Comparison of Cultivated and Wild-simulated Astragali Radix Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveBased on the traditional quality evaluation methods summarized in previous dynasties， this paper systematically contrasted cultivated Astragali Radix（CA） and wild-simulated Astragali Radix（WA） from the aspects of character， microstructure and chemical composition by modern technological means. MethodThe collected CA and WA were compared in characters and microscopic characteristics in cross section， and comparative analysis were performed on the contents of cellulose， extracts， carbohydrate， total flavonoids， total saponins， etc. Then ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometer（UPLC-Q-TOF-MS） and desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging（DESI-MSI） were used to comparatively analyze the secondary metabolites and their spatial distributions in the xylem and phloem of CA and WA. ResultIn terms of characters， the characters and sectional features of WA was consistent with the characteristics of high-quality Astragali Radix， while the CA was quite different from the traditional high-quality Astragali Radix. In terms of microscopy， the phellem layer of CA was thin， and the section fissures were mostly distributed through the cambium in a long strip shape without obvious growth ring characteristics. The cork layer of WA was thick， and the cracks in the section were distributed in the center of the xylem and the outer edge of the phloem in an irregular cavity shape. The cambium was tight without cracks， and had obvious characteristics of a growth ring. In terms of chemical composition， the contents of water-soluble extract， 80% ethanol extract and sucrose of CA was significantly higher than those of WA， while the contents of total saponins， lignin and hemicellulose were significantly lower than those of WA. And the contents of 100% ethanol extract， total polysaccharides and total flavonoids in both of them were generally similar， but slightly higher in WA. The contents of 2 kinds of monoacyl-substituted flavonoid glycosides in the xylem of WA was significantly higher than those of CA， while the contents of 2 kinds of flavonoid aglycones and one flavonoid glycoside were on the contrary. The contents of 7 saponins in phloem of WA were significantly higher than those of CA. ConclusionThere are significant differences between CA and WA in characters， microstructure and chemical components， in which CA has a fast growth rate and a short planting period， and the primary metabolites such as water-soluble extracts and sucrose are more enriched， which is the reason for its firm texture and sweetness being significantly higher than those of WA. However， the contents of lignin， hemicellulose and some secondary metabolites in WA are significantly higher than those in the CA， which are close to the traditional description of characters and quality. Based on the results of this study， it is suggested to strengthen the production of WA， improve the supply capacity of WA， and gradually upgrade the current standard. It is recommended to increase the contents of monoacyl-substituted flavonoid glycosides， total saponins and other indicators that can characterize different production methods， so as to guide the high-quality production of Astragali Radix.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of hernia mesh / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective:The microstructure, tensile strength, and bursting strength of different brands of hernia meshes were compared and analyzed through experiments to evaluate the performance of different meshes.Methods:The balance and microscope were used to test the weight and microstructure of 15 common meshes and the tensile testing machine and burst testing machine were used to test the tensile and bursting properties of the mesh, and the mechanical properties of the mesh were analyzed.Results:The woven structures of the mesh are diamond, polygon and circle. The average weight of inguinal meshes is 0.08 mg/mm 2, and the average weight of abdominal wall hernia meshes is 0.18 mg/mm 2. The wire diameters of G3 - G6 meshes are larger, while the mesh opening ratio of G12 is lower. In the tensile performance test, it is known that G15 has the highest tensile strength, G12 and G14 have lower tensile strengths in lightweight meshes, and G1, G2, and G7 have lower tensile strengths in lightweight meshes. In the burst performance test, it is known that G3, G9, and G15 have the highest burst strength, while G12, G13, and G14 have the lowest burst strength in lightweight meshes. G1, G2, and G4 have the lowest burst strength in lightweight meshes. Conclusions:The mesh with a polygonal mesh and a large mesh opening ratio has better mechanical properties. The results of this study provide experimental evidence for optimizing hernia meshes, which is expected to provide better support for related research and applications.

Time-course changes of intraosseous environment and shear resistance mechanical properties of jawbone in SD rats with fluorosis / 环境与职业医学

Background At present, a large number of reports focus on the bones of limbs and trunk, while there are few studies on the effect of fluorosis on jawbone which is the inevitable structural basis for the development and treatment of oral diseases. Objective To preliminarily investigate the effect of fluoride exposure on the mechanical properties of jawbone by observing the changes in the intraosseous environment and the maximum load against shearing force (LSFmax) of the jawbone in rats with chronic fluoride treatment. Methods Screening experiment: 48 SD male rats were randomly divided into a control group and three fluoride exposure groups (50, 150, and 250 mg·L−1 fluoride concentration), 12 rats in each group. The fluoride exposure groups were molded by feeding different concentrations of sodium fluoride solution, and the control group drank tap water from Guizhou area. Each group was further divided into 4 subgroups with 3 animals each according to observation time points after 0, 2, 4, and 6 months. The LSFmax of the jawbone was measured with an electronic universal ergometer, the expression of type I collagen (Col1) was shown by Sirius red staining, and the expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) was determined semi-quantitatively by immunohistochemistry at selected time points. Formal experiment: 12 male SD rats were randomly divided into a fluoride exposure group and a control group. The fluoride exposure group were fed with 150 mg·L−1 sodium fluoride solution, and the control group drank tap water from Guizhou. After feeding with fluoride for 5 months, the ergometer was used to measure the LSFmax of the jawbone. Osteoclasts were counted after tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. Col1, Runx2, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and cathepsin K (Cath K) were detected semi-quantitatively by immunohistochemistry expression and Sirius red staining. Micro computed tomography (Micro CT) was used to observe the trabecular bone microstructure. Results Screening experiment: The LSFmax of the control group and the 50 mg·L−1 fluoride exposure group reached the peak value at the 2nd month, and the LSFmax of the 50 mg·L−1 fluoride exposure group reached the valley value at the 4th month. The LSFmax of the 150 mg·L−1 fluoride exposure group at the 4th month was higher than that at the 6th month (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the LSFmax at each time point in the 250 mg·L−1 fluoride exposure group. At the same time point, there was no statistically significant difference in LSFmax among the groups. The Col1 levels of the 50 mg·L−1, 150 mg·L−1, and 250 mg·L−1 fluoride exposure groups were higher than the time point 0 from the 2nd month (P＜0.05). The Runx2 showed no statistically significant difference by concentration or time. Formal experiment: After feeding with 150 mg·L−1 fluoride for 5 months, the LSFmax of the fluoride exposure group was greater than that of the control group (P<0.05). The expressions of Col1, Runx2, BMP2, ALP, and Cath K in the fluorosis exposure group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in osteoclast count or indicators of bone trabecular microstructure. Conclusion Chronic fluoride exposure may increase the shear strength of jaw bone.

Correlation between postoperative visual acuity and macular morphological structure and blood flow density in patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To observe the postoperative changes in macular morphological structure and blood flow density of patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane(IMEM)by optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA), and explore their correlation with visual acuity.METHOD: Prospective study. A total of 45 cases(45 eyes)with IMEM admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to July 2021 were included. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central macular area thickness(CMT), foveal avascular zone(FAZ)area and changes in blood flow density of superficial capillary plexus(SCP)were observed at 1mo, 1, 3 and 6mo before and after operation.RESULT: The BCVA at 1wk after operation had no significant change compared with preoperative data(P>0.05), while it was improved at other time points(P<0.05). The CMT measured at 1wk after operation was thickened significantly(P<0.05), while it was significantly decreased at 1mo, 3mo and 6mo after operation(P<0.05). The FAZ area measured at 1wk and 1mo after operation had no significant change(P>0.05), while it was significantly enlarged at 3 and 6mo after operation(P<0.05). The SCP measured at 1wk, 1 and 3mo after operation had no significant change(P>0.05), while it was significantly decreased at 6mo after operation(P<0.05). BCVA measured at 3 and 6mo after operation was positively correlated with CMT(r=0.457, 0.615, P=0.032, 0.012).CONCLUSION: The visual acuity of patients with IMEM recovered quickly within 1mo after operation, and then it tended to be stable. However, the recovery of macular foveal morphology and blood flow distribution was slower than that of visual acuity, and there was no obvious correlation with visual acuity.

Cause Analysis and Solution Strategy of Poor Solubility of Dioscoreae Rhizoma Formula Granules / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Dioscoreae Rhizoma formula granules are made from decoction pieces by decocting， extracting， separating， concentrating， drying and granulating， which have the advantages of simple dispensing， convenient use and easy to take without decoction. However， because Dioscoreae Rhizoma is rich in starch and mucus components， its extract powder and formula granules are poorly soluble and difficult to dissolve or disperse completely within 5 min， and the insoluble material is difficult to dissolve completely even after 24 h in water， which affects the quality evaluation of the formula granules and medication psychology of patients. Therefore， by studying the dissolution process and mechanism of Dioscoreae Rhizoma extract and its formula granules， it was found that the special chemical composition of Dioscoreae Rhizoma， the denaturation of starch and its compounding with protein and other substances during the high temperature extraction process， and the contraction of coating membrane during the spray drying process were combined to form the special microstructure of coating membrane covering starch granules， and it is the root cause of poor solubility of Dioscoreae Rhizoma formula granules. Based on the research on the structure， property and function of the powder， this paper proposed a technical strategy to improve the solubility of Dioscoreae Rhizoma formula granules by powder modification process， and experimentally demonstrated that the modified Dioscoreae Rhizoma formula granules could completely dissolve within 2 min， which solved the technical problem and could provide reference for the improvement of solubility of other similar varieties， and promote the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine formula granule industry.

Effects of applying procyanidins on the bond strength of bleached dentin to composite resin / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To study the influence of procyanidins on the bonding strength of dentin bleached by carbamide peroxide to composite resin.@*Methods @#By applying different treatments to dentin bonding interfaces, 120 human third molars were randomly divided into 12 groups (n = 10): W group (no bleaching+deionized water), Wa group (no bleaching+deionized water+aging), WT1 group (no bleaching+5% procyanidins for 1 min), WT1a group (no bleaching+5% procyanidins for 1 min+aging), WT2 group (no bleaching+5% procyanidins for 5 min), WT2a group (no bleaching+5% procyanidins for 5 min+aging), C group (carbamide peroxide+deionized water), Ca group (carbamide peroxide+deionized water+aging), CT1 group (carbamide peroxide+5% procyanidins for 1 min), CT1a group (carbamide peroxide+5% procyanidins for 1 min+aging), CT2 group (carbamide peroxide+5% procyanidins for 5 min), and CT2a group (carbamide peroxide+5% procyanidins for 5 min+aging). The bond strength to composite resin was measured by universal mechanical testing machine, microstructure and the nanoleakages were measured by scanning electron microscope immediately or after the thermal cycling aging test.@*Results@#The immediate bond strength of the bleached groups pretreated with procyanidins for 1 min (P<0.001) and 5 min (P<0.001) was higher than that of Group C, and the difference was statistically significant. Meanwhile, there was no statistically significant difference between Group CT1 and Group CT2 (P = 1.000). After the thermal cycles, the bond strength of each group declined. The differences between Group W and Group Wa (P<0.001) and Group C and Group Ca (P<0.001) were statistically significant, but no significant differences between Group CT1 and Group CT1a (P = 0.052) or Group CT2 and Group CT2a (P = 0.053) were found. The main effects of “aging” (P<0.001), “bleaching” (P<0.001) and “procyanidins” (P<0.001) and the second-order interaction effects of “bleaching * procyanidins” (P = 0.008), “bleaching * aging” (P = 0.024), and “aging * procyanidins” (P<0.001) were statistically significant. SEM observations showed that the hybrid layers in Groups C, CT1 and CT2 were not clear, and the hybrid layers in Groups Ca, CT1a and CT2a were partially destroyed and disintegrated. Under backscattering mode, it was observed that there were a large number of silver nitrate particles in the hybrid layer of Group Ca, and the residual silver ions in the hybrid layer of Groups CT1a and CT2a were decreased. @*Conclusion@# Pretreatment with 5% procyanidins for 1 min can improve the immediate bond strength of dentin bleached by carbamide peroxide to composite resin and maintain bonding durability.

Yinlai Decoction Protects Microstructure of Colon and Regulates Serum Level of D-Lactic Acid in Pneumonia Mice Fed with High-Calorie and High-Protein Diet / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of Yinlai Decoction (YD) on the microstructure of colon, and activity of D-lactic acid (DLA) and diamine oxidase (DAO) in serum of pneumonia mice model fed with high-calorie and high-protein diet (HCD).@*METHODS@#Sixty male Kunming mice were randomly divided into 6 groups by the random number table method: normal control, pneumonia, HCD, HCD with pneumonia (HCD-P), YD (229.2 mg/mL), and dexamethasone (15.63 mg/mL) groups, with 10 in each group. HCD mice were fed with 52% milk solution by gavage. Pneumonia mice was modeled with lipopolysaccharide inhalation and was fed by gavage with either the corresponding therapeutic drugs or saline water, twice daily, for 3 days. After hematoxylin-eosin staining, the changes in the colon structure were observed under light microscopy and transmission electron microscope, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the protein levels of DLA and DAO in the serum of mice.@*RESULTS@#The colonic mucosal structure and ultrastructure of mice in the normal control group were clear and intact. The colonic mucosal goblet cells in the pneumonia group tended to increase, and the size of the microvilli varied. In the HCD-P group, the mucosal goblet cells showed a marked increase in size with increased secretory activity. Loose mucosal epithelial connections were also observed, as shown by widened intercellular gaps with short sparse microvilli. These pathological changes of intestinal mucosa were significantly reduced in mouse models with YD treatment, while there was no significant improvement after dexamethasone treatment. The serum DLA level was significantly higher in the pneumonia, HCD, and HCD-P groups as compared with the normal control group (P<0.05). Serum DLA was significantly lower in the YD group than HCD-P group (P<0.05). Moreover, serum DLA level significantly increased in the dexamethasone group as compared with the YD group (P<0.01). There was no statistical significance in the serum level of DAO among groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#YD can protect function of intestinal mucosa by improving the tissue morphology of intestinal mucosa and maintaining integrity of cell connections and microvilli structure, thereby reducing permeability of intestinal mucosa to regulate the serum levels of DLA in mice.

Effect of Cooking on Physicochemical and Microstructural Properties of Chicken Breast Meat

The effect of cooking on pH, juiciness, instrumental colour and microstructural properties of chicken breast meat was investigated. Industrial skinless chicken breast meat samples were purchased, frozen and sliced into dimensions , thawed and cooked by air frying (AF), baking (BK), deep fat frying (DF) and grilling (GR) at 170, 180 and 1900C for 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 min. The pH value of the cooked samples increased from 6.05 to 6.25. Cooking methods, temperatures and times each resulted to increase in pH. The results of objective sensory instrumental analyses showed that cooking decreased significantly (p < 0.05) juiciness of cooked chicken breast meat. Samples cooked by BK had the highest juiciness value of 24.91%, while DF cooked samples had the least value of 13.89%.The instrumental analyses increased L*, a*, b* values and browning index. The temperature and time of cooking showed similar effects on juiciness and instrumental colour. Short cooking time (8 min) and 1700C resulted in higher juiciness and best appetizing appearance to the consumers. The microstructure studies showed that raw chicken breast meat had an intact muscle fibres and bundles, but cooking caused disintegration of muscle fibres, perimysial – collagen shrinkage and it resulted to drier samples with big cracks/ voids and big surface damages, particularly in AF, BK and GR cooked products at 1900C for 8 min.

Changes of microstructure of white matter and clinical high risk for psychosis / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

The research on clinical high-risk for psychosis is a hotspot in recent years, which is helpful to the early identification and early intervention of psychosis. White matter fibers are the important structural basis of complex information transmission function among brain regions. The existing literatures show that there are abnormal white matter microstructures in individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis, which is related to their clinical symptoms and social function. Diffusion tensor imaging is the only non-invasive technique to study the microstructure of brain white matter. This paper reviews the existing evidences of microstructural abnormalities of white matter at clinical high-risk for psychosis by diffusion tensor imaging, in order to comprehensively analyze the potential neurobiomarkers in the early stage of the disease and the pathological evolution characteristics in the development of the disease.

Microstructure and performance analysis of surgical hemostatic powders / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective:To analyze the microstructure of commonly used surgical hemostatic powders and investigate their hemostatic properties.Methods:The microstructures of seven commonly used surgical hemostatic powders were observed by scanning electron microscopy and analyzed by particle size testing, and then the hemostatic properties of the seven commonly used surgical hemostatic powders were evaluated by an in vitro coagulation promotion test and a rabbit liver bleeding model.Results:The average particle size of Aristide hemostatic powder was 45.143 μm, and there were many grooves on the surface of the particles with increased specific surface area. The results of in vitro coagulation promotion tests showed that the absorbance and coagulation index of Aviagen were the lowest, which were 0.039 30±0.006 03 and 3.42, respectively. The rabbit liver bleeding experiment showed that the hemostatic effect of hemostatic powder materials in the experimental group was better than that in the control group (all P<0.001), among which Aviagen and Aristide were more effective. The hemostatic time and the effective bleeding volume of the experimental group and the control group were (44±17) s and (48±9) s, and (63±19) mg and (73±18) mg, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusions:There are many grooves on the surface of Arista granules, which gives them a better performance in homeostasis in surgical applications. Avitene has lower absorbance and coagulation index, and better hemostatic properties.

Macular microstructural changes in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment after silicone oil tamponade evaluated by SD-OCT / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To evaluate the macular microstructural changes in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD)after silicone oil tamponade by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT).METHODS:From November 2019 to July 2021, 27 patients with 27 eyes in RRD who underwent vitrectomy combined with silicone oil tamponade in Cangzhou Aier Eye Hospital were enrolled in this study as the observation group, other 30 healthy volunteers with 30 eyes were included in the control group. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)of patients before and after operation were observed, and quantified evaluation of the postoperative macular microstructural changes were performed by SD-OCT.RESULTS: The BCVA(LogMAR)of the observation group at 1wk and 3mo after operation(0.61±0.23, 0.69±0.34)were improved compared with those before operation(1.43±0.77)(all P<0.01). The cube volume and average cube thickness in the macular area at 3mo after operation in the observation group were lower than those at 1wk and 1mo after operation in the control group(all P<0.05). There were no differences in the average ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer(GCIPL)thickness, minimum GCIPL thickness, average macular retinal nerve fiber layer(mRNFL)thickness and minimum mRNFL thickness at 1wk, 1 and 3mo after operation in the observation group, but all decreased compared with the control group(all P<0.01). There were 9 eyes with subretinal fluid(SRF)in the observation group during postoperative follow-up, SRF had a tendency to be gradually absorbed, but 1 eye had a secondary macular hole; 3 eyes had ellipsoid zone disruption, which had a tendency to be gradually repaired; 2 eyes had submacular perfluorocarbon liquid; 2 eyes had macular edema.CONCLUSION: SD-OCT can show the microstructure and morphological changes very well in macular area in patients with RRD after silicone oil tamponade, and has important clinical value for the preoperative and postoperative follow-up evaluation of RRD.

Redefinition to bilayer osmotic pump tablets as subterranean river system within mini-earth via three-dimensional structure mechanism

Defining and visualizing the three-dimensional (3D) structures of pharmaceuticals provides a new and important tool to elucidate the phenomenal behavior and underlying mechanisms of drug delivery systems. The mechanism of drug release from complex structured dosage forms, such as bilayer osmotic pump tablets, has not been investigated widely for most solid 3D structures. In this study, bilayer osmotic pump tablets undergoing dissolution, as well as after dissolution in a desiccated solid state were examined, and visualized by synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography (SR-μCT). In situ formed 3D structures at different in vitro drug release states were characterized comprehensively. A distinct movement pattern of NaCl crystals from the push layer to the drug layer was observed, beneath the semi-permeable coating in the desiccated tablet samples. The 3D structures at different dissolution time revealed that the pushing upsurge in the bilayer osmotic pump tablet was directed via peripheral "roadways". Typically, different regions of the osmotic front, infiltration region, and dormant region were classified in the push layer during the dissolution of drug from tablet samples. According to the observed 3D microstructures, a "subterranean river model" for the drug release mechanism has been defined to explain the drug release mechanism.

Histomorphological structure of the Bursa cloacalis (Bursa of Fabricius) in young Leiothrix lutea: a comparative study using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy / Estructura histomorfológica de la Bursa cloacalis (Bursa de Fabricius) en jóvenes Leiothrix lutea: un estudio comparativo utilizando microscopía óptica y microscopía electrónica de transmisión

SUMMARY: This study aimed to investigate the microstructure and ultrastructure of the Bursa cloacalis (Bursa of Fabricius) (BC) in young Leiothrix lutea at various days of age (a few days after hatching) using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The bird BC was sampled at 1, 5, 7, and 9 days of age. Immediately after dissection, the structure and integrity of the BC (not degenerative) were retained and the specific temporal features could be visualized precisely. After hematoxylin-eosin staining and uranyl acetate/lead citrate staining, the microstructure and ultrastructure of the BC, respectively, could be observed clearly. The microscopic observations revealed the following: in addition to change in the size of BC or lymphoid follicles, many cavities were found in the BC; the distribution of the lymphoid follicles in Leiothrix lutea was different from that in other birds; and the segregating line between the bursal cortex and medulla became increasingly clear as the age increased. In conclusion, the structural data obtained in this study provides a better understanding of the specific immunological function of the BC in Leiothrix lutea.

RESUMEN: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la microestructura y ultraestructura de la Bursa cloacalis (BC) en Leiothrix lutea joven unos días después de la eclosión, utilizando microscopía óptica y microscopía electrónica de transmisión. La BC se muestreó a los 1, 5, 7 y 9 días de edad del Leiothrix lutea. Inmediatamente después de la disección, se observó la estructura y la integridad de la CB (no degenerativa) y se pudo visualizar con precisión las características temporales específicas. Después de la tinción con hematoxilina-eosina y con acetato de uranilo /citrato de plomo, pudimos observar claramente la microestructura y ultraestructura de la BC. Las observaciones microscópicas revelaron el cambio en el tamaño de la CB o de los folículos linfoides y además, se encontraron numerosas cavidades en la CB; la distribución de los folículos linfoides en Leiothrix lutea era diferente a la de otras aves; y la línea de segregación entre la corteza bursal y la médula se hizo cada vez más clara a medida que aumentaba la edad. En conclusión, los datos estructurales obtenidos en este estudio proporcionan una mejor comprensión de la función inmunológica específica de la Bursa cloacalis en Leiothrix lutea.

Hair as a tool for identification of predators and prey: a study based on scats of jaguars (Panthera onca) and pumas (Puma concolor) / Pelos como ferramenta de identificação de predadores e presas: um estudo baseado em fezes de onças-pintadas (Panthera onca) e pumas (Puma concolor)

Abstract: Microscopic hair identification is a non-invasive, simple, and economical method applied in scientific studies to identify mammal species. In ecology, this method is used mainly in mastofaunistic inventories and dietary studies. In the last decade, the number of dietary studies using the microscopic identification of hairs has grown substantially, but the application of this technique as a tool for the identification of both predators and prey species is still scant. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify predator and prey hairs in scat samples from the two largest species of carnivores in the Neotropical region, the jaguar (Panthera onca Linnaeus, 1758) and the puma (Puma concolor Linnaeus, 1771). We examined a total of 100 scat samples being 50 from the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul and 50 from the Atlantic Forest of Paraná. We used different identification categories that included the hair microscopic and macroscopic identification, as well as the use of hooves and nails present in the scats associated with tracks and kills found in the field. We identified 57 prey items in the Pantanal samples and 61 in the Atlantic Forest samples. Predator´s hairs were identified in 34% of Pantanal samples and in 46% of Atlantic Forest samples. The combination of hair microscopic and macroscopic characteristics was efficient in the identification of different taxonomic levels, with most identifications reaching the level of the species. However, the methodological protocol for microscopic hair identification was not fully effective in obtaining all the microstructural patterns of the studied mammals. Adjustments in the technique are necessary to differentiate microstructural characteristics of species belonging to the same family. We recommend macroscopic identification of scat content items (hairs, hooves or nails) of both prey and predators to be used to complete the microscopic hair identification technique in dietary ecological studies.

Resumo: A identificação microscópica do pelo é um método não invasivo, simples e econômico, aplicado em estudos de identificação de várias espécies. Em ecologia, esse método é usado principalmente em inventários mastofaunísticos e estudos de dieta. Na última década, a identificação microscópica de pelos em estudos de dieta tem crescido substancialmente, porém ainda conhecemos muito pouco sobre o uso das características microscópicas e macroscópicas dos pelos para identificação tanto de presas quanto de predadores. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar pelos de predadores e presas em amostras fecais das duas maiores espécies de carnívoros da região Neotropical, onças (Panthera onca Linnaeus, 1758) e pumas (Puma concolor Linnaeus, 1771). Foram examinadas um total de 100 amostras de fezes, provenientes do Pantanal de Mato Grosso do Sul e da Mata Atlântica do estado do Paraná, sendo 50 amostras de cada local. Utilizamos diferentes categorias de identificação que incluíam a identificação microscópica e macroscópica do pelo, bem como o uso de outros vestígios como cascos e unhas presentes nas fezes e pegadas e carcaças encontradas em campo. Nós identificamos 57 itens de presas nas amostras do Pantanal e 61 itens de presas nas amostras da Mata Atlântica. Pelos dos predadores foram identificados em 34% das amostras do Pantanal e 46% das amostras da Mata Atlântica. A combinação de características microscópicas e macroscópicas dos pelos foi eficiente na identificação de diferentes níveis taxonômicos, com a maioria das identificações atingindo o nível da espécie. No entanto, o protocolo metodológico de identificação microscópica dos pelos não foi totalmente eficaz para obter todos os padrões microestruturais dos mamíferos estudados. São necessários ajustes na técnica para diferenciar características microestruturais de espécies pertencentes à mesma família. Recomendamos que a identificação macroscópica de itens alimentares (pelos, cascos ou unhas) tanto de presas quanto de predadores seja usada para completar a técnica de identificação microscópica dos pelos em estudos de ecologia alimentar..

Correlation between long-term use of proton pump inhibitors and micro-structure of bone in older men / 中华消化内镜杂志

To explore the effect of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) on the micro-structure of bone in older men. A retrospective study was conducted on data of patients over the age of 60 who were admitted to the Geriatric Department of Jiangsu People′s Hospital from June 2018 to January 2019. Patients were divided into control group (taking PPI for less than 1 week, 50 cases) and PPI treatment group (taking PPI for more than 3 months, 30 cases). Biochemical indexes, bone mineral density (BMD)and trabecular bone score (TBS) were analyzed. Compared with control group, the weight and albumin level in the PPI treatment group were lower, and the thyrotropin level was higher ( P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the BMD of femur or lumbar vertebrae between the two groups ( P>0.05), but the TBS of lumbar vertebrae in the PPI treatment group was significantly decreased ( P<0.05). Correlation analysis found that TBS was positively correlated with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) ( r=0.45, P=0.002) and body mass index ( r=0.164, P=0.045), and negatively correlated with age ( r=-0.291, P=0.025). Multiple linear regression model analysis showed that there was still a positive correlation between TBS and ALP ( β=0.437, P=0.023). In the elderly men, the use of PPI for more than 3 months can significantly affect the bone micro-structure, and the bone micro-structure can better reflect the adverse effect of PPI on bone than BMD.

Research progress on Er: YAG lasers applied for tooth bleaching / 口腔疾病防治

@#Er: YAG laser bleaching is a new tooth bleaching method compared with traditional bleaching technology. The Er: YAG laser significantly improves the bleaching efficiency, has the advantages of high safety, short treatment time and excellent bleaching effect and is widely used in clinical operations. This paper summarizes the working principle and bleaching characteristics of Er: YAG laser bleaching technology and its effect on tooth structure. The existing literature suggests that the high absorption of water and hydroxyapatite by the Er: YAG laser makes it work well on water-bearing tissues and dental tissues. When it is absorbed by the bleaching agent on the tooth surface, it accelerates the catalytic oxidation-reduction reaction and selectively acts on the pigment particles deposited on the tooth, thereby achieving the effect of tooth bleaching. Er: YAG laser bleaching can be applied to most discolored teeth. The bleaching process is rapid and effective. During the bleaching process, for the dental pulp tissue, the temperature of the pulp cavity is lower than the critical value of 5.6 ℃, causing no pathological damage to the dental pulp tissue. For the hard tissues of the teeth, laser irradiation will cause changes in the chemical composition of calcium and phosphorus. The enamel presents a unique lava-like shape, and the bonding strength of the tooth increases after bleaching. Compared with other lasers, the Er: YAG laser has a wavelength close to the peak of water, and adding other ingredients to the bleaching agent is not required. Almost all the energy is used for the bleaching agent, with no damage to the surrounding tissues.

An investigation of the microstructure and mechanical properties of dental zirconia manufactured by digital light processing 3D printing / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#This study was performed to investigate the microstructure and mechanical properties of dental zirconia manufactured by digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing and the clinical application prospects of this material.@*METHODS@#The experiment (DLP) group was zirconia manufactured by DLP 3D printing, and the control (MILL) group was milled zirconia. The density, grain size, and phase composition were measured to study the microstructure. Flexural strength was measured by using three-point bending tests, while Vickers hardness was determined through a Vickers hardness tester. Fracture toughness was tested using the single-edge V-notched beam method.@*RESULTS@#Zirconia density of the DLP group was (6.019 8±0.021 3) g·cm@*CONCLUSIONS@#Zirconia manufactured by DLP 3D printing had microstructure and mechanical properties similar to those of the milled zirconia. Only the flexural strength and the Vickers hardness of the experimental zirconia were slightly lower than those of the milled zirconia. Therefore, DLP-manufactured zirconia has a promising future for clinical use.

Brain tissue microstructure parameters estimation method based on proximal gradient network / 生物医学工程学杂志

Diffusion tensor imaging technology can provide information on the white matter of the brain, which can be used to explore changes in brain tissue structure, but it lacks the specific description of the microstructure information of brain tissue. The neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging make up for its shortcomings. But in order to accurately estimate the brain microstructure, a large number of diffusion gradients are needed, and the calculation is complex and time-consuming through maximum likelihood fitting. Therefore, this paper proposes a kind of microstructure parameters estimation method based on the proximal gradient network, which further avoids the classic fitting paradigm. The method can accurately estimate the parameters while reducing the number of diffusion gradients, and achieve the purpose of imaging quality better than the neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging model and accelerated microstructure imaging via convex optimization model.

Chia Seed Mucilage Versus Guar Gum: Effects on Microstructural, Textural, and Antioxidative Properties of Set-Type Yoghurts

Abstract Texture is an important parameter which influences on the quality and acceptability of yoghurts. The utilize of stabilizers in yoghurt manufacturing has become a prevalent application to improve the textural properties of yoghurts. In this context, guar gum obtained from Cyamopsis tetragonolobus is generally used as a natural stabilizer for its thickening and gelling properties. Accordingly, this study evaluated the use of chia seed mucilage as an alternative to guar gum to improve the textural properties of yoghurt. This study focused on the effect of using chia seed mucilage (CSM) and guar gum (GG) at 1, 2, and 3% concentrations on the textural and microstructural characteristics of yoghurts. The results of fortifications with CSM and GG on the physicochemical, sensory, and antioxidative properties of yoghurts were also evaluated. Compared to GG, CSM provided higher antioxidant activity which improved with increasing concentrations of CSM. An enhancement was observed in textural properties of yoghurts containing CSM and GG, but CSM concentrations up to 2% gave better effect on firmness. Besides, the microstructure of yoghurt was enhanced depending on the increase in CSM and GG amounts. No negative effect was determined on the sensory properties of the samples by CSM and GG additions. The results showed that CSM can be used in set-type yoghurt production as an alternative stabilizer by improving firmness and consistency and reducing syneresis. Furthermore, its use is suitable for industrial yoghurt production with regards to sensorial properties.

Application of Photoshop in Measurement of Microsphere Diameter and Microstructure Drawing of Medicinal Materials / 中国实验方剂学杂志

<b>Objective::To explore the feasibility of Photoshop image processing software in the micro-spherical diameter measurement and identification of medicinal materials, in order to provide a new method for the measurement and mapping of traditional Chinese medicine. <b>Method::Photoshop (CS3 version and above) software was used to measure the diameter of 200 Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma albumin microspheres in the same batch, digital microscopy and Photoshop image processing software was used to draw schematic diagrams of microstructures of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma medicinal powders and its four common pseudo-products and powders, namely Bletillae Radix, Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma, Curcumae Longae Rhizoma and <italic>Manihot esculenta,</italic> and make the identification table for classification and identification. <b>Result::The average diameter of the microspheres was (30.62±4.21)μm, and the diameter was mainly distributed in 20-40 μm. The average diameter of the microspheres was verified by laser particle size analyzer (30.18±4.67)μm. The differences between the two methods were not statistically significant. There were many starch granules in Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma powder, with no calcium oxalate needle, oil cell, brown pigment and stone cell. Microscopic identification could be made for Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma powder and 4 common counterfeits. <b>Conclusion::Photoshop image processing software measures the diameter of the microspheres with a high speed, high accuracy, simplicity, and low requirements for measuring instruments. It provides a new way to quickly measure the diameter of microspheres. Photoshop image processing software draws a schematic diagram of the microstructure, which is convenient and faster. The original morphology of the ground-reactive microstructure provides a new method for the microstructural drawing.