Staining Agent Research Articles

Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Analysis of Genomic DNA Visualized with Nanoparticle-Tagged Peptides under Electron Microscopy.

DNA visualization has advanced across multiple microscopy platforms, albeit with limited progress in the identification of novel staining agents for electron microscopy (EM), notwithstanding its ability to furnish a broad magnification range and high-resolution details for observing DNA molecules. Herein, a non-toxic, universal, and simple method is proposed that uses gold nanoparticle-tagged peptides to stain all types of naturally occurring DNA molecules, enabling their visualization under EM. This method enhances the current DNA visualization capabilities, allowing for sequence-specific, genomic-scale, and multi-conformational visualization. Importantly, an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled pipeline for identifying DNA molecules imaged under EM is presented, followed by classification based on their size, shape, or conformation, and finally, extraction of their significant dimensional features, which to the best of authors' knowledge, has not been reported yet. This pipeline strongly improved the accuracy of obtaining crucial information such as the number and mean length of DNA molecules in a given EM image for linear DNA (salmon sperm DNA) and the circumferential length and diameter for circular DNA (M13 phage DNA), owing to its image segmentation capability. Furthermore, it remained robust to several variations in the raw EM images arising from handling during the DNA staining stage.

Enhancing the Opacity of Glass Ceramics by Applying Opaque Stains to the Intaglio Surface.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of opaque stain application to the intaglio surface of lithium disilicate glass ceramics on the masking ability of discolored substrates and bond strength to a resin-based luting agent (depending on etching time); the stain film-thickness was also assessed. Ceramic specimens were produced with CAD-CAM blocks of lithium disilicate (IPS e.max CAD). Two opaque stains were tested at ceramic intaglio surface: opaque glassy stain for titanium frameworks (OP-ti) and low-fusion glassy stain for ceramic characterization (LFG-iv). Non-stained ceramic specimens served as controls. For optical and colorimetric analyses, A2-shaded ceramics of medium and low-translucencies were tested, in thicknesses of 1.0- and 1.5-mm (n = 10), with two coupling agents (non-shaded-glycerin and A2-shaded try-in paste). CIEDE2000 formula was used for calculation of translucency parameter (TP00) and color differences (ΔE00). Whiteness index for dentistry (WID) was also reported. ΔE00 were assessed over discolored substrates (tooth-shaded A2-reference, A4, C3, and C4; coppery metal, silvery metal, white zirconia, and PEEK). Microshear bond strength of stained and non-stained ceramic specimens to a resin-based luting agent was evaluated. Film-thickness of stains was assessed by scanning electron microscopy. The application of opaque stains to the intaglio surface of lithium disilicate ceramics resulted in significant reduction of TP00 (p < 0.001) and WID (p < 0.001) and differences in L*, C*, and ho color coordinates (especially with OP-ti) (p < 0.001). ΔE00 was significantly reduced in stained ceramic groups in comparison with the control, for all discolored substrates (p < 0.001). Acceptable color matching was obtained with stained ceramic specimens for all discolored substrates, depending on the type of stain, ceramic thickness, ceramic translucency, and coupling agent. The application of stains to the ceramic intaglio surface was not detrimental to bond strength to a resin-based luting agent, but depended on the time of hydrofluoric acid-etching (20 s for OP-ti and 60 s for LFG-iv) (p < 0.001). Film-thickness of stains presented mean values <70 μm. The application of opaque stains to the intaglio surface of lithium disilicate glass ceramics was effective to mask severely discolored substrates, presenting adequate bond strength to the luting agent and thin film-thicknesses. For indirect restorations over severely discolored substrates, the application of opaque stain to the intaglio surface of lithium disilicate glass ceramic ensures acceptable color matching, with adequate bond strength to resin-based luting agents and clinically acceptable stain film-thickness.

Photoactive hyperbranched poly(azo‐ester) urethanes as fluorescent staining agent for plant cells

Photoactive hyperbranched poly(azo‐ester) urethanes as fluorescent staining agent for plant cells

Comparative electron microscopic visualization of the lung alveolar epithelial glycocalyx with different staining and labeling methods.

The alveolar surface of the lung is lined by an epithelium consisting of type I (AECI) and type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECII). This epithelium is covered by a liquid alveolar lining layer (ALL). Besides intra-alveolar surfactant, ALL also contains the alveolar epithelial glycocalyx on the apical side of AECI and AECII. To better understand the alveolar epithelial glycocalyx, its ultrastructural visualization by transmission electron microscopy is required. The aim of this study was to systematically re-evaluate routine cytochemical methods for visualization of the alveolar epithelial glycocalyx and specifically its glycan components. For this purpose, we used chemical fixation by vascular perfusion with aldehydes as a common routine approach in mice. After fixation, staining is needed for glycocalyx visualization. Cytochemical staining agents such as alcian blue, ruthenium red, and lanthanum nitrate were compared. In addition, SNL (Sambucus nigra lectin) and UEA1 (Ulex europaeus agglutinin I) were used for sialic acid and fucose-specific labeling. Alcian blue showed the strongest staining, with cloud-like structures, whereas ruthenium red appeared as thread-like structures. On the other hand, lanthanum nitrate did not stain the alveolar epithelial glycocalyx. For specific sialic acid and fucose labeling, both lectins presented a specific signal. In conclusion, these methods can be used routinely for assessing ultrastructural changes of the alveolar epithelial glycocalyx in experimental invivo models under different physiological and pathological conditions. In addition, cytochemical staining by tissue massage and post-embedding lectin labeling after vascular perfusion support 3R (reduction, refinement, replacement) principles of animal welfare.

Induction of Paraptotic Cell Death in Cancer Cells by Triptycene-Peptide Hybrids and the Revised Mechanism of Paraptosis II.

In previous work, we reported on iridium(III) (Ir(III)) complex-peptide hybrids as amphiphilic conjugates (IPH-ACs) and triptycene-peptide hybrids as amphiphilic conjugates (TPH-ACs) and found that these hybrid compounds containing three cationic KK(K)GG peptide units through C6-C8 alkyl linkers induce paraptosis II, which is one of the nonapoptotic programmed cell death (PCD) types in Jurkat cells and different from previously reported paraptosis. The details of that study revealed that the paraptosis II induced by IPH-ACs (and TPH-ACs) proceeds via a membrane fusion or tethering of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria, and Ca2+ transfer from the ER to mitochondria, which results in a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in Jurkat cells. However, the detailed mechanistic studies of paraptosis II have been conducted only in Jurkat cells. In the present work, we decided to conduct mechanistic studies of paraptosis II in HeLa-S3 and A549 cells as well as in Jurkat cells to study the general mechanism of paraptosis II. Simultaneously, we designed and synthesized new TPH-ACs functionalized with peptides that contain cyclohexylalanine, which had been reported to enhance the localization of peptides to mitochondria. We found that TPH-ACs containing cyclohexylalanine promote paraptosis II processes in Jurkat, HeLa-S3 and A549 cells. The results of the experiments using fluorescence Ca2+ probes in mitochondria and cytosol, fluorescence staining agents of mitochondria and the ER, and inhibitors of paraptosis II suggest that TPH-ACs induce Ca2+ increase in mitochondria and the membrane fusion between the ER and mitochondria almost simultaneously, suggesting that our previous hypothesis on the mechanism of paraptosis II should be revised.

Assessing the Color Stability of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) Dental Restorations Polished With a Novel Polishing Agent Derived From Pulverized Old Alginate Impressions.

Interim restorations are essential in restorative dentistry, serving as temporary solutions until permanent restorations can be placed. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a promising solution for customizing teeth for removable dentures to match the exact requirements of patients. The color stability of these restorations is critical for patient satisfaction. PMMAis a widely used material for interim restorations due to its favorable properties. The study compares the color stability of PMMA interim restorations polished using traditional pumice versus Algishine, a novel polishing agent derived from pulverized old alginate impressions. The 3-D design software Geomagic Design X (3D Systems, Rock Hill, CA) created a standard tessellation language file of 2-cm radius circles. Sixty PMMA samples were milled and divided into two groups of 30 each. Group A samples were polished using pumice, while group B samples were polished with Algishine. Baseline color measurements were taken using a spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade V, VITA Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany). The samples were then subjected to staining with coffee, tea, and red wine solutions for 30 days, simulating oral conditions. Post-staining color measurements were taken, and color changes (ΔE) were calculated at the seven-day (t1) and one-month (t2) mark. The Shapiro-Wilk test assessed normality, followed by a two-way ANOVA testto compare color change values at different time points. At t1 (seven days), there were no significant differences between groups A and B in the coffee and tea staining groups. However, significant differences were observed in red wine staining, with group B exhibiting lower ΔE values (0.14 ± 0.067) compared to group A (0.38 ± 0.076) (p < 0.01). At t2 (30 days), significant differences were noted in all staining groups. Group B consistently showed lower ΔE values: coffee (0.125 ± 0.084 vs. 0.236 ± 0.015, p < 0.01), tea (0.254 ± 0.087 vs. 0.391 ± 0.015, p < 0.01), and red wine (1.174 ± 0.045 vs. 1.309 ± 0.074, p < 0.01), indicating superior resistance to staining compared to group A. The results suggest that Algishine is more effective than pumice in maintaining the color stability of PMMA interim restorations. The novel polishing agent derived from old alginate impressions enhances esthetic longevity and provides an eco-friendly solution for recycling dental material waste. Algishine performs superiorly in preserving the color of PMMA interim restorations against common staining agents. Its application can potentially improve patient satisfaction and contribute to sustainable dental practices.

Evaluation of the Effect of Various Beverages and Food Materials on the Color Stability of Provisional Materials: An In Vitro Study.

Aim This study aims to evaluate the color stability of four provisional materials: polymethyl methacrylate (DPI®Self-Cure), 10-ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (Oratemp® C&B), bis-acryl composite resin (Systemp® C&B, Ivoclar Vivadent), and bis-acryl composite (Systemp® C&B, Ivoclar Vivadent) combined with light-cure composite (Fusion Flo® LC). Materials and methods A total of 40 specimens were meticulously crafted from modeling wax into discs, each precisely 2 mm thick and 20 mm in diameter. Four provisional materials were packed into molds, yielding 10 specimens for each material group. After mixing and polymerization, the specimens were trimmed and polished. Reflectance spectrophotometers were used for initial color assessments based on the CIELAB color space system. Staining solutions, including coffee, Tata Green Tea, Pepsi, and turmeric, were prepared to mimic dietary agents. Artificial saliva, replicating oral conditions, was formulated and sterilized. The specimens were then immersed in various solutions for 15 days at 37 °C. Color measurements were taken on days 2 and 15 using the same spectrophotometer, calculating color differences (ΔE) from changes in L*, a*, and b* values. Results DPISelf-Cure (polymethyl methacrylate)was found to be the most color-stable temporary restorative material, followed by Vivadent (bis-acryl composite resin), Oratemp (10-ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate), and Fusion Flo (light-cure composite). Fusion Flo exhibited the highest color change by the 15th day. Coffee and green tea demonstrated the greatest potential for causing color changes in the provisional restorative materials. Conclusion DPI Self-Cure exhibited the highest color stability among the provisional materials, with Vivadent and Oratemp following closely behind. Green tea and coffee were the most potent staining agents, while Pepsi and turmeric induced lesser color changes.

Screening staining agents for contrast-enhanced microCT of vascular tissues: Assessing the effect on microstructural and mechanical properties

Cardiovascular tissues possess a complex microstructure, which remodel and adapt due to ageing and diseases. This complex and evolving microstructure is intrinsically linked to the tissue’s mechanical properties. To better understand how changes in the microstructure can impact the mechanical behavior, 4D-contrast-enhanced microCT (4D-CECT) can be used (i.e. in situ mechanical loading combined with 3D microstructural visualization). Since absorption-based CECT requires the use of contrast-enhancing staining agents (CESAs), we investigated six different CESAs for their suitability for 4D-CECT imaging of arterial tissue, considering their ability to provide good microstructural visualization and segmentation while ensuring the preservation of the mechanical properties. For this purpose, the penetration speed, contrast-enhancement, volume change, and stiffness change of porcine arterial tissue stained with the different CESA solutions were studied. Based on our results, we selected 1:2 Hafnium-substituted Wells-Dawson Polyoxometalate as the most suited CESA for 4D-CECT of arterial tissue. Phosphotungstic acid (PTA) and Lugol iodine with Sorensen’s buffer (Lugol), despite being the reference in the state-of-the-art as CESA and having excellent contrast-enhancement properties, were the only ones that significantly affected the mechanical properties of porcine arterial tissue. Additionally, for these two solutions, tissue shrinkage was observed, resulting in a volume reduction of approximately − 12 % for PTA and − 17 % for Lugol. Finally, it was observed that the penetration speed of all CESA solutions exhibited a ratio of 60–40 % from the intimal side to the adventitial side, which is likely due to the denser packing of elastic lamellae towards the adventitia. Overall, our study offers valuable new insights for selecting and comparing various CESA solutions for (4D-)CECT.

Nitroreductase-Triggered Fluorophore Labeling of Cells and Tissues under Hypoxia.

Several reductases, including nitroreductase, are upregulated under hypoxic conditions characterized by an oxygen-deficient microenvironment. Given that hypoxia is a prominent feature of solid tumors, our investigation focused on developing a bioconjugative probe designed for staining tissue under hypoxic conditions, particularly activated by nitroreductase. This probe, developed using our trigger-release-bioconjugation system rooted in the ortho-quinone methide chemistry, exhibited selective activation by nitroreductase and fluorophore labeling within mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. As a result, it displayed sustained fluorescence that persisted even after washing steps in cells and tissues. We applied this innovative probe to stain mouse kidney tissue in an acute kidney injury model induced by inadequate oxygen supply. Among various organ tissues examined, only kidney tissue showed significantly higher fluorescence in the injury model compared with the control tissue, as revealed by two-photon microscopic imaging. This research presents a promising avenue for the development of practical staining agents for image-guided tumor surgery.

Insertion trauma and functional recovery after cochlear implantation

The cochlear implant is considered one of the most successful medical devices. The efficiency and cost-effectiveness of implants making a difference in the life of a person with hearing loss is well recognized. There are approximately 750,000 implant patients worldwide. While implant technology is advancing and clinical indications continue to expand, the focus is increasingly shifting towards improving outcomes and enhancing the quality of patient care. Of particular relevance today is the preservation of delicate intracochlear structures during implant surgery, which provides the best prerequisite for successful hearing rehabilitation. In this regard, the article is devoted to the consideration of peculiarities and methods of detection of tissue traumatization during cochlear implantation, as well as the possibilities of functional recovery after implantation. The methodological basis of the study is a systematic literature search, which was conducted using PubMed Medline, methods of analysis, synthesis, generalization, and grouping, investigation of the results of radiological and histological studies. The analysis describes the possibilities and potential of using contrast-enhanced micro-CT with simultaneous application of a special polyoxometalate staining agent to analyze cochlear implant injuries. Special attention is paid to the prospects of using a robotic surgical instrument that assists the surgeon in the insertion of the electrode array. The advantage of using the growth function of the amplitude of the evoked compound action potential to assess functional responses to electrical stimulation of the cochlea is also noted. Further studies of the geometry of intracochlear structures and compartments will allow developing new and improved electrode designs and introducing atraumatic surgical techniques for cochlear implant insertion.

Evaluation of Dental Plaque Area with Artificial Intelligence Model

Objectives: This study aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of an artificial intelligence (AI) system employing deep learning for identifying dental plaque, utilizing a dataset comprising photographs of permanent teeth. Materials and Methods: In this study, photographs of 168 teeth belonging to 20 patients aged between 10 and 15 years, who met our criteria, were included. Intraoral photographs were taken of the patients in two stages, before and after the application of the plaque staining agent. To train the AI system to identify plaque on teeth with dental plaque that is not discolored, plaque and teeth were marked on photos with exposed dental plaque. One hundred forty teeth were used to construct the training group, while 28 teeth were used to create the test group. Another dentist reviewed images of teeth with dental plaque that was not discolored, and the effectiveness of AI in detecting plaque was evaluated using pertinent performance indicators. To compare the AI model and the dentist’s evaluation outcomes, the mean intersection over union (IoU) values were evaluated by the Wilcoxon test. Results: The AI system showed higher performance in our study with a precision of 82% accuracy, 84% sensitivity, 83% F1 score, 87% accuracy, and 89% specificity in plaque detection. The area under the curve (AUC) value was found to be 0.922, and the IoU value was 76%. Subsequently, the dentist’s plaque diagnosis performance was also evaluated. The IoU value was 0.71, and the AUC was 0.833. The AI model showed statistically significantly higher performance than the dentist (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: The AI algorithm that we developed has achieved promising results and demonstrated clinically acceptable performance in detecting dental plaque compared to a dentist.

Exploring contrast-enhancing staining agents for studying adipose tissue through contrast-enhanced computed tomography

Contrast-enhanced computed tomography offers a nondestructive approach to studying adipose tissue in 3D. Several contrast-enhancing staining agents (CESAs) have been explored, whereof osmium tetroxide (OsO4) is the most popular nowadays. However, due to the toxicity and volatility of the conventional OsO4, alternative CESAs with similar staining properties were desired. Hf-WD 1:2 POM and Hexabrix have proven effective for structural analysis of adipocytes using contrast-enhanced computed tomography but fail to provide chemical information. This study introduces isotonic Lugol’s iodine (IL) as an alternative CESA for adipose tissue analysis, comparing its staining potential with Hf-WD 1:2 POM and Hexabrix in murine caudal vertebrae and bovine muscle tissue strips. Single and sequential staining protocols were compared to assess the maximization of information extraction from each sample. The study investigated interactions, distribution, and reactivity of iodine species towards biomolecules using simplified model systems and assesses the potential of the CESA to provide chemical information. (Bio)chemical analyses on whole tissues revealed that differences in adipocyte gray values post-IL staining were associated with chemical distinctions between bovine muscle tissue and murine caudal vertebrae. More specific, a difference in the degree of unsaturation of fatty acids was identified as a likely contributor, though not the sole determinant of gray value differences. This research sheds light on the potential of IL as a CESA, offering both structural and chemical insights into adipose tissue composition.

Impact of smoking on resin bonded restorations: A narrative review.

Smoking is a common risk factor for multiple diseases, including diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases, and different cancers. It is an established cause of multiple oral health conditions, in addition to adversely impairing the appearance of oral tissues. Smoking has also been identified to impact dental restorations' functional and esthetic aspects. This narrative review is focused on the significance of the esthetic consequences of smoking on resin-based dental restoration. It provides an understanding of the challenges dental professionals and patients face. A literature search was conducted to identify studies on the impact of smoking exposure on the esthetic appearance of composite restorations. The inclusion criteria were met by five studies selected for analysis. The studies revealed that conventional cigarettes cause more noticeable color changes than electronic cigarettes. Additionally, the choice of composite material significantly influences the color stability of dental restorations. Exposure to both smoking and staining agents could worsen the color alterations in dental restorations. Smokers may benefit from dental ceramics, which offer better aesthetics. Quantitative insights into these effects can be gained by incorporating delta E (ΔE) values and fluorescence intensity in esthetic evaluations. The studies provide valuable insights into the multiple factors that can impact the aesthetics of dental restorations. Dental professionals should take into account the smoking type, composite material, and patient habits when planning treatments. Utilizing ΔE values and fluorescence intensity in esthetic evaluations can provide a more comprehensive understanding. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies, alternative materials, and individual patient profiles.

Time-gated luminescence indicators for lysosome and endoplasmic reticulum in living cells based on β-diketonate-europium(III) complexes

Lysosome and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) play essential roles for the digestion, synthesis and transportation of biological macromolecules in living cells. For the better visualization and tracking of them, effective luminescence indicators that can specifically locate into them are necessary. In this work, using a visible light-excitable ternary β-diketonate-europium(III) complex, 4,4,5,5,5-pentafluoro-1-(thiophen-2-yl)pentane-1,3-dionate-Eu3+-2-(N,N-diethylanilin-4-yl)-4,6-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine, as the luminophore, and morpholine and p-toluenesulfonamide moieties that covalently bound to the β-diketonate ligands as organelle-anchoring motifs, two time-gated luminescence (TGL) indicators for lysosome and ER, Lyso-TGL-indicator and ER-TGL-indicator, were designed and synthesized. Two TGL indicators exhibited strong and long-lived emissions at 608 nm, with wide excitation wavelength ranges from UV to visible light (∼320–450 nm, maximum at 396 nm). In addition, two indicators showed low cytotoxicity and excellent lysosome/ER-location performances (Pearson's coefficients >0.97 after being co-localized with commercial lysosome and ER staining agents in cells). These features enabled them to be successfully used for the background-free TGL tracking of lysosomes and ERs in living cells, respectively.

The comparison of the effectiveness of shoe flower (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.) and roselle flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) infusions as alternative reagents for the examination of Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) eggs

Worm infections remain a significant health challenge globally, including in Indonesia, where they continue to contribute to a majority of health issues. Soil-transmitted helminths (STH), particularly intestinal nematode parasites, are predominant in causing these infections. Microscopic examination with 2% eosin staining is a conventional method for diagnosing worm infections. However, exploring alternative staining agents, such as anthocyanin-rich extracts from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (hibiscus flower) and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (roselle flower), presents a promising avenue. These plants possess anthocyanin compounds, resulting in a captivating red pigment and making them suitable for utilization as natural coloring agents. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hibiscus and roselle infusions as alternative staining reagents for examining STH egg, compared to the standard 2% eosin staining method. Adopting a true experimental design, samples of STH worm egg suspensions were subjected to different concentrations of hibiscus and roselle infusions. The results revealed varying staining outcomes with different concentrations. However, a 1:1 concentration ratio of hibiscus and roselle infusions demonstrated effective staining against STH worm eggs. In conclusion, this research underscores the comparative effectiveness of hibiscus and roselle infusions as alternative staining reagents for STH egg examination, with 2% eosin serving as the control. These findings hold potential implications for improving diagnostic techniques in managing worm infections.

Color and Chemical Stability of 3D-Printed and Thermoformed Polyurethane-Based Aligners.

The significant rise in the use of clear aligners for orthodontic treatment is attributed to their aesthetic appeal, enhancing patient appearance and self-confidence. The aim of this study is to evaluate the aligners' response to common staining agents (coffee, black tea, Coca-Cola, and Red Bull) in color and chemical stability. Polyurethane-based thermoformed and 3D-printed aligners from four brands were exposed to common beverages to assess color change using a VITA Easyshade compact colorimeter after 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 7 days, as well as chemical stability using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The brand, beverage, and manufacturing method significantly influence color stability. ATR-FTIR analysis revealed compositional differences, with variations in response to beverage exposure affecting the integrity of polymer bonds. Color change analysis showed coffee as the most potent staining agent, particularly affecting Tera Harz TC85 aligners, while ClearCorrect aligners exhibited the least susceptibility. 3D-printed aligners showed a greater color change compared to thermoformed ones. Aligners with a PETG outer layer are more resistant to stains and chemical alterations than those made of polyurethane. Additionally, 3D-printed polyurethane aligners stain more than thermoformed ones. Therefore, PETG-layered aligners are a more reliable choice for maintaining the aesthetic integrity of aligners.

X-Ray-Based 3D Histopathology of the Kidney Using Cryogenic Contrast-Enhanced MicroCT.

The kidney's microstructure, which comprises a highly convoluted tubular and vascular network, can only be partially revealed using classical 2D histology. Considering that the kidney's microstructure is closely related to its function and is often affected by pathologies, there is a need for powerful and high-resolution 3D imaging techniques to visualize the microstructure. Here, we present how cryogenic contrast-enhanced microCT (cryo-CECT) allowed 3D visualization of glomeruli, tubuli, and vasculature. By comparing different contrast-enhancing staining agents and freezing protocols, we found that the preferred sample preparation protocol was the combination of staining with 1:2 hafnium(IV)-substituted Wells-Dawson polyoxometalate and freezing by submersion in isopentane at -78°C. This optimized protocol showed to be highly sensitive, allowing to detect small pathology-induced microstructural changes in a mouse model of mild trauma-related acute kidney injury after thorax trauma and hemorrhagic shock. In summary, we demonstrated that cryo-CECT is an effective 3D histopathological tool that allows to enhance our understanding of kidney tissue microstructure and their related function.

Effect of Child Health Drinks on Color Stability of Various Aesthetic Restorative Materials - An In Vitro Study.

In pediatric dentistry, the esthetically pleasing materials have tremendously changed the concept of restorative practice. 1. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of child health drinks on color stability of various esthetic restorative materials via spectrophotometric analysis and to identify the esthetic restorative material that is color-stable against child health drinks. A total of 120 disk-shaped specimens with a diameter of 12 mm and a thickness of 2 mm were made from a composite (Dyract), giomer (Shofu), and composite (GC). Each group of 40 specimens of each material was divided into four sub-groups. Each sub-group was stored in different solutions, distilled water, Bournvita, Horlicks, and Pediasure, for 60 days. The color change measurement was done using a spectrophotometer both before and after staining. One-way analysis of variance depicted that when the ΔE values of the restorative material were tested against each of the child health drink, there was a statistically significant difference between all child health drinks (P < 0.00001). When restorative materials were compared with the staining agent on 60 days duration, except Pediasure and Control, others (i.e. Horlicks and Bournvita) showed a statistically high significance (P < 0.05). Bournvita caused the highest color changes in 60 days time interval, followed by Horlicks and Pediasure. When the discoloration of several materials is studied, the highest level of discoloration was observed in the compomer, followed by the giomer, and the lowest level in the composite.

Assessment of Color Stability in Single-Shade Composite Resin Compared to Multi-Shade Composite after Exposure to A Staining Agent. (A Comparative in Vitro Study)

Assessment of Color Stability in Single-Shade Composite Resin Compared to Multi-Shade Composite after Exposure to A Staining Agent. (A Comparative in Vitro Study)

Utility of Lugol’s iodine in assessing the margin status of early stage oral cavity cancer-could it be a simple and effective way to achieve R0 resection?

Background: It is often challenging to distinguish between dysplastic and normal mucosa during surgery. Use of staining agents that will identify abnormal mucosa may improve results. Because Lugol's iodine is readily available, simple to use, and cost-effective, it was chosen as the preferred staining agent. To determine the effectiveness of Lugol’s iodine application in achieving R0 resection in early-stage oral cavity malignancy and thereby leading to better outcomes after treatment. Methods: In this study we included 49 patients and randomized them into two arms. One arm we did wide excision for early-stage oral cavity cancers guided by subjective assessment of margins by surgeons and in another arm, we used Lugol’s iodine to define the margin. We analysed the margin status and thereby the need for the adjuvant therapy between these two groups. Results: In those 49 patients, two of them had microscopically positive margin. One belonged to Lugol’s iodine arm and other belonged to control arm. 17 patients had close margin at mucosal site (less than 5 mm) out of which 11 belonged to control arm and 5 belonged to Lugol’s iodine arm. Conclusions: Lugol’s iodine may be a simple and reliable method in achieving better resection margins and R0 resections for early-stage oral cavity cancer. By using this simple and cost-effective method we may reduce the possibility of ending up with positive or close margins and thereby avoiding the need of chemotherapy and radiation as adjuvant therapy in those patients.