Asymmetrical behavioral response towards two boron toxicants depends on the ant species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Urban ants are a worldwide critical household pests, and efforts to control them usually involve the use of alimentary baits containing slow-acting insecticides. A common toxicant used is boron, either as borax or boric acid. However, the presence of these compounds can affect the consumption of baits by reducing their acceptance and ingestion. Moreover, as feeding motivation varies widely, according not only to food properties but also to colony conditions, bait consumption might be diminished further in certain situations. In this study, we compared the feeding response of ants toward two boron toxic baits (boric acid and borax) in low motivation situations that enhance any possible phago-deterrence the baits may produce. Most studies investigating bait ingestion evaluate whole nests or groups of ants; here, we analyzed the individual ingestion behavior and mortality of the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr), and the carpenter ant, Camponotus mus (Roger), for two boron baits, to detect which compound generates a higher rejection in each of these species. Although these two species have similar feeding habits, our results showed that ants under low motivation conditions reduced the acceptance and consumption of the toxic baits asymmetrically. While L. humile mostly rejected the borax, C. mus rejected the boric acid. These results denote the importance of considering the preference of each species when developing a pest management strategy.

Pretreatment of yellow pine in an acidic ionic liquid: extraction of hemicellulose and lignin to facilitate enzymatic digestion

The acidic ionic liquid 1-H-3-methylimidazolium chloride can effectively pretreat yellow pine wood chips under mild conditions for enzymatic saccharification. Wood samples were treated at temperatures between 110 and 150°C for up to 5 h in the ionic liquid and three fractions collected; a cellulose rich fraction, lignin, and an aqueous fraction. This treatment caused the hemicellulose and the lignin to be degraded and dissolved from the cell walls of the pine wood. The lignin was depolymerized and subsequently dissolved in the ionic liquid. This process occurred more quickly at higher temperatures, although at the highest temperatures tested, significant cellulose degradation also occurred. The cellulose rich fraction was saccharified using cellulase from Trichoderma viride, with longer pretreatment times at 130°C resulting in higher glucose yields.

Comparison of treatments to inactivate viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV-IVb) in frozen baitfish

Current US state and federal fish health regulations target the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus-IVb (VHSV-IVb) through movement restrictions of live fish; however, they largely ignore the potential for the virus to be spread through commercial distribution and use of frozen baitfish from VHSV-IVb-positive regions. Some state laws do require treatment of frozen baitfish to inactivate VHSV, and additional methods have been proposed, but few scientific studies have examined the efficacy of these treatments. In this study, bluegills Lepomis macrochirus were challenged with VHSV-IVb and frozen to represent standard industry methods, disinfected by various treatments, and tested for infectious VHSV-IVb using virus isolation. The virus was isolated from 70% of fish subjected to 3 freeze/thaw cycles. All other treatment methods were effective in inactivating the virus, including treatment with isopropyl alcohol, mineral oil, salt and borax, and dehydration. Dehydration followed by rehydration is rapid and effective, and therefore, seems to be the best option for inactivating VHSV-IVb present in frozen baitfish while maintaining their usefulness as bait.

Effects of 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide on the antioxidant system of Lemna minor

Ionic liquids have gained more attention due to their excellent properties in many different scientific fields. However, previous researches indicated that ionic liquids have adverse effects on organisms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([C(8)mim]Br) on the aquatic plant duckweed (Lemna minor) by exposure of the plant to 0.25 to 2 mg L(-1) of [C(8)mim]Br for 28 days. Exposure to [C(8)mim]Br significantly decreased the photosynthetic pigment contents at 21 and 28 days. The activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase and the total antioxidant capacity level increased at 7 days of exposure and decreased at the termination of exposure. In contrast, the H(2)O(2) content and peroxidase activity in all treatments increased during the period of exposure. Furthermore, marked increase of malondialdehyde content occurred in duckweed after 21 to 28 days of exposure. In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger dimethyl thiourea prevents duckweed from oxidative damage caused by [C(8)mim]Br. These results suggest that ROS might be involved in the mechanism of ionic liquid-induced toxicity in L. minor.

[Effect of Polident denture cleansers on the properties of heat-polymerized denture base acrylic resin]

OBJECTIVE

To study the change in properties of heat-polymerized acrylic resin after using one denture cleanser.

METHODS

In the study, 20 disk-shaped (50.0 mm×0.5 mm) and 40 rectangular (34.0 mm×13.5 mm×1.3 mm) specimens prepared from heat-polymerized acrylic resin were randomly divided into four groups. The specimens were exposed to one of the three treatments as follows: Group 1 was without any treatment, Group 2 was exposed to air, Group 3 to distilled water, and Group 4 to Polident. The 4 exposures lasting 8 hours were conducted daily and repeated for 30 days. The color stability of heat-polymerized acrylic resin was determined by visual methods. The flexural strength and bonding strength of acrylic resin were measured using a universal testing machine. All the results were analyzed using ANOVA.

RESULTS

The flexural strength test of acrylic resin demonstrated significant differences between Group 4 and Group 1 (P<0.05), there were no significant differences among Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3. No significant differences were found in other properties of the test materials.

CONCLUSION

Long-term use of polident could alter the physical and mechnical properties of heat-polymerized acrylic resin. It may be related to the accelerating aging of resins caused by certain chemicals in denture cleansers. Polident may have some adverse effects on denture materials for decreasing flexural strength of heat-polymerized acrylic resin after 30-day immersion.

Synthesis, characterization, thermal and antioxidant studies of potassium dihydrobisphenothiazinyl borate and its transition metal complexes

The bidentate borate anion H(2)B(ptz)(2)(-) and its transition metal complexes have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility, electronic, IR, (1)H and (13)C NMR data. The molar conductance of 10(-3) M solution for all the complexes supports their non-ionic nature. The TGA profile of borate anion shows a single stage unlike that of two stage decomposition plot of the metal complexes. On the basis of spectroscopic studies the geometry of all the complexes have been proposed to be distorted-tetrahedral. The in vitro antioxidant and lipid oxidation inhibition of the ligand and its complexes have also been studied. The Cu[B(ptz)(2)](2) complex was found to be most effective in all the studies.

The effect of some boron derivatives on kanamycin resistance and survival of E. coli and P. aeruginosa in lake water

OBJECTIVE

To study MIC value of 7 boron derivatives namely [Boric acid (H(3)BO(3)), Anhydrous Borax (Na(2)B(4)O(7)), Sodium Borate (NaBO(2)), Diammonium Tetraborate (NH(4))(2)B(4)O(7), Sodium Perborate (NaBO(3)), Boron Trioxide (B(2)O(3)), Potassium Tetraborate (K(2)B(4)O(7))] on E. coli and P. aeruginosa and their effects on survival of bacteria in lake water and resistance against kanamycin antibiotic.

METHODS

MIC values of Boron derivatives and antibiotic were studied by broth microdilution method. The effect of boron derivatives on survival of bacteria in lake water were also determined with plate count.

RESULTS

Sodium perborate was determined as the most effective substance among the studied substances. Effectiveness increased as temperature increased. E. coli was more affected from P. aeruginosa in 8 mg/mL sodium perborate concentration in lake water. Moreover, it was determined that MIC value of kanamycin antibiotic decreased 200 times by especially treating P. aeruginosa with sodium perborate in lake water. However, it can be stated that this change in resistance did not arise from microorganisms.

CONCLUSION

Sodium perborate solution can be used supportedly in kanamycin antibiotic applications for P. aeruginosa. Future studies are necessary to explore the relation between sodium perborate and kanamycin which is effective on P. aeruginosa in lake water.

Calcium fructoborate--potential anti-inflammatory agent

Calcium fructoborate is a boron-based nutritional supplement. Its chemical structure is similar to one of the natural forms of boron such as bis-manitol, bis-sorbitol, bis-fructose, and bis-sucrose borate complexes found in edible plants. In vitro studies revealed that calcium fructoborate is a superoxide ion scavenger and anti-inflammatory agent. It may influence macrophage production of inflammatory mediators, can be beneficial for the suppression of cytokine production, and inhibits progression of endotoxin-associated diseases, as well as the boric acid and other boron sources. The mechanisms by which calcium fructoborate exerts its beneficial anti-inflammatory effects are not entirely clear, but some of its molecular biological in vitro activities are understood: inhibition of the superoxide within the cell; inhibition of the interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and nitric oxide release in the culture media; and increase of the tumor necrosis factor-α production. Also, calcium fructoborate has no effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced cyclooxygenase-2 protein express. The studies on animals and humans with a dose range of 1-7 mg calcium fructoborate (0.025-0.175 mg elemental boron)/kg body weight/day exhibited a good anti-inflammatory activity, and it also seemed to have negligible adverse effect on humans.

Sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine gluconate, and commercial denture cleansers as disinfecting agents against Candida albicans: An in vitro comparison study

When treating patients who have candidiasis, removable dental appliances in active use should be treated as well. The authors aimed to determine, in vitro, the lowest concentration of sodium hypochlorite that would eliminate Candida albicans biofilm, as well as the effectiveness of additional products against C. albicans. Strains of C. albicans formed biofilms on microtiter plates. Sodium hypochlorite was added in dilutions (1:1 to 1:512) and Peridex was added in concentrations of 25%, 50%, and 100%. The plates were incubated for 30 minutes. One tablet each of Efferdent, Polident for Partials, and Polident for Dentures was dissolved in 200 mL of sterile water and added to additional groups of plates. One group was incubated for 30 minutes; the other was incubated for 18 hours. An XTT spectrophotometric reduction assay measured biofilm metabolic activity. Biofilm activity decreased 100% for all strains exposed to sodium hypochlorite for 30 minutes in concentrations of 1:32 or stronger. Biofilm activity decreased 100% for most strains when treated with 50% or 100% Peridex for 30 minutes and Polident for Dentures for 18 hours. From these results, it appears appropriate for providers to recommend a solution of two teaspoons of sodium hypochlorite in one cup of water (1:25) for 30 minutes to treat dentures contaminated with C. albicans.

Assessment of the potential of a boron-fructose additive in counteracting the toxic effect of Fusarium mycotoxins

Trichotecenes are mycotoxins produced by Fusarium sp., which may contaminate animal feeds and human food. A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of a fusarotoxin-contaminated diet, and to explore the counteracting potential of a calcium fructoborate (CFrB) additive on performance, typical health biochemistry parameters and immune response in weaned pigs. A naturally contaminated maize, containing low doses of deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisins and T-2/HT-2 toxins (1790, 20, 0·6 and 90 parts per billion), was included in a maize-soyabean meal diet, and given ad libitum to eight weaned piglets (two groups: four pigs/group) for a period of 24 d. CFrB was administered to one of the contaminated groups and to another four piglets as a daily supplement, following the manufacturer's recommendation. A decrease in performance was observed in contaminated animals at this concentration of feed toxins, which was ameliorated by the dietary CFrB supplementation. Fusarium toxins also altered the pig immune response by increasing (P < 0·05) the ex vivo peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation (111·7 % in comparison with control), the respiratory burst of porcine granulocytes (15·4 % for responsive cells v. 5·1 % for unstimulated cells and 70·95 v. 22·65 % for stimulated cells, respectively), the percentage of peripheral T, CD3(+), CD3(+)CD4(+) and CD3(+)CD8(+) subsets and the synthesis of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-8 (123·8, 217·1 and 255·1 %, respectively). The diet containing the CFrB additive reduced these exacerbated cellular immune responses induced by Fusarium toxins. However, consumption of CFrB did not counteract the effect of mycotoxins on biochemistry parameters, and increased plasma IgM and IgG of contaminated pigs.

Silicate and borate glasses as composite fillers: a bioactivity and biocompatibility study

Composites filled with a silicate glass (CSi) and a new borate glass (CB) were developed and compared in terms of their in vitro behaviour both in acellular and cellular media. Acellular tests were carried out in SBF and the composites were characterized by SEM-EDS, XRD and ICP. Biocompatibility studies were investigated by in vitro cell culture with MG-63 osteoblast-like and human bone marrow cells. The growth of spherical calcium phosphate aggregates was observed in acellular medium on all composite surfaces indicating that these materials became potentially bioactive. The biological assessment resulted in a dissimilar behavior of the composites. The CSi demonstrated an inductive effect on the proliferation of cells. The cells showed a normal morphology and high growth rate when compared to standard culture plates. Contrarily, inhibition of cell proliferation occurred in the CB probably due to its high degradation rate, leading to high B and Mg ionic concentration in the cell culture medium.

Induction of the multixenobiotic/multidrug resistance system in HeLa cells in response to imidazolium ionic liquids

The multixenobiotic/multidrug resistance (MXR/MDR) system controls transport of foreign molecules across the plasma membrane as a preventive measure before toxicity becomes apparent. The system consists of an efflux pump, ABCB1, and/or a member of the ABCC family. Ionic liquids are broadly used solvents with several unique properties such as wide liquid range, negligible vapor pressure, good thermal and chemical stability and extraordinary dissolution properties for organic and inorganic compounds. Ionic liquids containing imidazolium ring are frequently used as solvents in drug synthesis. Constitutive and induced amounts of ABCB1 and ABCC1 proteins were estimated here by Western blotting and quantified by flow cytometry in HeLa cells exposed to three homologous 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium and one benzyl ring substituted salts. Aliphatic substituents in position 1 of the salts caused a weak toxicity but 1-benzyl ring was strongly toxic. An 8-day long treatment with 10(-4) M 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride resulted in an about 1.5-fold increase of ABCB1 level and over 2-fold increase of ABCC1 level. The amounts of both investigated ABC-proteins were linearly dependent on the length of the imidazolium ring side chain. Such distinctive changes of the amount of MXR/MDR proteins measured in cultured cells may be a useful marker when screening for potential toxicity of various chemicals.

[Effects of a novel borate bioglass on osteoblast behavior in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

As a bioactive material, the osteogenic activity of borate bioglass has been proved. To design a novel borate bioglass according to an improved formula and to investigate the effects of the borate bioglass on osteoblasts in vitro for further research and potential clinical application.

METHODS

The novel Na2O-K2O-MgO-CaO-P205-B203-SrO borate bioglass was prepared by melting process. The initial and secondary extracts were prepared according to ISO10993-12: 2007 respectively with different extract time of 0-24 hours and 24-48 hours. The osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1) of the 5th-15th passages from mouse were cocultured with the initial (initial extract group) and secondary (secondary extract group) extracts, respectively, to assess the effects of the borate bioglass on the cell proliferation, protein synthesis, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, cell apoptosis, and cell migration; while alpha-MEM medium without addition of extract served as control group.

RESULTS

The absorbance values at 450 nm were 0.3560 +/- 0.0187, 0.331 0 +/- 0.025 4, and 0.2040 +/- 0.0138 in initial extract, secondary extract, and control groups, respectively, showing significant differences among 3 groups (P < 0.05). The total protein contents were (382.847 +/- 9.521), (226.071 +/- 5.847), and (220.248 +/- 8.213) U in initial extract, secondary extract, and control groups, respectively; there were significant differences between initial extract group and control group, and between initial extract group and secondary group (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between secondary extract group and control group (P > 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in the ALP activity [(0.01301 +/- 0.00039), (0.012 93 +/- 0.00044), and (0.012 92 +/- 0.000 35) U/mg], apoptosis rate (7.03% +/- 1.95%, 6.46% +/- 2.88%, and 6.18% +/- 2.21%), horizontal migration [(137.50 +/- 11.43), (134.98 +/- 10.50), (135.21 +/- 8.66) microm], and transmembrane cell number [(10.92 +/- 4.99), (10.07 +/- 2.50), and (9.81 +/- 2.64) cells/field] among initial extract, secondary extract, and control groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This novel borate bioglass has excellent cytocompatibility, which plays regulatory effects on the cell proliferation, secretion, and migration.

Cell adhesion to borate glasses by colloidal probe microscopy

The adhesion of osteoblast-like cells to silicate and borate glasses was measured in cell growth medium using colloidal probe microscopy. The probes consisted of silicate and borate glass spheres, 25-50 μm in diameter, attached to atomic force microscope cantilevers. Variables of the study included glass composition and time of contact of the cell to the glasses. Increasing the time of contact from 15 to 900 s increased the force of adhesion. The data could be plotted linearly on a log-log plot of adhesive force versus time. Of the seven glasses tested, five had slopes close to 0.5, suggesting a square root dependence of the adhesive force on the contact time. Such behavior can be interpreted as a diffusion limited process occurring during the early stages of cell attachment. We suggest that the rate limiting step in the adhesion process is the diffusion of integrins resident in the cell membrane to the area of cell attachment. Data presented in this paper support the hypothesis of Hench et al. that strong adhesion depends on the formation of a calcium phosphate reaction layer on the surfaces of the glass. Glasses that did not form a calcium phosphate layer exhibited a weaker adhesive force relative to those glasses that did form a calcium phosphate layer.

[The influence of fluoride on expression of OPGL and M-CSF genes and their proteins in rats with experimental fluorosis and the therapeutic effect of Danlan Xianpeng Liaofu caspule]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate mRNA and protein expressions of OPGL and M-CSF mRNA in bones of rats with experimental fluorosis induced by intake of fluoride in the drinking water, and to study the antagonizing effects of Danlan Xianpeng Liaofu capsules on the gene expression.

METHODS

Totally 72 SD rats were randomly assorted into 6 groups including the control group, the fluoride group, the high-dosage (0.8 g/kg×d), mid-dosage (0.4 g/kg×d) and low dosage (0.2 g/kg×d) medication groups and the borax group (borax, 0.8 g/kg×d). The distribution of female and male rats in each group was divided up on a fifty-fifty basis. Except the control group, a NaF containing water (NaF 50 mg/L in concentration) was supplied as the drinking water for all the experimental rats in order to establish experimental fluorosis. The thickness and density of trabecula and the thickness of bone cortex were measured by light microscopy. The fluoride content in urine and bone were analyzed by using fluoride ion selective electrode method. Expressions of OPGL and M-CSF mRNA and protein were studied using RT-PCR and immuno-histochemistry, respectively.

RESULTS

(1) 10/12 of the experimental fluorosis rats developed dental fluorosis, and 2/12 of dental fluorosis rats occurred in the low-dosage medication group. Fluoride content in urine and bone of the fluorosis rats increased (P<0.05). (2) Compared with that of the control rats, the bone trabecular depth, cortical thickness and trabecular density in experimental fluorosis rats were remarkably reduced. (3) Compared with that of the control group, mRNA expression of both OPGL and M-CSF was increased in the fluoride group rats. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). (4) Compared with that of the fluoride group animals, the expression intensity of OPGL mRNA decreased in animals of the control group, the high, mid- and low- dosage medication groups and the borax group. Among them, except the low-dosage group, the difference between all the other groups and the fluoride group was statistically significant, respectively (P<0.05). There was also a decrease of M-CSF mRNA in all the 3 medication groups and the borax group animals in comparing with that of the fluoride group and the difference was also statistically significant (P<0.05), respectively. (5) Compared with that of the control group. There were an increase of OPGL and a decrease of M-CSF protein expression; and in addition, there were a decrease of OPGL and an increase of M-CSF protein expression in all 3 medication groups and the borax group in comparing with that of the fluoride group anima (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Excessive fluoride induces an accelerated bone turnover and may promote the absorption activity of osteoclasts by increasing the expression of OPGL and M-CSF. Danlan Xianpeng Liaofu capsule may be capable of regulating bone remodeling through a down-regulation on OPGL and M-CSF expression.

The effects of dietary boric acid and borax supplementation on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant activity, and DNA damage in rats

The aims of this study were to clarify the effects of high dietary supplementation with boric acid and borax, called boron (B) compounds, on lipid peroxidation (LPO), antioxidant activity, some vitamin levels, and DNA damage in rats. Thirty Sprague Dawley male rats were divided into three equal groups: the animals in the first group (control) were fed with a standard rodent diet containing 6.4 mg B/kg, and the animals in the experimental group were fed with a standard rodent diet added with a supra-nutritional amount of boric acid and borax (100 mg B/kg) throughout the experimental period of 28 days. The B compounds decreased malondialdehyde (MDA), DNA damage, the protein carbonyl content (PCO) level in blood, and glutathione (GSH) concentration in the liver, Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity in the kidney. The B compounds increased GSH concentration in blood and the vitamin C level in plasma. Consequently, our results demonstrate that B supplementation (100 mg/kg) in diet decreases LPO, and enhances the antioxidant defense mechanism and vitamin status. There are no differences in oxidant/antioxidant balance and biochemical parameters except for serum vitamin A and liver GSH concentration, between the boron compounds used in this study.

In vitro effects of calcium fructoborate upon production of inflammatory mediators by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

The present study is supported by our previous findings suggesting that calcium fructoborate (CF) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Thus, we investigated the effects of CF on a model for studying inflammatory disorders in vitro represented by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. This investigation was performed by analyzing the levels of some mediators released during the inflammatory process: cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukins IL-1beta and IL-6 as well as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the main enzyme responsible for endotoxin/LPS-induced prostaglandin synthesis by macrophages. We also measured production of nitric oxide (NO) that plays an important role in the cytotoxicity activity of macrophages towards microbial pathogens. After CF treatment of LPS-stimulated macrophages we found an up-regulation of TNF-alpha protein level in culture medium, no significant changes in the level of COX-2 protein expression and a decrease in NO production as well as in IL-1beta and IL-6 release. Collectively, this series of experiments indicate that CF affect macrophage production of inflammatory mediators. However, further research is required in order to establish whether CF treatment can be beneficial in suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine production and against progression of endotoxin-related diseases.

The effect of surface roughness of silicone-based resilient liner materials on the adherence of Candida albicans and inhibition of Candida albicans with different disinfectants

PURPOSE

The objective of the present study was to evaluate surface roughness and adherence of Candida albicans and to determine the effectiveness of denture cleansers in the disinfection of silicone-based soft lining materials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two types of silicone-based soft lining materials (four room temperature polymerised soft lining materials [RTPSLM]: Ufi Gel P, Ufi Gel C, Mollosil and Soft-Liner; and two high temperature polymerised soft lining materials [HTPSLM]: Moloplast B and Luci Soft) and seven denture cleansers (Efferdent, Polident, Steradent, Corega, Denclen, Klorhex and Axion) were tested in the present study. For each soft lining material, 56 samples (10 mm x 10 mm x 3 mm) were prepared. Surface roughness measurements were made using a profilometer with an optical scanner probe. All samples were ultrasonically cleaned in water for 15 s, autoclave sterilised and contaminated with C. albicans solutions for adherence assay evaluation. After the evaluation, the samples were immersed in seven different denture cleansers. The results were expressed as the ratio of cells remaining after each cleanser in comparison with the control group.

RESULTS

HTPSLM showed a lower surface roughness value (2.21 +/- 0.30 lm) than RTPSLM (2.39 +/- 0.40 lm), but these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Also, HTPSLM showed lower adhesion of C. albicans (mean ranks 136.35) than RTPSLM (mean ranks 138.64), but the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05, one- or two-way analysis of variance). In the C. albicans removal test, all denture cleansers showed a strong effect on both silicone-based soft lining materials. HTPSLM showed lower removal activity (mean ranks 30.01) than RTPSLM (mean ranks 25.86), but these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Although there were no significant differences between disinfectants on both silicone-based soft lining materials, Axion was found to be the most effective disinfectant. Corega, Polident, Denclen, Steradent and Efferdent showed the most effective cleansing, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

RTPSLM and HTPSLM did not show significant differences in the surface roughness value; also they showed no significant differences in the adhesion rate of C. albicans. All tested silicone-based soft lining materials showed adherence of C. albicans after contamination procedures, and removal activity for C. albicans was observed in all tested silicone-based soft lining materials after disinfection procedures.

Effect of boron as an antidote on dry matter intake, nutrient utilization and fluorine balance in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) exposed to high fluoride ration

It is well known that excessive accumulation of fluorides can exert toxic effects on various tissues and organs so as to severely damage the health and production of animals. The aim of this study was to determine beneficial effect of boron on nutrient utilization in buffalo calves exposed to high fluoride (F) ration. For this purpose, we used three groups of four male Murrah buffalo calves (body weight 98-100 kg, aged 6-8 month) each. Control animal was given only basal diet and concentrate mixture. However, treatment I animals were fed basal diet, concentrate mixture, and F [as NaF, 60 ppm of dry matter (DM)]. The treatment II animals were fed basal diet, concentrate mixture, F (as NaF, 60 ppm of DM), and B (as sodium tetraborate, 140 ppm of DM). After 90 days of experimental feeding, a metabolism trial of 7 days duration was conducted to study the treatment effect on nutrient utilization of proximate nutrients, absorption, excretion, and retention of N, Ca, P, Fe, Zn, Cu, and F. Dietary F significantly (p < 0.05) depressed the dry matter intake and increased the apparent digestibility, absorption, and retention of F. However, boron supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the apparent digestibility, absorption, and retention of F and improved the dry matter intake, fecal excretion, and percent of absorbed F excreted via urine. Apparent digestibility of proximate nutrients (viz. DM, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract, and nitrogen free extract) was unaffected on either F or F+B treatment. However, absorption and excretion of N, Ca, P, Fe, Zn, and Cu were affected significantly (p < 0.05) on F or F+B treatment. These findings suggest that fluoride-containing diet for short duration has effect on nutrient utilization, and boron at 140-ppm dose level, in general, antagonized the absorption and retention of F and also improved the feed intake in buffalo calves.

The effect of in-office in combination with intracoronal bleaching on enamel and dentin bond strength and dentin morphology

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro effects of the combination of in-office and intracoronal bleaching on enamel and dentin bond strength and on dentin morphology.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Bleaching treatment was performed on 128 bovine teeth for three weeks. Intracoronal bleaching was performed in groups G1 to G3, and in the other groups a combination of in-office and intracoronal bleaching was performed. The following agents and materials were used (n=16): G1- sodium perborate and water (SP); G2- 37% carbamide peroxide (CP); G3- 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP); G4- HP + cotton pellet soaked in water (CPW); G5- HP + SP; G6- HP + CP; G7- HP + HP; and G8- CPW (control). Seven days after bleaching treatment the teeth were sectioned into two halves. One half of each tooth was ground to obtain a flat dentin surface. Dentin and enamel fragments were treated with a dentin/enamel resin adhesive. Resin composite was inserted in two increments and polymerized for 20 seconds. Following the restorative procedures, specimens were sectioned into beams with a rectangular cross-sectional area of approximately 1 mm2. Microtensile testing was performed in a universal testing machine. Bond strengths (in MPa) were calculated and the data were submitted to an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey test (a=0.05). For the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation, the exposed pulp chambers (n=5) were fixed, dehydrated, dried in a Critical Point dryer, and gold-sputter coated for analysis at standardized magnifications (500X, 1000X, and 2000X).

RESULTS

None of the bleaching techniques reduced the enamel bond strength, the best results observed were with the intracoronal treatments with SP and HP. In dentin all bleaching techniques reduced the bond strength with the exception of the in-office HP application technique. The SEM results demonstrated similar dentin surfaces for the G1, G3, G6, and G7 groups with more open dentin tubules found than in the other groups.

CONCLUSION

None of the bleaching techniques tested reduced the bond strength of enamel, but they all reduced the bond strength of dentin with the exception of the group only treated with in-office bleaching using 35% HP. The worst bond strength results to dentin were observed in groups that received intracoronal bleaching with SP.

Biological and immune response of Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) to sodium tetraborate

Inorganic insecticides are commonly used in urban pest management because of their low mammalian toxicity. We tested the effects of sodium tetraborate (ST) on life parameters of greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), to determine its sublethal toxicity on the insect. Survival, development, adult longevity, and fecundity of the wax moth were investigated by rearing larvae on artificial diets containing ST at concentrations of 0.005, 0.1, 0.2, or 0.3%. Larvae reared on medium at the highest concentration of ST (0.3%) had significantly decreased survival to the seventh instar and prolonged time required to reach the seventh instar. This concentration reduced pupa and adult yields to 12.5%, and it also prolonged development by 5 d. ST did not significantly influence adult longevity. Dietary ST led to significant decreases in fecundity and egg viability. Oviposition of survivors at the highest ST concentration (0.3%) was completely inhibited. Lysozyme content was decreased in larval hemolymph and fat body at high dietary ST concentrations. Fat body lysozyme content was significantly increased two-fold for larvae reared on diet at the lowest concentration of ST (0.005%). However, the highest concentration (0.3%) dramatically decreased fat body lysozyme content from 0.12 +/- 0.013 to 0.006 +/- 0.003 mg/ml in seventh instars. We infer that sublethal levels of dietary ST substantially influence life history parameters and immunocompetence in G. mellonella.