Elastodontic Devices in Orthodontics: An In-Vitro Study on Mechanical Deformation under Loading.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the mechanical resistance of elastodontic devices (ED): their maximum compression loads and plastic deformation under loading (percentage). An Instron universal machine (Model 3365, Instron, Industrial Product Group, Grove City, PA, USA) was employed with a 100 N load cell and with Bluehill software for loading analyses. Each device was submitted to a five-cycles test. The following ED were evaluated: A.M.C.O.P. (Micerium, Genova, Italy) in red color, in orange color, and in blue color; HealthyStart (Ortho-Tain, Winnetka, IL, USA), and T4K™ phase 1 (Myofunctional Research Co., Helensvale, Australia). During the five-cycles test, the Ortho-Tain device delivered the greatest compression load (7.56 N), with the lowest percentage of deformation (0.95%). For all devices, a slight plastic deformation of the material was registered, ranging from 0.95% to 1.75%. For the T4K device it was not possible to complete the five-cycles test. For all the analyzed ED, a slight plastic deformation under loading was registered, that in all cases can be considered clinically acceptable. Further studies are needed to test the appliances after clinical usage.

Identification and characterisation of halotolerant bacteria in spoiled dry-cured hams.

Twenty bacterial strains isolated from Italian dry-cured hams affected by the so-called 'vein defect', were Gram positive, catalase and oxidase negative non-spore-forming rods. Twelve strains were identified by molecular characterisation as Marinilactibacillus psychrotolerans. These strains were demonstrated to survive at high salt concentrations (up to 25% w/w, with growth up to 12% w/w), low temperatures (0-3°C) and a pH range (6-7), which is encountered within the leg arterial vein. If strains of Marinilactibacillus are confirmed as causative agents of the 'vein defect', new manufacturing guidelines can be addressed to ham producers.