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Introduction: Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated fungal pathogen that causes life-threatening meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised patients. This yeast secretes several potent immunogenic proteins by secretory vesicular mechanisms, such as HSP70 chaperone. Methods: The PCR-amplified HSP70 gene was cloned into a PET-28a(+) expression vector. The purified recombinant HSP70 (rHSP70) was evaluated by western blotting using an anti-His Tag-HRP antibody and then used for immunization of a rabbit. The serum of the immunized rabbit was tested against the whole lysate of C. neoformans in ELISA. Results: The antibodies in the rabbit’s serum recognized lysate of C. neoformans yeast. The highest antibody levels were achieved after the third booster injection. Conclusion: The rHSP70 showed to be a reliable candidate for the designing and development of an ELISA kit for early detection of cryptococcosis, and to screen a large number of specimens.

Background and Aim: There is a gap of information on the effect of time, disinfectant, and storage conditions on the dimensional stability of direct post patterns made of self-cure acrylic resins. This study assessed the effect of Deconex® and wet or dry stor-age conditions on the dimensional stability of post patterns made of Duralay and GC acrylic resins. Materials and Methods: Sixty specimens were fabricated of GC and Duralay acrylic resins (n=30) by using a stainless steel mold. The specimens in each group were divided into three subgroups (n=10). The specimens of subgroup 1 were immersed in Deconex® for 2 minutes followed by dry storage at 25°C. The specimens of subgroup 2 were stored in water at 25°C. The samples of subgroup 3 were immersed in Deconex® for 2 minutes followed by water storage at 25°C. The dimensions were measured immediately and 2 minutes, 1 hour, and 24 hours after setting. Data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA. One-way ANOVA and t-test were used for subgroup analysis at 5% significance level. Results: The greatest mean dimensional changes occurred after 24 hours in both groups. In GC group, subgroup 1 experienced minimal changes during 24 hours. Duralay subgroups 1 and 2 experienced minimal changes after 1 and 24 hours; the difference between the two subgroups was not significant. Maximum changes were noted in GC subgroups 2 and 3 and in Duralay subgroup 3 (P

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effect of storage time and temperature on dimensional stability of impressions made with Cavex Outline zinc oxide impression paste. Materials and Methods: A round stainless steel mold with five grooves (three horizontal and two vertical) was used in this in-vitro experimental study. Cavex Outline impression paste was prepared according to the manufacturer’s instructions and applied to the mold. The mold was placed on a block and stored at 35°C and 100% humidity for setting. The impressions were poured with stone immediately and also after 30, 120, 240 and 420 minutes and 24 hours. The distance between the vertical lines on the casts was measured and compared with that in the immediately poured cast. Results: Storage in a refrigerator and at room temperature for zero to seven hours had no significant effect on dimensional stability of the impressions; however, 24 hours of storage in a refrigerator or at room temperature decreased the dimensional stability of Cavex Outline (P=0.001). Also, a significant association was found between dimensional changes following 24 hours of storage in a refrigerator (4°C) and at room temperature (23°C; P