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Suq Al-Shuyoukh is one of the Iraqi alluvial plain areas. Five farms were selected and a total of three samples were taken from each farm at depths of 50, 100, and 150 cm. All samples were subjected to a polarized light microscope to determine the mineral type in fine sand grains and determine the origin and the mechanism of their formation. The results showed two main mineral categories in the fine sand, light, and heavy minerals. The light minerals were Calcite, Quartz, Chert, Gypsum, Anhydrite, and Feldspar, in addition to rock pieces and some fossils. Calcite was dominant. The heavy minerals included the dark minerals (Opaque), Chlorite, Amphibole, Pyroxene,Apidot, Zircon, Muscovite, Garnet, Biotite, Rutile, Tourmaline, in addition to pieces of rocks or fossils, and the dominant mineral was Opaque. Weathering index values for heavy and light minerals ranged between (0.2 - 0.5%) and (4.5 - 9.6%), respectively. The weathering unit index values for light minerals showed an increase in the surface weathering decreased with depth, which indicates the climatic influences mainly. According to the heavy minerals'types and concentration, the proposed source for these minerals is the Arabian Shield due to the volcanic provenance of the parent rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polarized light microscope (PLM) was utilized to examine the optical textures of mesophase pitch (MP) and MP-derived fibers, which aimed to reveal the arrangement and orientation characteristics of pitch molecules and to clarify the evolution and transformation mechanism of carbonaceous microcrystalline from pitch fibers to graphitized fibers. The results found that there were distinct optical textures in MP, where one side exhibited a transition from a flattening plane to a mountain-like undulating plane. This transition corresponded to the arrangement of pitch molecules, resembling stacked lamellar structures reminiscent of curved paper. Meanwhile, the optical textures of fibers revealed that the blue substance was wrapped around the red grain-like domains in the longitudinal section and confirmed that the red part belonged to the pyridine insoluble fraction of MP and the blue part belonged to its pyridine-soluble fraction. After graphitization, the red part was transformed into graphite sheets and the blue part was transformed into an amorphous carbon layer which was wrapped around the graphite sheets, forming a carbonaceous microcrystalline package-like bag. Therefore, this study provided a comprehensive interpretation of the structural evolution mechanism of MP and MP-derived fibers based on their macro-optical textures and micro-nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of the current study was to evaluate the erosive adverse effect of paediatric Ironplus syrup and the remineralization effectualness of Zamzam Water and ProShieldR Varnish on microhardness of primary teeth. Materials and method: Forty primary anterior teeth were randomly distributed into five groups, each group has eight samples (N=8) assigned as: group1: control negative, group2: control positive, group3: 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish, group4: Zamzam water and group5: Zamzam water and 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish. Excluding the control negative group from them, all samples were immersed in 100ml of Ironplus syrup and agitated for 2 min once a day for 14 days. Then those groups were treated with remineralizing agents of: 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish for 24 hours, Zamzam water for 30 min every 12 h for 12 days and the combination therapy initiated by Zamzam water then after 30 min, 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish was applied for 24hrs. Vickers Microhardness test and Polarized Light Microscope were two adopted tests that this study dependent upon. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in microhardness mean values when making a comparison between the baseline and Ironplus tested groups, furthermore ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range test showed that there was a highly significant statistical difference in microhardness mean values among baseline, demineralization and remineralization groups at P-Value = 0.01. Conclusion: The surface microhardness of the primary enamel was reduced owing to the potential erosive efficacy of the used paediatric pharmaceutical preparations. On the other extreme, the previous readings had increased after being treated with remineralizing agents meaning that they have the capacity to battle against erosive potential reaching its highest capability in terms of reminerlization with the combination treatment group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polarized light microscope (PLM) was utilized to examine the optical textures of mesophase pitch (MP) and MP-derived fibers, which aimed to reveal the arrangement and orientation characteristics of pitch molecules and to clarify the evolution and transformation mechanism of carbonaceous microcrystalline from pitch fibers to graphitized fibers. The results found that there were distinct optical textures in MP, where one side exhibited a transition from a flattening plane to a mountain-like undulating plane. This transition corresponded to the arrangement of pitch molecules, resembling stacked lamellar structures reminiscent of curved paper. Meanwhile, the optical textures of fibers revealed that the blue substance was wrapped around the red grain-like domains in the longitudinal section and confirmed that the red part belonged to the pyridine insoluble fraction of MP and the blue part belonged to its pyridine-soluble fraction. After graphitization, the red part was transformed into graphite sheets and the blue part was transformed into an amorphous carbon layer which was wrapped around the graphite sheets, forming a carbonaceous microcrystalline package-like bag. Therefore, this study provided a comprehensive interpretation of the structural evolution mechanism of MP and MP-derived fibers based on their macro-optical textures and micro-nanostructures.

Abstract Background This study aimed to compare the effect of Clinpro™ White varnish containing 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) and functionalized tricalcium phosphate, MI varnish containing 5% NaF and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), and 38% Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in preventing demineralization of treated white spot lesions (WSLs) in enamel of primary teeth. Methods Forty-eight primary molars with artificial WSLs were allocated into four groups as follows: Group 1: Clinpro white varnish, Group 2: MI varnish, Group 3: SDF, and Group 4: control (no treatment). The three surface treatments were applied for 24 h and then enamel specimens were subjected to pH cycling. Thereafter, the mineral content of specimens was evaluated by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer and the lesion depth was assessed via Polarized Light Microscope. One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test were used at p ≤ 0.05 to identify significant differences. Results Insignificant difference in mineral content was observed among treatment groups. Treatment groups exhibited significantly higher mineral content compared to control except for Fluoride (F). MI varnish showed the highest mean calcium (Ca) ion content (66.57 ± 0.63), and Ca/P (2.19 ± 0.11), followed by Clinpro white varnish, and SDF. MI varnish also displayed the highest phosphate (P) ion content (31.46 ± 0.56), followed by SDF (30.93 ± 1.02), and Clinpro white varnish (30.53 ± 2.19). Fluoride content was highest in SDF (0.93 ± 1.18), followed by MI (0.89 ± 0.34) and Clinpro (0.66 ± 0.68) varnishes. Significant difference in lesion depth was observed among all groups (p

Erythrosine B (EB) is a xanthene dye widely used in many fields such as food, cosmetics and medicine. The interaction between EB and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was investigated using spectrophotometry. The quantities of the quenching constant of Stern-Volmer, the number of binding sites and the binding constant were calculated for the EB-CTAB system. Liquid crystal-based sensing platform (LC) developed for ultrasensitive and unlabelled EB determination using an LC interface decorated with cationic surfactants. Nematic liquid crystals exposed to CTAB exhibited homeotropic binding, when EB was inserted into LC cells, and the inward arrangement was thus changed to a coplanar shape by electrostatic interaction between CTAB and EB. The sensor was developed based on LC which recognised EB at tracking level too low, up to 2.0 pM. The proposed LC-based sensing system is a quick, comfortable and easy approach for the determination of EB in unlabelled biological samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to compare the effect of Clinpro™ White varnish containing 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) and functionalized tricalcium phosphate, MI varnish containing 5% NaF and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), and 38% Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in preventing demineralization of treated white spot lesions (WSLs) in enamel of primary teeth. Methods: Forty-eight primary molars with artificial WSLs were allocated into four groups as follows: Group 1: Clinpro white varnish, Group 2: MI varnish, Group 3: SDF, and Group 4: control (no treatment). The three surface treatments were applied for 24 h and then enamel specimens were subjected to pH cycling. Thereafter, the mineral content of specimens was evaluated by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer and the lesion depth was assessed via Polarized Light Microscope. One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test were used at p ≤ 0.05 to identify significant differences. Results: Insignificant difference in mineral content was observed among treatment groups. Treatment groups exhibited significantly higher mineral content compared to control except for Fluoride (F). MI varnish showed the highest mean calcium (Ca) ion content (66.57 ± 0.63), and Ca/P (2.19 ± 0.11), followed by Clinpro white varnish, and SDF. MI varnish also displayed the highest phosphate (P) ion content (31.46 ± 0.56), followed by SDF (30.93 ± 1.02), and Clinpro white varnish (30.53 ± 2.19). Fluoride content was highest in SDF (0.93 ± 1.18), followed by MI (0.89 ± 0.34) and Clinpro (0.66 ± 0.68) varnishes. Significant difference in lesion depth was observed among all groups (p < 0.001). The lowest mean lesion depth (µm) was found in MI varnish (226.23 ± 44.25) which was significantly lower than Clinpro white varnish (285.43 ± 44.70), SDF (293.32 ± 46.82), and control (576.69 ± 42.66). Insignificant difference in lesion depth was found between SDF and Clinpro varnish. Conclusions: In primary teeth, WSLs treated with MI varnish displayed better resistance to demineralization compared to WSLs treated with Clinpro white varnish and SDF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Forensic Science & Technology is the property of Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Special Oil & Gas Reservoirs is the property of Special Oil & Gas Reservoirs Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of Icon resin infiltration and Clinpro XT varnish on remineralization of white spot lesions using a polarized light microscope (PLM). MATERIALS & METHODS: Artificial white spot lesions were created on a sample of 40 extracted human premolar teeth by immersing in a demineralizing solution. All samples were randomly allocated to two groups of 20 each; Group A: Icon resin infiltration and Group B: Clinpro XT varnish. Teeth were sectioned along the buccolingual plane using a diamond disc. Specimens were observed under the PLM (4x magnification) at three deepest measurements and their averages were calculated to obtain the mean penetration depth. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS software (version 22.0). Independent samples t-test and group statistics were used to compare the two groups. In all statistical tests, the significance level was set at 5% (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Both Icon resin infiltration and Clinpro XT groups showed a statistically significant difference (P = 0.00) in the penetration depth. Icon resin infiltration group showed a significantly higher penetration depth (24.46 µm) compared to the Clinpro XT group (12.34 µm). Group A showed a greater mean penetration depth (17.07 ± 4.35 µm) when compared to group B (7.68 ± 1.81 µm). CONCLUSION: Icon resin infiltration showed a significantly higher penetration depth and is more effective on remineralization of white spot lesions when compared to Clinpro XT varnish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Temperature-dependent wax precipitation behavior of asphalt wax directly observed. • Microscope images were accurately processed to obtain wax precipitation parameters. • Wax precipitation indexes based on VT-PLM and novel viscosity method were compared. Wax precipitation and crystallization at low temperatures limits the use of wax warm mix additives in asphalt binders. In this study, variable-temperature polarized light microscopy (VT-PLM) was used to conduct in-situ observation and quantitative evaluation of the low-temperature precipitation of four waxes in asphalt binders. A novel DSR viscosity method was also used to test the wax precipitation temperatures (WPTs) of wax-doped asphalt binders. The results showed that different waxes exhibit different optical properties and shapes after low-temperature crystallization. There are plateau temperatures (about 20–30 °C) during the cooling process. Below the plateau temperatures, the tendency for crystallized waxes to continue growing are no longer obvious. In addition to an asphalt binder with 5 % F-T wax, the WPTs obtained by the novel viscosity method are significantly higher than those obtained by the VT-PLM method, indicating that the viscosity method is more sensitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Salvadora persica (miswak) is known to exert antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anticariogenic effects by elevating the pH of plaque after the consumption of sucrose., Objectives: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of S. persica and probiotic yogurt in the remineralization of tooth enamel on artificially produced enamel lesions., Material and Methods: A total of 40 intact human premolars were collected and each tooth was sectioned longitudinally into 2 identical halves in a buccolingual direction. The buccal halves were selected for inclusion in this study, and standardized windows (5 mm × 3 mm) were isolated on the buccal surface of the enamel. The samples were incubated in a demineralizing solution at 37°C for 96 h. Subsequently, they were randomly selected for treatment with one of the experimental remineralizing solutions (S. persica or probiotic yogurt). After treatment, the samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and polarized light microscopy at baseline, after demineralization and after remineralization., Results: The remineralizing effect of S. persica was found to be greater than that of probiotic yogurt. With regard to mineral content, S. persica exhibited the highest calcium and phosphorus levels among all groups. No significant differences were observed between the samples treated with S. persica and normal enamel., Conclusions: Salvadora persica extract has been demonstrated to effectively reduce the demineralization of enamel in experimental conditions. Furthermore, it has the potential to restore the mineral content to its original level.

Purpose: This work describes a new method using polarized light microscopy to determine the failure modes of fractured beams following microtensile bond strength testing. The outcomes were validated using SEM and EDX elemental analysis. Materials and Methods: Resin adhesives and resin composites bonded to caries-free dentin samples as well as disks of adhesive and composite were observed with reflected polarized light microscopy (PLM) to obtain standard images. A set of beams fractured in the microtensile bond test were observed with PLM and compared with the standard images to determine failure mode through PLM color matching with the standard dentin, adhesive, or composite images. Samples were analyzed by EDX under SEM and compared with the PLM outcomes. Results: Reflected PLM images showed that the fractured surfaces covered with resin-based materials (adhesives or composite) appeared pink in color, in contrast to dentin surfaces, which appeared yellow. EDX mapping together with SEM observation confirmed the results obtained by PLM. Conclusion: The results of EDX mapping and SEM observation showed that the use of polarized light microscopy is a simple, viable method for differentiation between the resin-covered dentin surfaces for determining fracture pattern analysis after bond testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developmental hip dysplasia is a clinically common congenital hip disease and a common cause of long-term hip pain. Therefore, the study of hip joint development and pathology of dislocation of round ligament tissue is of great significance for the patients to cure. This paper mainly studies the pathological changes of hip joint development and dislocation of round ligament tissue observed by exercise with polarized light microscope. In this paper, 56 patients were selected for pathological verification of hip joint by polarized light microscope, and hip muscle muscle verification test by surface electromyography (sEMG) method. The data is processed and analyzed offline by Matlab software on the collected EMG signals. The EMG signals from the beginning to the end of a single grasping process are intercepted in turn as a section of EMG signals. EMG data were collected at the experimental time of 30s. Experimental data show that the round ligament of femoral head is obviously hyperplastic and hypertrophic in developmental dislocation of hip joint. Although the morphology increases with age and the dislocation increases the hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the round ligament is not statistically significant (P>0.05), but Histologically, I collagen increased star, and type I collagen content decreased, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). The experimental results show that due to sustained stress greater than the physiological range, decompensated changes in tissues and organs, decompensated hyperplasia of the round ligament (partial fracture and contraction), which in turn hinders the reduction of the femoral head and aggravates the dislocation of the hip joint Degree, histology manifests as disordered collagen synthesis and degradation, changes the number and diameter of collagen fibers, which affects the structure and mechanical properties of collagen fibers, and further causes corresponding changes in tissues and organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laparoscopic radical gastrectomy is one of the main methods for the treatment of gastric cancer. It is extremely easy to cause surgical trauma-mediated immunosuppression, which leads to postoperative infection and proliferation of tumor cells. Therefore, there has been controversy. To better observe the changes in immune function and the level of inflammatory factors in patients undergoing propofol laparoscopic radical gastrectomy under polarized light microscope, and found their effectiveness in preventing postoperative gastric cancer metastasis. 70 gastric cancer patients were taken as the research object, which were divided into the traditional surgery group and the laparoscopic surgery group. The changes of IL-2, IL-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP) were detected by using ELISA and immunosuspension method carry out testing, and at the same time do effective perioperative nursing and pipeline nursing measures. Compared with before anesthesia, the content of IL-8 in the traditional surgery group after 3 hours of surgery and after the operation was 95.734, 108.766, IL-6 content was 0.276, 0.289, TNF-a level was 1.445, 1.615, three the content levels of the people have increased to varying degrees. In the laparoscopic surgery group, the levels of IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-a also increased to varying degrees after 3 hours of operation and after the operation was completed. After comparing the two groups, it was found that the intraoperative and postoperative levels of IL-8, IL6, and TNF-a in the laparoscopic surgery group were lower than those in the traditional surgery group, but compared with before surgery, the CD4 + / The CD8 + content has a significant decrease. Compared with the traditional laparotomy group, the patients in the laparoscopic surgery group have better inflammatory response, less damage to the body, and little effect on immune function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this in vitro study is to evaluate the remineralizing potential of commercially available low fluoride child formula dentifrice on primary teeth. Materials and Methods: Total 30 primary teeth were placed in demineralizing solution for 96 hours to produce artificial carious lesions of approximately 100 μm depth, and then cut longitudinally into 30 sections of 100-150 μm thickness and randomly assigned to three groups. Sections were treated with dentifrices containing Colgate ® (anti tooth decay) 500 ppm NaF, Cheerio gel ® 458 ppm MFP and Vicco ® non-fluoridated dentifrice. Lesions were evaluated using polarized light microscopy. Results: Colgate ® (anti tooth decay) 500 ppm NaF sections exhibited a statistically significant decrease in lesion depth (P < 0.05, paired t-test), whereas those in Cheerio gel ® 458 ppm MFP showed a decrease in lesion depth but was not statistically significant. Vicco ® non-fluoridated dentifrice showed increase in lesion depth. Statistics: A paired t-test is used to evaluate pre- and post-treatment lesion depth measurements, and Newman-Keuls multiple post hoc procedures was carried out to compare pair-wise difference of pre- and post-treatment lesion depth. Conclusion: The Colgate ® (anti tooth decay) 500 ppm NaF dentifrice and Cheerio gel ® 458 ppm MFP demonstrated remineralization of carious lesions by virtue of decrease in lesion depth, whereas Vicco ® non-fluoridated dentifrice showed increase in lesion depth.

Optical spectrogram and optical characteristic parameters of six kinds of asbestos standard products were established by polarizing microscope to analyze the asbestos fiber, and utilized horizon estimation to get the semi-quantitative asbestos content in the samples. The sample had been observed form, refractive index, interference color, dispersion, ductility, color, pleochroism, cleavage, contour lines, bumps, rough, baker characteristics under different refractive index of oiled, to compare with standard optical spectra and characteristic parameters. Comparison between the situation of asbestos fiber particles and the standard map of mineral chips in the field of view, the percentage of asbestos fibers in the sample is estimated. The results showed that this method is accurate, simple and fast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The buccinator muscle derives from the mesenchyme of the second pharyngeal arch. In adults, it has a quadrilateral shape, occupying the deepest part of the cheek region. Its function is complex, being active during swallowing, chewing, and sucking. To our knowledge, there are no studies that have specifically analyzed the relationship of the buccinator muscle fibers and neighboring connective tissue of the cheek in humans, neither during development nor in adults. Such relationships are fundamental to understand its function. Thus, in this study the relations of the buccinator muscle with associated connective tissue were investigated. The buccinator muscle region was investigated bilaterally in 41 human specimens of 8–17 weeks of development. Moreover, four complete adult tissue blocks from human cadavers (including mucosa and skin) were obtained from the cheek region (between the anterior border of the masseter muscle and the nasolabial fold). All samples were processed with standard histological techniques. In addition, subsets of sections were stained with picrosirius red (PSR). Furthermore, immunoreactivity against type I and III collagen was also studied in adult tissues. The buccinator muscle showed direct relationships with its connective tissue from 8 to 17 weeks of development. Collagen fibers were arranged in septa from the submucosa to the skin through the muscle. These septa were positive for type I collagen and presented elastic fibers. Fibrous septa that were positive for type III collagen were arranged from the lateral side of the muscle to the skin. The intimate relationship between buccinator muscle fibers and cheek connective tissue may explain the complex functions of this muscle. • Fibrous septa pass through the buccinator muscle from the submucosa to the skin. • Collagens type I and III and elastic fibers are present in the septa. • There is continuity of the connective tissue from the submucosa to the dermis. • Connective tissue surrounding the buccinator muscle can relate to its function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in the environment. However, it is unclear whether MPs are present in mammalian lungs through inhalation, and if so, could be possibly found in fetal tissues. In this study, we aim to determine the presence and characteristics of particles in domestic and fetal pig lung tissue in the natural environment. Specimens from the lungs of domestic pigs (n = 10) and fetal pigs that already died in matrix during vaginal birth from the non-contaminated area (n = 10) were obtained from farmers' nearby sludge treatment plant. These specimens were compressed between two glass microscope slides, which were examined under polarized light microscopy. In addition, Agilent 8700 LDIR Chemical imaging system (LDIR) was used to determine the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of MPs. According to the polarized light microscope survey of domestic pig lungs, we observed an average of 12 particles/g, which was more than the 6 particles/g observed in fetal pig lungs, which ranged in size from 115.14 μm to 1370.43 μm. All the observed MP particles were fiber in shape. LDIR indicated an average of 180 particles/g of domestic pig lungs, ranging in size from 20.34 μm to 916.36 μm, which was twice as many MPs observed in fetal pig lungs. Furthermore, the compositions of MPs were different between them. LDIR indicated that polyamide (PA) was the most common polymer identified in domestic pig lungs (46.11%), while polycarbonate (PC) was the most common polymer in fetal pig lungs (32.99%). These findings confirmed the presence of MPs in the lung tissue of both domestic and fetal pigs in the natural environment, but the main characteristics differed. This fact indicated the increasing risk of MPs to human respiratory tract is increasing. Further research should be conducted to entirely estimate the specific exposure level on humans and offspring. • Microplastics present in the lungs of domestic and fetal pigs in the natural environment. • The fiber was the most common shape of identified microplastics in the lung tissue. • The major component of microplastics differed between domestic and fetal pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of West China Journal of Stomatology is the property of Sichuan University, West China College of Stomatology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: The aim of this in vitro study is to evaluate the remineralizing potential of commercially available low fluoride child formula dentifrice on primary teeth. Materials and Methods: Total 30 primary teeth were placed in demineralizing solution for 96 hours to produce artificial carious lesions of approximately 100 |im depth, and then cut longitudinally into 30 sections of 100-150 |im thickness and randomly assigned to three groups. Sections were treated with dentifrices containing Colgate® (anti tooth decay) 500 ppm NaF, Cheerio gel® 458 ppm MFP and Vicco® non-fluoridated dentifrice. Lesions were evaluated using polarized light microscopy. Results: Colgate® (anti tooth decay) 500 ppm NaF sections exhibited a statistically significant decrease in lesion depth (P < 0.05, paired t-test), whereas those in Cheerio gel® 458 ppm MFP showed a decrease in lesion depth but was not statistically significant. Vicco® non-fluoridated dentifrice showed increase in lesion depth. Statistics: A paired t-test is used to evaluate pre- and post-treatment lesion depth measurements, and Newman-Keuls multiple post hoc procedures was carried out to compare pair-wise difference of pre- and post-treatment lesion depth. Conclusion: The Colgate® (anti tooth decay) 500 ppm NaF dentifrice and Cheerio gel® 458 ppm MFP demonstrated remineralization of carious lesions by virtue of decrease in lesion depth, whereas Vicco® non-fluoridated dentifrice showed increase in lesion depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Collagen fiber is one of the critical factors in determining mechanical properties of ligaments and both the morphological and histological characteristics of collagen have been widely studied. However, there was still no consensus about whether the morphological characteristics of collagen correlated with its histological characteristics in physiological ligaments. Rabbit medial collateral ligaments (MCLs) were measured under a transmission electron microscope and a polarized light microscope plus picrosirius red-staining to obtain the distributions of collagen fibril diameters and types at different anatomical sites of rabbit MCLs, respectively. The correlation between the fibril diameter and type was determined by a correlation analysis. The collagen fibril diameters at the different anatomical sites had different distributions (unimodal or bimodal) and mean fibril diameters were found to increase significantly from the anterior part to the posterior part (P =0.0482) as well as from the proximal to the distal sections (P =0.0208). Type I collagen in the core portion of MCLs was significantly less than at the other four peripheral areas (P <0.005) but no significant variation was found in each respective portion (P >0.05). The low coefficient in the correlation analysis (r =0.3759) demonstrated collagen fibril diameters had no correlation with collagen types. This may provide a new view of collagen types in studying the mechanical behavior of ligaments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Tripronuclear zygotes (3PN) occur in about 5% of cases in human IVF programmes. Human 3PN zygotes derived from a conventional IVF programme may contain not only the extra male pronucleus but also a supplementary centriole. Researchers have tried to restore diploidy by removing the extra male pronucleus of the tripronuclear zygote. However, it is still unknown whether the procedure can remove the supernumerary centriole. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of this manipulation by analysing the first mitotic spindles of 3PN zygotes that have undergone extra pronuclear removal. A controlled trial was conducted using human 3PN zygotes from conventional IVF treatment. In the experimental group, the assumed extra male pronuclei in the 3PN zygotes were removed. The first cleavage patterns and in vitro development were observed in both groups; polarized light microscopy and immunocytochemistry were used to analyse the first mitotic spindles. The blastocyst formation rate was significantly higher (P = 0.007) in the pronuclear-removed group (16.0%) than in the control group (4.5%). No significant differences were found between the groups in the first cleavage patterns and the distributions of the first mitotic spindle structure. This study suggests that, after extra pronuclei are removed, the developmental potential of human 3PN zygotes is improved. However, the abnormal patterns in the first mitosis are not corrected by this removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

lntracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is traditionally performed with the first polar body at 6 or 12 o'clock, and the injection pipette inserted at 3 or 9 o'clock. This positioning aims to direct the path of the injection pipette at a distance from the presumed metaphase 11 spindle position. Since spindles can now be imaged directly in living oocytes using computer-assisted polarized light microscopy, the effectiveness of this positioning precaution was studied. Patients undergoing oocyte collection and ICSI had their oocytes non-invasively imaged for spindles prior to ICSI. The spindle position relative to the first polar body at 6 o'clock was assessed using an analogue clock face as an approximation. Fertilization and embryo quality were recorded blind to spindle position. Polar body displacement and spindle position at ICSI did not significantly affect fertilization or embryonic quality. The highest frequency of normally fertilized oocytes and good quality embryos developed from oocytes with spindles located in or near the plane of injection at ICSI (the 3, 4, 8 and 9 o'clock positions). This study questions the usefulness of spindle imaging and the relevance of positioning the first polar body at 6 o'clock during ICSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid-state polymerization (SSP) has been applied for the synthesis of a wholly aromatic thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer derived from 4-acetoxybenzoic acid, hydroquinone diacetate, 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, and terephthalic acid. The influence of various operating parameters, such as reaction temperature, reaction time, nitrogen gas flow velocity, and particle size, on the solid-state polymerization has been studied, and the SSP products were characterized by polarized light microscope (PLM), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), viscosity measurement, and nanoindentation test. It was found that the molar mass of the copolyester substantially increased during the SSP process, as shown by measurements of melting temperature and inherent viscosity of the product. The SSP reaction mechanism and rate are discussed with the changes of the operating parameters. Nanoindentation test shows the increase of hardness and modulus of the copolyesters, which is due to the increase of molar mass. A banded texture of the copolyesters with narrow bands was observed after SSP by using PLM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: ObjectiveTo characterize the architecture of the zona pellucida in living human eggs and embryos, noninvasively with the PolScope, a digital polarizing light microscope.: DesignThe PolScope was used to examine zonae pellucida of living human eggs and embryos.: SettingAcademic IVF clinic.: Patient(s)Patients undergoing fresh, nondonor infertility treatment who underwent egg aspiration, fertilization by intracytoplasmic sperm injection or traditional IVF, and cleavage-stage embryo transfer (day 3).: Intervention(s)The PolScope imaged the zona of eggs before intracytoplasmic sperm injection and in cleavage-stage embryos before transfer.: Main outcome measure(s)Thickness and retardance of three zona layers were measured from eight quadrants. Mean and variance in thickness and retardance were calculated for individual eggs and embryos, between eggs and embryos of a cohort, and across the sample patient population.: Result(s)Cleavage-stage (day 3) embryos have thinner zonae (15.2 ± 2.9 μm) than both immature (20.4 ± 2.4 μm) and mature (19.5 ± 2.2 μm) eggs. The zona of embryos is thinner, primarily owing to thinning of the outer layer. The thicker the zona layer, the greater its retardance. Considerable variation exists in the thickness and retardance of zona layers around individual eggs and embryos and between members of a cohort. The zona of eggs and embryos from different patients differ in thickness, retardance, and variation.: Conclusion(s)Thickness and organization of zonae pellucida of human eggs and embryos varies considerably and can be quantitatively imaged with the PolScope. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study aimed to compare sample pretreatment procedures for the identification and quantification of asbestos. The performance of visual estimation and point counting procedures for evaluating asbestos-containing waste was investigated, and the effect of analytical experience was studied. The efficacy of pretreatments for the identification and quantification of asbestos in various sample matrices was compared. To evaluate the effect of experience on analytical accuracy, three analysts with different analytical experiences were selected. There were significant differences in the quantitative analysis results obtained using different pretreatments. False negatives were reported when asbestos, especially amphiboles, were analyzed by a less-experienced analyst. Quantification via point counting and visual estimation resulted in differences in the asbestos content. The results of point counting were more accurate than those of visual estimation for all analysts, regardless of the asbestos type and concentration. Experience in asbestos analysis affected accuracy and precision. The findings show that pretreatment is an important factor in qualitative analysis. Appropriate pretreatments should be assigned based on the properties of the sample. For quantitative analysis, the accuracy of the results depends on the experience of the analyst. Until analysts are fully trained, all their analysis results should be checked by an experienced analyst. Point counting is an adequate quantitative method for analyzing samples with low concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]