Evaluation of kinetic friction between regular and colored titanium molybdenum alloy archwires

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the kinetic frictional properties of colored titanium molybdenum alloy (TMA) archwires (purple-coated TMA and honey dew-coated TMA) and the regular TMA archwires. Materials and Methods: The experiment comprised of three groups, Group I – Regular TMA archwires, Group II – Purple-coated TMA archwires, Group III – Honey dew-coated TMA wires involving 21 samples each that were evaluated for their frictional properties using Instron Universal Testing Machine. Results: The results were subjected to statistical analysis using analysis of variance wherein Group I Regular TMA wires revealed mean kinetic frictional value of 8.236 N and a standard deviation of 0.4038 N, while Group II (purple-coated TMA wires) showed a mean value of 5.297 N, standard deviation of 0.3128 N and Group III (honey dew-coated TMA wires) showed a mean value of 4.206 N and a standard deviation of 0.5353 N. Conclusion: The kinetic frictional values are higher for regular TMA wire exhibiting superior characteristic of color-coated TMA. Wires exhibiting superior characteristics are color-coated TMA wires, especially honey dew-coated TMA wires over the regular and purple-coated TMA wires. These superior properties of newly introduced wires can be considered for its application in both details friction and frictionless mechanics in retraction phase of fixed orthodontic treatment.

Protective action of curcumin and vitamin e against the imbalance of electrolytes calcium, sodium and potassium in galactose-induced cataract.

Cataract is a clouding that develops in the crystalline lens of the eye leading to opacity. In this study we investigated the efficiency of curcumin and Vitamin E to regulate the altered levels of Ca+2, Na+ and K+ ions in cataract induced rat lens. Also specific activity of aldose reductase and the total and soluble lenticular protein levels in the lens were compared in treated as well as control groups of rats. The data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by post hoc test multiple comparisons and Karl Pearson’s correlation. Feeding of rats with Curcumin and Vitamin E had resulted in a significant decrease (p<0.05) in Na+ and Ca2+ concentrations and an increase (p<0.05) in K+ concentration which is otherwise found to be raised in cataractous condition. Also, a decrease in the specific activity of Aldose Reductase was found along with the conservation of total and soluble lenticular protein levels in lens treated with Curcumin and Vitamin E compared to cataract induced lens.