Tongue Depressor Research Articles

Wooden Tongue Depressor Multiplex Saliva Biosensor Fabricated via Diode Laser Engraving

Since wood is a renewable, biodegradable naturally occurring material, the development of conductive patterns on wood substrates is a new and innovative chapter in sustainable electronics and sensors. Herein, we describe the first wooden (bio)sensing device fabricated via diode laser-induced graphitization. For this purpose, a wooden tongue depressor (WTD) is laser-treated and converted to an electrochemical multiplex biosensing device for oral fluid analysis. A low-cost laser engraver, equipped with a low-power (0.5 W) diode laser, programmably irradiates the surface of the WTD, forming two mini electrochemical cells (e-cells). The two e-cells consist of four graphite electrodes: two working electrodes, a common counter, and a common reference electrode. The two e-cells are spatially separated via programmable pen-plotting, using a commercial hydrophobic marker pen. Proof-of-principle for biosensing is demonstrated for the simultaneous determination of glucose and nitrite in artificial saliva. This wooden electrochemical biodevice is an easy-to-fabricate disposable point-of-care chip with a wide scope of applicability to other bioassays, while it paves the way for the low-cost and straightforward production of wooden electrochemical platforms.

A Histochemical Comparison of Feulgen and Papanicolaou Stains in Demonstrating Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Human Buccal Mucosa Cells

Background: Different histochemical stains have been applied to demonstrate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of cigarette smoking on cells. Feulgen and Papanicolaou were the most popular stains to demonstrate nuclear abnormalities. The aim of this study was to compare Feulgen and Papanicolaou stains in demonstrating the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of cigarette smoking on exfoliated oral mucosa cells. Methods: A total of 31 cigarette smokers and 15 non-smokers were included in this case-control study. Using a wooden spatula, two samples were taken from each participant. The samples from the left buccal mucosa were stained with Feulgen and the right mucosa with Papanicolaou. The mean number of micronuclei and the number of cells with pyknosis, karyorrhexis, and karyolysis were determined on Feulgen and Papanicolaou-stained slides. The number of counted cells with pyknosis, karyorrhexis, and karyolysis in 1000 cells/subject was recorded. The mean number of micronuclei was determined by the number of counted micronuclei per 1000 cells per subject. Results: The number of micronuclei was not significantly different between Feulgen and Papanicolaou stained samples (P=0.27). Demonstration of karyolysis (P=0.73) and karyorrhexis (P=0.24) was not significantly different between Feulgen and Papanicolaou staining methods. The Feulgen was significantly more effective in demonstrating pyknosis compared to Papanicolaou (P=0.02). Conclusions: Feulgen and Papanicolaou stains had similar effectiveness in demonstrating DNA alterations (micronucleus) and cellular death features (karyorrhexis and karyolysis). Feulgen was preferable to display pyknosis than Papanicolaou.

Brazilian special olympics athletes: Oral health problems.

The people with intellectual disabilities have been reported to be a vulnerable population in terms of oral health. This study was carried out to determine the oral health condition and treatment needs of Special Olympics athletes in Brazil. This study is a retrospective review of oral health data collected from athletes participating in Healthy Athletes Program Special Olympics in Brazil, between the years 2015 and 2019. About 1241 athletes from the Brazil Special Olympics program were screened in the cities of São Paulo, Jundiai and Belo Horizonte (located in southeastern Brazil) and Recife (in northeastern Brazil). At each of these events, volunteer dental professionals performed an oral health screening for each athlete, All oral health assessments were done visually; and extra lighting were available if needed. The examinations were performed with the aid of a wooden spatula of the tongue depressor type and under natural light. The following parameters were recorded: mouth pain, untreated tooth decay, missing teeth, gingival signs, urgency and mouth hygiene habits. Data was analyzed using the STATA 14.0 program. Frequency tables were used for descriptive analyses. Categorical variables were compared between the different years of the event using the Chi-Square or Fisher's Exact test. Continuous variables were compared between different event years using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's post-hoc analyses. Simple logistic regression was used to assess the effect of age on dental assessment results. For all tests, a p-value was considered significant when less than or equal to .05. No statistically significant differences were observed in the frequencies of Mouth Pain and Missing Teeth over the years (p>.05). In relation to Untreated Tooth Decay, there is a higher frequency in the years 2016 and 2018 and a lower frequency in the year 2015 (p=.048). Regarding Gingival Signs of inflammation, there is a higher frequency in the years 2016 and 2018 and a lower frequency in the year 2017 (p<.001). In relation to cases of urgency (in need of treatment (Urgent treatment need, Non-Urgent or Maintenance)), there was a higher frequency (no urgency) in 2016 (p=.007). Finally, in relation to mouth hygiene habits, there is a higher frequency of participants with irregular habits in the years 2017 and 2019 (p<.001). The dental condition of Brazilian athletes Special Olympycs Brazil reported in this study from 2015 to 2019 showed us that athletes have a high prevalence of dental diseases and these needs could contribute to health damage. The athletes have many unmet dental treatment needs and these needs are similar in different regions of the country and in the years reported.

Determination of Barr bodies in Transgender Patients in India - A comparative study.

To determine and compare the Barr bodies present in exfoliated buccal epithelial cells in males, females and transgender populations using light and fluorescence microscopy. A total of 90 patients were recruited for the study. Group I consisted of 30 female patients. Group II consisted of 30 male patients and group III consisted of 30 transgender patients. The buccal mucosa was then scraped using a wooden spatula and the cells obtained were fixed in 95% ethanol. Two smears per individual were made and stained. One smear was stained with papanicolaou (PAP) stain and the other with Acridine orange and viewed under light microscopy and fluorescent microscopy, respectively. When PAP stained slides were examined, the percentage of Barr-bodies in females ranged from 3% to 5% and in males it was 0% and in transgenders, it ranged from 0% to 5%. In Acridine orange stained smears, the percentage of Barr bodies in females ranged from 1% to 3% and in males it was 0% and in transgenders, it was 0%. Kruskal-Wallis test to study the relation of Barr body percentage in females, males and transgender subjects demonstrated significant differences between the groups (P < 0.001). Wilcoxon signed rank test was done for pairwise comparison, which showed that the distribution of percentage of positive cells in females are statistically significant from males and transgenders (P < 0. 001). Nuclear sexing using Barr bodies offers a simple yet effective method for determining the sex of transgender patients which could help them in understanding their gender identity better and diagnose any underlying chromosomal aberration.

Evaluation of Micronuclei in Buccal Smears of Mobile Phone Users: A Comparative Study

Background: The mobile uses have been increased drastically, creating increased health concern about radiation effects emitted from mobile phone. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the micronuclei (MN) frequency in exfoliated oral mucosal cells in high and low mobile users. Materials and Methods: The total of 50 subjects was divided into two major groups: low mobile phone users and high mobile phone users. Further, subjects who use mobile phone for more than 10 h a week were considered high talk time users and &lt;4–5 h a week was low talk time users. The buccal mucosa cells are extracted by scraping the oral cavity with a wooden spatula. MN was evaluated in 1000 cells per individual at the microscope. Results: There was a significantly increase in MN count in high mobile users compared to low mobile users. There was a highly significant difference in the mean MN count of participants using code division multiple access than global system for mobiles mobile phones. The MN mean count was found to be significantly increased in nonheadphone users in comparison to headphone users. Furthermore, the MN count on the frequently used side of mobile phone was found to be statistically significantly elevated compared to the opposite side. Conclusions: Mobile phone radiation, even in the permissible range when used for a longer duration, can cause significant genotoxicity. The genotoxicity is noted when the mobile phone is used more frequently on the same side, which may be due to more amount of radiation and increase in the temperature. Headphone usage reduces the genotoxicity of mobile phone radiation to some extent.

Novel curved tongue depressor for the easier insertion of supraglottic airway devices

Novel curved tongue depressor for the easier insertion of supraglottic airway devices

Assessment of Inter-Incisal Distance among the Bachelor Level Students of a Tertiary Care Centre of Nepal

INTRODUCTION: The inter-incisal distance at maximum mouth opening has been referred to as normal mouth opening. Variations in the inter-incisal distance exists among different age groups, sex, gender, race and ethnicity. The mean inter-incisal distance is required during the treatment of maxillofacial fractures, temporomandibular joint disorders, oral malignancies, reconstructed mouth anomalies, and craniofacial syndromes. The aim of this study was to determine the maximal inter-incisal distance among bachelor level students of tertiary care center of Nepal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the 320 bachelor level students of Chitwan Medical College. Convenience sampling method was used. Sex and ethnicity of the patient were recorded. Inter-incisal distance was measured in all the participants with the help of tongue depressor. The data were entered in Microsoft Excel 2019 and later transported to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 16 for the statistical analysis. Descriptive statistical analysis was done. RESULTS: In this study among the 320 participants 131 (40.9 %) were male and 189 (59.1 %) were female. The mean age was 22.34 ± 2.02 years. The mean inter-incisal distance of male and female was 48.69 ± 6.92 mm and 46.51 ± 6.24 mm respectively. The mean inter-incisal distance was maximum in Muslims who had inter-incisal length ie.51.24± 3.54 mm, followed by Buddhists 48.86± 5.89 mm. CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that the mean inter-incisal distance of male was more than that of female. On the basis of religion, Muslim students had maximum inter-incisal length followed by Buddhists, Hindus and Christians. On basis of ethnicity this study documented the maximum inter incisal distance in Chhetris and minimum in Newars.

BEDNAR’S APHTHAE IN INFANTS IN DUHOK; A PROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background &#x0D; Bednar’s aphthae are small shallow ulcers at the margin of the palate of newborns. They primarily result from the traumatic action of a bottle teat or the nipple of the mother’s breast during feeding. More recently, an immune process has been hypothesized to explain its pathogenesis.&#x0D; Objectives &#x0D; To study the clinical features, the associated factors, and the time of healing of Bednar’s aphthae in Duhok. &#x0D; Patients and Methods&#x0D; This study was conducted from January 1st, 2020, to February 1st, 2021. It enrolled 17 newborns and infants diagnosed with Bednar’s aphthae through clinical examination while undergoing routine health checkups. Information about sex, delivery mode, age, birth weight, gestational age, perinatal problems, feeding method, feeding habits, type of milk (formula, breast milk, or both), and using a pacifier or not were obtained from mothers through direct interviews. Through the use of a tongue depressor, the palate was visualized. In addition, parents were educated on how to posture the patient while feeding properly. Four weeks later, a follow-up visit was for the ulcers’ course follow-up.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; Male is the predominant gender. Vaginal delivery was the most common. All the participants were full-term with normal birth weights. The age at which diagnosis was made ranged from 14 to 60 days. Most of them were formula-fed. In 15 patients (88.23%), feeding was in a horizontal posture; 11 (64.7%%) had weak sucking, 10(58.82%) had prolonged feeding time, and 13(76.47%) used pacifiers. The location is marginal in 12 cases (70.58%). The shape was oval in 13 patients (76.47%), and the healing time ranged from 1 week to 4 weeks. The largest ulcer was 2x2 cm, and the smallest was 0.2x0.3 cm. &#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; Bednar’s aphthae are self-limiting disorders in newborns and infants. Mechanical and immunologic factors can be responsible for their pathogenesis. Health education for mothers can help the healing of the ulcers and prevent their recurrence.

Mechanical Action Mechanism and Crack Response Analysis of Slide Plate of No.12 Turnout

In the course of maintenance and repair, the railway workshops of the Lan-Qing railway found that the slide plate was prone to injury and damage. In order to study the actual stress state of the slide plate during the running of the train, a finite element model of the slide plate and related components was established based on ANSYS, Hypermesh was used for meshing and mesh quality control, and the Mooney-Rivlin constitutive intrinsic model was selected to simulate the rubber plate. The stress state of the slide plate when passing through the turnout in the straight and lateral directions is analyzed respectively. The results show that there is stress concentration at the root of the tongue depressor of the slide plate, and large deformation exists in the middle of the base plate, the front end of the platform plate and the position of the guide iron when passing through the turnout directly and laterally. The stress state of the slide plate is simulated when the rail brace fails, and the maximum stress is found to be 279.24 MPa, which exceeds the material yield limit. Therefore, we should pay attention to the inspection of the condition of the rail brace during the maintenance and repair. Presenting cracks at the weld seam location, it is found that the crack has a significant effect on the dewelding of the slide plate, and the heel position is the weakness of the slide plate. When the crack length reaches 1.2 mm, there is a tendency to crack at the weld seam position of the slide plate, and when the crack length continues to increase, the crack will further expand and jeopardizing structural safety. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for the improvement, disease prevention and maintenance of the slide plate.

Aspergillus as a contaminant on conventional cervicovaginal papanicolaou smear

Majority of the cases of fungal infections to be detected in the cervicovaginal smears, are caused by Candida species. Aspergillus infections are not just rare, but should also raise alarm regarding the immune status of the patient. Here we report the case of an adult female with cervicovaginal smears showing non-Candida fungal elements, going on to prove contamination of the wooden spatula by Aspergillus fumigatus.

Dental Screening Examinations for Professional Baseball Players: Preventing Potential Loss of Athlete Playing Time

Objectives: A major league baseball organization (MLBO) noticed significant player-time loss due to severe dental caries and abscesses. The trend was noted most often in Hispanic players. The administration of the MLBO recruited a dentist to come down to perform dental screening examinations in Spring Training to identify dental problems, specifically among the Hispanic players. Methods: Dental screening examinations were performed in the athletic training room by direct clinical visual examination utilizing high intensity light, mouth mirror and tongue depressors. Caries lesions were classified via the International Caries Detection and Assessment System. Teeth classified as Grade 5/6 were recommended for immediate treatment during spring training. Results: Forty-two Hispanic baseball players were examined. Ten percent exhibited no dental caries; ninety percent exhibited dental caries. Twenty-nine percent of players (N=12) examined required immediate dental treatment during spring training; seventy-one percent (N=30) required dental treatment at a later date. Nine of the twelve players requiring treatment during spring training had severe decay that, if left untreated, would result in a loss of valuable playing time. Thus, for the total sample of nine players with severe decay, the MLBO would incur the loss of sixty-three days of player playing-time loss. Seven of the nine players had a total of fifteen teeth requiring immediate treatment, thus reducing the need and cost for advanced dental treatment. Conclusion: Spring training dental screening examinations and expedited treatment can lead to significant cost savings and minimize potential loss of athlete playing time for the major league baseball organization. Clinical Significance: More than ever, today’s society is sports and fitness oriented. Our research involves identifying the oral health needs of athletes. This study is a prime example of the importance of dental screening exams to be included within pre-season physicals. This information can benefit dentists who manage athletes in their practice.

P466 Isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans and other yeast from pigeon droppings in Khartoum state, Sudan

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PMObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans and other yeast species in pigeon droppings in Khartoum state, Sudan.MethodsSample collection A total of 120 samples were collected from pigeon droppings from Khartoum state. Pigeon droppings were collected using sterile wooden spatulas and placed directly in clean plastic bags.Processing of sampleApproximately 2 g of pigeon droppings were added to 10 ml of sterile saline. The samples were allowed to stand for 20 min with frequent vortex.Isolation and Identification of yeast isolatesA loopful of supernatant fluid from prepared samples was taken and streaked onto Sabouraud's dextrose agar media supplemented with 0.05 mg/ml chloramphenicol incubated at 37°C for 1-2 days. All yeast isolates were identified by direct microscopic examination using the lacto-phenol-cotton-blue stain India ink stain and Gram's stain. Further confirmatory tests were conducted using Corn Meal Agar (CMA) with tween 80, germ tube production test using horse serum, and urease test. Confirmation of identification was done using API 20C AUX and API ID 32C AUX (bioMérieux®, Madrid, Spain).Results Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common species isolated from pigeon droppings as shown in Table 1. Different Candida species have been isolated Figure 1.Isolated yeastNumber Cryptococcus neoformans 42 Candida spp34 Cryptococcus albidus 5 Stephanoscus ciferrii 4 Rhodotorula glutinis 4 Rhodotorula mucilaginosa 3 Geotrichum capitatum 2 Zygosaccharomyces spp1ConclusionThe present study concluded that there is a potential role of pigeons as a reservoir for C. neoformans and other zoonotic yeasts in the environment that can affect humans and animals.

Prevalence of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and Rotavirus Antigen among Diarrheic Children Attending Selected Hospitals in Abeokuta, Nigeria: A Comparative Study

Background: Diarrheal infections are one of the leading causes of sickness and death all over the world. It is the second-most common cause of under-five mortality, accounting for over half a million deaths annually. In Abeokuta, the etiology of diarrheagenic bacteria and diarrheagenic viruses has not been well studied.&#x0D; Objective: To determine the prevalence of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and Rotavirus Antigen among Diarrheic Children attending Selected Hospitals in Abeokuta, Nigeria: A Comparative study.&#x0D; Methods: A total of 315 stool samples were collected from children 0–5 years of age across three selected hospitals. With a wooden spatula, 5ml of fecal sample was scooped and decanted into clean, labeled screw-capped tubes. Rotavirus antigen screening was performed according to the manufacturers’ instructions, while EPEC screening was performed using cultural, biochemical, and stereotyping methods.&#x0D; Results: From the sample screening performed, 30 (37.04%) were EPEC positive, whereas 51 (62.96%) were positive for rotavirus. Dissemination of children based on ageshowed that children between 7–12 months had the most elevated predominance of Rotavirus infection 17 (33.33%) while the lowest predominance was observed in children between 0–2 months 4 (7.84%). Furthermore, the highest predominance of EPEC diseases was observed in children between 7–12 months 12 (40%) and the lowest predominance in children between 19–24 months 2 (6.67%).&#x0D; Conclusion: This study had demonstrated a higher prevalence of Rotavirus infection as compared to EPEC diseases among Diarrheic Children within the study location.

SIRS, Sepsis and Shock Module

Topic SIRS, Sepsis and Shock Author Michelle Alisio Duration 2 hours Facilitator level Senior trainee and above Learner level Anyone who sees paediatric patients Equipment required Crunchie bars (x3), tongue depressors (x6), sleek tape, IO drill with needles (IO needles and 18 or 22G LP needles), saline flush, 3-way tap and giving set, gauze, umbilical… Read More »SIRS, Sepsis and Shock Module

Combination of ultrasonography and tongue depressor for predicting difficult laryngoscopy in apparently normal patients

ObjectivesWe hypothesized measurements of the upper airway using ultrasound and a tongue depressor can be used to predict difficult laryngoscopy. MethodsThere were 239 patients enrolled. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to assess the diagnostic value of clinical parameters, sonographic parameters, and multivariable models. Results26 (10.9%) of the patients had difficult laryngoscopy. Age, sex, modified Mallampati score, interincisor gap, thyromental distance, distances from arytenoids and hyoids (DDHB) to the tongue depressor, and angle between the tongue depressor and the line of vision all had statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.002). At a cutoff value of 2.76 cm, DDHB demonstrated relatively good diagnostic value (sensitivity 73.1 percent, specificity 93 percent) and increased the area under the ROC of the clinical parameters model from 0.871 to 0.943 (P = 0.027). ConclusionsDDHB is an independent predictor of difficult laryngoscopy and improves the clinical parameters model's diagnostic value.

A newly developed patient fixation system using a dedicated mouthpiece and dental impression materials for head and neck radiotherapy: a preliminary study.

We evaluated the basic characteristics and efficacy of our newly developed patient fixation system for head and neck radiotherapy that uses a dedicated mouthpiece and dental impression materials. The present investigation demonstrated that with this system, the changes in the absorbed dose to water depending on the material of the mouthpiece were small, with a maximum of 0.32% for a 10-MV photon beam. For the dental impression material, we selected a silicone material with the lowest Hounsfield unit (HU) value that had little effect on the generation of artifacts and the quality of the X-ray beam. Multiphase magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that the head-up and -down motions in the thermoplastic shell without the mouthpiece were 5.76 ± 1.54 mm, whereas the motion with the mouthpiece decreased significantly to 1.72 ± 0.92 mm (P = 0.006). Similarly, the head-left and -right motion displacement decreased from 6.32 ± 1.86 mm without the mouthpiece to 1.80 ± 0.42 mm with the mouthpiece (P = 0.003). Regarding the tongue depressor function of the mouthpiece, the median distance from the hard palate to the surface of the tongue was 28.42 mm. The present results indicate that the new immobilization device developed herein that uses a mouthpiece and a thermoplastic shell is useful for suppressing patients’ head motions and tongue positions.

Micronucleus assay in the exfoliated cells of buccal mucosa of gasoline station workers in Tehran.

One of the most critical landmarks of DNA damage is the micronucleus assay. Enumeration of micronuclei contributes to the early diagnosis of precancerous lesions and cancers; however, there are few studies on the frequency of micronucleus in gasoline station workers. To the best of our knowledge, no study has addressed this issue in Iran. The present study aimed to determine the role of working in the gasoline stations of Tehran city on micronucleus frequency in buccal mucosa. In this historical cohort study, buccal mucosa samples were collected from 110 individuals working at gasoline stations and 100 unemployed persons using wet tongue depressors. After Papanicolaou staining, the percentage of cells containing micronucleus as well as the mean number of micronucleus in the micronucleated cells was reported. Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test, and regression analyses were used to specify the effect of other variables on the frequency and mean number of micronucleus per cell. The mean frequency of micronucleus in the case and control group was 29.8 ± 8.2 and 9.3 ± 3.2, respectively, which was statistically significant (P = 0.0001). Furthermore, the mean number of micronucleus in the micronucleated cells of buccal mucosa was significantly higher in individuals who were exposed to gasoline than the control group (P = 0.0001). The results indicated that exposure to gasoline could increase the frequency of micronucleus. It was also revealed that cigarette and hookah smoking and alcohol consumption, together with working in gasoline stations, increase micronucleus abundance, implying the cumulative carcinogenic effect of these factors.

Comparative study of honey, jaggery an ethanol as cytological fixatives

The processing of cytological samples. It is the gold standard cytological fixative used in many laboratories. However, it is an expensive, volatile and flammable liquid with an irritant smell. It has also been shown to be carcinogenic in some animal models. Hence, a need to identify a safer substitute of alcohol cytological fixative is necessary. The aim of study was to analyse the efficacy of cytological smears fixed in ethanol &amp; 20% unprocessed honey and 30% jaggery solution and to compare the efficacy between the three fixatives on staining. Three buccal smears from 50 healthy volunteers each, were collected from either cheek or tongue using wooden spatula. One of the smear was fixed in ethanol (95%) and Rapid Papanicolaou staining was done. And the other two smear was fixed in honey (20%) and Jaggery (30%) and Rapid Papanicolaou staining was done. The cytoplasmic and nuclear details were evaluated using following parameters:- nuclear staining, cytoplasmic staining, cell morphology, clarity of staining and uniformity of staining. The results were recorded by 2 independent oral pathologists. Pearson Chi square test and Bonferroni post hoc test were used for comparison of qualitative data.

The neurologist's bag

The first page of The Lancet Neurology portrayed the neurologist as “one of the few specialists who can diagnose a patient with just a hammer and a pin”.1 Well, not quite. In 1947, Merritt, Mettler, and Putnam2 listed the useful “tools of the trade” found in a neurologist's “basket or bag”: ophthalmoscope and otoscope, rubber percussion hammer, 128 cps tuning fork, steel pin through a tongue depressor, camel hair brush trimmed to 10–20 hairs, test odours (menthol, coffee, vanilla, peppermint), test taste vials (sugar, saccharin, salt, vinegar, quinine), Jaeger test types (or similar card), dynamometer, metal tubes for water temperature discrimination, and test objects for confrontation perimetry.

Influence of the composition of a boron-containing active medium in the form of a coating on the structure and properties of a diffusion layer on titanium parts

A comparative study of VT-1.0 titanium boriding, carboboronizing and borosiliconizing methods was carried out in order to increase wear resistance in aggressive environments at elevated temperatures. The microstructure of diffusion coatings was investigated, their thickness and microhardness were determined. Diffusion saturation of 10×10×25 mm VT-1.0 titanium samples was carried out from saturating coatings based on boron carbide. Process temperature of 950 °C, and saturation time of 1.5 h were used as saturation conditions. At the end of high-temperature exposure, samples were removed from the furnace and cooled in air to room temperature, cleaned from saturating coatings with wooden spatulas, and boiled in the soap and soda solution for 1 h. A continuous diffusion layer 80–100 μm thick forms on the titanium surface. The borosiliconized diffusion layer obtained by titanium saturation from the mixture of 45%B 4 C–5%Na 2 B 4 O 7 –22%Si–5%NaF–3%NaCl– 20%CrB 2 has a higher microhardness: 1520 HV 0.1 versus 1280 HV 0.1 for carboboride one and 1120 HV 0.1 for boride one. In this case, boride and carboboride coatings, obtained, respectively, by saturation from 45%B 4 C–5%Na 2 B 4 O 7 –5%NaF–25%Al 2 O 3 –20%CrB 2 and 70%B 4 C– 5%Na 2 B 4 O 7 –5%NaF–20%CrB 2 coatings have a pronounced zonal structure. The upper zone of these coatings having high microhardness also features high brittleness indicators, which makes it impossible to accurately measure microhardness distribution due to chipping and cracking at microhardness measurement points. The qualitative composition of coatings on titanium was studied by X-ray diffraction using the DRON-6 X-ray diffractometer in filtered CuK α radiation (λ = 1.5418 Å) in the angle range of 2θ = 20÷80°. The diffusion coating exhibits reflections of titanium carbide, chromium and titanium borides, and a certain amount of the Cr 2 Ti intermetallic compound. Boride phases of chromium and titanium refer to high boron phases with high specific boron content: TiB, CrB, Ti 2 B 5 , Ti 3 B 4 и Cr 2 B 3 .