after the immersions, a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used (n=1). For statistical analysis of the results, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple comparisons with Bonferroni adjustment (test power=1.000; a=0.05) were used. There was a significant difference for the factors time (p<0.001), solution (p<0.001) and for the interaction time × solution (p<0.001). Considering the times of each solution, only for DW there was no significant loss of retention over time. Comparing the solutions in each moment, there was no difference among the solutions in T0. From T1, CF and SH provided less retention than DW (p<0.005). Through SEM it was possible to observe changes in the surface of the CF and SH nitrile o-rings. CF and SH should be avoided due to deleterious action in o-rings.

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito de soluções higienizadoras sobre a força de retenção de encaixes do tipo o-ring. Foram avaliadas quatro soluções: Cepacol (C); Cepacol com flúor (CF), Listerine (L), hipoclorito de sódio 0,05% (HS) e água deionizada (controle/AD) em o-rings de nitrilo. Matrizes contendo dois implantes e pilares e espécimes em acrílico com as cápsulas metálicas foram obtidas e divididas entre os grupos. Foi realizada a simulação de 90 imersões noturnas (8 h), sendo obtido o valor da resistência à tração no início e a cada 30 dias (T0, T1, T2 e T3) por meio da máquina de ensaios mecânicos (n=6). Microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) foi utilizada para análise de danos na superfície do o´ring após a imersão (n=1). Para análise estatística dos resultados foi utilizada análise de variância (ANOVA) e múltiplas comparações com ajuste de Bonferroni (poder do teste=1,000; a=0,05). Houve diferença significante para os fatores tempo (p<0,001), solução (p<0,001) e para interação de tempo × solução (p<0,001). Considerando-se os tempos de cada solução, apenas AD não apresentou perda significativa de retenção ao longo do tempo. Comparando as soluções em cada momento, não houve diferença entre as soluções em T0. A partir de T1, CF e HS propiciaram menor retenção quando comparados à AD (p <0,005). Através do MEV foi possível observar alterações nas superfícies dos o-rings de nitrilo imersos em CF e HS. O Cepacol com flúor e hipoclorito de sódio devem ser evitados devido à ação deletéria nos o-rings.

Manganese (II) removal from aqueous solutions by Cladosporium halotolerans and Hypocrea jecorina.

Manganese (Mn) is toxic at higher concentrations requiring its removal before returning the wastewater to the environment. This article reported the Mn removal of two fungi strains isolated from mine wastewater. ITS rRNA region sequencing identified the fungi strains as Cladosporium halotolerans and Hypocrea jecorina. Mn2+ removal assays were performed in Sabouraud broth with 50 mg L-1 Mn2+ supplemented and bioleaching assays using MnO2 instead of MnSO4 at the same conditions. C. halotolerans removed 96 % of 50 mg L-1 Mn2+ at two weeks without MnO2 bioleaching with 649.9 mg of biomass and H. jecorina removed about 50 % of Mn2+ in 21 days from initial 50 mg of Mn2+ L-1 with 316.8 mg of biomass. Extracellular laccases were present in C. halotolerans agar regardless of the Mn addition. Mn adsorbed was detected on C. halotolerans hyphae. Mn oxidation was positive to H. jecorina by reaction of its medium with Leucoberbelin blue.

Estudo das propriedades físicas de um biomaterial com nova composição de wollastonita e beta fosfato tricálcico para regeneração óssea após implante in vivo / Study of the physical properties of a biomaterial with a new composition of wollastonite and beta-tricalcium phosphate for bone regeneration after implantation in vivo

Introdução: associadas à composição química, as propriedades físicas dos biomateriais como formato, dimensões e porosidade, são fatores que influenciam na biocompatibilidade, biodegradabilidade e nos potenciais osteoindutivo e osteocondutores. Objetivo: identificar modificações físicas no formato, dimensões e porosidade de um biomaterial com nova composição de wollastonita e beta fosfato tricálcico, implantado em defeitos ósseos críticos em calvária de ratos. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo exploratório, com um biomaterial compósito, antes e após a sua implantação in vivo. Utilizou-se explantes cirúrgicos de calvárias de ratos que receberam implantes em defeito ósseo crítico. Os animais foram distribuídos em 3 grupos experimentais aleatoriamente, compostos por 5 animais cada, e avaliados com 15, 45 e 120 dias. Os grupos foram denominados: G0-biomaterial; GI-15 dias; GII-45 dias; e, GIII-120 dias. As amostras foram micrografadas em microscópio eletrônico de varredura, com diferentes magnificações. Utilizouse o software livre ImageJ para processamento das imagens e análise das partículas e poros. Resultados: a distribuição espacial do biomaterial promoveu preenchimento completo do defeito ósseo crítico. Micrografias com diferentes magnificações permitiu identificar modificações na área de contato entre grânulos, diminuição dos poros intergranular, aumento da área ocupada pelos poros e diminuição das partículas nos grânulos. Nos grupos GII e GIII, identificou-se formação de componentes orgânicos na superfície do implante. Conclusão: houve modificações físicas no formato, dimensões horizontais, distribuição espacial e porosidade da superfície dos grânulos do biomaterial, relacionadas com a biodegradabilidade e o potencial osteoindutivo e osteocondutor do biomaterial.

Introduction: associated with the chemical composition, physical properties of biomaterials related to their format, dimensions and porosity, are factors that influence on biocompatibility, biodegradability and osteoinductive and osteoconductive potential. Objective: identify physical changes in the format, dimensions and porosity of biomaterial with new composition of wollastonite and beta tricalcium phosphate, implanted in critical bone defects in calvaria of rats. Methodology: this is an exploratory study, with a composite biomaterial before and after its implantation in vivo. Used surgical explants of rat calvarium that received biomaterial implants into the critical bone defect. The animals were divided into 3 experimental groups of random distribution, composed of 5 animals each, and evaluated for 15, 45 and 120 days. The groups were named: G0-Biomaterial; GI-15 days; GII-45 days; and, GIII-120 days. The samples were studied by micrography in scanning electronic microscope with different magnifications. It was used the free software ImageJ to image processing and particles and pores analysis. Results: the spatial distribution of the biomaterial promoted full filling of the critical bone defect. Micrographs with different magnifications allowed to identification of modifications in the area of contact between granules, decrease of the intergranular pores, increase of the area occupied by the pores and decrease of the particles in the granules. In GII, and GIII groups, it was identified formation of organic components on the surface of the implant. Conclusion: there were physical modifications in the format, horizontal dimensions, spatial distribution and porosity of the biomaterial, related to the biodegradability and the osteoinductive and osteoconductive potential of the biomaterial.

Effect of the CuAl2O4 and CuAlO2 Phases in Catalytic Wet Air Oxidation of ETBE and TAME using CuO/γ-Al2O3 catalysts.

This paper studies Cu/Al2O3 catalysts, synthesized in two ways: copper deposit in the synthesis of alumina (sol gel) and incipient impregnation stabilized at 400 °C. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction studies, nitrogen physisorption, temperature programmed reduction of H2, dehydration of isopropanol, scanning electronic microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, which were evaluated in the liquid phase oxidation reaction of ethyl tert-butyl ether and tert-amyl methyl ether. The formation of CuAl2O4 and CuAlO2 in the samples synthesized by sol gel, led to a modification of the texture, thus resulting in an expansion of the specific area of the materials. CuAl2O4 and CuAlO2 have been identified by DRX from a content of 10 % Copper, the first showed the highest intensity with this technique. In the same way, these species favor the presence of Lewis acid sites; this is reflected in the materials with (Di-isopropyl Ether) DIPE of 96.7 % and 91.1 % for the samples SAlCu5 and SAlCu15 respectively. The catalytic activity of the materials prepared by sol gel is in the function of the number of surface acid sites, the smaller particle size of the Cu and the surface of the contact, in the case of the ETBE meanwhile for TAME the activity was based mainly on the strength of the present acid sites. With impregnated materials, the activity is attributed to the smaller particle size of the Cu and the greater strength of the surface acid sites in the solid. The formation of spinel species inhibits the leaching phenomenon in the reaction milieu.

Hirtellina lobelii DC. essential oil, its constituents, its combination with antimicrobial drugs and its mode of action.

With the goal of unravelling antimicrobial agents and mixtures inspired by plant defences, we investigated the antibacterial and antifungal efficacy of Hirtellina lobelii DC. essential oil (EO), both alone and in combination with antimicrobial drugs. Hirtellina lobelii DC. EO was analysed by GC, GC-MS and partial fractionation/NMR. It was essentially composed of oxygenated sesquiterpenes (75.2%), with α-bisabolol (34.5%), fokienol (12.0%) and T-muurolol (6.8%) serving as the main components. Microbial susceptibility was determined by the broth microdilution method and was expressed as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal or fungicidal concentration (MBC or MFC). This EO was found to possess remarkable bactericidal (MBC/MIC = 2) and fungicidal (MFC/MIC = 1-4) potential, particularly against the Gram (+) bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, including its methicillin-resistant forms, the yeast Cryptococcus neoformans and dermatophytes from the genus Trichophyton (MICs 8-128 µg/ml). The examination of the combined effects of the EO with antimicrobial drugs revealed synergisms of the EO with vancomycin against S. aureus and of the EO with fluconazole and griseofulvin against dermatophytic fungi (FICI 0.2-0.5). The effect of H. lobelii EO on the morphologies of fungal hyphae and bacteria, as determined by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), showed fungal hyphae swelling and bulging. These results suggest that H. lobelii EO and its major constituent, α-bisabolol, have remarkable antimicrobial potential. Combination therapies of this EO with antifungal drugs could offer a promising alternative for treatment of human mycoses caused by filamentous dermatophytic fungi.

Comparative apical sealing evaluation of two bioceramic endodontic sealers.

AIM: The current study aims to evaluate, using scanning electronic microscopy, the sealing ability of two bioceramic endodontic sealers, one consecrated and one experimental. METHODS: Twenty monoradicular teeth were included in the study. The teeth were endodontically prepared at the working length. The shaping and cleaning involved the use of chelating gel MM EDTA 19% and continuous irrigation with sodium hypochlorite 2.5%. The radicular filling was performed using gutta-percha in association with a sealer. Ten teeth were filled with consecrated endodontic filling material and the others ten with the experimental bioceramic based sealer. RESULTS: The evaluation of the sealers using SEM analysis allowed the identification and the measurement of gaps on the radicular dentin/sealer interface and the degree of apical sealing ability. No significant statistical difference was observed between the gap dimensions in the three areas for the tested bioceramic materials (p<0.005). In the apical region a homogenous layer with extensions intersecting the hybrid layer was observed when the experimental bioceramic sealer was used. In case of teeth filled with commercial sealer, peripheral hybrid extended areas were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The two bioceramic sealers presented similar apical sealing. Gaps were identified in both sealers but also the presence of hybrid layer was identified.

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease in the temporomandibular joint: diagnosis and treatment.

BACKGROUND: Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease (CPDD) is a rare disease in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) space. It forms a calcified crystal mass and induces a limitation of joint movement. CASE PRESENTATION: The calcified mass in our case was occupied in the left TMJ area and extended to the infratemporal and middle cranial fossa. For a complete excision of this mass, we performed a vertical ramus osteotomy and resected the mass around the mandibular condyle. The calcified mass in the infratemporal fossa was carefully excised, and the segmented mandible was anatomically repositioned. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) microanalysis was performed to evaluate the calcified mass. The result of SEM/EDS showed that the crystal mass was completely composed of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate. This result strongly suggested that the calcified mass was CPDD in the TMJ area. CONCLUSIONS: CPDD in the TMJ is a rare disease and is difficult to differentially diagnose from other neoplasms. A histological examination and quantitative microanalysis are required to confirm the diagnosis. In our patient, CPDD in the TMJ was successfully removed via the extracorporeal approach. SEM/EDS microanalysis was used for the differential diagnosis.

[Root canals dentinal wall structure after photodynamic exposure]. / Izuchenie struktury stenki kornevykh kanalov zubov posle fotodinamicheskogo vozdeistviia.

The aim of the study was to assess root canal dentinal walls structure after photodynamic exposure with the use of 0.5% photoditazine. A root canal dentin of 46 single root intact teeth removed for orthodontic indications was examined by scanning electron microscope JEOL JSM-6510 (Japan). Microphotographs of the root canal wall were obtained in the orifice, central and apical parts under×2000 magnification. It was found that photoactivation of 0.5% gel photoditazine by a light source, laser or diode, with a wavelength of 635-660 nm and a power of 150-200 mW is an effective technique for removing the smear layer of the root canal wall, which facilitates the maximum opening of the dentinal tubules to a depth of 2-3 µm. The best result (the maximum number of open dentinal tubules, the absence of a smear layer) is observed with 3 min photoditazine exposure and 2 min of laser exposure. The method can be proposed as an alternative supplement to the conventional root canals irrigation.

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease in the temporomandibular joint: diagnosis and treatment / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease (CPDD) is a rare disease in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) space. It forms a calcified crystal mass and induces a limitation of joint movement. CASE PRESENTATION: The calcified mass in our case was occupied in the left TMJ area and extended to the infratemporal and middle cranial fossa. For a complete excision of this mass, we performed a vertical ramus osteotomy and resected the mass around the mandibular condyle. The calcified mass in the infratemporal fossa was carefully excised, and the segmented mandible was anatomically repositioned. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) microanalysis was performed to evaluate the calcified mass. The result of SEM/EDS showed that the crystal mass was completely composed of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate. This result strongly suggested that the calcified mass was CPDD in the TMJ area. CONCLUSIONS: CPDD in the TMJ is a rare disease and is difficult to differentially diagnose from other neoplasms. A histological examination and quantitative microanalysis are required to confirm the diagnosis. In our patient, CPDD in the TMJ was successfully removed via the extracorporeal approach. SEM/EDS microanalysis was used for the differential diagnosis.

Effect of an active label based on benzyl isothiocyanate on the morphology and ochratoxins production of Aspergillus ochraceus.

The aim of this work was the study of the main effects of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) on A. ochraceus morphology and on its production metabolism of ochratoxins. This compound was evaluated as active agent of an antimicrobial label in food packaging. Microbiological studies showed a slowdown in mould growth when the active material was applied to A. ochraceus and the presence of three different areas of growth. Scanning electron microscopy was successfully used to demonstrate the mode of action of BITC on this strain. A. ochraceus exhibited modifications in morphology compared to the control samples such as the disappearance of sclerotia or cleistothecia An extraction protocol and an analytical method by UPLC-MS/MS to determine ochratoxins (OTs) was developed. The results showed that all these morphological changes were related to a decrease on OTs production, both ochratoxin A (OTA) and ochratoxin B (OTB). The presence of BITC caused a great decrease on OTA that modified the OTA/OTB ratio, increasing the OTB proportion. Furthermore, the active packaging also modified the production of other secondary metabolites. The morphological and metabolic effects observed, as well as the relationship between them, are of great interest since they have not been reported before for A. ochraceus.