Scanning Electron Microscopy of the Tongue, Pharynx, and Larynx of Rats Exposed to Cigarette Smoke

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Influence of Three Types of Abutments on Preload Values Before and After Cyclic Loading with Structural Analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Raman Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy Characterizations of Fission Track Method Datable Zircon Grains

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Segmentation of Scanning Electron Microscopy Images From Natural Rubber Samples With Gold Nanoparticles Using Starlet Wavelets

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Study of the external female genitalia of 14 Rhodnius species (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) using scanning electron microscopy

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Male Terminalia and Its Application to Species Recognition and Phylogenetic Reconstruction in the Drosophila saltans Group

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Evaluation of early changes induced by diuron in the rat urinary bladder using different processing methods for scanning electron microscopy

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Early development of Betta splendens under stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy

Betta splendens is a very important ornamental species. The current paper describes the embryonic and larval development of B. splendens under stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Eggs and larvae from natural spawning were collected at different developmental stages at previously established intervals and analysed. The eggs of B. splendens are yellowish, clear, spherical, demersal, translucent and telolecithal with a large amount of yolk. Between 0-2 h post-initial collection (hpIC), the eggs were at the egg cell, first cleavage and morula stages. The blastula stage was identified at 2-3 hpIC and the early gastrula phase was observed at 3-4 hpIC with 20% epiboly, which was finalized after 13-18 hpIC. When the pre-larvae were ready to hatch, the appearance of somites and the free tail were observed, at 23-25 hpIC. At 29 hpIC, the majority of larvae had already hatched at an average temperature of 28.4 +/- 0.2 degrees C. The newly hatched larvae measured 2.47 +/- 0.044 mm total length. The mouth opened at 23 h post-hatching (hPH) and the yolk sac was totally absorbed at 73 hPH. After 156 hPH, the heart was pumping blood throughout the entire larval body. The caudal fin, operculum and eyes were well developed at 264 hPH. When metamorphosis was complete at 768 hPH, the larvae became juveniles. The current study presents the first results about early development of B. splendens and provides relevant information for its reproduction, rearing and biology.

Evaluation of the bleached human enamel by scanning electron microscopy

Since bleaching has become a popular procedure, the effect of peroxides on dental hard tissues is of great interest in research. Purpose: The aim of this in vitro study was to perform a qualitative analysis of the human enamel after the application of in-office bleaching agents, using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Materials and Methods: Twenty intact human third molars extracted for orthodontic reasons were randomly divided into four groups (n=5) treated as follows: G1- storage in artificial saliva (control group); G2- four 30-minute applications of 35% carbamide peroxide (total exposure: 2h); G3- four 2-hour exposures to 35% carbamide peroxide (total exposure: 8h); G4- two applications of 35% hydrogen peroxide, which was light-activated with halogen lamp at 700mW/cm2 during 7min and remained in contact with enamel for 20min (total exposure: 40min). All bleaching treatments adopted in this study followed the application protocols advised by manufacturers. Evaluation of groups submitted to 35% carbamide peroxide was carried out after two time intervals (30 minutes and 2 hours per session), following the extreme situations recommended by the manufacturer. Specimens were prepared for SEM analysis performing gold sputter coating under vacuum and were examined using 15kV at 500x and 2000x magnification. Results: Morphological alterations on the enamel surface were similarly detected after bleaching with either 35% carbamide peroxide or 35% hydrogen peroxide. Surface porosities were characteristic of an erosive process that took place on human enamel. Depression areas, including the formation of craters, and exposure of enamel rods could also be detected. Conclusion: Bleaching effects on enamel morphology were randomly distributed throughout enamel surface and various degrees of enamel damage could be noticed. Clinical significance: In-office bleaching materials may adversely affect enamel morphology and therefore should be used with caution.

Image-Guided Cryoablation of the Spine in a Swine Model: Clinical, Radiological, and Pathological Findings with Light and Electron Microscopy

This study was designed to present the feasibility of an in vivo image-guided percutaneous cryoablation of the porcine vertebral body. Methods The institutional animal care committee approved this study. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-guided vertebral cryoablations (n = 22) were performed in eight pigs with short, 2-min, single or double-freezing protocols. Protective measures to nerves included dioxide carbon (CO2) epidural injections and spinal canal temperature monitoring. Clinical, radiological, and pathological data with light (n = 20) or transmission electron (n = 2) microscopic analyses were evaluated after 6 days of clinical follow-up and euthanasia. Results CBCT/fluoroscopic-guided transpedicular vertebral body cryoprobe positioning and CO2 epidural injection were successful in all procedures. No major complications were observed in seven animals (87.5 %, n = 8). A minor complication was observed in one pig (12.5 %, n = 1). Logistic regression model analysis showed the cryoprobe-spinal canal (Cp-Sc) distance as the most efficient parameter to categorize spinal canal temperatures lower than 19 °C (p<0.004), with a significant Pearson’s correlation test (p < 0.041) between the Cp-Sc distance and the lowest spinal canal temperatures. Ablation zones encompassed pedicles and the posterior wall of the vertebral bodies with an inflammatory rim, although no inflammatory infiltrate was depicted in the surrounding neural structures at light microscopy. Ultrastructural analyses evidenced myelin sheath disruption in some large nerve fibers, although neurological deficits were not observed. Conclusions CBCT-guided vertebral cryoablation of the porcine spine is feasible under a combination of a short freezing protocol and protective measures to the surrounding nerves. Ultrastructural analyses may be helpful assess the early modifications of the nerve fibers.

In vitro effects of Er,Cr:YSGG laser on dentine hypersensitivity. Dentine permeability and scanning electron microscopy analysis

The aim of the present study was to determine clinical parameters for the use of Er,Cr:YSGG laser in the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity. Two antagonist areas were determined as control and experimental areas for irradiation in 90 premolar roots. Each surface was conditioned with 24% EDTA (sub-group 1) and 35% phosphoric acid (sub-group 2) and irradiated with the following settings: 1) Er:YAG, 60 mJ, 2 Hz, defocused; groups 2 to 9: irradiation with Er,Cr:YSGG laser, 20 Hz, Z6 tip, 0% of air and water: 2) Er,Cr:YSGG 0.25 W; 3) 0.5 W; 4) 0.75 W; 5) 1.0 W; 6) 1.25 W, 7) 1.50 W, 8) 2 W; 9) 2 W. After irradiation, samples were immersed in methylene blue solution and included in epoxy resin to obtain longitudinal cuts. The images were digitalized and analyzed by computer software. Although the samples irradiated with Er:YAG laser showed less microleakage, sub-group 1 showed differences between the groups, differing statistically from groups 3, 6, and 9. The results of sub-group 2 showed that the mean values of Er:YAG samples showed a negative trend, however, no differences were detected between the groups. For scanning electron microscopy analysis, dentine squares were obtained and prepared to evaluate the superficial morphology. Partial closure of dentinal tubules was observed after irradiation with Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG laser in the 0.25 and 0.50 W protocols. As the energy densities rose, open dentinal tubules, carbonization and cracks were observed. It can be concluded that none of the parameters were capable of eliminating microleakage, however, clinical studies with Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers should be conducted with the lowest protocols in order to determine the most satisfactory setting for dentine hypersensitivity.

Redescription of the larva of Amblyomma oblongoguttatum Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae) by light and scanning electron microscopy

The larval stage of Amblyomma oblongoguttatum Koch is redescribed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Unfed larvae were obtained from a colony of A. oblongoguttatum originated from engorged females collected on domestic pigs from Monte Negro municipally (10 degrees 29'S, 63 degrees 32'W), State of Rondonia, Western Amazon, Brazil. Several characters are presented including the chaetotaxy of the idiosoma, palpi and Haller's organ, as well as morphological features of the idiosoma, gnathosoma and legs. In addition, the porotaxy (topographical and numerical patterns of integumentary structures) were presented by using a new nomenclature recently proposed. The chaetotaxy of the larvae of A. oblongoguttatum, in general, is similar to other Neotropical Amblyomma species. Three types of integumentary structures were observed on the idiosoma: lyrifissures, small glands, and large wax glands. Topographic and numerical patterns of the integumentary structures consisted of 5 pairs of large wax glands (1 dorsal/4 ventral), 24 pairs of lyrifissures (11 dorsal/13 ventral), and 49 pairs of small glands (28 dorsal/21 ventral). These topographic and numerical patterns found for A. oblongoguttatum show only minor differences when compared with patterns of other Amblyomma larvae, however, a few key features can be used for identification of these species.

Qualitative study of young, adult, and aged wistar rats temporomandibular synovial membrane employing light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy

The aim of this study was to analyze the rat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) synovial membrane at different ages using light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Under light microscopic analysis, the TMJ structures were observed such as condyle, capsule, disk, the synovial membrane collagen type, and cells distribution. In the scanning electron microscopy, the synovial membrane surface exhibited a smooth aspect in young animals and there was an increase with ageing in the number of folds. The transmission electron microscopic analysis showed more synoviocytes in the synovial layer in the young group and still a great number of vesicles and cisterns dilation of rough endoplasmic reticulum in the aged group. In the three groups, a dense layer of collagen fibers in the synovial layer and cytoplasmic extensions were clearly seen. It was possible to conclude that synovial membrane structures in aged group showed alterations contributing to the decrease in joint lubrication and in the sliding between disk and joint surfaces. These characteristic will reflect in biomechanics of chewing, and may cause the TMJ disorders, currently observed in clinical processes. Microsc. Res. Tech. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Connecting accuracy of interchanged prosthetic abutments to different dental implants using scanning electron microscopy

The present study evaluated the interchangeability of prosthetic components for external hexagon implants by measuring the precision of the implant/abutment (I/A) interface with scanning electron microscopy. Ten implants for each of three brands (SIN, Conexão, Neodent) were tested with their respective abutments (milled CoCr collar rotational and non-rotational) and another of an alternative manufacturer (Microplant) in randomly arranged I/A combinations. The degree of interchangeability between the various brands of components was defined using the original abutment interface gap with its respective implant as the benchmark dimension. Accordingly, when the result for a given component placed on an implant was equal to or smaller then that gap measured when the original component of the same brand as the implant was positioned, interchangeability was considered valid. Data were compared with the Kruskal-Wallis test at 5% significance level. Some degree of misfit was observed in all specimens. Generally, the non-rotational component was more accurate than its rotational counterpart. The latter samples ranged from 0.6-16.9 µm, with a 4.6 µm median; and the former from 0.3-12.9 µm, with a 3.4 µm median. Specimens with the abutment and fixture from Conexão had larger microgap than the original set for SIN and Neodent (p<0.05). Even though the latter systems had similar results with their respective components, their interchanged abutments did not reproduce the original accuracy. The results suggest that the alternative brand abutment would have compatibility with all systems while the other brands were not completely interchangeable.

Comparative study by computed radiography, histology, and scanning electron microscopy of the articular cartilage of normal goats and in chronic infection with caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus

In the northeast of Brazil, caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE) is one of the key reasons for herd productivity decreasing that result in considerable economic losses. A comparative study was carried out using computed radiography (CR), histological analysis (HA), and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) of the joints of CAE infected and normal goats. Humerus head surface of positive animals presented reduced joint space, increased bone density, and signs of degenerative joint disease (DJD). The carpal joint presented no morphological alterations in CR in any of the animals studied. Tarsus joint was the most affected, characterized by severe DJD, absence of joint space, increased periarticular soft tissue density, edema, and bone sclerosis. Histological analysis showed chronic tissue lesions, complete loss of the surface zone, absence of proteoglycans in the transition and radial zones and destruction of the cartilage surface in the CAE positive animals. Analysis by SEM showed ulcerated lesions with irregular and folded patterns on the joint surface that distinguished the limits between areas of normal and affected cartilage. The morphological study of the joints of normal and CAE positive goats deepened understanding of the alteration in the tissue bioarchitecture of the most affected joints. The SEM finding sustained previous histological reports, similar to those found for rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting that the goat infected with CAE can be considered as a potential model for research in this area.