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The fish's inner ear consists of three interconnected semicircular canals and otolith organs located in these canals, which are responsible for balance and hearing. Abnormalities in these organs can affect the vital activities of the fish. The main purpose of this study was to determine the morphological and morphometric characteristics of abnormal and normal sagittal otoliths in the four flatfish species (Lepidorhombus boscii, Platichthys flesus, Solea solea, and Pegusa lascaris) sampled from three seas (Aegean Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and Black Sea). Abnormalities in otoliths are investigated using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The otolith morphometric measurements and morphology are recorded for abnormal and normal otoliths for each species. It was determined that the four flatfish species examined in the present study showed differences in the morphological features of normal and abnormal otoliths in the blind and eyed sides. In addition, statistical differences were observed when the weight, length, width, perimeter, and area values of normal and abnormal otoliths of all species were compared (p .05). The four types of saccular otoliths were defined, one normal (type 0) and three abnormal (type 1, type 2, and type 4) for four flatfish species. The current study presents for the first-time abnormal otolith morphology information on blind and eyed side sagittal otoliths in these flatfish species. Abnormalities in the anatomical structures of bony parts such as otoliths in fish may be caused by pollution, nutritional problems, stress, and environmental factors as well as a combination of these.

The major goal of the study is to determine the potential use of poppy seed oil as a main lipid source in common carp diets. To investigate this, five different experimental diets (PO0, PO25, PO50, PO75, and PO100) with various proportions of fish oil and poppy seed oil blended as oil sources were provided and supplied to common carp for 90 days. In triplicate groups of 60 fish, 300 common carp weighing 1.15 ± 0.06 g were randomly placed in 100 L aquariums. At the end of the feeding trial, blood and tissue samples were collected from the fish after gravimetric measurements of the fish. The growth and feed utilization performance of the fish were calculated by gravimetric measurements, and tissue samples were examined by hematological, micromorphometric, and histopathological methods. According to the results, poppy seed oil enhanced the quantity of linoleic acid (18 : 2 ω−6) in the diet, and fish fed with the diet consisting completely of poppy seed oil (PO100) had the significantly greatest growth and feed utilization performance ( P < 0.05 ). Furthermore, no significant differences in hematological or liver pathology were detected between all groups that were fed with experimental diets ( P > 0.05 ). However, as compared to the control group, the digestive system micromorphometry and histomorphometric measurements of the fish fed with PO100 group diets showed a significant increase ( P < 0.05 ). In conclusion, it was determined that the carp fed with feeds produced by using only poppy oil as the main fat source improved their digestive system, growth, and feed utilization performance without any negative effects.

Various researchers have investigated the personality correlates of defensive and assertive self-presentation. Yet, only a few studies go beyond the direct relationships and examine the underlying mechanism. The current study examines whether the social comparison orientation (SCO) mediates the relationship between personality and self-presentation. We also tested whether our proposed model is invariant across genders. We collected data from 496 individuals using the HEXACO personality inventory, the self-presentation tactic scale, and Iowa-Netherlands SCO scale to test these hypotheses. The path analysis indicated that the partial mediation model provides the best fit to the data (root-mean-square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.08, comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.97, standardized root mean squared residual [SRMR] = 0.026). While honesty-humility (β = -0.43) had the strongest total effect on assertive self-presentation, emotionality (β = 0.34) had the strongest total effect on defensive self-presentation among other HEXACO dimensions. Additionally, we conducted a multigroup path analysis to test the structural invariance, and the findings indicate that the relationships are invariant across women and men (Δχ

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the stress distribution of teeth with curved and straight roots with oval and round canals restored with the bundle and conventional post systems. Material and methods Six three-dimensional premolars were modeled with round and oval canals, and curved roots using the software. The bundle post and the round posts were modeled. All post models were placed on the canals. The models were subjected to 200 N oblique loading. The results were evaluated by von Mises stresses. Results This study demonstrated that the bundle post showed higher stress values compared to the conventional post. The stresses in the oval canal were higher than those in the round canal. The highest stress values were found in the curved roots. The stress distribution on the curved roots was observed in the middle and apical third of the canal. Conclusion The bundle post presented higher stress compared to conventional posts. Besides, a more uniform stress distribution was observed in the bundle groups. Clinical significance When a post was required in extremely irregular, wide canals and curved roots, the bundle post was the material of choice. Canal and root morphology influenced stress distribution. No sponsor

INTRODUCTION/AIMS Motion artifact signals (MASs) created by the relative movement of intramuscular wire electrodes are an indicator of the mechanical stimulus arrival time to the muscle belly. This study proposes a method that uses wire electrodes as an intramuscular mechanosensor to determine the stretch reflex (SR) latency without lag time. METHODS Gastrocnemius SR was induced by tendon tap, heel tap, and forefoot tap. The MASs recorded by intramuscular wire electrodes were extracted from background electromyographic activity using the spike-triggered averaging technique. Simultaneous recordings were obtained from multiple sites to validate the MAS technique. RESULTS Using intramuscular wire electrodes, the MASs were successfully determined and extracted for all stimulus sites. In the records from the rectus femoris, MASs were also successfully extracted; thus, the reflex latency could be calculated. DISCUSSION Wire electrodes can be used as an intramuscular mechanosensor to determine the mechanical stimulus arrival time to the muscle belly.

The hippocampus, which has a central role in cognitive and behavioral activities, is one of the most sensitive parts of the brain to systemic inflammatory diseases. This animal study aims to comprehensively investigate the possible inflammatory, oxidative, and apoptotic effects of periodontitis on the hippocampus.Sixteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to two groups: control and experimental periodontitis (Ep). In the Ep group, periodontitis was induced by placing 3.0 sutures sub-paramarginally around the necks of right and left mandibular first molars and maintaining the ligatures in place for 5 weeks. Following the euthanasia, mandibula and hippocampus samples were collected bilaterally. Alveolar bone loss was measured histomorphometrically and radiologically on the right and left mandibles. On the right hippocampal sections histological (Caspase-3, TNF-α, and 8-OHdG) and the left hippocampal sections, biochemical (IL-1β, AβHistopathological changes associated with periodontitis were limited (p .05). A slight increase in caspase-3 positive neuron density in EP rats showed that apoptotic changes were also limited (p .05). 8-OHdG activity, on the other hand, was significantly higher compared to controls (p .05). In biochemical analysis, there was a significant increase in IL-1β levels and oxidative membrane damage (MDA) (p .05) whereas AβPeriodontitis causes marked increases in IL-1β levels and oxidative stress in the hippocampus, but limited degenerative and apoptotic changes.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the surface treatments on flexural strengths and flexural modulus of glass-fibre-reinforced composite (GFRC) posts. Sixty-three posts were randomly divided into 9 groups (n = 7), and various surface treatments were performed. The control group was left untreated. Other groups were treated with 9% hydrofluoric acid, sandblasting with 120 µm Al2 O3 particles and Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation with different powers (1 W, 2 W, 3 W, 4 W, 5 W and 6 W). The samples were subjected to 3-point bending test, and data were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed. The flexural strengths of fibre posts treated with sandblasting, hydrofluoric acid, 1 W and 2 W laser were statistically similar with control group (P > 0.01). However, the flexural strength of fibre posts treated with 3 W, 4 W, 5 W and 6 W laser was statistically lower than control group (P < 0.01). High laser irradiations cause melting on the post surface and breaks in fibrils.

Insertion of a central venous catheter is one of the most common invasive procedures applied in hemodialysis therapy for end-stage renal disease. The most important complication of a central venous catheter is catheter-related infections that increase hospitalization and duration of intensive care unit stay, cost of treatment, mortality, and morbidity rates. Pathogenic microorganisms, such as, bacteria and fungi, enter the body from the catheter insertion site and the surface of the catheter can become colonized. The exopolysaccharide-based biofilms from bacterial colonies on the surface are the main challenge in the treatment of infections. Catheter lock solutions and systemic antibiotic treatment, which are commonly used in the treatment of hemodialysis catheter-related infections, are insufficient to prevent and terminate the infections and eventually the catheter needs to be replaced. The inadequacy of these approaches in termination and prevention of infection revealed the necessity of coating of hemodialysis catheters with bactericidal and/or antiadhesive agents. Silver compounds and nanoparticles, anticoagulants (e.g., heparin), antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin and chlorhexidine) are some of the agents used for this purpose. The effectiveness of few commercial hemodialysis catheters that were coated with antibacterial agents has been tested in clinical trials against catheter-related infections of pathogenic bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis with promising results. Novel biomedical materials and engineering techniques, such as, surface micro/nano patterning and the conjugation of antimicrobial peptides, enzymes, metallic cations, and hydrophilic polymers (e.g., poly [ethylene glycol]) on the surface, has been suggested recently.

The aim of this experimental rat study was to investigate the potential inflammatory effects of periodontitis on cardiac left ventricular tissue and the therapeutic activity of melatonin on these effects.Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, experimental periodontitis (Ep), and Ep-melatonin (Ep-Mel). Experimental periodontitis was induced by placing and maintaining 3.0 silk ligatures at a peri marginal position on the left and right mandibular first molars for 5 weeks. Afterward, following the removal of ligatures, melatonin (10 mg/body weight) to Ep-Mel group, and vehicle (saline) to Ep and control groups were administered intraperitoneally for 14 days. On the first day of the eighth week, mandibular and cardiac left ventricular tissue samples were obtained following the euthanasia of the rats in all groups. Alveolar bone loss measurements were made on histological and microcomputed tomographic slices. Cardiac tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and cardiac Troponin-T (cTnT) were evaluated by appropriate biochemical methods.Measurements made on the histological and microcomputed tomographic slices showed that melatonin significantly limits the ligature-induced periodontal tissue destruction (P 0.01). In addition, melatonin was detected to cause a significant decrease of MDA, MMP-9, and cTnT levels which were found to be significantly higher on rats with Ep (P 0.05) while having no significant effect on antioxidant levels (GSH, SOD, and CAT) (P 0.05).Melatonin might be regarded as an important supportive therapeutic agent to reduce the early degenerative changes and possible hypertrophic remodeling at cardiac left ventricular tissues provoked by periodontitis-related bacteria and/or periodontal inflammation.

Glucomannan (GM) is a polysaccharide of the mannan family of compounds found in some plant species. The dried and powdered tubers of some orchid species, collectively known as ?salep powder,? are a commercially important crop for human consumption and are one of the primary sources of GM. GM content is the primary indicator for the yield and quality of salep powder. We hypothesized that it would be more practical and accurate to measure GM content within tuber powder directly, prior to any purification or pre-processing. The GM content of tubers of 14 different orchid species was evaluated and compared using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and an enzymatic colorimetric method. RESULTS Among the analyzed modes, the sum of the peak areas at 873 and 812 cm?1, which represent the CH bending attributed to the ?-pyranose form of d-glucose and d-mannose, respectively, gave the only confirmation using colorimetric methods. It was found that the tubers of Himantoglossum caprinum and Serapias vomeracea had the highest GM concentrations among the analyzed species. After conducting different pre-processing steps on Serapias vomeracea tubers, it was found that treating the tubers with milk, or high temperature resulted in an apparent increase in GM concentrations. CONCLUSION Himantoglossum caprinum and Serapias vomeracea give the highest yields of GM and should be used for commercial horticulture. GM estimation should be made prior to any pre-processing. FTIR spectroscopy is effective and reliable for directly comparing GM content of different orchid species, without the need for any purification or pre-processing. ? 2019 Society of Chemical Industry

KEY POINTS To uncover the synaptic profile of Renshaw inhibition on motoneurons, we stimulated thick motor axons and recorded from voluntarily-activated motor units. Stimuli generated a direct motor response on the whole muscle and an inhibitory response in active motor units. We have estimated the profile of Renshaw inhibition indirectly using the response of motor unit discharge rates to the stimulus. We have put forward a method of extrapolation that may be used to determine genuine synaptic potentials as they develop on motoneurons. These optimized techniques can be used in research and in clinics to fully appreciate Renshaw cell function in various neurological disorders. ABSTRACT Although Renshaw inhibition (RI) has been extensively studied for decades, its precise role in motor control is yet to be discovered. One of the main handicaps is a lack of reliable methods for studying RI in conscious human subjects. We stimulated the lowest electrical threshold motor axons (thickest axons) in the tibial nerve and analysed the stimulus-correlated changes in discharge of voluntarily recruited low-threshold single motor units (SMUs) from the soleus muscle. In total, 54 distinct SMUs from 12 subjects were analysed. Stimuli that generated only the direct motor response (M-only) on surface electromyography induced an inhibitory response in the low-threshold SMUs. Because the properties of RI had to be estimated indirectly using the background discharge rate of SMUs, its profile varied with the discharge rate of the SMU. The duration of RI was found to be inversely proportional to the discharge rate of SMUs. Using this important finding, we have developed a method of extrapolation for estimating RI as it develops on motoneurons in the spinal cord. The frequency methods indicated that the duration of RI was between 30 and 40 ms depending on the background firing rate of the units, and the extrapolation indicated that RI on silent motoneurons was ∼55 ms. The present study establishes a novel methodology for studying RI in human subjects and hence may serve as a tool for improving our understanding of the involvement of RI in human motor control.

© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.pH is a significant parameter influencing the performance of biopolymer solution fluids. The rheological properties, structural strength, viscoelastic properties of xanthan gum–galactomannan solutions were largely depended on the pH values. The present research aims to determine the effect of pH on galactomannan–xanthan gum blends. For the sample solutions, an apparent viscosity-increasing effect was explicitly observed over the pH range from 2.0 to 6.0, and the consistency coefficient values gradually decreased at pH 2.0. The G′ values of the samples which contained the same ratio of hydrocolloid with different pH values were 1.03, 3.43, 13.98 Pa and G″ values were 1.15, 1.29, and 2.99 Pa, respectively. Optimization results represented that the best galactomannan type is tara gum prepared at pH 2.0, tara gum and LBG at pH 4.0. For the solutions prepared at pH 6.0, the optimum results were obtained with the LBG compared with the three studied galactomannan–xanthan gum solution. By optical microscopy, the particle morphology of solutions was different from each other at optimum concentrations and pH. These findings indicate that conditions for providing certain viscoelastic attributes of xanthan–galactomannan dispersions for the purpose of particular applications by careful control of pH. Practical Applications: Xanthan gum and galactomannan combinations found many applications in various food products such as ready-to-use dessert soups and salad dressing. There was a research gap to find the optimum xanthan gum and galactomannan combinations along with different pH. The present study investigated the effect of pH on steady and dynamic rheological properties of xanthan gum–galactomannan mixtures. Optimization study was conducted and compared with different pH. Obtained results of current study highlighted the importance of determining the pH for food formulation because they can be used to alter the rheology of food matrices and to get a deeper knowledge on the effects of the pH on the morphology of the system. The present study makes several noteworthy contributions to the rheological characteristics of galactomannan containing food products. These findings indicate that conditions for providing certain viscoelastic attributes of xanthan–galactomannan dispersions for the purpose of particular applications by careful control of pH.