Amber and subfossil resins are subjects of interdisciplinary research across multiple fields. However, due to their diverse origins and complex compositions, different disciplines vary in their definitions and functional interpretations. In traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), amber has been utilized as a medicinal material since ancient time, with extensive historical documentation. However, its classification, provenance, and nomenclature remain ambiguous, and authentic medicinal amber artifacts are exceedingly rare. This study employed Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) to characterize amber and subfossil resins from various geological sources and commercially "medicinal amber". Additionally, historical literature and market surveys were analyzed to explore their provenance, composition, and functional attributes. The results indicate that amber and subfossil resins from different sources and with different compositions exhibit distinct fingerprint characteristics in the FTIR spectral range of 1 800-700 cm~(-1). "Medicinal amber" available in the market primarily consists of subfossil or modern resins, significantly differing in composition and structure from geological amber. This study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research on amber identification and resource management. It is essential to establish a systematic database of amber and subfossil resin characteristics and integrate modern analytical techniques to enhance research on their composition, pharmacological mechanisms, and potential therapeutic effects, thereby promoting the standardized utilization of amber resources and advancing the modernization of TCM.
Amber/history* ; Archaeology ; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Dentinogenesis imperfecta is a dominant autosomal hereditary disorder of dentin formation that affects the deciduous and permanent teeth. Its etiology is characterized by inadequate cell differentiation during odontogenesis. The clinical characteristics of dentinogenesis imperfecta are discolored teeth with a translucency that varies from gray to brown or amber. Radiographically, the teeth exhibit pulp obliteration, thin and short roots, bell-shaped crowns, and periapical bone rarefaction. The aim of this report was to present a case of dentinogenesis imperfecta type II that was followed up over a 17-year period. This report also presents scanning electron microscopy images of the enamel and dentin, showing that both were altered in the affected teeth. The disease characteristics and the treatments that were administered are reported in this study to guide dentists with respect to the need for early diagnosis and adequate follow-up to avoid major sequelae.
Amber ; Cell Differentiation ; Crowns ; Dental Enamel ; Dentin ; Dentinogenesis Imperfecta* ; Dentinogenesis* ; Dentists ; Early Diagnosis ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Humans ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Odontogenesis ; Tooth

We assessed cyst fluid of 14 cases of simple renal cyst. The aspirates were analyzed for color, lipid. protein, glucose, lactic acid dehydrogenase(LDH), amylase, electrolytes and Papanicolaou smears and cell blocks were performed. A clear amber fluid with minimal lipid content, LDH lower than that of blood and a normal cell pattern on Papanicolaou stain and cell block which are characteristics of transudate were seen in all cases. Although the number of cases are insufficient, it would appear that the content of simple renal cyst is identical to that of transudate.
Amber ; Amylases ; Cyst Fluid ; Electrolytes ; Exudates and Transudates ; Glucose ; Lactic Acid ; Papanicolaou Test

Peripelvic lymphatic cyst or the kidney is a rare case in Korean Urological literature. We have experienced a case of it in 30 years old woman who had a palpable fluctuant mass in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. The operated cyst was dark-red colored appearance and filled with amber colored fluid about 800cc. We have removed it together with kidney. The cyst measured 200gm. in weight, 10 x 5 x 4.5 cm in size and 0.5cm thickness of the cystic wall. Histological finding of the cystic wall showed a consisting of endometrial cell underlying tissue was collagen fiber and fibrotic change. The fluid of cyst contained 98 % of lymphatic cell.
Abdomen ; Adult ; Amber ; Collagen ; Female ; Humans ; Kidney ; Lymphocele*