Brown Staining Research Articles

Effect of supercritical CO2 pre-treatment and kiln-drying of fresh green Pinus radiata sapwood on kiln brown stain and drying stress

High pressure (20 MPa), cyclic, supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) treatments can reduce the moisture content of green Pinus radiata sapwood from 150–200% to 35–40%. Such treatments can be used as a dewatering pre-treatment before the kiln-drying of timber. Kiln-drying can utilise various temperature and humidity schedules, targeting around 10% moisture content, with a final stress-relieving steam-conditioning step. After scCO2 treatment and kiln-drying of samples, kiln brown stain was evaluated using the CIE L*a*b* colour space while drying stress was assessed by stress-cup measurements. The most significant results of scCO2 pre-treatment of Pinus radiata sapwood followed by kiln-drying plus steam-conditioning were as follows: Drying from green (36 h from a moisture content (MC) of 164%) using a conventional temperature schedule (90 °C/60 °C) took 2–5 times longer than kiln-drying scCO2 pre-treated boards (37.5% MC) to a target of 10% MC. Colour measurements proved that kiln brown stain does not occur. The use of a steam-conditioning step in reducing internal drying stresses was important irrespective of whether or not there was a scCO2 pre-treatment step. Over all drying schedule combinations, internal drying stress of both green and scCO2 pre-treated timber was similar after kiln-drying plus steam-conditioning. However, using only 90 °C/60 °C schedule data, with steam-conditioning, drying stresses were lower using kiln-drying without the scCO2 pre-treatment. This was surprising since the scCO2 step reduced the moisture content to around 37.5% without significant moisture gradients and so a secondary kiln-drying to 10% moisture content could have been expected to yield lower internal stress levels by preventing large moisture gradients to develop during drying. This result confirms the efficacy of the steam-conditioning step following standard kiln-drying. The colour data demonstrating the prevention of kiln brown stain using kiln-drying schedules offers a path to increasing timber quality for interior applications.

Oral Fibrosarcoma in Dog: Cytological, Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Diagnosis

Background: Canine oral fibrosarcomas are locally invasive malignant mesenchymal tumors and the third most frequently occurring neoplasia of oral cavity of dogs. The present study was conducted to record pathological features of oral fibrosarcomas in canines. Methods: During the study period (September 2020- April 2021), a total of 18 cases of canine oral neoplasia were reported and amongst these fibrosarcoma was diagnosed in five animals (27.78%). The blood samples were collected from all the dogs and the excised tumor mass was processed at Department of Veterinary Pathology, Co.V.Sc. and A.H., Jabalpur. Result: The hematological profile of all the five dogs showed no variation however; serum biochemical analysis revealed hypercalcemia. The serum MDA concentration was elevated in dogs with fibrosarcoma, indicating oxidative stress. The gross morphology of the tumors included red to pink colored irregular masses, hard in consistency and firmly attached to the underlying tissue. Cytologically, the impression smears revealed spindle shaped cells with round to elongated nuclei along with strands of collagen fibres. Upon histopathological examination proliferation of fibrous connective tissue was observed in the sub-mucosa. Higher magnification revealed several immature spindle shaped fibroblasts along with scanty amounts of collagenous matrix. Masson’s trichome staining also exhibited blue stained collagen deposition. Mitotic figures were numerous (8.4 mitosis/10 hpf). The tissue sections stained by modified silver colloid staining were examined at 1000 x magnification. Mean Ag-NOR count of the silver nitrate stained tissue sections was enumerated to be 9.15 dots/nucleus. Immunohistochemical examination detected CD31 immunopositivity in the tissue sections as brown staining of the infiltrating blood vessels, indicating neovascularization of the tumor.

P-227 Overexpression of survivin-1, TAG-72 and HERC5 in patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma in the Black Sea Coast geographical area

Epidemiological data regarding hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) report unsatisfactory morbimortality rates despite the global efforts to decrease the incidence and prolong patient survival. Current guidelines lack diagnostic biomarkers to better characterize patients with HCC. We aimed to validate the overexpression of Survivin-1, tumor-associated glyocoprotein 72 (Tag-72), and HECT and RLD domain containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 5 (HERC5) as tissue biomarkers for HCC characterization in patients from our geographical area and to standardize a local biomarker panel to be introduced in the current management guideline. Thirty liver specimens of HCC and a similar number of liver tissue specimens of benign liver tumors were selected from the Gastroenterology file database and Pathology Clinic registries from St. Apostle Andrew Emergency Clinical Hospital, Constanta and Fundeni Institute, Bucharest and compared in terms of Survivin-1, Tag-72, and HERC5 overexpression. The morphological features of the tumors were noted based on the WHO Histological Classification for digestive tumors. Demographic data of all patients providing the liver specimens, as well as liver diseases background like chronic viral infections, other co-morbidities and laboratory parameters recorded at the time of hospital admission were noted. For the IHC assessment, the representative samples were chosen, and 4-μm sections of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were obtained for each case enrolled. Epitope retrieval was conducted prior to incubation of tissue sections with a panel of three primary antibodies (ready-to-use) from Novus Biological: survivin-1 (NB100-911 clone), Tag-72 (CC49 clone), and HERC5 (NBP-91985 clone). The immunostaining protocol for each antibody used was provided by the manufacturer. As chromogen, we used 3,3'diaminobenzidine (DAB), and brown staining was obtained. The final step was represented by counterstaining all slides with Mayer's Hematoxylin. Comparisons of the studied biomarker overexpression from HCC tissue samples with a matched non-HCC group of normal liver tissue specimens were made.Student t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test and Chi-square test were used to find differences between the two studied groups and to compare the categorical variables. The discriminative power of Survivin -1, Tag-72, and HERC5 overexpression was assessed using ROC curves. The multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that Survivin-1, Tag-72, and HERC5 were significantly overexpressed upon IHC analysis in HCC samples in patients older than 50 years (P=0.003, P=0.006, P=0.004), male gender (P=0.031, P=0.004, P=0.020), patients with increased AFP over 180 ng/dl (P=0.012, P=0.004, P=0.029), with low serum albumin < 3 mg/dl (P=0.031, P=0.021, P=0.003, respectively), with imaging features of portal thrombosis (P=0.004, P=0.020, P=0.004, respectively), ascites (P=0.002, P=0.004, P=0.019, respectively) and in BCLC B and C classes patients (P=0.045, P=0.036, P=0.045, and P=0.033, P=0.001, P=0.027, respectively). The diagnostic performance of Survivin-1, Tag-72 and HER-C5 tissue biomarkers for HCC characterization was superior to that of AFP, considered the gold standard biomarker used in clinical guidelines (Survivin-1: Z statistic=2.911, P=0.0039; Tag-72: Z statistic=2.789, P=0.0049, respectively; HERC5: Z statistic=2.844, P=0.0043) and AFP assay alone (Z statistic=5.022, P < 0.0001). Our study results validate the overexpression of Survivin-1, Tag-72, and HERC5 as tissue biomarkers for HCC characterization in patients from our geographical region and could be standardized in the current HCC management guideline.

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Magnetized Water and Its Comparison with Chlorhexidine 0.2% in Young Children for 3 Weeks

The goal of this study was to compare the effects of magnetized water and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash on gingivitis and plaque prevention in children aged 12-15 years for a period of 21 days. A total of 24 youngsters between the ages of 12 and 15 years were chosen. A computer-generated random number sequence was used to split the research participants into two groups. Magnetized water was utilized as a mouthrinse in Category 1, while 0.2% chlorhexidine was employed in Category 2. Water purified with reverse osmosis was stored in glass bottles, which were then put near the magnets to create magnetic water. The magnets had 1000 Gauss power. The bottles were put for a period of 24 hours. The youngsters were given 140 mL of mouthrinse. These mouthrinses were to be used at home, they were told. The Gilmore Turesky adaptation of Quigley Hein's plaque index was used to assess the plaque whereas the gingival index recommended by Loe and Sillness was utilized to assess the gingiva. The plaque index and gingival index were analyzed at baseline, 14 days, and 21 days, as well as history and examination for adverse effects such as bitter taste, brownish discoloration, and so on, were recorded. The trial lasted 21 days with a follow-up period of another 21 days. Both magnetic water and chlorhexidine were similarly successful in managing periodontal and gingival infections; however, magnetized water had less side effects, such as a bitter metallic taste and brown stains. Because of its well-accepted flavor, softer nature, and lower frequency of brown stains, magnetized water can be a safer and more acceptable alternative to chlorhexidine mouthwashes, especially in youngsters. The use of chlorhexidine as a mouthrinse in the oral cavity has been linked to side effects. These side effects are mostly localized, such as brownish discoloration of teeth, alterations in taste perception, and erosion of the oral mucosa. As chlorhexidine has such negative side effects, it was necessary to do research, particularly in children, to identify a replacement that is similarly efficient against germs but does not have these side effects. Water treated with a magnetic field (magnetized water) was compared with chlorhexidine in the current study.

Rock-Soil Transition In Weathering Of A Porphyritic Biotite Granite

Concentric layers of weathered materials around core-stones show the porphyritic biotite granite to experience sequential, but gradational, changes in visible features, textures and mineralogy as it transforms from ‘rock’ into ‘soil’. The changes start with the opening-up of grain boundaries and micro-cracks (stage 1) followed by their dark brown staining (stage 2) and the subsequent alteration (to sericite and clay minerals) of groundmass plagioclase feldspar grains (stage 3). Biotite flakes are then bleached and altered (to chlorite and clay minerals) (stage 4) before there starts alteration (to sericite and clay minerals) of groundmass alkali feldspar grains (stage 5) and finally alteration (to sericite and clay minerals) of the alkali feldspar phenocrysts (stage 6). Quartz grains are not altered during these stages of weathering, but disaggregate and reduce in size due to continual opening-up of grain boundaries and micro-cracks. Increasing stages of weathering are marked by decreasing dry unit weights, dry densities and uniaxial compressive strengths, but increasing apparent porosities. The transition between ‘rock’ and ‘soil’ occurs during stage 6 when all plagioclase, and most alkali feldspar, groundmass grains have been altered as are some alkali feldspar phenocrysts. Stage 6 is marked by large apparent porosities (&gt;18%) but low values of dry unit weight (&lt;20.81 kN/m3), dry density (&lt;2,122 kg/m3) and uniaxial compressive strength (&lt;1.8 MPa).

Possible sustainable management of onion Botrytis brown stain disease by some plants aqueous extract

Possible sustainable management of onion Botrytis brown stain disease by some plants aqueous extract

Management of Fluorosis using Resin Infiltration Technique

Dental fluorosis is a form of hypomineralisation, which is caused by ingestion of excess amounts of fluoride during enamel formation. Fluorosis can manifest as faint, white horizontal lines running across the surfaces of the teeth, diffuse white opacities, brown staining or pitting. Resin infiltration (Icon, DMG, Germany) can be used to treat mild to moderate forms of fluorosis yielding a more homogenous color of the tooth. This case report is about a 37-year-old patient presenting with moderate fluorosis, which was treated with tooth whitening and resin infiltration to achieve aesthetic results.

Cytological, histochemical, and ultrastructural study of human foetal liver of various gestation with future implications in segmental resection: an anatomical perspective.

The liver is the largest gland of the gastrointestinal tract having both exocrine and endocrine functions. Developmentally it arises as a ventral outgrowth from the gut endoderm during 3rd week of intrauterine life. The foetal liver is very important because of its synthetic and hemopoietic potential. The present work aimed to see the detailed histogenesis and development of the foetal liver by cytological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study. The liver tissue of nine aborted foetuses of various gestational age were studied. For cytology: special stains like Masson trichrome, periodic acid Schiff and reticulin were used, immunohistochemical staining was performed with triple antibodies (c-myc, Ki-67 and Ber-H2), and for ultrastructure: aluminium mounted specimens were coated with gold and argon gas and observed under scanning electron microscopy (EM). Cytology and immunohistochemistry showed the development of duct patterns and hemopoietic patterns in all stages of fetogenesis. The ductal plate was marked by the layer of dark brown staining cells at the edge of two portal tracts. The haemopoietic cells with sinusoids and aggregation of hepatocytes were observed in the early weeks of gestation. EM showed tree-like branching of a portal canal depicting hepatic segmentation of foetal liver. The organizational changes in lobular pattern, duct pattern, and microstructure of liver during fetogenesis are very crucial to achieve the adult morphology in feature. Histogenesis of the foetal liver follows a multistep process depending upon the gestational age, any deviation from normalcy may lead to structural and functional abnormality later in life.

Placenta as a site of HEV replication and inflammatory cytokines modulating the immunopathogenesis of HEV in pregnant women.

Viral hepatitis E is an under-estimated clinical entity with high mortality (20%-30%), especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. As complications due to hepatitis E virus (HEV) in pregnancy is much greater, it is hypothesized that HEV may cross the placenta and replicate in placental tissues even weeks after clearance from the blood, and cytokines may play a role in the immunopathogenesis of HEV in pregnancy. A total of 12 pregnant women with features of acute viral hepatitis/acute liver failure and positive for either HEV-immunoglobulin M (IgM)/HEV-RNA and 30 pregnant women negative for HEV RNA/IgM/immunoglobulin G were enrolled as study subjects and healthy controls, respectively. Following delivery, 5 ml blood was collected from the mother for HEV-RNA. Replicative RNA and viral load in placental tissue were detected through Real-Time PCR. Placental tissues from the maternal/fetal sides were stained for HEV antigen using HEV-open reading frame-2 antibody by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and for histopathological changes by haematoxylin and eosin. Plasma samples were tested for interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 cytokine levels using Duo-R&D ELISA kit, whereas peripheral blood mononuclear cells were used to study the inflammasomes and IL-1β and IL-18 cytokine genes expression.Of the 10 HEV RNA-positive sera, 9 had HEV RNA either in the maternal/fetal side of the placenta with the mean viral load of 137.4 IU/ml. Of the 10 HEV RNA-positive pregnant women, stillbirth in two and fetal and maternal death in one case was reported. IHC revealed strong brownish cytoplasmic staining (HEV antigen) in cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblast cells in positive samples. The maternal/fetal side of the infected placenta showed irregular intervillous fibrin deposition as well as tissue necrosis. The mean levels of IL-1β and IL-18 cytokines in serum of infected subjects were significantly higher than the healthy controls (17.31 ± 4.462 vs. 8.85 ± 4.36 pg/ml; p < 0.0001*** and 2275 ± 536.9 vs. 1085 ± 531.7 pg/ml; p < 0.0001***), respectively. Detecting replicative HEV RNA and HEV antigen in placental tissues indicated the extra-hepatic replication of HEV. Furthermore, placental tissue necrosis and significant rise of cytokine levels in HEV-infected pregnant women might be contributing to the HEV pathogenesis in pregnancy.

Applicability of alkanet (Alkanna tinctoria) extract for the histological staining of liver tissue

Staining of tissue is a significant process in histotechnology and staining techniques are used in the examination and diagnosis of diseases. The increase of international awareness for the environment, ecology, and health directed people to reduce toxic effluents and stop usage of dangerous chemical dyes. The present trend throughout the world is shifting towards to use of natural products over their synthetic alternatives. Therefore, in this study, the dyeing ability of alkanet plant on the cells of unstained sections taken from Wistar rat liver was investigated. The extract of Alkanna tinctoria contain naphthaquinone group of dyestuff. Chemical characterization of A. tinctoria extract was performed with HPLC-TOF/MS and UV spectra analysis, respectively. Different metal salts were used in the staining processes in order to obtain different colors. In the staining of without adding mordant (metal salt) to the extract, pale brown staining was obtained in the cytoplasm. Light pink color was obtained with the addition of CuSO4 mordant. Dark pink-red color was achieved by adding alum, and also NiSO4 was added for light purple staining. The staining of cytoplasm of different cells in liver tissue was achieved successfully with the extract of A. tinctoria and different colors were obtained using various mordants.

Abstract P3-20-06: Magseed/magtrace-guided surgery in breast cancer- an institutional perspective

Abstract Background/Purpose: Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-based techniques like Magseed and Magtrace offer alternatives for breast lesion and sentinel lymph node (SNL) localization. Magseeds placed under ultrasound guidance offer logistical and safety advantages compared to traditional wire-localization or radioactive seed placement. Further, Magtrace injection is a viable SNL-localization alternative that overcomes radiation safety, skin necrosis, and allergic reactions associated with traditional 99mTc colloid and Methylene blue/Isosulfan blue dyes. To evaluate the effectiveness of these techniques in surgical practice, we report the implementation of Magseed and Magtrace at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data from the 128 female patients undergoing Magseed/Magtrace procedures from October 2019 to December 2020. Demographics and clinical characteristics were summarized, and surgical outcomes analyzed including margin status, re-excision rates, post-operative breast and axilla complications, successful localization and detection rates. Results: Patients presented with varied diagnoses including 98 (77%) with invasive carcinoma, 21 (16%) with DCIS, and 9 (7%) with fibroadenoma, papillary, or other lesions. 50 patients (39%) underwent neoadjuvant therapy. Mean BMI at surgery was 27.33 kg/m2 (range, 17.80-48.65) and mean age was 57.26 years (range, 27-86). Breast density varied, 5 (4%) categorized as almost entirely fatty, 69 (54%) as heterogeneously dense, 12 (9%) as extremely dense, and 39 (30%) with fibroglandular density. For breast size there were 2 (2%) A cups, 13 (10%) B cups, 16 (13%) C cups, 10 (8%) D cups, 8 (6%) DD cups, 2 (2%) DDD cups, 1 (.8%) F cup, and 12 (9%) with in between breast size (A-DDD). 108 patients (84%) had on-table Magtrace injection and 52 (41%) had Magseed localization. 18 (14%) patients had Methylene blue/Isosulfan blue dye or Technetium-99 used with Magseed and/or Magtrace. There was a 100% (52/52) success rate of lesion localization using Magseed and a 94% (101/108) success rate of SLN detection using Magtrace. Magtrace brown skin staining occurred in 12/108 patients (11%). Breast complications occurred in 43 patients (34%), with bruising/hematoma in 30/43 (70%), seroma in 7/43 (16%), and infection in 4/43 (9%). Axilla complications occurred in 11 patients (9%): 5/11 (45%) had bruising/hematoma, 6/11 (55%) had seroma, and 1/11 (9%) had infection. Positive margins were seen in 11 (9%) patients with re-excision performed in 8 women (6%). Conclusions: Magseed and Magtrace are comparable to standard practices in terms of practicality, surgical implementation, and risk of surgical complications and re-excision, providing a rationale for the adoption of SPIO-based techniques. By putting these surgical techniques into practice and evaluating their success in excising a wide range of lesions and monitoring complications, there is possibility of introducing new, innovative techniques into a standardized clinical setting within surgical oncology. Magseed/Magtrace Procedures at BSLMCRaw NumberPercentageTechniquesMagtrace Only6047%Magseed Only1915%Magtrace + Magseed3124%Isotope1713%Blue Dye11%Skin Staining Post-Op.1211%Breast Complication4334%Wound Complication921%Infection49%Bruising/Hematoma3070%Seroma716%Patients with &amp;gt;1 complication49%Axilla Complication119%Wound Complication00%Infection19%Bruising/Hematoma545%Seroma655%Patients with &amp;gt;1 complication19%Re-excision Rate86%Histological TypesER+, HER2-7055%ER+10078%HER2+2016%TNB1310% Citation Format: Jessica Montalvan, Logan Healy, Huma Javaid, Ivan Marin, Brian Menegaz, Cary Hsu, Eric Silberfein, Elizabeth Bonefas, Stacey Carter, Alastair Thompson. Magseed/magtrace-guided surgery in breast cancer- an institutional perspective [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-20-06.

A new double immunohistochemistry method to detect mucosal anti-transglutaminase IgA deposits in coeliac children.

Intestinal transglutaminase (TG2) IgA deposits represent early marker of coeliac disease (CeD) and can predict the evolution towards intestinal atrophy. To validate a double immunohistochemistry method for the determination of intestinal TG2 IgA deposits on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsies. Immunohistochemistry was tested on: 1) children with overt CeD [persistently positive serum IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase type 2 (TGA-IgA) with moderate or low titer, and histological findings of CeD]; 2) potential CeD (persistently positive serum TGA-IgA and normal intestinal mucosa) and 3) controls (negative serum TGA-IgA and normal intestinal mucosa). Samples from 61 children were analyzed (32 overt CeD, 14 potential CeD, and 15 controls). Deposits appeared as focal, multifocal, or confluent extracellular foci of red and brown staining colocalization in the sub-epithelium and around mucosal vessels. Deposits were present in all 32 children with overt CeD and in 9/14 potential CeD. Deposits were never observed in the 15 controls. Patients with higher serum level of TGA-IgA and with mucosal atrophy showed mostly a multifocal/diffuse pattern of deposits distribution. The bulb appeared most severely involved. In potential CeD deposits showed mainly a focal distribution. Our results indicate double immunohistochemistry as promising diagnostic tool to improve diagnosis of CeD.

Significance of CD47 expression in endometrial carcinoma.

CD47 is a membrane protein that belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily and regulates macrophage phagocytosis negatively. As CD47 expression at the cancer cell membrane would inhibit the phagocytic activity of immune cells, it is connected to an unfavorable prognosis in leukemia and malignancies of various solid organs. Materials and. In this study, retrospectively evaluated 72 patients who had been diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma at Pathology Department and had undergone total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAH + BSO) and/or lymphadenectomy. CD47 expression was evaluated in tumorous and nontumor areas in all patients considering cytoplasmic and membranous brown staining in cells. The proportion of expression was evaluated as well as the intensity and an "h score" was obtained. This score was compared with known prognostic parameters. CD47 expressions showed a statistically significant correlation with tumor grade (P < 0.05); however, no significant relationship was observed with myometrial invasion depth and lymph vascular invasion status (P = 0.923 and P = 0.754, respectively). As with other tumors, anti-CD47 antibody may be an alternative treatment option in patients with high-grade endometrial carcinoma.

Effect of stain brand and shade on color stability of stains applied on a CAD-CAM feldspathic ceramic

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of stain brand and color on color stability of stains on a CAD-CAM ceramic after aging. Specimens (15 × 8 × 1.5mm) were fabricated from A2-shade ceramic blocks (Mark II; Vita Zahnfabrik) (N = 120). Specimens were divided into two groups (n = 10) to be stained with six different stains (yellow, orange, blue, gray, violet, and brown) from two manufacturers (GC initial spectrum (GC) and IPS e.max Ceram (IPS)). Aging was performed for 5h at 134°C. Color coordinates before and after aging were measured to calculate color differences (ΔE00). Kubelka-Munk absorption (K) and scattering coefficients (S) of stains were compared with those of A2 shade tab. Two-way ANOVA was used to analyze the ΔE00 values and Tamhane T2 was used to analyze the K and S coefficients (alpha = 0.05). A significant interaction was found between stain color and brand (p < 0.001). Color changes with IPS stains were higher than those with GC stains except for brown. The highest color difference was with orange stain of IPS (p < 0.001). Absorption and scattering coefficients of different stains on CAD-CAM ceramic were different from those of A2 shade tab except for brown stain (p < 0.001). Tested stains on CAD-CAM ceramic had varying color changes after aging. Color of gray, violet and brown of both stains was stable. Yellow, orange, and blue GC stains were more color stable compared with IPS. Absorption and scattering coefficients of stains in different colors varied.

Local Texture Representation for Timber Defect Recognition based on Variation of LBP

This paper evaluates timber defect classification performance across four various Local Binary Patterns (LBP). The light and heavy timber used in the study are Rubberwood, KSK, Merbau, and Meranti, and eight natural timber defects involved; bark pocket, blue stain, borer holes, brown stain, knot, rot, split, and wane. A series of LBP feature sets were created by employing the Basic LBP, Rotation Invariant LBP, Uniform LBP, and Rotation Invariant Uniform LBP in a phase of feature extraction procedures. Several common classifiers were used to further separate the timber defect classes, which are Artificial Neural Network (ANN), J48 Decision Tree (J48), and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN). Uniform LBP with ANN classifier provides the best performance at 63.4%, superior to all other LBP types. Features from Merbau provide the greatest F-measure when comparing the performance of the ANN classifier with Uniform LBP across timber fault classes and clean wood, surpassing other feature sets.

Effects of Oral Supplementation with Paprika Xanthophylls on Human Skin Moisture.

Carotenoids, classified into carotenes and xanthophylls, are natural lipophilic pigments that are widely distributed in plants. Red paprika is unique in its high levels of various xanthophylls. Dietary paprika xanthophylls have been shown to reduce UV-induced photo damage by the strong antioxidant activity in the skin. However, the precise effects of paprika xanthophylls on skin condition are still unknown. Here we show that skin moisture is enhanced by the intake of red paprika supplements including seven xanthophylls. We conducted a 4-week randomized, single-blind, parallel-group controlled trial to clarify the effects of dietary paprika xanthophylls on facial skin. The results showed that the moisture was significantly higher in the paprika intake group than in the control (21.0±8.9 vs 13.4±6.0 (A.U.)). There was no significant difference between the paprika and control groups in other parameters such as viscoelasticity, the number of wrinkles, and the amount of water evaporation. On the other hand, the number of brown stains in the paprika group increased significantly, to 190±26 from 173±30 (p < 0.05). In vitro experiments, quantitative real-time PCR showed that paprika extract led to increases in the gene expression of Aquaporin 3 (AQP3) and hyaluronic acid synthase 3 (HAS3) in cultured keratinocytes. Western blotting showed that the paprika extract enhanced AQP3 expression. Taken together, taking supplements containing paprika xanthophylls may provide beneficial effects of moisture on facial skin. The study provides new insights into understanding the role of paprika xanthophylls in the skin.

Management of fluorosed teeth using newer material – A case series

Dental fluorosis is a specific esthetic disturbance, which can be described as a chronic condition, where enamel development has been disrupted and the resulting tooth enamel is hypomineralized. It is caused by ingestion of excessive fluoride during enamel formation stage. Hence, overtime, various treatment modalities have evolved, like, microabrasion, bleaching, resin infiltration, veneers, etc. Microabrasion using Opalustre has been used extensively. However, the results may not be promising. With advancement in material science, a new product, namely, Antivet enamel cleansing kit is available, which is effective in removing brown stains due to fluorosis. Post operative sensitivity is also significantly less with this product. This paper presents two cases of fluorosis for which different agents have been used. Keywords – discolouration, fluorosis, microabrasion

Antibacterial activity of betel (Piper betle L.) fruit against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Background: Betel (Piper betle L.) is a well-known medicinal plant for its numerous health benefits. Saponins, flavonoids, polyphenols, and essential oils are among the chemical constituents of betel plants. Flavonoids are one of the most common groups of secondary metabolites found in plant tissues, including in betel plants.&#x0D; Objective: The purpose of this research is to isolate flavonoids from betel fruit and to determine the antibacterial activity of betel fruit extract against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.&#x0D; Methods: Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) with the eluent chloroform: methanol: water was used to isolate flavonoids. UV-Vis spectrophotometry was used to determine the presence of flavonoids in betel fruit. The antibacterial activity of extract and TLC-isolates of betel fruit was tested by using the disc method.&#x0D; Results: TLC analysis resulted in the formation of a brown stain. The UV-Vis spectrophotometry results revealed two absorption bands at 366 nm and 268 nm, indicating that flavonoids are present in betel fruit. Antibacterial activity test against Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria showed that the concentration of 30% and 60% of betel fruit extract had strong antibacterial activity.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results revealed that the betel fruit contains flavonoid compounds, and the extract has medium to strong antibacterial activity.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Dentists Regarding Tetracycline Teeth Staining and Treatment Protocol - A Questionnaire Study

Introduction: Aesthetics is an important attribute to man’s overall view of himself .The term “tooth discoloration‟ refers to the fading away of the natural colour of the tooth or replacement with a stain, usually of a different colour to the point of notice. Tooth discoloration has been classified as extrinsic or intrinsic. Tetracycline staining which is characteristic in children born of mothers who were on tetracycline medication. These children develop a brown staining on most of their deciduous and permanent teeth. A variety of treatment methods including tooth-whitening options have been sought. The aim of this KAP survey was to assess the knowledge , attitude and practice of various clinical practitioners both undergraduate and postgraduate regarding Tetracycline tooth staining, its aetiology and treatment modalities.&#x0D; Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted across various Dental Clinics and Hospitals in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.Theself-administered questionnaire was written in English was adapted based on many other previous surveys of similar nature. It was circulated as digital questionnaires (GoogleForms) It had 15 items, 5 in the knowledge, 5 practice components and 5 in the attitude component, and took about 10 min to complete.&#x0D; Results: Among the 250 responses it was observed that 66.7% of the respondents were endodontists and the remaining 33.3% were general practitioners.33.3% of respondents had an experience of 2 to 6 years while 16.7% of respondents had a 8 year or more experience. All the respondents were based in and around Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The mean Knowledge score was 70%, while mean attitude and practice scores varied between 87% to 91% and were considerably much better.&#x0D; Conclusion: The fabrication of a detailed treatment protocol for the treatment of tetracycline based tooth staining in various clinical scenarios and the standardization of such a protocol, while also upgrading the basic theoretical knowledge is necessary. This could in tern help delivering better treatment to the patient while considering both the affordability as well as aesthetic satisfaction of the patient.

Are c-erb B2 and UGCG Reliable Immunohistochemical Markers Of Canine Mammary Carcinomas?

In this study, we aimed to correlate c-erb B2, UGCG expressions and tumor size in canine mammary tumors. The material of this study consisted of tissue samples of mammary carcinomas taken from ten female dogs brought to our department between 2012-2020. Avidin-Biotin Peroxidase method was used as an immunohistochemical method. All canine mammary tumor cases were immune positive for c-erb B2 and UGCG reactions. We detected membranous and cytoplasmic c-erb B2 immune positive staining in the neoplastic epithelial cells. Reactions were moderate to strong in severity. We observed strong dark brown cytoplasmic ceramide glucosyltransferase staining in the cytoplasm of neoplastic epithelial cells. We found that the increase in the number of c-erb B2 and UGCG immune positive cells paralleled the tumor size. In conclusion, the increase in the number of c-erb B2 and UGCG positive cells in direct proportion to the tumor size, which is an important diagnostic parameter in canine mammary tumors, made us think that c-erb B2 and UGCG could be reliable immunohistochemical markers in the diagnosis of canine mammary tumors. In addition, these markers must be evaluated comprehensively in line with different cancer diagnosis parameters.