Assessing the quantification of acetylation in konjac glucomannan via ATR-FTIR and solid-state NMR spectroscopy.

Dietary fiber like konjac glucomannan (KGM) is important in maintaining good human health. There is no established method for quantifying the average degree of acetylation DA of this polysaccharide. Polysaccharides are notoriously difficult to dissolve.

Fiber optic fluorescence microprobe for endodontic diagnosis.

Successful endodontic therapy requires total debridement as well as complete obturation of the root canal to the cemento-dentinal junction. The goal of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using quantitative fluorescence spectroscopy for the detection and localization of pathological dentin, pulpal remnants, and microorganisms within the root canal. Specific aims were to identify: 1) characteristic excitation/emission spectra for healthy dentin, decayed dentin, enamel, and pulp; 2) the potential of specific spectral data for differentiating between these tissues; and 3) the potential of spectral data for detecting the presence and identifying four common endodontic pathogens.