Study on Fluorescence Identification of Microscopic Characteristics of Plantaginis Semen and Its Adulterants / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To establish a fluorescence identification method of the microscopic characteristics for Plantagin Semen and its adulterants， and to provide technical support for the market supervision and inspection of TCM decoction pieces. METHODS： Under visible and ultraviolet light， comparative study and identification of the Plantagin Semen （seeds of Platago asiatica L. and Platago depressa Willd.） and its adulterants as seeds of Platago major L.， fruits of Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq.， seeds of Codonopsis pilosula （Franch.） Nannf， seeds （peeled） of Kochia scoparia （L.） Schrad.， fruits of Bupleurum chinense DC. were carried out by means of stereoscopic fluorescence microscopy from aspects of overall surface characteristics， umbilicus characteristics and section characteristics. RESULTS： Under visible light， the surface texture of Plantagin Semen was wavy stripe or fine wrinkle， while the adulterants were wavy stripe， longitudinal edge or texture was not obvious. The umbilicus of Plantagin Semen was located in the center of the ventral surface， while that of adulterants were located at one end except for P. major. In the section of Plantagin Semen， there were obvious direct embryos， in which the adulterants were small or circular embryos except for P. major. Under ultraviolet light， P. asiatica had obvious wavy stripes in surface， orange and light blue-green fluorescence； P. depressa had grid-shaped wrinkles and gray-blue and gray-brown fluorescence； the umbilical fluorescence of Plantagin Semen was strong， and the fluorescence of the adulterants was weak except for S. tenuifolia. There were obvious differences in fluorescence color， embryo size and distribution between the section of Plantagin Semen and adulterants. CONCLUSIONS： The stereoscopic fluorescence microscopy is effect and accurate for the identification of Plantagin Semen.

Surface characteristics and mechanical behavior of retrieved orthodontic microimplants / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

OBJECTIVES@#To observe the surface characteristics and mechanical behavior of retrieved microimplants under clinically simulating experimental conditions and to investigate the feasibility of reuse of microimplants.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#The microimplants, inserted at different angles, were retrieved from the patients (RMIP) and the artificial bone (RMIA). Surface characteristics, including morphologic changes of tips and thread edges, length reduction, and surface compositional variation, were evaluated using a field emission scanning electron microscope, a stereoscopic microscope, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, respectively. Mechanical behavior comprising maximum insertion torque (MIT) and insertion time was tested with the artificial bone under clinically simulating conditions.@*RESULTS@#The tips and thread edges were worn out to various degrees in retrieved microimplants and thin deposits were observed on the surface in the RMIP group. Traces of foreign elements, such as iron, sulphur, and calcium, were detected on the surface of RMIP. Both MIT and insertion time of retrieved microimplants were increased compared to their initial use, and were much greater in RMIP. The increases of MIT were seen in all groups inserted at the insertion angle of 45° compared with 90°, although the differences were not statistically significant.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Retrieved microimplants exhibited different degrees of changes on surface characteristics and mechanical behavior, with more changes in RMIP. The reuse of microimplants for immediate relocation in the same patient may be acceptable; however, postponed relocation and allogeneic reuse of microimplants are not recommended in clinical practice.

Effects of recycling on the biomechanical characteristics of retrieved orthodontic miniscrews / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare recycled and unused orthodontic miniscrews to determine the feasibility of reuse. The comparisons included both miniscrews with machined surfaces (MS), and those with etched surfaces (ES). METHODS: Retrieved MS and ES were further divided into three subgroups according to the assigned recycling procedure: group A, air-water spray; group B, mechanical cleaning; and group C, mechanical and chemical cleaning. Unused screws were used as controls. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, insertion time and maximum insertion torque measurements in artificial bone, and biological responses in the form of periotest values (PTV), bone–implant contact ratio (BIC), and bone volume ratio (BV) were assessed. RESULTS: Morphological changes after recycling mainly occurred at the screw tip, and the cortical bone penetration success rate of recycled screws was lower than that of unused screws. Retrieved ES needed more thorough cleaning than retrieved MS to produce a surface composition similar to that of unused screws. There were no significant differences in PTV or BIC between recycled and unused screws, while the BV of the former was significantly lower than that of the latter (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that reuse of recycled orthodontic miniscrews may not be feasible from the biomechanical aspect.

Influence of Flaxseed on Some Biochemical Factors, Antioxidant Activity and Expression of ABCG5 and ABCG8 Genes in the Liver of Diabetic Rat.

Aims: The aim of this experiment is to study the effect of flaxseed on lipid profile, antioxidant activity and ATP-cassette binding proteins G5 and G8 (ABCG5 and G8) levels in the liver of diabetic rat. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry and Physiology Research Centre, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences(Kerman, Iran), between 2008 and 2011. Methodology: rats randomly were divided into three groups: diabetic rat + flaxseed (treatment group), diabetic rat (control group I), healthy rat (control group II). Afterward one month Serum lipid parameters and also Super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity, reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. ABCG5 and ABCG8 levels were determined by RT-PCR. Results: Flaxseed markedly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) (all of them P<0.05). GSH, SOD (P<0.05) as well as liver ABCG5 and ABCG8 were significantly increased (P<0.01) in flaxseed treatedanimals compared with diabetic group. Conclusion: The results of this experiment showed that flaxseed has antioxidant and ani-atherogenic effect. This plant reduced cholesterol levels may be via ABCG5 and ABCG8 transporters in diabetic rats.

Morphological and Structural Characterization of Two Types of As-Received and In vivo Orthodontic Stainless Steel Brackets.

Aims: To perform a) a topographical analysis of the bracket slot of 12 as-received stainless steel brackets and of in vivo used stainless steel brackets from 7 patients and b) a compositional characterization of the constituting materials of two types of brackets. Study Design: In vitro laboratory study. Methodology: 12 as-received brackets and in vivo used brackets of seven patients were analysed. Two commercially available brackets were used for this study. A SEM analysis evaluated the topographic features of each bracket slot while an EDAX analysis was performed to analyse the constituting parts of each bracket. Results: As-received ORMCO brackets show more traces of plastic deformation than GAC brackets. On the contrary, pits, crevices and grain boundaries were observed on all as-received brackets. An increased plastic deformation and amount of scratches was noticed on ORMCO and GAC brackets after orthodontic treatment. Elemental analysis revealed that base and wing materials were not identical in GAC nor in Ormco brackets. In addition, both ORMCO and GAC brackets consist each of two parts assembled using a different brazing material. Conclusion: Both as-received brackets show different damage patterns on their slot surface. Increase of damage patterns was visualized after intra-oral use. As a consequence of the use of different constituting materials for the manufacturing of the two types of brackets investigated, galvanic corrosion is likely to occur.

Surface Characteristics and Biocompatibility of Titanium Coated with Dentin-derived Hydroxyapatite

The aim of this study was to evaluate surface characteristics and biological properties of the dentin-derived hydroxyapatite (HA) coating on titanium substrate. Dentin-derived HA was obtained from extracted human teeth using a calcination method at 850degrees C. The commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti, ASTM Grade II) was used as a metallic substrate and a radio frequency magnetron sputtering method was employed as a coating method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) were utilized to investigate the coating aspects and composition. Atomic forced microscopy (AFM) and a surface profiler were used to assess the surface morphology and roughness. Corrosion tests were performed in phosphate-buffered saline at a 36.5 +/- 1degrees C in order to determine the corrosion behavior of the uncoated and coated specimens. The biocompatibility of dentin-derived HA coated specimens with fetal rat calvarial cells and human gingival fibroblasts was assessed by SEM and cell proliferation analysis. The results showed that the dentin-derived HA coatings appeared to cover thinly and homogeneously the surfaces without changing of the titanium substrate. The EDX analysis of this the coating surface indicated the presence of Ca and P elements. The mean surface roughness of cp-Ti and dentin-derived coating specimens was 0.27 microm and, 1.7 microm, respectively. Corrosion tests indicated a stable passive film of the dentin-derived HA coating specimens. SEM observations of fetal rat calvarial cells and human fibroblast cells on coated surfaces showed that the cells proliferated and developed a network of dense interconnections. The cells on all specimens proliferated actively within the culture period, showing good cell viability. At day 1 and 3, dentin-derived coating specimens showed 89% and 93% cell viability, respectively, when normalized to cp-Ti specimens. These results suggest that dentin-derived HA coating using the RF magnetron sputtering method has good surface characteristics and biocompatibility.

Effect of maxillary sinus graft on the survival of endosseous implants: A 10-year retrospective study / 대한치주과학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the survival rates of implants placed in grafted maxillary sinuses and compare the results obtained with graft materials, implant surfaces and timing of implant placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1996 and December 2005, 391 implants were placed in 161 patients who underwent sinus grafting treatment simultaneously or separately at Ewha Womans University Hospital. According to inclusion criteria, 272 implants were placed in 102 patients with 112 sinus grafts (30 females, 72 males), aged 26 to 88 years (mean age 49.0+/-9.7). The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 134 months (mean F/U 47+/-32). Survival rates were evaluated according to graft material, implant surface and timing of implant placement. The Kaplan-Meier procedure and the log rank (Mantel-Cox) test were used to estimate survival rates and test for equality of survival rates between different groups of patients. RESULTS: Ten-year cumulative survival rate for implants placed in the grafted sinuses was 90.1%. The survival rates for autogenous bone, combination and bone substitutes were 94.6%, 85.9% and 100%, respectively (p > 0.05). According to implant surface, survival rates were 84.8% in machined group and 97.5% in rough group (p 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ten-year cumulative survival rate for implants placed in the grafted sinuses was 90.1%. Rough-surfaced implants have a higher survival rate than machined-surfaced implants when placed in grafted sinuses (p < 0.05).

Surface analyses of titanium substrate modified by anodization and nanoscale Ca-P deposition / 대한치과보철학회지

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Nano-scale calcium-phosphate coating on the anodizing titanium surface using ion beam-assisted deposition (IBAD) has been recently introduced to improve the early osseointegration. However, not much is known about their surface characteristics that have influence on tissue-implant interaction. PURPOSE. This study was aimed to investigate microtopography, surface roughness, surface composition, and wettability of the titanium surface modified by the anodic oxidation and calcium phosphate coating using IBAD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Commercially pure titanium disks were used as substrates. The experiment was composed of four groups. Group MA surfaces represented machined surface. Group AN was anodized surface. Group CaP/AN was anodic oxidized and calcium phosphate coated surfaces. Group SLA surfaces were sandblasted and acid etched surfaces. The prepared titanium discs were examined as follows. The surface morphology of the discs was examined using SEM. The surface roughness was measured by a confocal laser scanning microscope. Phase components were analyzed using thin-film x-ray diffraction. Wettability analyses were performed by contact angle measurement with distilled water, formamide, bromonaphtalene and surface free energy calculation. RESULTS: (1) The four groups showed specific microtopography respectively. Anodized and calcium phosphate coated specimens showed multiple micropores and tiny homogeneously distributed crystalline particles (2) The order of surface roughness values were, from the lowest to the highest, machined group, anodized group, anodized and calcium phosphate deposited group, and sandblasted and acid etched group. (3) Anodized and calcium phosphate deposited group was found to have titanium and titanium anatase oxides and exhibited calcium phosphorous crystalline structures. (4) Surface wettability was increased in the order of calcium phosphate deposited group, machined group, anodized group, sandblasted and acid etched group. CONCLUSION: After ion beam-assisted deposition on anodized titanium, the microporous structure remained on the surface and many small calcium phosphorous crystals were formed on the porous surface. Nanoscale calcium phosphorous deposition induced roughness on the microporous surface but hydrophobicity was increased.

Comparative study on the physicochemical properties and cytocompatibility of microporous biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics as a bone graft substitute / 대한치주과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties and cytocompatibility of microporous, spherical biphasic calcium phosphate(BCP) ceramics with a 60/40 hydroxyapatite/beta-tricalcium phosphate weight ratio for application as a bone graft substitute. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Microporous, spherical BCP granules(MGSB) were prepared and their basic characteristics were compared with commercially available BCP(MBCP; Biomatlante, France) and deproteinized bovine bone mineral(Bio-Oss; Geistlich-Pharma, Switzerland, BBP; Oscotec, Korea). Their physicochemical properties were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method. Cell viability and proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells on different graft materials were evaluated. RESULTS: MGSB granules showed a chemical composition and crystallinity similar with those in MBCP, they showed surface structure characteristic of three dimensionally, well-interconnected micropores. The results of MTT assay showed increases in cell viablity with increasing incubation times. At 4d of incubation, MGSB, MBCP and BBP showed similar values in optical density, but Bio-Oss exhibited significantly lower optical density compared to other bone substitutes(p < 0.05). MGSB showed significantly greater cell number compared to other bone substitutes at 3, 5, and 7d of incubation(p < 0.05), which were similar with those in polystyrene culture plates. CONCLUSION: These results indicated the suitable physicochemical properties of MGSB granules for application as an effective bone graft substitute, which provided compatible environment for osteoblast cell growth. However, further detailed studies are needed to confirm its biological effects on bone formation in vivo.

Evaluation of deproteinized bovine bone mineral as a bone graft substitute: A comparative analysis of basic characteristics of three commercially available bone substitutes / 대한치주과학회지

Bovine bone-derived bone substitutes are widely used for treatment of bone defects in dental and orthopedic regenerative surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the basic characteristics of deproteinized bovine bone mineral as a bone graft substitute. Commercially available products from three different bovine bone minerals-Bio-Oss(Geistlich-Pharma, Switzerland), BBP(Oscotec, Korea), Osteograf/N-300(Dentsply Friadent Ceramed, USA) - were investigated. They were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy(SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer(EDS), surface area analysis(BET), and Kjeldahl protein analysis. Cell viability on different products was evaluated by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay. The results of this study indicated that each bone substitute displayed distinct surface properties. Furthermore, Kjeldahl protein analysis indicated that residual crude proteins are present in deproteinized bovine bone mineral. BBP showed relatively large amount of residual protein, which indicated that the possibility of disease transmission can not be safely ruled out. Based on the results of this study, it is suggested that active quality management is strongly needed in operations that involve processing bovine bone tissue for medical use.

Surface characteristics and biological responses of hydroxyapatite coating on titanium by hydrothermal method: an in vitro study / 대한치과보철학회지

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Hydroxyapatite(HA) coated titanium surfaces have not yet showed the reliable osseointegration in various conditions. PURPOSE: This study was aimed to investigate microstructures, chemical composition, and surface roughness of the surface coated by the hydrothermal method and to evaluate the effect of hydrothermal coating on the cell attachment, as well as cell proliferation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Commercially pure(c.p.) titanium discs were used as substrates. The HA coating on c.p. titanium discs by hydrothermal method was performed in 0.12M HCl solution mixed with HA(group I) and 0.1M NaOH solution mixed with HA(group II). GroupI was heated at 180degrees C for 24, 48, and 72 hours. GroupII was heated at 180degrees C for 12, 24, and 36 hours. And the treated surfaces were evaluated by Scanning electron microscopy(SEM), Energy dispersive X-rayspectroscopy(EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS), X-ray diffraction method(XRD), Confocal laser scanning microscopy(CLSM). And SEM of fibroblast and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay were used for cellular responses of the treated surfaces. RESULTS: The color of surface changed in both groups after the hydrothermal process. SEM images showed that coating pattern was homogeneous in group II, while inhomogeneous in group I. H72 had rosette-like precipitates. The crystalline structure grew gradually in group II, according to extending treatment period. The long needle-like crystals were prominent in N36. Calcium(Ca) and phosphorus(P) were not detected in H24 and H48 in EDS. In all specimens of group II and H72, Ca was found. Ca and P were identified in all treated groups through the analysis of XPS, but they were amorphous. Surface roughness did not increase in both groups after hydrothermal treatment. The values of surface roughness were not significantly different between groups I and II. According to the SEM images of fibroblasts, cell attachments were oriented and spread well in both treated groups, while they were not in the control group. However, no substantial amount of difference was found between groups I and II. CONCLUSIONS: In this study during the hydrothermal process procedure, coating characteristics, including the HA precipitates, crystal growth, and crystalline phases, were more satisfactory in NaOH treated group than in HCl treated group. Still, the biological responses of the modified surface by this method were not fully understood for the two tested groups did not differ significantly. Therefore, more continuous research on the relationship between the surface features and cellular responses seems to be in need.

Cytocompatibility of thermally oxidized Ti-Ag alloys / 대한치과보철학회지

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: In its preceding work, change in surface characteristics were investigated in consideration that both microtopograpy and macroscopic configuration of implants surface are two of the most important factors, in that they can construct agreeable environment by raising surface energy, to affect osseointegration and biocompatibility explained by cell proliferation. PURPOSE: This study focused on examining cytocompatibility of dental implants materials Ti-Ag alloys, of which mechanical and electrochemical superiority to cp-Ti or Ti6Al4V were verified, in comparison with that of cp-Ti, and Ti6Al4V. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this regard, MTT tests for L-929, the fibroblast connective tissues and cell proliferation tests for osteoprogenitor cells, MC3T3-E1 were performed on cp-Ti, Ti6Al4V, and Ti-Ag alloys following thermal oxidation according to appropriate heat treatment temperature(untreated, 400, 600, 800degrees C) and heat treatment duration(untreated, 0.5, 1, 4 hr). RESULTS: The MTT tests on fibroblasts L-929 resulted in cell viability of over 90% in all experimental group entities, where, especially, the 100% of the viability for Ti-Ag alloys specimens accounted for the slightest adverse effect of ions release from those alloys on the cell. In MC3T3-E1 proliferation tests, the population of cells in the experimental group was roughly increased as experimentation proceeded, after two to four days. Proliferation showed highest viability for most of specimens, including Ti2.0Ag, treated at 600degrees C. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, it is the heat treatment temperature, not the duration that has considerable effects on thermal oxidation of specimens. Ti-Ag alloys treated at 600degrees C proved to have the best surface morphology as well as cytocompatibility when compared with Ti or Ti6Al4V for short-term biocompatibility tests.

Diagnosis of Diffuse Liver Disease by the Liver Surface Characteristics during Laparoscopic Surgery / 한국간담췌외과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The use of diagnostic laparoscopy has been changed because of the development of lesser invasive radiologic tools, which is more useful in the diagnosis of diffuse liver diseases recently. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of laparoscopy in diagnosis of diffuse liver diseases during laparoscopic surgery and to find the relationship between laparoscopic gross finding and liver biopsy. METHOD: Sixty-five patients were performed laparoscopic cholecystectomy from March 1. 2001 to July 30 . 2001. We prospectively compared the result of liver biopsy with preoperative serum liver function test, ultrasonographic finding and liver surface characteristics as observed during laparoscopic surgery. RESULTS: The results of liver biopsy obtained in 59 cases were normal liver; 57.6%, mild steatosis; 15.4%, moderate to severe steatosis; 16.9%, chronic liver disease; 1.5%, cholangitis; 3.1% and cirrhosis; 1.5%. There was no correlation between preoperative liver function test and liver biopsy. However, the ultrasonographic finding was more correlated with liver diseases. The sensitivity of laparoscopic liver surface characteristics was 76.0%. The liver surface characteristics was well correlated with liver biopsy finding, especially in color of liver surface and contuor of liver margin. Importantly, when one more abnormal findings in liver surface characteristics were found, the positive predictability of liver disease was 56%. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic laparoscopy is a safe and accurate method for evaluating the diffuse liver diseases. If the abnormal findings of liver surface characteristics is found during laparoscopic surgery, one shoud confirm liver disease by liver biopsy.