EXTERNAL MORPHOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF ATEMNUS POLITUS (SIMON, 1878) (ARACHNIDA: PSEUDOSCORPIONES): A SCANNING ELECTRON 'MICROSCOPY STUDY

WOS:000592998800004Pseuodoscorpions (Pseudoscorpiones) have been little studied, although they are the third largest group in the Arachnida in number of species. Pseudoscorpions have features resembling those of true scorpions. Due to their small size (the largest pseudoscorpion being no larger than 1 cm) systematic studies have proven difficult. A high-performance microscope is necessary for detailed studies. In the present study. the pseudoscorpion Atemnuspolitus (Simon, 1878) collected in Osmaniye province. Turkey. was used to describe systematic and taxonomic characters, including chelicerae, pedipalps, walking legs. and cuticular structures on appendages using stereo light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The study revealed characteristic features of this species. This is the first SEM study of A. politus and provides an important contribution to understanding the morphology of pseudoscorpions and demonstrates the taxonomic value of SEM micrographs. Probable functions of some of the structures observed are discussed.Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Kirikkale UniversityKirikkale University [BAP/2014-34]This study is a part of our project and has been supported by the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Kirikkale University (Project number: BAP/2014-34)

Characterization and Evaluation of Triamcinolone, Raloxifene, and Their Dual-Loaded Microspheres as Prospective Local Treatment System in Rheumatic Rat Joints

Bayram, Cem/0000-0001-8717-4668;WOS: 000340277700020PubMed: 24939720In this study, injectable microspheres were developed for the local treatment of joint degeneration in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Microspheres loaded with triamcinolone (TA), a corticosteroid drug, and/or raloxifene (Ral), a cartilage regenerative drug, were prepared with a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, polycaprolactone (PCL). Microspheres were optimized for particle size, structural properties, drug release, and loading properties. In vitro release of Ral was very slow because of the low solubility of the drug and hydrophobic nature of PCL. However, when coloaded with TA, both drugs were released at higher amounts compared with their single forms. Smallest particle sizes were obtained in dual drug-loaded microspheres. In vitro cytotoxicity tests showed biocompatibility of microspheres. In vivo bioefficacy of these microspheres was also examined in adjuvant-induced arthritis model in rats. In vivo histological studies of control groups showed development of RA with high median lesion score (5.0). Compared with control and intra-articular free drug injections, microsphere treatment groups showed lower lesion scores and better healing outcomes in histological evaluations. Results suggest that a controlled delivery system of TA and RAL by a single injection in inflamed joints holds promise for healing and suppressing inflammation. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 103:2396-2405, 2014Middle East Technical UniversityMiddle East Technical UniversityWe thank to Middle East Technical University for financially supporting the study

Loxosceles spider bite in Turkey (Loxosceles rufescens, SICARIIDAE, ARANEAE)

WOS: 000254511600016Loxoscelism is caused by envenomation by spiders that belong to the Loxosceles genus. In loxoscelism, a local necrotic lesion appears and, in many cases, loxoscelism or necrotic araneism is considered a serious public health problem. There is no diagnostic test available to help the physician make a diagnostic or therapeutic decision. Here, we report the case of a severe dermonecrotic araneism ( loxoscelism) in Turkey probably due to the bite of Loxosceles rufescens. There was little erythema at the beginning, followed by severe necrosis after 20 days, and skin grafting was needed although the case was treated

Comparative cheliceral morphology of the solifuge species Biton zederbaueri (Werner) and Gluviopsilla discolor (Kraepelin) through scanning electron microscopy (Arachnida: Solifugae: Daesiidae)

KOC, Halil/0000-0003-0429-2824;WOS: 000293426600014A detailed comparative morphology of the male chelicerae of Biton zederbaueri (Werner) and Gluviopsilla discolor (Kraepelin) is presented using stereo microscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The morphology of the cheliceral teeth, setae, flagella and some other organs such as the stridulatory organ that are used for description and identification are described and illustrated. The flagella are membranous, but their shapes arc different in both species. The stridulatory organs are similar in both daesiids, being reniform and with seven ridges. On the chelicerae, numerous long-thin, short-thin and short-thick setae are characteristic for both species