Chemical compositions and cryo-adhesive probing of the epicuticular wax crystals on fruit surface of wax gourd (Benincasa hispida).

Surface wax crystals play important roles in protecting plants from pest and disease invasions, and UV irradiation. The wax crystals are less probed individually from the fruit surfaces. Herein the morphologies, chemicals and an efficient method to sample the wax blooms of white wax gourd were addressed. Various crystalloids such as rodlets, platelets, fragments, and granules were observed, which stacked as fine wax film covering on wax gourd fruit surface. The wax blooms were effectively removed by cryo-adhesive after consecutive manipulating set by a high-end device with cylinders. Wax crystals were dominated by triterpenols and triterpenol acetates over 61 % of total crystals, followed by vey-long-chain aliphatics. Accordingly, the high-end device with cryo-adhesive provides an efficient approach to selectively probe the wax crystals from those fruits covering wax blooms. The elucidation of morphologies and chemical compositions of wax crystals may help to better understand their regulations on fruit quality traits.

Evaluation of different irrigation techniques on dentin erosion and smear layer removal: A scanning electron microscopy study.

Aim: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of different irrigation techniques EndoVac, RinsEndo, Canal CleanMax (CCMax), SonicMax, Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI), and Manual Needle Irrigation (MNI) on dentin erosion and smear layer removal using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Materials and Methods: Seventy extracted single-rooted teeth were instrumented with ProTaper rotary instruments. The roots were randomly divided into six experimental groups (n = 10): EndoVac, RinsEndo, CCMax, SonicMax, PUI, and MNI. Final irrigation was performed with NaOCl followed by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and NaOCl. Six roots served as control and were irrigated with only NaOCl. Next, the roots were sectioned in a buccolingual direction and the halves were examined by SEM. Smear layer and erosion scores were recorded in the cervical, middle and apical third of the roots. Data analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests with a level of significance α = 0.05. Results: PUI had the greatest amount of smear layer compared to other groups (P < 0.001). However, SonicMax had the greatest degree of erosion compared to RinsEndo, MNI, PUI, and EndoVac groups (P < 0.001) and CCMax group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: RinsEndo and EndoVac techniques left the least amount of smear layer while causing erosion the least compared to CCMax, PUI, and MNI techniques.

Leaf epidermal morphology of Asparagaceae of Taiwan and its systematic significance.

The current study analyzed the epidermal morphology of Asparagaceae in detail and assessed its systematic importance. At the familial level, no consistent characteristics were found, but anticlinal wall and stomata morphology provided systematic information of different tribes, especially Ophiopogoneae and Polygonateae. In Ophiopogoneae, Liriope and Ophiopogon had similar epidermis, which implying a close relationship between them, and was also supported by related studies. The leaves of Polygonateae exhibited rounded and undulate anticlinal wall. Polygonatum arisanense var. formosanum had a rounded anticlinal wall, whereas other species exhibited undulate anticlinal walls. Different epidemis of Po. arisanense var. formosanum supported the variety treatment of Po. arisanense. The intergeneric relationship was also interpreted based on the anticlinal wall and stomata. Therefore, the epidermis could provide the systematic value of Asparagaceae. The present study also revealed the linkage of stomata and habitat types, though the adaptative significance of epidermal traits needs further study. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Anticlinal wall and stomatal morphology had systematic potential on tribal or generic levels of Asparagaceae. Stomatal types of Asparagaceae might be linked to environmental factors.

The Impact of COVID-19 On Comorbidities: A Review Of Recent Updates For Combating It.

Coronavirus disease is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus first appeared in Wuhan (China) in December 2019 and has spread globally. Till now, it affected 269 million people with 5.3 million deaths in 224 countries and territories. With the emergence of variants like Omicron, the COVID-19 cases grew exponentially, with thousands of deaths. The general symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, sore throat, cough, lung infections, and, in severe cases, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, and death. SARS-CoV-2 predominantly affects the lung, but it can also affect other organs such as the brain, heart, and gastrointestinal system. It is observed that 75 % of hospitalized COVID-19 patients have at least one COVID-19 associated comorbidity. The most common reported comorbidities are hypertension, NDs, diabetes, cancer, endothelial dysfunction, and CVDs. Moreover, older and pre-existing polypharmacy patients have worsened COVID-19 associated complications. SARS-CoV-2 also results in the hypercoagulability issues like gangrene, stroke, pulmonary embolism, and other associated complications. This review aims to provide the latest information on the impact of the COVID-19 on pre-existing comorbidities such as CVDs, NDs, COPD, and other complications. This review will help us to understand the current scenario of COVID-19 and comorbidities; thus, it will play an important role in the management and decision-making efforts to tackle such complications.

Comparison of Sample Preparation Techniques for Inspection of Leaf Epidermises Using Light Microscopy and Scanning Electronic Microscopy.

The micro-morphology of leaf epidermises is valuable for the study of leaf development and function, as well as the classification of plant species. There have been few studies comparing different preparation and imaging methods for visualizing the leaf epidermis. Here, four specimen preparation methods were used to investigate the leaf epidermis morphology of Arabidopsis, radish, cucumber, wheat, rice, and maize, under an inverted basic light microscope (LM), a laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM), or a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Optical microscope specimens were obtained using either the direct isolation method or the chloral hydrate-based clearing method. SEM images were obtained using a standard stage for conventional dehydrated samples or a Coolstage for fresh tissue. Different parts of epidermis peels were well focused under the LM. Investigation of samples cleared by chloral hydrate is convenient and autofluorescence of cell walls can be detected in rice. The resolution of images of conventional SEM leaf samples was generally higher than the Coolstage images at the same magnification, whereas local collapse and shrinkage were observed in leaves with high water content when using the conventional method. However, stomatal apparatuses of Arabidopsis, cucumber, radish, and maize deformed and showed poor appearance when using the Coolstage. Moreover, we usually used glutaraldehyde as an SEM fixative when using t-butanol for freeze-drying, though methanol is considered a better fixative in recent studies. In addition, fresh samples were not stable on the Coolstage. Thus, we compared four different t-butanol freeze-drying methods and two Coolstage methods. The dimension and morphology of tissues were compared using the six different methods. The results indicate that methanol fixative obviously reduced shrinkage of SEM samples compared with glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde alcohol acetic acid (FAA) fixatives. The use of methanol and a graded series of steps improved the preservation of samples. Preparing samples with optimal cutting temperature compound and observing at -30°C helped to increase the stability of Coolstage samples. In summary, our results provide an overview of the shortcomings and merits of four different methods, and might provide some information about choosing an optimal method for visualizing epidermal morphology.

Superficial Characteristics of Titanium after Treatment of Chorreated Surface, Passive Acid, and Decontamination with Argon Plasma.

(1) Background. Titanium is characterized by its biocompatibility, resistance to maximum stress, and fatigue and non-toxicity. The composition, surface structure, and roughness of titanium have a key and direct influence on the osseointegration processes when it is used in the form of dental implants. The objective of the present study is to characterize, at chemical, superficial, and biological levels, the result of the application of the sandblasted with large-grit and acid-etched (SLA) treatment consisting of coarse-grained and double-passivated acid blasting with subsequent decontamination with argon plasma on the surface of titanium implants type IV. (2) Methods. Four Oxtein® dental implants (Zaragoza, Spain) were investigated with the following coding: Code L63713T (titanium grade IV, 3.75 mm in diameter, and 13 mm in length). The surface of the implants was SLA type obtained from coarse-grained, double passivated acid, and decontaminated with argon plasma. The samples were in their sealed packages and were opened in our laboratory. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) technique was used to characterize the chemical composition of the surface, and the scanning electronic microscope (SEM) technique was used to perform topographic surface evaluation. Cell cultures were also performed on both surfaces. (3) Results. The superficial chemical analysis of the studied samples presented the following components, approximately, expressed in atomic percentage: O: 39%; Ti: 18%; C: 39%; N: 2%; and Si: 1%. In the same way, the topographic analysis values were obtained in the evaluated roughness parameters: Ra: 1.5 µm ± 0.02%; Rq: 1.31 µm ± 0.33; Rz: 8.98 µm ± 0.73; Rp: 5.12 µm ± 0.48; Rv: 3.76 µm ± 0.51; and Rc: 4.92 µm ± 0.24. At a biological level, the expression of osteocalcin was higher (p < 0.05) on the micro-rough surface compared to that machined at 48 and 96 h of culture. (4) Conclusions. The data obtained in our study indicate that the total carbon content, the relative concentration of titanium, and the roughness of the treatment performed on the implants are in agreement with those found in the literature. Further, the roughness of the treatment performed on the implants throws a spongy, three-dimensional surface suitable for bone growth on it. The biological results found are compatible with the clinical use of the surface tested.

Influence of cyclodextrins on the gel properties of kappa-carrageenan.

The influence of cyclodextrins (CDs) on the rheological and structural properties of κ-carrageenan (κ-CA) gel was investigated. Gelling temperature (Tg) of κ-CA was improved by CDs present in the system. Variation of the Herschel-Bulkley model parameters indicates that the addition of CDs increases plasticity of the κ-CA sol. Scanning electronic micrographs show that networks of κ-CA become flat and firm after CDs were added. κ-CA gel containing methyl-ß-CD shows the most uniform and fine network structure. Moreover, a proposed model of CDs in κ-CA phase was provided. The influence of CDs on κ-CA gelation was mainly through (i) the exclusion of CDs from κ-CA in the sol state, (ii) the regular rearrangement of κ-CA random coils influenced by CDs in the sol state, (iii) the binding of CDs to the κ-CA surface by hydrogen bonds in the gel.

Influence of plasma cleaning procedure on the interaction between soft tissue and abutments: a randomized controlled histologic study.

INTRODUCTION: Plasma application can lead to an improved adhesion between soft tissue and abutments and promotes cell spreading. OBJECTIVE: A triple-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial was performed to in vivo test the effect of cleaning abutment titanium surfaces with plasma of argon on cell adhesion and collagen fiber orientation at an early healing time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty healthy patients with 30 submerged implants, at the second surgery, randomly received either a specially designed abutment with no additional treatment (as they come from industry; control group, G1) or cleaned by plasma of argon (test group, G2). Two weeks thereafter, a small biopsy including abutment and soft tissues around the abutment was performed. Abutments were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy to assess cell adhesion to the abutment surface. Outcome measures were the following: percentage of area occupied by cells, the presence or absence of cells, aspect of adhered cells, and the presence of contaminants. At the same time, the soft tissue histological analysis evaluated density and orientation of collagen fibers. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test and Levene variance homogeneity test. Data were analyzed using a nonparametric ranking test. The associations between the different qualitative variables were studied using Pearson's chi-squared test. The Mann-Whitney U-test (for two independent samples) was applied for quantitative variables. RESULTS: Mean percentages of area occupied by cells were 15.14% (range 2.91-44.27) and 33.75% (range 2.37-68.4) for G1 and G2, respectively. Differences were close to significance (P = 0.089). The proportion of samples presenting adhered cells was homogeneous between the two groups (P = 0.142). In all cases, cells presented a flattened aspect, but not in three cases in the G2; in 17 cases, cells were efficiently adhered, and in 11 cases, cells presented filopodia with no statistical differences between groups (P > 0.05). No case from G2 showed contamination with cocobacteria with statistical differences between groups (P = 0.006). Collagen fiber density was higher in the basal, medial, and coronal area of G2 compared to G1 with a statistical difference in the internal area (P < 0.05). The orientation of the fibers varied according to the coordinate area with oblique fibers predominant in G2 than in G1. CONCLUSION: Plasma of argon may promote cell adhesion and positively influence collagen fiber orientation. A greater sample is necessary to confirm these preliminary results.

Extraction of dihydroquercetin from Larix gmelinii with ultrasound-assisted and microwave-assisted alternant digestion.

An ultrasound and microwave assisted alternant extraction method (UMAE) was applied for extracting dihydroquercetin (DHQ) from Larix gmelinii wood. This investigation was conducted using 60% ethanol as solvent, 1:12 solid to liquid ratio, and 3 h soaking time. The optimum treatment time was ultrasound 40 min, microwave 20 min, respectively, and the extraction was performed once. Under the optimized conditions, satisfactory extraction yield of the target analyte was obtained. Relative to ultrasound-assisted or microwave-assisted method, the proposed approach provides higher extraction yield. The effect of DHQ of different concentrations and synthetic antioxidants on oxidative stability in soy bean oil stored for 20 days at different temperatures (25 °C and 60 °C) was compared. DHQ was more effective in restraining soy bean oil oxidation, and a dose-response relationship was observed. The antioxidant activity of DHQ was a little stronger than that of BHA and BHT. Soy bean oil supplemented with 0.08 mg/g DHQ exhibited favorable antioxidant effects and is preferable for effectively avoiding oxidation. The L. gmelinii wood samples before and after extraction were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the UMAE method is a simple and efficient technique for sample preparation.

Effect of different cleansers on the surface of removable partial denture

Removable partial dentures (RPD) demand specific hygienic cleaning and the combination of brushing with immersion in chemical solutions has been the most recommended method for control of biofilm. However, the effect of the cleansers on metallic components has not been widely investigated. This study evaluated the effect of different cleansers on the surface of RPD. Five disc specimens (12 mm x 3 mm metallic disc centered in a 38 x 18 x 4 mm mould filled with resin) were obtained for each experimental situation: 6 solutions [Periogard (PE), Cepacol (CE), Corega Tabs (CT), Medical Interporous (MI), Polident (PO), 0.05 percent sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), and distilled water (DW) control] and 2 Co-Cr alloys [DeguDent (DD) and VeraPDI (VPDI)] were used for each experimental situation. A 180-day immersion was simulated and the measurements of roughness (Ra, µm) of metal and resin were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test. The surface changes and tarnishes were examined with a scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). In addition, energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDS) analysis was carried out at representative areas. Visually, NaOCl and MI specimens presented surface tarnishes. The roughness of materials was not affected by the solutions (p>0.05). SEM images showed that NaOCl and MI provided surface changes. EDS analysis revealed the presence of oxygen for specimens in contact with both MI and NaOCl solutions, which might suggest that the two solutions promoted the oxidation of the surfaces, thus leading to spot corrosion. Within the limitations of this study, it may be concluded that the NaOCl and MI may not be suitable for cleaning of RPD.

As próteses parciais removíveis (PPR) exigem higienização específica e a associação da escovação com imersão em soluções químicas tem sido o método mais recomendado para controle do biofilme. Entretanto, os efeitos destas soluções não são amplamente reportados em componentes metálicos. Este estudo avaliou o efeito de diferentes agentes de higienização na superfície dos componentes de uma PPR. Foram confeccionados 5 espécimes (disco metálico de 12 x 3 mm centralizado em uma tira de resina com 38 x 18 x 4 mm) para cada situação experimental: 6 soluções [Periogard (PE), Cepacol (CE), Corega Tabs (CT), Medical Interporous (MI), Polident (PO), hipoclorito de sódio 0,05 por cento (HS) e água destilada (AD) como controle)] e 2 ligas de cobalto-cromo [DeguDent (DD) e Vera PDI (VPDI)] foram utilizadas para cada situação experimental. Foram simuladas imersões de 180 dias. As aferições de rugosidade (Ra, μm) tanto em porção metálica quanto em resina acrílica termopolimerizável foram submetidos ao ANOVA e ao teste de Tukey. As alterações superficiais e manchas foram examinadas por meio de microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Áreas de interesse foram submetidas à espectrometria por energia dispersiva por raios X (EDS). Visualmente, puderam ser verificadas manchas nas superfícies metálicas quando utilizados HS e MI. A rugosidade dos materiais não foi afetada pelas soluções (p>0,05). As fotomicrografias evidenciaram que HS e MI ocasionaram alterações superficiais. As análises de EDS revelaram a presença de oxigênio nos grupos HS e MI, o que pode sugerir que estas duas soluções causaram oxidação das superfícies, provocando pontos de corrosão. Dentre as limitações do presente estudo, pode-se concluir que estas soluções não são apropriadas para a higienização das PPR.

Propriedades mecânicas de fios de NiTi e CuNiTi com efeito memória de forma utilizados em tratamentos ortodônticos / Mechanical properties of NiTi and CuNiTi wires used in orthodontic treatment

Objetivou-se nessa pesquisa comparar oito tipos de fios de NiTi superelásticos e termoativos, de seis empresas comerciais (GAC, TP, ORMCO, MASEL, MORELLI e UNITEK) àqueles com adição de cobre (CuNiTi 27 e 35OC, ORMCO), observando se as propriedades mecânicas dos dois últimos justificariam sua escolha clínica. Para tal foram realizados ensaios de tração e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os ensaios de tração foram realizados em máquina de ensaios mecânicos da marca EMIC, modelo DL10000, de 10 toneladas de capacidade, no Instituto Militar de Engenharia (IME). A composição química e a topografia superficial dos fios foram determinadas através da microscopia eletrônica de varredura em microscópio da marca JEOL, modelo JSM-5800 LV com sistema de microanálise EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy). Os resultados mostraram que, de forma geral, os fios de NiTi termoativados apresentaram cargas mais suaves de desativação em relação aos superelásticos. Entre os fios que apresentaram as cargas biologicamente mais adequadas de desativação estão os termoativados da GAC e da UNITEK. Entre os fios de NiTi superelásticos, os de CuNiTi 27ºC da ORMCO foram os que apresentaram as cargas mais suaves de desativação, sendo semelhantes, estatisticamente (ANOVA), às apresentadas pelos fios de NiTi termoativados da UNITEK para a deformação de 4%. Quando comparados os fios de CuNiTi a 27 e a 35ºC, observou-se que os primeiros apresentaram forças de desativação de, aproximadamente, 1/3 das apresentadas pelos últimos, para a deformação de 4%. Quando analisada a microscopia eletrônica de varredura de superfície, os fios de NiTi superelásticos que apresentaram melhores acabamentos foram os da MASEL e MORELLI e os que apresentaram os piores acabamentos foram os de NiTi e CuNiTi 27ºC da ORMCO...

Leveling and aligning orthodontic wires must be able to generate light and continuous forces. Thus need to have high springback and flexibility. For this purpose it was suggested a variety of supereslatic and termoactivated Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) wires that may offer a load-deformation curve, in a constant plataform. Copper NiTi wires are presented as exhibiting better thermoactivating properties for optimum-forces system with better dental movement control. The aim of this study was to compare 8 NiTi superelastic and thermoactivated wires of six different brands (GAC, TP, ORMCO, MASEL, MORELLI and UNITEK) to Copper addicted wires (CuNiTi 270C and 350C, ORMCO) to verify if the mechanical properties of Copper NiTi would support it’s clinical use. Stress-strain tests were done in Engeneering Military Institute (IME-Brazil), through test machine (EMIC- DL 10000 model). Scanning electronic microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy (JOEL, JSM-5800 LV model) was used to determine chemical composition and superficial topography of the wires. Results showed that, in general, thermoactivated NiTi wires exhibited lower deactivation loads when compared to NiTi superelastics. Among the thermoactivated, the GAC and UNITEK ones are the lighter ones. Among the superelastics, the Copper NiTi 270C (ORMCO) were the lighter ones, statistically similar (ANOVA) to thermoactivated NiTi from UNITEK, for 4% strain. Once Copper NiTi 270C showed deactivated loads 62% lower than Copper NiTi 350C , under 4% strain. As regard to Scanning Electronic Microscopy results for superelastic NiTi wires, better superficial burnishing were found for MASEL and MORELLI ones...

Scanning electronic microscope observation of bone marrow stem cells transfected by IGF-1 gene and cultured onto ostrich true bone ceramic / 实用口腔医学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the biocompatibility of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) gene transfected bone marrow stem cells (MSCs) with ostrich true bone ceramic (OTBC). Methods:Rat MSCs were transfected with IGF-1 gene, and positive clones were selected by G418. The expression of IGF-1 protein in the MSCs was detected by immunocytochemical technique. The IGF-1 transfected MSCs were cultured with OTBC and the morphology of the cells was observed by scanning electronic microscope(SEM) at different time point. Results:Immunohistochemical staining suggested that the IGF-1 protein was expressed in the IGF-1 transfected MSCs. The cells adhered to OTBC and stretched well after 24 h of culture. The IGF-1 transfected MSCs proliferated on the surface of OTBC with culture time.Conclusion:The OTBC has a good biocompatibility with IGF-1 transfected MSCs.

Study on Enzymology and Morphology Effects of Extractions of Cyanobacteria on Primary Cultured Hepatocyte / 环境与健康杂志

Objective To make a further study on the character and mechanism of hepatotoxic effect of microcystin(MC),which stands for the extractions of cyanobacteria Methods The enzymology and morphology effects of different concentrations of 0.1,1,10 ?g/ml extractions of cyanobacteria on primary cultured hepatocyte were observed Results It was shown that the concentrations of LDH and AST increased in the culture medium after exposure to MC at concentrations of 0.1 ,1 and 10 ?g/ml No significant changes of concentrations of AKP, GGT, ALT and GSH were observed in the culture media of tested groups.An active proliferation of cultured hepatocytes with apopotosis or necrosis were observed in the center of the proliferation foci in the treated groups.Characterisitic morphological alterations such as irregular shape,cytoplasmic cavity,plasma membrane blebs and protrusions were viewed in scanning electronic microscope as well as in cultured cell. Conclusion The extractions of cyanobacteria could promote the proliferation of hepatocyte and might influence the physiological and biochemical function and the integrity of hepatocyte

EFFECTS OF SCHWANN CELLS ON SURVIVAL AND DIFFERENTIATION OF NEURAL STEM CELLS in vitro / 解剖学报

Objective Whether Schwann cells could promote the survival and differentiation of neural stem cells was explored in vitro. Methods Neural stem cells were dissociated and cloned from the hippocampal tissue of newborn rats.Schwann cells were also dissociated and purified simultaneously from the sciatic nerves and brachial plexus nerves of newborn rats.Then Schwann cells and neural stem cells were Co cultured.The expression of nestin of the neural stem cells and the expression of neurofilament(NF) or glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)of the differentiated cells were detected by immunohistochemistry.The morphological changes of neural stem cells were examined with scanning electronic microscope. Results Compared with control group,the number of surviving neural stem cells and differentiated neuron like cells was significantly increased in Co cultured (Schwann cells add neural stem cells)groups.The primary processes of neuron like cells in Co cultured groups were obviously longer than that in control groups.The irregular convex or concave of the body of neural stem cells became plain and smooth in Co cultured group.Co cultured Schwann cells and neural stem cells have grown to touch together in following manner:1.Body touch body;2.Body touch process;3.Process touch process.Conclusion\ Schwann cells can promote the survival and differentiation of co cultured neural stem cells in vitro.