Galleria mellonella is a well-accepted insect model for the study of pathogen-host interactions and antimicrobial compounds. The main advantages of this model include the low cost of maintenance, the fast life cycle, the possibility of using a large number of caterpillars and the innate immune system, which is evolutionarily conserved relative to mammals. Because of these advantages, different research groups have been working to implement the rearing of G. mellonella in laboratory conditions. This protocol describes our experience in the rearing of G. mellonella caterpillars for experimental infection models and the influence of different artificial diets on developmental and physiological parameters. Here, we suggest a diet composition that benefits the life cycle of G. mellonella by accelerating the larval phase length and increasing the caterpillar weight. This diet also stimulated the immune system of G. mellonella by increasing the hemolymph volume and hemocyte concentration. In addition, our rearing protocol generated caterpillars that are more resistant to infection by Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. A standard G. mellonella rearing protocol is fundamental to minimize external influences on the results, and this simple and easy protocol can support researchers starting to rear G. mellonella.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro the efficacy of root reinforcements by light-cured composite resin or zirconium fiber post in simulated immature non-vital teeth. Fifty-six bovine incisors teeth were used for this study. The crown of each tooth was removed in the medium third to obtain a standard length of 30 mm. The specimens were divided into four groups (n = 14): G1) the root canals were instrumented and enlarged to simulate immature non-vital teeth and were reinforced with a light-cured composite resin using a translucent curing post (Luminex system); (G2) the specimens were instrumented, enlarged and they received root reinforcement with zirconium fiber post; G3 (positive control): they received similar treatment to the G1 and G2 groups, but did not receive root reinforcement; G4 (negative control): the roots were not weakened and did not receive reinforcement. Every tooth was submitted to compressive force using an Instron testing machine with an angle of 45 degrees at a speed of 1 mm min(-1) until the fracture. The results showed a markedly increased resistance to fracture in the G1 and G2 (122.38 and 122.08 kg f, respectively). Among the results of G1 and G2 there was not any significant difference (P > 0.05) but they were significantly different from the control groups (P < 0.05). The conclusion is that the use of root reinforcements with zirconium fiber post or composite resin can increase significantly the structural resistance of the weakened teeth, decreasing the risk of the fracture.
The purpose of this study was to compare the pH and calcium ion liberation after use of calcium hydroxide pastes with different paste vehicles in human or bovine teeth. Ninety-two single-rooted human and bovine roots were used. The roots were instrumented and an external cavity preparation was performed. The roots were divided in to human and bovine groups. Each group was subdivided into four subgroups (SB) according to the vehicle:SB1, detergent; SB2, saline; SB3, polyethylenoglycol + camphorated paramonochlorophenol (Calen PMCC) and SB4, polyethylenoglycol + furacyn paramonochlorophenol (FPMC). Specimens were immersed into saline solution at 37 degrees C and after 7 and 14 days pH and calcium ion measurements were made. The results were analyzed by anova and Tukey tests (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between bovine and human teeth in the pH analysis (P < 0.05), but bovine teeth provided larger calcium ion liberation than human teeth. Calen PMCC was statistically more effective for pH increase and calcium ion liberation in all analyses, followed by FPMC and saline. Detergent showed the lowest pH alterations and calcium ion liberation. The period of 14 days showed more calcium ionic liberation than the 7-day period.
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