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Ultrastructure and characteristics of eggshells of the olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) from Gahirmatha, India.

The structure of a chelonian eggshell is of prime importance for the developing embryo. It acts as a protective covering as well as mediator in the exchange of heat and water. The fresh eggshell of the olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) turtle displays a variety of structural forms in their aragonite framework. Its netted substrate, loose texture and poorly organised crystallites favour the easy exchange of air and water during its development. The shell consists mostly of calcium in carbonate form and K, Mg, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn and Cd in traces. Ba and Sr in traces are also a feature of the thermal analysis graph. Phosphorous was not detected in the shell and its absence eliminates an earlier suggestion of it being a key factor in the development of aragonite crystals in the inorganic structure of marine turtle eggshells. Its combustion characteristics, which have not been previously reported, are recorded.

Animals↗

Mineral content of the dentine remaining after chemomechanical caries removal.

Although the dentine remaining after chemomechanical caries removal appears sound by normal clinical criteria, no definitive evidence has yet been obtained to confirm that the dentine surface is in fact mineralised. The aim of this study was to use backscattered electron (BSE) imaging and electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA) to ascertain the level of mineralisation of the dentine remaining in cavities prepared by this technique. Carious dentine was removed from carious lesions by means of N-monochloro-DL-2-aminobutyric acid (NMAB) or NMAB containing 2 mol/l urea. Sections of teeth in which caries removal was complete by normal clinical criteria were examined by EPMA and BSE. Dentine adjacent to the pulp was found to be less mineralised than the surrounding dentine. Although the superficial layer of dentine remaining on the cavity floors frequently appeared to have a slightly reduced mineral content, the results clearly indicated that there was no significant difference between this dentine and the underlying sound dentine.

Aminobutyrates↗

Fabrication of photo-encoded beads for bioanalysis.

Encoding large libraries of biomolecules is important to the applications such as immunoassay, drug screening and so on. By now a number of encoding schemes have been proposed and developed. In this paper, a new encoding approach was proposed based on the photonic crystal beads and an apparatus was developed for the fabrication. Encoded beads, with diameters in the range between 0.2 mm and 3 mm, were prepared using polymer and pearl dye. Pearl dye is a kind of photonic crystal, the color of which is from the ordered nanostructure. Such a colorizing mechanism makes the color of pearl dye much stable to high temperature, UV irradiation or longtime storage comparing with the conventional dyes.

Color↗

Molecular mechanism of mucin secretion: I. The role of intragranular charge shielding.

Mucus is an ubiquitous polymer hydrogel that functions as a protective coat on the surface of integument and mucosa of species ranging from simple animals (such as coelenterates) to mammals. The polymer matrix of mucus is made out of long-chain glycoproteins called mucins that are tangled together, forming a randomly woven, highly polyionic network (Lee et al., 1977; Verdugo et al., 1983). Mucin-containing granules, produced by mammalian goblet cells in vitro, undergo massive post-exocytotic swelling. Their swelling kinetics is similar to the swelling of condensed artificial polymer gels (Verdugo, 1984; Tanaka and Fillmore, 1979). We had proposed that mucins must be condensed in the secretory granule and expand by hydration during or after exocytosis (Verdugo, 1984; Tam and Verdugo, 1981). However, the polyionic charges of mucins prevents condensation unless they (the mucins) are appropriately shielded. The present experiments were designed to assert the presence of an intragranular shielding cation and its role in secretion. Giant mucin granules of the slug (Ariolimax columbianus) are released intact from mucus-secreting cells of the slug's skin. They burst spontaneously outside the cell, forming, upon hydration, the typical slug mucus (Deyrup-Olsen et al., 1983). We report here that these granules contain from 2.5 to 3.6 moles calcium/kg dry material, and that calcium is released from the granules immediately before the burst that discharges their secretory product. Therefore, we propose that calcium functions as a shielding cation of polyionic mucins, and that the bursting discharge of mucins from secretory granules must result from the release of calcium from the intragranular compartment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Surface characterization of amalgams using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

This study is the first to report on the use of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS or ESCA) for studying the surface films (less than 10 nm thick) of aged amalgams. The concentrations and electron binding energies of the elements on the surfaces of four different amalgams aged for 20 min, one day, seven days, and 30 days were determined quantitatively. For comparison, the bulk compositions of the amalgams aged for seven days were also determined after removal of approximately 5 nm of material from the surface by argon-ion-sputtering. The XPS data revealed that the surface films of aged zinc-containing amalgams were not a simple oxide but were primarily composed of a (hydrated) tin and zinc oxy-hydroxide, whereas, in the zinc-free amalgams, the surface films were primarily a tin oxide. The concentration of mercury in this thin surface film after aging was depleted. This suggests that tin and/or zinc preferentially diffused to the surface and combined with oxygen, forming a surface film and diluting the mercury concentration in the surface. Another probable explanation for the depleted mercury is that a minimal amount of mercury in the surface film evaporated during the aging.

Copper↗

Crystallographic morphology of heterogeneous fluoridated carbonate apatites.

Carbonate-containing fluoridated apatites were synthesized with two different modes of fluoride incorporation: by supplying F-free solution initially, followed by a F-containing solution; and with the order of supply of these solutions reversed. Both of these heterogeneously synthesized fluoridated CO3 apatites showed typical apatitic x-ray diffraction patterns; and both had similar total fluoride contents (0.87 +/- 0.07 and 0.94 +/- 0.03 mmol/g, respectively), i.e., half of the maximum fluoride content of fluorapatite. However, they differed considerably in their crystallographic properties. The 300 reflection peaks of both apatites were split, and their patterns were slightly different. In the former, SEM observation revealed capsule-like crystals with a rounded hexagonal shape. However, the latter had many small crystals, similar to those of homogeneous CO3 apatite, adhering to the larger hexagonal crystals, which were also similar to homogeneous fluorCO3 apatite. Wavelength-dispersive spectroscopy attached to the SEM showed a higher fluoride intensity in the former spectrum than the latter. These results suggest that two different types of heterogeneous fluoridated CO3 apatites were formed, CO3 apatite covered with fluorCO3 apatite, and fluorCO3 apatite covered with CO3 apatite. The simple two-step supply system used in this study is helpful for the study of complicated heterogeneous formation of apatites.

Apatites↗

Patterns of E74A RNA and protein expression at the onset of metamorphosis in Drosophila.

Metamorphosis in Drosophila is triggered by a pulse of the steroid hormone ecdysone at the end of larval development. Ecdysone initiates a genetic hierarchy that can be visualized as a series of puffs in the larval salivary gland polytene chromosomes. The E74 gene is responsible for the early ecdysone-inducible puff at position 74EF and encodes two related DNA-binding proteins which appear to play a regulatory role in the hierarchy. Here we describe the spatial and temporal patterns of E74A RNA and protein expression at the onset of metamorphosis. We use in situ hybridization, antibody stains, and western and northern blot analyses to follow E74A expression from its initial appearance as nascent transcripts on the polytene chromosomes, to spliced mRNA, to post-translationally modified nuclear E74A protein. E74A is expressed in a wide variety of late-third instar tissues, suggesting that it plays a broad pleiotropic role in response to the hormone. In early prepupae, when the overall levels of E74A mRNA are decreasing, relatively high levels of E74A RNA persist in the gut, peripodial membranes of the imaginal discs, and proliferation centers of the brain. The spatial distribution of nuclear E74A protein correlates with the RNA distribution with the single exception that no E74A protein can be detected in the proliferation centers of the brain. There is also a temporal discrepancy between E74A mRNA and protein accumulation. The peak of E74A protein induced by the late larval ecdysone pulse follows the peak of E74A mRNA by approximately 2 h. This delay is not seen in 10 h prepupae, when the next pulse of ecdysone induces the simultaneous expression of E74A mRNA and protein. We discuss possible mechanisms for post-transcriptional regulation of E74A expression and suggest that the unusually long and complex 5' leader in the E74A mRNA may regulate its translation.

Animals↗

Abrasive particles in tobacco products: a possible factor in dental attrition.

Tobacco products are known to cause oral soft-tissue lesions, but they may also directly affect the teeth. Abrasive particles contained in tobacco products may contribute to dental attrition. We studied tobacco samples from 16 brands of cigars, eight brands of snuff, four brands of chewing tobacco and several unprocessed tobacco leaves used as cigar wrappers. Insoluble particulate matter made up about 0.5 percent of the weight of an average tobacco sample.

Electron Probe Microanalysis↗

The ultrastructure of copper amalgam-covered dentin from human deciduous teeth.

The structure of dentin subjacent to Cu-amalgam restorations was studied. The restorations had been inserted 7-8 years before extraction of the teeth. No lining had been applied. The dentin subjacent to the restorations had a greenish-grayish discoloration, and in the pulpal end irregular secondary dentin had formed. Energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis of areas showing discoloration confirmed the presence of Cu. Semithin and ultrathin undemineralized sections were studied. Vital pulp tissue and irregular secondary dentin were observed. Close to the predentin and halfway into the dentin most of the dentinal tubules were occluded. In the control material only an occasional occluded tubule was seen. Close to the Cu-amalgam restoration some tubules were occluded or partly occluded, and some were open. The odontoblasts had responded to the irritating agent by obturation of the tubules, thus reducing the permeability of the dentin. Furthermore, irregular secondary dentin had formed in another attempt to wall off the irritating agent.

Child↗

WDX study of resin-dentin interface on wet vs. dry dentin.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the resin-dentin Interface conditions in Wet vs. Dry Dentin. Dentin disks were prepared from extracted human premolars. Sectioned dentin surfaces were used for SEM studies of wet vs. dried acid-etched dentin. These specimens were cut perpendicular to the surface into two equal halves. One-half of the sectioned specimen was observed by SEM in three treatment groups and the other half was observed for micromorphological differences in the resin-dentin interface using Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (WDX). SEM photomicrographs of the dentin surface showed the collapse of collagen fibrils in the demineralized layer and enlargement of the tubule orifices. A collagen rich layer approximately 8-10 microns thick (WDX) was observed at the resin-dentin interface when treated with the conventional dry-bonding technique. Dentin surfaces treated by the wet-bonding technique (SB), as observed by SEM, showed an uncollapsed collagen layer, while the collagen-rich layer was approximately 1-2 microns thick (WDX). The present findings suggest that moist bonding is required for optimum infiltration of adhesive resin into the demineralized layer.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

EPMA observation between dentin and resin interfaces. Part 1. Comparison of wet and dry technique after short-term stored in water.

The study was to evaluate the marginal leakage of wet or dry dentin condition after restoration on short-term. In the study we used Photobond adhesive system and Single Bond adhesive system. The specimens were prepared from premolars. A class V cavity was prepared at the CEJ with a high-speed hand piece and #010 round diamond point. The cavity's walls and floors were etched with phosphoric acids of the test materials by wet and dry bonding techniques. The specimens were cross-sectioned longitudinally through the center of the cavities with a low speed diamond micro-cutter and polished with carbide paper (#600-1200) after storage in distilled water for 1 day, and silver nitrate staining. Specimens were viewed with EPMA for elemental distribution of calcium, nitrogen and silver on the resin-dentin interface. The uptake of silver particles was less in samples treated with the wet-bonding technique when compared with dry-bonding technique. This in vitro study showed that bonding technique is important in establishing a seal along the restoration margins to control marginal leakage.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

Long-term effects of Ag-containing alloys on mucous tissue present in biopsy samples.

The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of alloys containing silver (mainly Ag-Sn alloy) on oral mucous tissue. We observed biopsy tissue specimens from patients diagnosed as having amalgam tattoo and/or metal pigmentation by light and electron microscopy and electron-probe microanalysis (EPMA). In most cases, Ag-Sn alloy was present in the tissue but it could not be confirmed if the alloy originated from amalgam. Distributions of both Ag-S and Ag-Sn have typical patterns. Most Ag forms Ag2S and is stably deposited in three patterns along the collagen, basement membrane, and fibrous cells without inducing any host reaction. On the other hand, Sn forms large granules that contain Ag, S, C, N, P, and Ca, and is in soft state in the tissue. Tissue reactions to the alloy become weaker as time passes.

Argyria↗

Kit positive cells in the guinea pig bladder.

PURPOSE: We describe the presence of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) throughout the wall of the guinea pig bladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bladders obtained from male guinea pigs were prepared for immunohistochemical investigations using various primary antibodies, including the specific ICC marker c-kit (Gibco BRL, Grand Island, New York). Enzymatically dispersed cells with a branched morphology were identified as ICC using anti-c-kit. They were loaded with fluo-4acetoxymethyl (Molecular Probes, Eugene, Oregon) and studied using confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS: Anti-c-kit labeling demonstrated that ICC were oriented in parallel with the smooth muscle bundles that run diagonally throughout the bladder. Double labeling with anti-smooth muscle myosin (Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, Missouri) revealed that ICC were located on the boundary of smooth muscle bundles. When anti-c-kit was used in combination with the general neuronal antibody protein gene product 9.5 (Ultraclone Ltd., Isle of Wight, United Kingdom) or anti-neuronal nitric oxide synthase, it was noted that there was a close association between nerves and ICC. Enzymatic dissociation of cells from tissue pieces yielded a heterogeneous population of cells containing typical spindle-shaped smooth muscle cells and branched cells resembling ICC from other preparations. The latter could be identified immunohistochemically as ICC using anti-c-kit, whereas the majority of spindle-shaped cells were not Kit positive. Branched cells responded to the application of carbachol by firing Ca2+ waves and they were often spontaneously active. CONCLUSIONS: ICC are located on the boundary of smooth muscle bundles in the guinea pig bladder. They fire Ca2+ waves in response to cholinergic stimulation and can be spontaneously active, suggesting that they could act as pacemakers or intermediaries in the transmission of nerve signals to smooth muscle cells.

Animals↗

Immunodetection of acrosin during the acrosome reaction of hamster, guinea-pig and human spermatozoa.

Mammalian sperm acrosomes contain a trypsin-like protease called acrosin which causes limited and specific hydrolysis of the extracellular matrix of the mammalian egg, the zona pellucida. Acrosin was localized on hamster, guinea-pig and human sperm using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to human acrosin labelled with colloidal gold. This was visualized directly with transmission electron microscopy, and with light and scanning microscopy after silver enhancement of the colloidal gold probe. Four distinct labelling patterns were found during capacitation and the acrosome reaction in hamster and guinea-pig spermatozoa, and three patterns were found in human spermatozoa. In the hamster, acrosin was not detected on the inner acrosomal surface after the completion of the acrosome reaction, thus correlating with the observation that hamster spermatozoa lose the ability to penetrate the zona after the acrosome reaction. With guinea-pig and human spermatozoa, acrosin was still detected after the completion of the acrosome reaction, thus correlating with the observation that acrosome reacted guinea-pig spermatozoa bind to and penetrate the zona pellucida.

Acrosin↗

Optimum surface properties of oxidized implants for reinforcement of osseointegration: surface chemistry, oxide thickness, porosity, roughness, and crystal structure.

PURPOSE: To investigate detailed surface characterization of oxidized implants in a newly invented electrolyte system and to determine optimal surface oxide properties to enhance the bone response in rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 screw-type titanium implants were prepared and divided into 1 control group (machine-turned implants) and 4 test groups (magnesium ion-incorporated oxidized implants). Forty implants were used for surface analyses. A total of 60 implants, 12 implants from each group, were placed in the tibiae of 10 New Zealand white rabbits and measured with a removal torque test after a healing period of 6 weeks. RESULTS: For the test groups, the oxide thicknesses ranged from about 1,000 to 5,800 nm; for the control group, mean oxide thickness was about 17 nm. The surface morphology showed porous structures for test groups and nonporous barrier film for the control group. Pore diameter ranged from < or = 0.5 microm to < or = 3.0 microm. In regard to surface roughness, arithmetic average height deviation (Sa) values varied from 0.68 to 0.98 microm for test implants and 0.55 microm for control implants; developed surface ratio (Sdr) values ranged from 10.6% to 46% for the test groups and were about 10.6% for the control group. A mixture of anatase and rutile-type crystals were observed in the test groups; amorphous-type crystals were observed in the control group. After a healing period of 6 weeks, removal torque measurements in all 4 test groups demonstrated significantly greater implant integration as compared to machine-turned control implants (P < or = .033). DISCUSSION: Determinant oxide properties of oxidized implants are discussed in association with bone responses. Of all surface properties, RTVs were linearly increased as relative atomic concentrations of magnesium ion increase. CONCLUSIONS: Surface properties of the oxidized implants in the present study, especially surface chemistry, influenced bone responses. The surface chemistry of the optimal oxidized implant should be composed of approximately 9% magnesium at relative atomic concentration in titanium oxide matrix and have an oxide thickness of approximately 1,000 to 5,000 nm, a porosity of about 24%, and a surface roughness of about 0.8 microm in Sa and 27% to 46% in Sdr; its oxide crystal structure should be a mixture of anatase- and rutile-phase crystals.

Animals↗

[The composition and structure of cholesterol biliary calculi].

The order and composition of the various elements that are present in the cholesterol stones has been analyzed and a useful model that should help in the study of already formed stones is proposed and therefore a better understanding of the lithogenesis and the physiopathological conditions in which stones develop. The existing components are described from the core up to the crust, case emphasizing the heterogeneity of the core, the calcium palmitate around it and the cholesterol disposition. The various forms of presentation of calcium carbonate are defined as well as the different types of ooliths.

Cholelithiasis↗