Accurate gamma-ray dose measurement up to 10 MeV by glass dosimeter with a sensitivity control filter for BNCT.

Glass dosimeters are very useful and convenient detection elements in radiation dosimetry. In this study, this glass dosimeter was applied to a BNCT treatment field. Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a next-generation radiation therapy that can selectively kill only cancer cells. In the BNCT treatment field, both neutrons and secondary gamma-rays are generated. In other words, it is a mixed radiation field of neutrons and gamma-rays. We thus proposed a novel method to measure only gamma-ray dose in the mixed field using two RPLGD (Radiophoto-luminescence Glass Dosimeter) and two sensitivity control filters in order to control the dose response of the filtered RPLGD to be proportional to the air kerma coefficients, even if the gamma-ray energy spectrum is unknown. As the filter material iron was selected, and it was finally confirmed that reproduction of the air kerma coefficients was excellent within an error of 5.3% in the entire energy range up to 10 MeV. In order to validate this method, irradiation experiments were carried out using standard gamma-ray sources. As the result, the measured doses were in acceptably good agreement with the theoretical calculation results by PHITS. In the irradiation experiment with a volume source in a nuclear fuel storage room, the measured dose rates showed larger compared with survey meter values. In conclusion, the results of the standard sources showed the feasibility of this method, however for the volume source the dependence of the gamma-ray incident angle on the dosimeter was found to be not neglected. In the next step, it will be necessary to design a thinner filter in order to suppress the effect of the incident angle.

Surface Properties of Resin Composites and CAD/CAM Blocks After Simulated Toothbrushing.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the surface gloss, surface roughness, and color change of restorative materials after a three-body wear abrasion. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Four resin composites with different filler particle size (Gracefil Flo [GFF, 0.7 µm], Gracefil LoFlo [GFL, 0.25 µm], Gracefil ZeroFlo [GFZ, 0.15 µm], and Gracefil Putty [GFP, 0.3 µm]), two CAD/CAM resin composite blocks with different filler particle size (Cerasmart 300 [CS3, 0.7 µm] and Cerasmart Prime [CSP, 0.3 µm], GC), and one CAD/CAM lithium disilicate glass-ceramic block (Initial LiSi Block [ILS], GC) as a control were evaluated. Twenty slab-shaped specimens were obtained from each material. Ten specimens were subjected to 80,000 toothbrushing strokes and measured for surface gloss (Gloss Unit, GU), surface roughness (Ra, µm), and color (L*, a*, and b* values) before toothbrushing and at every 20,000 strokes. Color differences (ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*, and ΔE00) before and after toothbrushing were calculated. After 80,000 strokes, abraded surfaces were observed using scanning electron microscopy. The other 10 specimens were measured for Vickers microhardness (VHN). RESULTS: After 80,000 toothbrushing strokes, the mean GU ranged from 60.43 to 16.12 (the highest for ILS and lowest for GFL), and the mean Ra ranged from 0.079 to 4.085 (the lowest for ILS and highest for GFL). At all measuring stages, the calculated ΔE00 values ranged from 0.31 to 0.92 for all materials. The mean VHN ranged from 632.34 to 39.08 (the highest for ILS and lowest for GFZ). The resin composite containing the largest filler particle (GFF) showed significantly lower Ra and higher VHN than other resin composites (GFL, GFZ, and GFP). The CAD/CAM resin composite block containing a smaller filler particle (CSP) retained significantly higher GU than that containing a larger filler particle (CS3). A negative correlation between GU and Ra was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, toothbrush abrasion induced a decrease in GU and an increase in Ra for all resin-based materials tested. Resin-based materials with larger filler size tended to show lower Ra, while resin-based materials with smaller filler size tended to show a smaller reduction in GU. These were more pronounced for light-cure resin composites than for resin composite blocks for CAD/CAM.

Response control of RPLGD for gamma-ray dose measurement using lead filters for BNCT.

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a cell-selective radiotherapy using a neutron capture reaction of 10B. In recent years, Accelerator Based Neutron Sources (ABNS) are under development instead of nuclear reactors for the next-generation neutron irradiation system for BNCT. However, ABNS as well as nuclear reactor usually generates unavoidable secondary gamma-rays by neutron-nuclear reactions such as capture reaction. In this research, we aimed to develop a separate measurement method of only gamma-rays in a mixed field of neutrons and gamma-rays using a fluorescent glass dosimeter (RPLGD), because most dosimeters have sensitivity to both radiation types. For this purpose, we proposed a lead filter method using two RPLGDs and lead filters. However, this method has a problem that the sensitivity to low energy gamma-rays (∼100 keV) is very small. In order to improve the sensitivity to low energy gamma-rays, we devised a method using a specially shaped lead filter. From theoretical calculations, we have shown that it was possible to estimate the air dose rate of the field where the gamma-ray energy spectrum shape was known for energies up to 10 MeV. In addition, we produced the specially shaped lead filter and experimentally confirmed the validity of the lead filter method using several gamma-ray standard sources and by measurements in a nuclear fuel storage room.

Optimal timing of endoscopic sinus surgery for the retention cyst of maxillary sinus.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal timing of functional endoscopic sinus surgery for odontogenic infections precipitated by retention cysts of the maxillary sinus was investigated. METHODS: Five adults who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery were examined. RESULTS: The root apexes of all teeth that had odontogenic infection protruded into the maxillary sinus. All teeth with odontogenic infections precipitated by the retention cysts had percussion pain, indicating they had periodontitis and pulpitis around the root apex. They were vital teeth, indicating they did not have pulp necrosis. The small area of cyst wall attached to the floor of the maxillary sinus and root apex were left intact. The teeth that had odontogenic infections precipitated by retention cysts continued to be vital with no symptoms. CONCLUSION: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery should be performed before periodontitis and pulpitis of the root apex progress to ascending pulpitis and pulp necrosis. In other words, functional endoscopic sinus surgery should be performed while the affected tooth is still vital.

Ex vivo UV-vis and FTIR photoacoustic spectroscopy of natural nanoemulsions from cellulose nanocrystals and saponins topically applied into the skin: Diffusion rates and physicochemical evaluation.

Nanoemulsions are increasingly gaining importance in the development of topically applied medicine and cosmetic products because their small droplets favor the penetration rates of active compounds into the body. In this scenario, the measurements of their diffusion rates as well as eventual physicochemical changes in the target tissues are of utmost importance. It is also recognized that the use of natural surfactants can avoid allergic reactions as frequently observed for synthetic products. The natural saponins extracted from Sapindus Saponaria have the property of forming foam and are exploited as biocompatible and biodegradable, while cellulose nanocrystals are known to increase the stability of a formulation avoiding the coalescence of drops at the interface. Therefore, nanoemulsions combining natural saponins and cellulose nanocrystals are promising systems that may facilitate greater diffusion rates of molecules into the skin, being candidates to substitute synthetic formulations. This study applied the Photoacoustic Spectroscopy technique to measure the diffusion rates and the physicochemical properties of nanoemulsified formulations containing saponins and cellulose nanocrystals topically applied to the skin. The ex vivo study combined the first-time photoacoustic measurements performed in both ultraviolet-visible and mid-infrared spectral regions. The toxicity of these formulations in L929 cells was also evaluated. The results showed that the formulations were able to propagate throughout the skin to a depth of approximately 756 µm, reaching the dermal side. The non-observation of absorbing band shifting or new bands in the FTIR spectra suggests that there were no structural changes in the skin as well as in the formulations after the nanoemulsions administration. The cytotoxicity results showed that the increase of cellulose nanocrystals concentration decreased cellular toxicity. In conclusion, the results demonstrated the advantage of combining photoacoustic methods in the ultraviolet-visible and mid-infrared spectral regions to analyze drug diffusion and interaction with the skin tissues. Both methods complement each other, allowing the confirmation of the nanoemulsion diffusion through the skin and also suggesting there were no detectable physicochemical changes in the tissues. Formulations stabilized with saponins and cellulose nanocrystals showed great potential for the development of topically administered cosmetics and drugs.

Does the phenotypic morphology of the human brachial plexus reflect the theoretical development of concomitant regulation in thoracolumbar spines and nerves?

BACKGROUND: Experimental evidence identified that thoracolumbar mutants caused by Hox genes 7-10 mutants also involve a craniocaudal shift and/or the addition or reduction of segments of the limb plexus roots. This study investigated whether the theoretical concomitant shift of the brachial plexus roots in human different thoracolumbar counts is shared as confirmed in those of the human lumbosacral plexus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The phenotypic morphology of the brachial plexus and its arterial interaction on 20 sides of 10 atypical human thoracolumbar counts out of the 354 sides of the 177 cadavers, were compared with those of 52 sides of 26 cases in a typical human vertebral formula (7C_12T_5L_5S). RESULTS: Regardless of the course and branching patterns of the axillary artery, our results showed that the main brachial plexus roots were composed of only five segments of the 5th-9th spinal nerves, with small contributions from the 4th and/or 10th nerves. This root composition is identical to a typical human thoracolumbar formula, and therefore, neither a craniocaudal shift nor additional/reduced main roots occurred in our thoracolumbar variants. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike the concomitant shift of the lumbosacral plexus roots, our present cases suggest that the phenotypic morphology of the human brachial plexus may be less likely to show theoretical craniocaudal shifts, further data on the root changes in different vertebral formulae are needed for its accurate validation.

Energy metabolism of cells in the macula flava of the newborn vocal fold from the aspect of mitochondrial microstructure.

OBJECTIVE: Cells in the vocal fold of maculae flavae are likely to be tissue stem cells. Energy metabolism of the cells in newborn maculae flavae was investigated from the aspect of mitochondrial microstructure. METHOD: Five normal newborn vocal folds were investigated under transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Mitochondria consisted of a double membrane bounded body containing matrices and a system of cristae. However, these membranes were ambiguous. In each mitochondrion, the lamellar cristae were sparse. Intercristal space was occupied by a mitochondrial matrix. Some mitochondria had fused to lipid droplets and rough endoplasmic reticulum, and both the mitochondrial outer and inner membranes had incarcerated and disappeared. CONCLUSION: The features of the mitochondria of the cells in the newborn maculae flavae showed that their metabolic activity and oxidative phosphorylation were low. The metabolism of the cells in the newborn maculae flavae seems to be favourable to maintain the stemness and undifferentiation of the cells.

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) fluid gel on healing of pododermatitis in rabbits.

Wounds are damaging to quality life of confined animals, causing dysfunction in spinal, members injuries, and reduction in productive performance. This research investigated the clove antimicrobial and antioxidant activity on the healing of decubitus wounds (pododermatitis) of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Adult animals were treated for 21 days every three days with a fluid gel spray in the wound region: control fluid gel without addition of clove (FGC0), fluid gel with addition of 1% clove powder (FGC1), and fluid gel with 2% clove powder (FGC2). Microbiological analysis for Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas spp. were performed during 21 days of experimental period. After this period, samples from treated skin were evaluated for histological analysis and evaluation of the healing process by spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR). Rabbits treated with FGC2 showed advanced healing and decreased tissue inflammation similar to healthy rabbits, while FGC0 rabbits showed a decrease in bacterial contamination without signs of healing. Both FGC1 and FGC2 rabbits demonstrated antimicrobial and antioxidant action against both bacteria tested, favoring the wound healing process. Considering the results, the use of fluid gel with 2% of clove powder (Syzigium aromaticum) based on the best antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities on healing of decubitus wounds (pododermatitis) of rabbits in commercial farming system.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Stabilization Time of Chemical Bonds During Setting Reaction and Microhardness of Preheated Glass-Ionomer Cements.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of preheating glass-ionomer cement (GIC) restorative materials on stabilization time (ST) of their metal carboxylate bonds and on microhardness. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Two conventional high-viscosity GICs, Ketac Universal (3M ESPE) and Equia Forte (GC), were evaluated. The thermographic camera was used to measure the temperature inside the glass-ionomer cement capsules before and after heating. The preheating of capsules was performed at 54°C for 30 seconds in a commercial device. Characterization of ST in the GICs was determined by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. For this, 10 samples of each material were prepared, five in the non-preheated group (control) and five with preheating. FTIR spectra were obtained 10 minutes after mixing (control group) or after heating and then every 10 minutes for 120 minutes. For the microhardness test, 20 cylindrical specimens (3 mm height x 6 mm diameter) were prepared for each material (10 preheated, 10 control). The microhardness was determined at three time intervals: 10 minutes after mixing, after the ST as detected through the FTIR part of the study, and after one week. Knoop microhardness was assessed using a diamond indenter with a 25 g load and 15 seconds dwell time. RESULTS: Ketac Universal showed an increase in temperatures of 15.7°C for powder and 3.6°C for liquid, while Equia Forte showed 16.4°C for powder and 8.5°C for liquid. FTIR spectra indicated that preheating reduced the ST for Equia Forte but increased it for Ketac Universal. Preheating increased the initial microhardness (T1) of Equia Forte. With maturation over one week, it was observed that preheating significantly improved the microhardness of both materials compared with the control specimens. CONCLUSION: Preheating influenced the ST and the microhardness of Ketac Universal and Equia Forte. The ST and microhardness of Ketac Universal increased after seven days, whereas Equia Forte showed a reduced ST and increased microhardness from the outset.

Volume and effectiveness assessment of articain 4% versus mepivacaine 2% used in third molar surgery: randomized, double-blind, split-mouth controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The different indications for extraction of the lower third molars, require resources to manage pain and discomfort, such as, for example, adequate anesthetic techniques, and the type of anesthetic used can influence the management of pain in tooth extractions. Few studies in the literature compare the anesthetics 4% articaine hydrochloride and 2% mepivacaine hydrochloride showing evidence that both allow for successful pain management. This study sought to compare the volume, efficacy and safety of these two anesthetic drugs, both associated with epinephrine at a ratio of 1:100,000, used in the extraction of lower third molars. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A controlled, clinical, split-mouth compared these both local anesthetics in a sample of 20 patients requiring bilateral extraction of teeth. Pain was the main parameter to be assessed by means of the visual analogue scale (VAS) applied during and immediately after the surgery. Hemodynamic parameters, adverse events, presence of paresthesia and satisfaction of patients and surgeon were also analysed. RESULTS: Pain management was more effective with mepivacaine up to two hours after surgery (p=0.014), whereas the surgeon was more satisfied with the use of articaine during divulsion and suture (p<0.05). However no statistically significant differences were found between both anesthetics regarding pain perception. CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that both anesthetics are efficient and safe in the management of pain for extraction of third molars, in which less amount of mepivacaine is needed. The satisfaction of patients and surgeon was the same for both anesthetics, with articaine being highlighted during divulsion and suture.

Effects of Bioactive Agents on Dentin Mineralization Kinetics After Dentin Bleaching.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated effects of Bioglass 45S5 (BG) and Biosilicate (BS) remineralization on the chemical composition and bond strength of control dentin (CD) and bleached dentin (BD) surfaces. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Dentin bleaching treatment was performed using the walking bleaching technique with 0.01 g of sodium perborate and 0.5 mL of 3% hydrogen peroxide for 14 days. Remineralization treatment was carried out by rubbing a remineralization solution (0.015 g of BG or BS diluted in 1.35 mL of distilled water) on the etched dentin surface for 30 seconds. Micro-Raman spectroscopy (MRS) was used to quantitatively analyze the mineral matrix ratios of CD and BD (n=5) after remineralization treatment with BG and BS over 15 days of incubation in artificial saliva. The CD and BD discs (n=10) with and without remineralization treatment with BG and BS were restored using a two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system (Optibond S, Kerr) and five layers of 1-mm-thick composite resin (Filtek Z250, 3M ESPE). The restored dentin discs were sectioned into nine bonded beams with cross-sectional areas of approximately 0.9 mm2 and tested for microtensile bond strength (µTBS). The dentin surface of one fractured beam per tooth was submitted to MRS to characterize the physicochemical composition (n=10) at the interface. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and the Tukey-Kramer post hoc test (p<0.005). RESULTS: MRS bioactive analyses revealed that both BG and BS promoted increased mineral matrix ratios in the CD and BD. Significantly higher µTBS values were found after CD treatment with BG (CD: 57 MPa±11; CD-BG: 78 MPa±15) and when BG and BS were applied to the BD (BD: 42 MPa±5; BD-BG: 71 MPa±14; BD-BS: 64 MPa±11) (p<0.005). The MRS analysis of the fractured dentin beam showed that the remineralization treatment significantly increased the dentin relative mineral concentration and promoted the appearance of new interface peaks, indicating a chemical interaction (p<0.005). CONCLUSION: Remineralization of BD is an effective therapy to restore damage caused by dentin bleaching and acid conditioning. This approach not only increases dentin mineral compounds but also improves dentin's ability to interact chemically with the adhesive system.

Neurolymphatic biomarkers of brain endothelial inflammatory activation: Implications for multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

AIMS: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the leading cause of non-traumatic neurological disability in young adults, and its diagnosis is often delayed due to the lack of diagnostic markers. Initiation of disease -modifying therapy in the early stages of MS is especially critical because currently available therapy mostly target relapsing-remitting MS, and is less effective as disease progresses into the more chronic form of secondary-progressive MS. Therefore, exploring specific and sensitive biomarkers will facilitate an expedited and more accurate diagnosis to allow currently available therapies to be more effective. MAIN METHODS: Western blotting was conducted to detect the expression of neurolymphatic proteins in human brain endothelial cells in culture. Additionally, using a cohort of 150 patients with relapsing remitting MS, 26 with secondary progressive MS, and 60 healthy control samples, neurolymphatic protein expression was detected in serum samples using dot blot analysis. KEY FINDINGS: Human brain microvascular endothelial cells express neurolymphatic markers. Neurolymphatic protein abundance increases with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α stimulation but decreases with interferon (IFN)- γ or combined (TNF + IFN) treatment. Circulating neurolymphatic protein levels is significantly lower in MS patients. Further, one of the markers, FOXC2, is associated with the clinical stages of MS, with significantly lower expression in secondary progressive MS compared to relapsing remitting MS. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings describe brain endothelial expression of neurolymphatic proteins, which is altered under inflammatory stress, and provide a possibility of using a collective pool of circulating neurolymphatic proteins as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of MS.

Is there a correlation between arthroscopic findings and the clinical signs and symptoms of patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint? A prospective study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between clinical signs and symptoms of patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and arthroscopic findings. The study included a sample of 67 patients who underwent TMJ arthroscopy. The variables evaluated were the arthroscopic findings of synovitis, chondromalacia, adhesion, and roofing. The Spearman correlation index was used to correlate these findings with the clinical signs and symptoms of internal derangement of the TMJ, namely maximum mouth opening, pain (visual analogue scale, VAS), and the Wilkes classification. The mean age of the population was 36.16 years, and 85% were female. There was a correlation between pain and synovitis (P=0.0029, r=0.3508), between mouth opening limitation and the amount of adhesion (P=0.0004, r=-0.4084), and between Wilkes classification and the presence of chondromalacia and disc displacement (P=0.001, r=0.374 and P=0.0045, r=-0.3357, respectively). No correlation was found between age and the presence of chondromalacia (P=0.3444, r=0.1147). Patients who had worse pain symptoms had more advanced stages of synovitis, and the increased presence of adhesions was associated with limitations in mouth opening. Furthermore, those with more advanced Wilkes stages had greater disc displacement and more severe stages of chondromalacia.

Surgical histoanatomy for adduction arytenopexy using injection laryngoplasty.

BACKGROUND: In order to improve a large posterior glottal gap and/or aspiration, injections of augmentation substances should not only be administered at the mid-membranous vocal fold in the thyroarytenoid muscle, but also at the cartilaginous portion of the vocal fold to make adduction arytenopexy possible. METHOD: Ten adult human larynges were investigated using the whole-organ serial section technique. RESULTS: Vertical thickness of the posterior aspect of the thyroarytenoid muscle was relatively thin (3.4 ± 0.4 mm), especially in females (3.2 ± 0.3 mm). Consequently, care should be taken to ensure the correct depth of needle placement. If the needle is placed too deep, augmentation substances are injected into the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle, located beneath the thyroarytenoid muscle, or into the paraglottic space, located inferolateral to the thyroarytenoid muscle. CONCLUSION: The injection location and the amount of injected material should be modified based on the pathological conditions of the voice disorder and aspiration.

Transcription factor DEC1 is required for maximal experimentally induced periodontal inflammation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Disruption of transcriptional regulation is a confounding factor associated with a wide range of human inflammatory diseases. To investigate mechanistic links between transcription factor DEC1 and pathways underlying inflammation, wild-type and DEC1 knockout (KO) C57BL/6 mice were treated with Porphyromonas gingivalis (or carboxymethyl cellulose as a control) to induce periodontal inflammation. It provoked an inflammatory response within the oral environment, which showed robust variation in alveolar bone resorption and expression of inflammatory cytokines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Male DEC1KO mice and their wild-type littermates were used for the experimental periodontitis model. Measurement of alveolar bone resorption, micro-computed tomography, isolation of gingival mononuclear cells (GMCs), flow cytometry and immunohistochemical analysis were used in this study. Human gingival fibroblast cells (HGF-1) were used for DEC1 over-expression and short interference RNA (siRNA) studies and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were performed. RESULTS: Micro-computed tomography analysis demonstrated that P. gingivalis caused a decrease in bone area of wild-type mice compared with DEC1KO mice. Expression of inflammatory and immune markers in GMCs was significantly decreased in DEC1KO mice after treatment with P. gingivalis. Conversely, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10 mRNAs were significantly increased in GMCs isolated from DEC1KO mice. The results show that treatment of DEC1KO mice with P. gingivalis decreased the numbers of CD11b+ F4/80+ and CD4+ RANKL+ T cells. Moreover, expression of CD4, F4/80, RANKL and cathepsin K in inflammatory cell infiltrates was significantly reduced in DEC1KO mice treated with P. gingivalis compared with controls. Furthermore, over-expression of DEC1 in HGF-1 cells increased the expression of IL-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α mRNAs and their expression levels reached a maximum in response to treatment with lipopolysaccharide. Inhibition of DEC1 by short interference RNA interference suppressed the P. gingivalis-derived lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α and toll-like receptor4. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that transcription factor DEC1 can modulate P. gingivalis-induced periodontitis in the oral mucosa.

Measurement of urinary concentrations of the mycotoxins zearalenone and sterigmatocystin as biomarkers of exposure in mares.

Mycotoxins may affect animal health, including reproduction. Little is known about the clinical relevance of exposure of horses to contaminated feed. This study aimed at (i) monitoring the levels of the mycotoxins zearalenone (ZEN), with its metabolites α- and ß-zearalenol (α- and ß-ZOL), and sterigmatocystin (STC) in urine samples from thoroughbred mares in Japan and (ii) relating these findings to the potential effects on reproductive efficacy of breeding mares. Sixty-three urine samples of breeding mares from 59 breeding farms were used. Urine samples and reproductive records were collected from each mare when it was presented to the stallion station. Urinary concentrations of ZEN, α- and ß-ZOL, and STC were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). ZEN, α- and ß-ZOL were measurable in the urine of all examined mares, indicating the prevalence of ZEN in equine feeds. In seven of the 63 samples, STC was also detected at levels ranging from 1.3 to 18.0 pg/mg creatinine. No significant correlation between the concentrations of mycotoxins and pregnancy status was observed. In conclusion, measurement of mycotoxins in urine samples is a useful non-invasive method for monitoring the systemic exposure of mares to multiple mycotoxins.

Variability and constraint of vertebral formulae and proportions in colugos, tree shrews, and rodents, with special reference to vertebral modification by aerodynamic adaptation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study is to provide the first large data set on vertebral formulae and proportions, and examine their relationship with different locomotive modes in colugos (Dermoptera), tree shrews (Scandentia), and rodents (Rodentia), which have been considered less variable because they were thought to have a plesiomorphic number of 19 thoracolumbar vertebrae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data included 33 colugos and 112 tree shrews, which are phylogenetically sister taxa, and 288 additional skeletons from 29 other mammalian species adapted to different locomotive modes, flying, gliding, arboreal, terrestrial, digging, and semi-aquatic habitats. RESULTS: The following results were obtained: (1) intra-/interspecies variability and geographical variation in thoracic, lumbar, and thoracolumbar counts were present in two gliding colugo species and 12 terrestrial/arboreal tree shrew species; (2) in our examined mammals, some aerodynamic mammals, such as colugos, southern flying squirrels, scaly-tailed squirrels, and bats, showed exceptionally high amounts of intraspecific variation of thoracic, lumbar, and thoracolumbar counts, and sugar gliders and some semi-aquatic rodents also showed some variation; (3) longer thoracic and shorter lumbar vertebrae were typically shared traits among the examined mammals, except for flying squirrels (Pteromyini) and scaly-tailed squirrels (Anomaluridae). CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals that aerodynamic adaptation could potentially lead to strong selection and modification of vertebral formulae and/or proportions based on locomotive mode despite evolutionary and developmental constraints. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 1: 44-56) Background: The aim of the present study is to provide the first large data set on vertebral formulae and proportions, and examine their relationship with different locomotive modes in colugos (Dermoptera), tree shrews (Scandentia), and rodents (Rodentia), which have been considered less variable because they were thought to have a plesiomorphic number of 19 thoracolumbar vertebrae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data included 33 colugos and 112 tree shrews, which are phylogenetically sister taxa, and 288 additional skeletons from 29 other mammalian species adapted to different locomotive modes, flying, gliding, arboreal, terrestrial, digging, and semi-aquatic habitats. RESULTS: The following results were obtained: (1) intra-/interspecies variability and geographical variation in thoracic, lumbar, and thoracolumbar counts were present in two gliding colugo species and 12 terrestrial/arboreal tree shrew species; (2) in our examined mammals, some aerodynamic mammals, such as colugos, southern flying squirrels, scaly-tailed squirrels, and bats, showed exceptionally high amounts of intraspecific variation of thoracic, lumbar, and thoracolumbar counts, and sugar gliders and some semi-aquatic rodents also showed some variation; (3) longer thoracic and shorter lumbar vertebrae were typically shared traits among the examined mammals, except for flying squirrels (Pteromyini) and scaly-tailed squirrels (Anomaluridae). CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals that aerodynamic adaptation could potentially lead to strong selection and modification of vertebral formulae and/or proportions based on locomotive mode despite evolutionary and developmental constraints. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 1: 44-56).

Chemical Interaction Analysis of an Adhesive Containing 10-Methacryloyloxydecyl Dihydrogen Phosphate (10-MDP) With the Dentin in Noncarious Cervical Lesions.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the chemical bonds of a self-etch 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP) adhesive to natural noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs) and compare them with those occurring in sclerotic dentin in artificially prepared defects (APDs). Four human teeth with natural NCCLs on the buccal surface were selected. Artificial defects matching the natural lesions were prepared on the lingual surface of the same teeth serving as control. Micro-Raman (MR) spectroscopy was used to quantify mineral content in natural NCCLs and in APDs. Fourier transform infrared-photoacoustic spectroscopy (FTIR-PAS) readouts were taken before and after adhesive application to analyze the protein matrix/mineral (M:M) ratio and chemical interactions between 10-MDP adhesive and dentin. The MR and FTIR-PAS spectra collected from natural NCCLs demonstrated a larger area of the band (961 cm-1, PO4) and lower M:M ratio, respectively, characterizing a hypermineralized dentin, compared with APDs. FTIR-PAS demonstrated emergence of a peak (1179 cm-1, P=O) in spectra after adhesive treatment, demonstrating a more intense chemical interaction in natural NCCLs. The results demonstrated that chemical bonding of 10-MDP adhesive to natural NCCLs is more intense, due to the hypermineralized surface, and suggest that it is unnecessary to remove the hypermineralized layer with burs, as this may decrease the chemical bonding potential of 10-MDP.