Investigation of the effect of indirect pulp capping materials on dentin mineral density

Aim: To evaluate the potential of inducing mineral density changes of indirect pulp capping materials applied to demineralized dentin. Methods: A total of 50 cavities were prepared, 5 in each tooth, in extracted ten molars without caries, impacted or semi-embedded. The cavities were scanned by microcomputed tomography (µ-CT) after creating artificial caries by microcosm method (pre-treatment). Each cavity was subjected to one of 5 different experimental conditions: control (dental wax), conventional glass ionomer cement (Fuji IX GP Extra), resin-modified calcium silicate (TheraCal LC), resin-modified calcium hydroxide (Ultra-Blend Plus), MTA (MM-MTA) and the samples were kept under intrapulpal pressure using simulated body fluid for 45 days. Then, the second µ-CT scan was performed (post-treatment), and the change in dentin mineral density was calculated. Afterward, elemental mapping was performed on the dentinal surfaces adjacent to the pulp capping agents of 5 randomly selected samples using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) apparatus attached to a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The Ca/P ratio by weight was calculated. Friedman test and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test were used to analyze the data. Results: There was a significant increase in mineral density values of demineralized dentin after treatment for all material groups (p<0.05). Resin-modified calcium silicate had similar efficacy to MTA and conventional glass ionomer cement, but was superior to resin-modified calcium hydroxide in increasing the mineral density values of demineralized dentin. Conclusions: Demineralized dentin tissue that is still repairable can be effectively preserved using materials with remineralization capability

Application advantages of dual-layer spectral detector CT in cardiac imaging / 中国介入影像与治疗学

The equivalent detector structure in the upper and lower layers of dual-layer spectral detector CT (SDCT) allows the two sets of high and low energy data be analyzed in the raw data domain space. It can be used to reconstruct spectral images reflecting different composition of compton scattering and photoelectric effect, so as to merge and reconstruct conventional polyenergetic images which are completely equivalent to that of ordinary CT. The spectral data of SDCT possesses the features of no mismatch, aligned source and same direction into projection, which increase the application values in cardiac imaging. The application advantages of SDCT in improving coronary CTA image quality, "double low" imaging, plaque and stent display and myocardial perfusion were reviewed in this article.

The effect of ionizing radiation on properties of fluoride-releasing restorative materials

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ionizing radiation from high energy X-ray on fluoride release, surface roughness, flexural strength, and surface chemical composition of the materials. The study groups comprised five different restorative materials: Beautifil II, GCP Glass Fill, Amalgomer CR, Zirconomer, and Fuji IX GP. Twenty disk-shaped specimens (8x2 mm) for fluoride release and 20 bar-shaped specimens (25 x 2x 2 mm) for flexural strength were prepared from each material. Each material group was divided into two subgroups: irradiated (IR) and non-irradiated (Non-IR). The specimens from IR groups were irradiated with 1.8 Gy/day for 39 days (total IR = 70.2 Gy). The amount of fluoride released into deionized water was measured using a fluoride ion-selective electrode and ion analyzer after 24 hours and on days 2, 3, 7, 15, 21, 28, 35, and 39 (n = 10). The flexural strength was evaluated using the three-point bending test (n = 10). After the period of measurement of fluoride release, seven specimens (n = 7) from each group were randomly selected to evaluate surface roughness using AFM and one specimen was randomly selected for the SEM and EDS analyses. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (p = 0.05). The irradiation significantly increased fluoride release and surface roughness for Amalgomer CR and Zirconomer groups (p < 0.05). No significant change in flexural strength of the materials was observed after irradiation (p > 0.05). The ionizing radiation altered the amount of fluoride release and surface roughness of only Amalgomer CR and Zirconomer. The effect could be related to the chemical compositions of materials.

Clinical application, research progress of CT spectral imaging / 心血管康复医学杂志

As a new technique ,CT spectral imaging can obtain two images of different energy level at same phase simultaneously ,then immediately rebuild high definition monoenergetic images ranging from 40 kV to 140 kV .It provides reliable data and information for early qualitative and quantitative diagnosis of diseases ,which possess huge potential in clinical and science research ;and more extensive developing space for developing of scientific research and clinical application .

Application of magnetic resonance spectroscopy in diagnosing DNS / 中国基层医药

Objkctive To determine the potential ability of the area of each peak for the proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy(1 H-MRS) in the diagnosis of DNS(Delayed neuropsychological sequelae after carbon monoxide poisoning).Methods MRI and STEAM(stimulated-echo-acquisition mode)were performed in 38 DNS patients and 18 healthy volunteers.The area of the peak of each organic compound were obtained in each volume of interest.Results The data spectra abtained from patients shows NAA(881±76),Cho(2 352 ±86),β、γGlx(3 024 ± 187).Compared with the control group,theβ、γGlx ratio and Cho area increased,but the NAA ratio decreased.The area of NAA,Cho,β、γGlx between DNS and control group were compared,the results showed significant differences (P ＜0.05).In spectroscopy,the Lip evaluated peak in 0.9～1.40 ppm were detected.Conclusion 1H-MRS may do some contribution to the diagnosis of DNS.

Cascas de árvores como biomonitores da poluição atmosférica de origem veicular em parques urbanos da cidade de São Paulo / Tree barks as biomonitors of traffic related air pollution in urban parks of the city of São Paulo

O presente estudo foi desenvolvido para caracterizar a área de influência dos corredores de tráfego, através do monitoramento da concentração de elementos-traço em cascas de árvores. Amostras (n = 98) de cascas de árvores de diversas espécies foram coletadas em cinco parques urbanos da cidade de São Paulo. Para controle, foram coletadas cascas de árvores numa zona rural de Embu-Guaçu, longe de tráfego ou de indústrias. As concentrações de Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ca, Pb, S e Zn foram determinadas nas amostras de cascas de árvores por espectrometria de fluorescência de raios-X. Amostras coletadas nos parques urbanos apresentaram níveis mais elevados de elementos-traço em comparação com as da região controle. Elementos relacionados a atividades antropogênicas exibiram maiores concentrações nas amostras coletads na periferia dos parques, diminuindo gradativamente para os seus centros. Áreas próximas a grandes avenidas ou próximas a semáforos e cruzamentos apresentaram maiores concentrações de elementos nas cascas. Em conclusão, o estudo mostrou que medidas de acúmulo de elementos traço em cascas de árvore, associadas a métodos geoestatísticos, podem auxiliar a determinação das zonas de maior influência da poluição veicular no cenário urbano.

The present study was designed to characterize the area of influence of high traffic corridors by monitoring trace element concentrations on tree barks. Samples (n=98) of tree barks were collected from several tree species in five urban parks of the city of São Paulo. For controlling purposes, we collected tree barks in a rural area of Embu-Guaçu which is far from traffic or industries. Concentrations of Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ca, Pb, S and Zn were determined in these barks by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Samples from urban parks exhibited higher levels of trace elements in comparison with those from control region. Elements related to anthropogenic activities exhibited higher concentrations in tree barks at the periphery of the parks, decreasing when moving towards their centers. Areas facing the busy streets or those close to traffic lights or traffic junctions presented higher concentrations of elements in barks. In conclusion, the present study showed that measures of trace elements accumulation in tree barks within geostatistical methods can indicate areas of strong influence of vehicular pollution in the urban scene.