The maxillary molar endodontic access opening: A microscope-based approach

ABSTRACTThis article reviews the basic clinical techniques of performing a maxillary molar endodontic access opening, starting from the initial access opening into the pulp chamber, to the point where a size #10 file has been advanced to the apices of all three or four (or more) canals. The article explains how the use of the dental surgical operating microscope or microscope-level loupes magnification of ×6–8 or greater, combined with head-mounted or coaxial illumination, improve the ability of a dentist to identify microscopic root canal orifices, which facilitates the efficient creation of conservative access openings with adequate straight-line access in maxillary molars. Magnified photos illustrate various microscopic anatomical structures or landmarks of the initial access opening. Techniques are explored for implementing an access opening for teeth with vital versus necrotic pulpal tissues. The article also explores the use of piezoelectric or ultrasonic instruments for revealing root canal orifices and for removing pulp stones or calcified pulpal tissue inside the pulp chamber.

Infundibulomyces: a new genus of coelomycetes from Thailand

The genus Infundibulomyces is proposed for coelomycetous fungi with nidulariaceous-like conidiomata and bipolar appendaged conidia. Infundibulomyces cupulata sp. nov., collected from fallen leaves of Lagerstroemia sp. from Thailand, is described as the type species of the genus. This fungus is illustrated at the light microscope and scanning electron microscope level and compared with other morphologically related taxa. Cupulate conidiomata are uncommon and Infundibulomyces is compared with these.Key words: anamorphic fungi, coelomycete, Infundibulomyces, Thailand, tropical.

Gold Cluster Compounds are Useful Immunoprobes

Immunocytochemistry generally refers to methods directed toward obtaining information on the in situ distribution of antigens in cells and tissues. Immunocytochemical methods can be applied at either the light or electron microscope levels, or both in concert. The detection of antibody recognition of an antigen (i.e., localization of an antigen) relies upon a reporter system. At the light microscope level, enzymes (e.g., horseradish peroxidase) or fluorochromes are the most widely used reporters in immunocytochemistry. At the electron microscope level, particulate probes (e.g., colloidal gold) are the most widely used reporters. However, enzymes and even fluorochromes can be used at the EM level.In this abstract, we discuss our use of gold cluster immunoprobes as the reporter system in both light and electron microscope level immuncytochemistry. These gold cluster immunoprobes, are commercially known as NanogoldTM (NG). These probes are very small with a diameter of 1.4-nm.

Leaf Anatomy of Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis, Araucariaceae)

Leaves of adult morphology from Wollemi pine(Wollemia nobilis W.G.Jones, K.D.Hill & J.M.Allen)possess a thick cuticle, sunken stomata, abundant hypodermal fibres, distinctpalisade and spongy mesophyll with most palisade development on the adaxialside, compartmented cells, resin canals, sclereids, and vascular bundles withtransfusion tissue and a fibre cap abaxial to the phloem. Stomata are presenton both leaf surfaces, although in greater density on the abaxial surface, andusually have an oblique orientation and four or five subsidiary cells. At thelight microscope level, Araucaria can be distinguishedfrom Agathis as it possesses unusual compartmented cellsin the mesophyll, while Agathis does not. In addition,most Agathis species are hypostomatic, while mostAraucaria species have stomata on both the abaxial andadaxial surfaces. Thus W. nobilis has a leaf anatomywhich has a greater similarity to Araucaria than toAgathis.