Sensitivity of diagnostic methods for Mansonella ozzardi microfilariae detection in the Brazilian Amazon Region

BACKGROUND The human filarial worm Mansonella ozzardi is highly endemic in the large tributaries of the Amazon River. This infection is still highly neglected and can be falsely negative when microfilariae levels are low. OBJECTIVES This study investigated the frequency of individuals with M. ozzardi in riverine communities in Coari municipality, Brazilian Amazon. METHODS Different diagnostic methods including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), blood polycarbonate membrane filtration (PCMF), Knott's method (Knott), digital thick blood smears (DTBS) and venous thick blood smears (VTBS) were used to compare sensitivity and specificity among the methods. Data were analysed using PCMF and Bayesian latent class models (BLCM) as the gold standard. We used BLCM to calculate the prevalence of mansonelliasis based on the results of five diagnostic methods. FINDINGS The prevalence of mansonelliasis was 35.4% by PCMF and 30.1% by BLCM. PCR and Knott methods both possessed high sensitivity. Sensitivity relative to PCMF was 98.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 92.0 - 99.7] for PCR and 83.5% (95% CI: 72.9 - 90.5) for Knott. Sensitivity derived by BLCM was 100% (95% CI 93.7 - 100) for PCMF, 100% (95% CI: 93.7 - 100) for PCR and 98.3% (95% CI: 90.6 - 99.9) for Knott. The odds ratio of being diagnosed as microfilaremic increased with age but did not differ between genders. Microfilariae loads were higher in subjects aged 30 - 45 and 45 - 60 years. MAIN CONCLUSIONS PCMF and PCR were the best methods to assess the prevalence of mansonelliasis in our samples. As such, using these methods could lead to higher prevalence of mansonelliasis in this region than the most commonly used method (i.e., thick blood smears).

Effect of surface pre-treatments and adhesive types on the shear bond strength between PEKK and Zirconia / 대한치과재료학회지

In this study, the effects of surface pre-treatment and adhesive type on the shear bond strength between PEKK (polyetherketoneketone) and zirconia were analyzed by means of shear bond test and fracture aspect analysis. RI group (sand blasted with 110 µm Rocatec + silane primer applied + Premier implant cement) showed the highest shear bond strength value (9.01 MPa), followed by AI (7.94 MPa), NI (5.62 MPa), RT (2.71 MPa), AT (2.25 MPa), and NT (non-treated + Hy-bond, 1.96 MPa) groups showed the lowest values. Analysis of shear bond strength according to the type of cement showed that the group using resin cement for implant was higher than the group bonded with polycarboxylate cement regardless of the surface treatment (p < 0.05). As a result of analysis of shear bond strength according to the surface treatment, the silane primer applied to the surface of 110 µm particle size Rocatec showed the highest value (p < 0.05). The fracture patterns of the specimens were analyzed by surface treatment and cement type. Polycarboxylate cement showed better bond strength with zirconia specimen and resin cement showed higher bond strength with PEKK specimen.

Shear bond strength of luting cements to fixed superstructure metal surfaces under various seating forces

PURPOSE: In this study, the shear bond strengths (SBS) of luting cements to fixed superstructure metal surfaces under various seating forces were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven different cements [Polycarboxylate (PCC), Glass-Ionomer (GIC), Zinc phospahate (ZPC), Self-adhesive resin (RXU), Resin (C&B), and Temporary cements ((RXT) and (TCS))] were bonded to a total number of 224 square blocks (5×5×3 mm) made of one pure metal [Titanium (CP Ti) and two metal alloys [Gold-Platinum (Au-Pt) and Cobalt-Chrome (Co-Cr)] under 10 N and 50 N seating forces. SBS values were determined and data were analyzed with 3-way ANOVA. Pairwise comparisons and interactions among groups were analyzed with Tukey's simultaneous confidence intervals. RESULTS: Overall mean scores indicated that Co-Cr showed the highest SBS values (1.96±0.4) (P .05). The PCC cement showed the highest mean SBS score (3.59±0.07) among all cements tested (P < .00), while the resin-based temporary luting cement RXT showed the lowest (0.39±0.07) (P < .00). CONCLUSION: Polycarboxylate cement provides reliable bonding performance to metal surfaces. Resin-based temporary luting cements can be used when retrievability is needed. GIC is not suitable for permanent cementation of fixed dental prostheses consisting of CP Ti or Au-Pt substructures.

Effects of Hybrid Coat on shear bond strength of five cements: an in vitro study

PURPOSE: To evaluate the sealing performance of Hybrid Coat and its influence on the shear bond strength of five dentin surface cements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six premolars were pretreated to expose the dentin surface prior to the application of Hybrid Coat. The microscopic characteristics of the dentinal surfaces were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, 40 premolars were sectioned longitudinally, and 80 semi-sections were divided into a control group (untreated) and a study group (treated by Hybrid Coat). Alloy restoration was bonded to the teeth specimen using five different cements. Shear bond strength was measured by the universal testing machine. The fracture patterns and the adhesive interface were observed using astereomicroscope. RESULTS: SEM revealed that the lumens of dentinal tubules were completely occluded by Hybrid Coat. The Hybrid Coat significantly improved the shear bond strength of resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) and resin cement (RC) but weakened the performance of zinc phosphate cement (ZPC), zinc polycarboxylate cement (ZPCC) and glass ionomer cement (GIC). CONCLUSION: Hybrid Coat is an effective dentinal tubule sealant, and therefore its combined use with resin or resin-modified glass ionomer cements can be applied for the prostheses attachment purpose.

Evaluation of the force generated by gradual deflection of orthodontic wires in conventional metallic, esthetic, and self-ligating brackets

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the deflection forces of Nitinol orthodontic wires placed in different types of brackets: metallic, reinforced polycarbonate with metallic slots, sapphire, passive and active self-ligating, by assessing strength values variation according to gradual increase in wire diameter and deflection and comparing different combinations in the different deflections. Material and Methods: Specimens were set in a clinical simulation model and evaluated in a Universal Testing Machine (INSTRON 3342), using the ISO 15841 protocol. Data were subjected to One-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey tests (p<0.05). Results: Self-ligating brackets presented the most similar behavior to each other. For conventional brackets there was no consistent behavior for any of the deflections studied. Conclusions: Self-ligating brackets presented the most consistent and predictable results while conventional brackets, as esthetic brackets, showed very different patterns of forces. Self-ligating brackets showed higher strength in all deflections when compared with the others, in 0.020-inch wires.

Biomechanical three-dimensional finite element analysis of monolithic zirconia crown with different cement type

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of various cement types on the stress distribution in monolithic zirconia crowns under maximum bite force using the finite element analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The models of the prepared #46 crown (deep chamfer margin) were scanned and solid models composed of the monolithic zirconia crown, cement layer, and prepared tooth were produced using the computer-aided design technology and were subsequently translated into 3-dimensional finite element models. Four models were prepared according to different cement types (zinc phosphate, polycarboxylate, glass ionomer, and resin). A load of 700 N was applied vertically on the crowns (8 loading points). Maximum principal stress was determined. RESULTS: Zinc phosphate cement had a greater stress concentration in the cement layer, while polycarboxylate cement had a greater stress concentration on the distal surface of the monolithic zirconia crown and abutment tooth. Resin cement and glass ionomer cement showed similar patterns, but resin cement showed a lower stress distribution on the lingual and mesial surface of the cement layer. CONCLUSION: The test results indicate that the use of different luting agents that have various elastic moduli has an impact on the stress distribution of the monolithic zirconia crowns, cement layers, and abutment tooth. Resin cement is recommended for the luting agent of the monolithic zirconia crowns.

Push-out bond strength of fiber posts to root dentin using glass ionomer and resin modified glass ionomer cements

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the push-out bond strength of glass fiber posts to root dentin after cementation with glass ionomer (GICs) and resinmodified glass ionomer cements (RMGICs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty human maxillary canines were transversally sectioned at 15 mm from the apex. Canals were prepared with a step back technique until the application of a #55 K-file and filled. Post spaces were prepared and specimens were divided into five groups according to the cement used for post cementation: Luting & Lining Cement; Fuji II LC Improved; RelyX Luting; Ketac Cem; and Ionoseal. After cementation of the glass fiber posts, all roots were stored at 100% humidity until testing. For push-out test, 1-mm thick slices were produced. The push-out test was performed in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute and the values (MPa) were analyzed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Levene's tests and by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Fiber posts cemented using Luting & Lining Cement, Fuji II LC Improved, and Ketac Cem presented the highest bond strength to root dentin, followed by RelyX Luting. Ionoseal presented the lowest bond strength values (P>0.05). The post level did not influence the bond strength of fiber posts to root dentin (P=0.148). The major cause of failure was cohesive at the cement for all GICs and RMGICs. CONCLUSIONS: Except for Ionoseal, all cements provided satisfactory bond strength values. .

The influence of protective varnish on the integrity of orthodontic cements

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of saliva contamination over the structural strength and integrity of conventional glass-ionomer cements used for cementing orthodontic bands in the absence and presence of a surface-protecting varnish. METHOD: 48 samples were prepared by inserting 3 types of glass-ionomer cements into standardized metallic matrixes of 10 mm of diameter and 2 mm of depth. The cements used were: Meron (VOCO), Ketac-Cem (3M ESPE) and Vidrion C (DFL), all of which comprised groups A, B and C, respectively. Subgroups A1, B1 and C1 comprised samples with no surface protection, whereas subgroups A2, B2 and C2 comprised samples of which surface was coated with Cavitine varnish (SS White), after cement manipulation and application, in order to protect the cement applied. All samples were stored in artificial saliva for 24 hours at 37ºC. A Vickers diamond micro-durometer was used to produce indentations on the non-treated group (non-varnished) and the treated group (varnished). RESULTS: Varnished materials had significantly higher microhardness values in comparison to non-varnished materials. Ketac-Cem had the highest microhardness value among the varnished materials. CONCLUSION: Varnish application is necessary to preserve the cement and avoid enamel decalcification. Glass-ionomer cements should be protected in order to fully keep their properties, thus, contributing to dental health during orthodontic treatment.

OBJETIVO: avaliar a influência da contaminação salivar na resistência estrutural e integridade de cimentos de ionômero de vidro convencionais utilizados para cimentação de bandas ortodônticas na ausência e na presença de um verniz protetor de superfície. MÉTODOS: quarenta e oito corpos de prova foram confeccionados a partir de três cimentos ortodônticos, com auxílio de matrizes metálicas padronizadas com 10mm de diâmetro e 2mm de altura. Os cimentos utilizados foram: Meron (Voco), Ketac-Cem (3M ESPE) e Vidrion C (DFL), compondo os grupos A, B e C, respectivamente. Metade dessas amostras não recebeu nenhum tipo de proteção superficial, constituindo os subgrupos A1, B1 e C1, enquanto, os subgrupos A2, B2 e C2 tiveram suas superfícies isoladas com verniz Cavitine (SS White) após manipulação e aplicação do cimento, com intuito de proteger a superfície do cimento. As amostras foram armazenadas em saliva artificial por 24 horas a 37ºC. Foi realizado um ensaio de microdureza (Vickers) para avaliação da dureza de superfície do grupo não-tratado (sem isolamento) e do grupo tratado (agente protetor). RESULTADOS: os materiais previamente isolados com o verniz obtiveram valores de microdureza significativamente maiores que os não-isolados. O cimento Ketac-Cem apresentou, estatisticamente, a maior microdureza entre os materiais protegidos. CONCLUSÃO: o isolamento com verniz mostrou-se necessário para preservação do cimento e, consequentemente, de sua capacidade de evitar possíveis desmineralizações dentárias. Os cimentos de ionômero de vidro devem ser protegidos para manutenção de sua integridade, contribuindo para saúde dental durante o tratamento ortodôntico.

Evaluation of mechanical properties of five cements for orthodontic band cementation

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the flexural, compressive and diametral tensile strengths of five cements used in orthodontics for band cementation. Twelve specimens of each cement were tested: 1 - GC Fuji Ortho Band (FJ), GC America Inc.; 2 - Meron (MR), Voco; 3 - Multi-Cure Glass Ionomer Band Cement (MC), 3M Unitek; 4 - Band-Lok (BL), Reliance Orthodontic Products; and 5 - Ketac Cem (KC), 3M ESPE. The results (mean) for diametral tensile strength were: 10.51 MPa (FJ), 9.60 MPa (MR), 20.04 MPa (MC), 42.80 MPa (BL), and 4.08 MPa (KC). The results for compressive strength were (in the same order): 64.50 MPa, 77.71 MPa, 94.21 MPa, 193.88 MPa, and 81.93 MPa. The results for flexural strength were (in the same order): 20.72 MPa, 25.84 MPa, 53.41 MPa, 137.41 MPa, and 20.50 MPa. The statistical analysis was performed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests with p-value £ 0.05. In terms of diametral tensile strength, BL showed the highest strength statistically, and MC, the second highest. In terms of compressive tensile strength, BL showed the highest strength statistically, and FJ did not attain the minimum recommended strength. In terms of flexural tensile strength, BL cement was superior to MC, and MR, FJ and KC were equivalent and inferior to BL and MC.

microleakage of polycarboxylate, glass ionomer and zinc phosphate cements for stainless steel crowns of pulpotomized primary molars

Microleakage in Stainless Steel Crowns [SSC] margins leads to seepage of oral fluids and bacteria and it is one of the reasons for treatments failures. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of zinc phosphate, glass lonomer and polycarboxylate cements on microleakage of stainless steel crowns for primary pulpotomized molar teeth. In this experimental in vitro study, 60 extracted primary molar teeth were randomly divided in to three groups [n=20]. Stainless steel crowns were fitted for each tooth after pulpotomy procedures. Crowns were luted with a zinc phosphate, glass ionomer or polycarboxylate cement. All specimens were stored in 100% humidity at 37° C for 1 hour and termocycled 500 times [5°C - 55°C] with a 30 seconds dwell time and then immersed in 0.5% basic fuschin solution for 24 hours. The specimens were sectioned buccolingually and each section was evaluated for microleakage under a stereomicroscope. In zinc phosphate group 45% of spicemens and in glass ionomer group there was 5% of spicemens showed leakage extending on to occlusal aspect and in polycarboxylate group none of the spicemens had this situation. According to the kruskal wallis test in all groups there were significant differences in microleakage [p< 0.001]. The use of zinc phosphate cement resulted in the highest percentage of microleakage. The microleakage of SSCs cemented with polycarboxylate and glass ionomer were similar

Buttonhole Technique in Hemodialysis / 대한내과학회지

Recently, dialysis population with arteriovenous fistula may have some problems about the cannulation due to aged, incompetent vessels. Thus alternative needling method, buttonhole technique has been suggested for the complicated cannulation route. In spite of various benefits, this technique is difficult to apply in Korean hemodialysis unit because it requires much time to form the buttonhole track or tunnel. Meanwhile, Choi et al. reported the superiority of buttonhole technique using the polycarbonate peg, Biohole(TM). Here, we review the buttonhole technique in hemodialysis including new buttonhole technique using the Biohole(TM).

Effect of cement type and water storage time on the push-out bond strength of a glass fiber post

This study investigated the effects of the cement type and the water storage time on the push-out bond strength of a glass fiber post. Glass fiber posts (Fibrekor, Jeneric Pentron) were luted to post spaces using a self-cured resin cement (C&B Cement [CB]), a glass ionomer cement (Ketac Cem [KC]) or a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (GC FujiCEM [FC]) according to the manufacturers’ instructions. For each luting agent, the specimens were exposed to one of the following water storage times (n=5): 1 day (T1), 7 days (T7), 90 days (T90) and 180 days (T180). Push-out tests were performed after the storage times. Control specimens were not exposed to water storage, but subjected to the push-out test 10 min after post cementation. Data (in MPa) were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn`s test (α=0.05). Cement type and water storage time had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the push-out bond strength. CB showed significantly higher values of retention (p<0.05) than KC and FC, irrespective of the water storage time. Water storage increased significantly the push-out bond strength in T7 and T90, regardless of the cement type (p<0.05). The results showed that fiber posts luted to post spaces with the self-cured resin cement exhibited the best bonding performance throughout the 180-day water storage period. All cements exhibited a tendency to increase the bond strength after 7 and 90 days of water storage, decreasing thereafter.

Este estudo investigou os efeitos do tipo de cimento e do tempo de armazenamento em água na resistência adesiva ao cisalhamento de pinos de fibra. Pinos de fibra de vidro (Fibrekor, JenericPentron) foram cimentados aos condutos radiculares usando o cimento resinoso autopolimerizável (C&B Cement [CB]), o cimento de ionômero de vidro (Ketac Cem [KC]) ou o cimento de ionômero de vidro modificado por resina (GC FujiCEM [FC]) de acordo com as instruções dos fabricantes. Para cada cimento, os espécimes foram expostos a um dos seguintes tempos de armazenamento em água (n=5): 1 dia (T1), 7 dias (T7), 90 dias (T90) e 180 dias (T180). Os testes de resistência adesiva ao cisalhamento foram realizados após os períodos de armazenamento. Os espécimes controles não foram expostos ao armazenamento em água, mas submetidos ao teste de resistência adesiva ao cisalhamento 10 min após a cimentação do pino. Os dados (MPa) foram analisados usando Kruskal-Wallis e teste de Dunn (α=0,05). O tipo de cimento e o tempo de armazenamento em água afetaram significantemente a resistência adesiva ao cisalhamento (p<0,05). CB apresentou valores de retenção significantemente superiores a KC e FC, independentemente do tempo de armazenamento em água. Esse, por sua vez, aumentou significantemente a resistência adesiva ao cisalhamento em T7 e T90, independentemente do tipo de cimento (p<0,05). Os resultados indicaram que os pinos de fibra cimentados aos condutos radiculares com o cimento resinoso autopolimerizável apresentou a melhor performance adesiva durante todo o período de armazenamento em água de 180 dias. Todos os cimentos apresentaram uma tendência a aumentar a resistência adesiva ao cisalhamento após 7 e 90 dias de armazenamento em água, diminuindo posteriormente.

Isoflurane cracks the polycarbonate connector of extra-corporeal circuit: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is widely used for cardiac surgery by virtue of its proven safety over the course of its use during the past half century. Even though perfusion is safer, incidents still occur. During the repair of a ventricular-septal defect in an 11-month-old infant, we experienced a critical incident related to the potential hazardous effect of volatile anesthetics on the polycarbonate connector of extra-corporeal circuit. The damage to the polycarbonate connector had occurred after spillage of isoflurane during the filling of the vaporizer, causing it to crack and leak. The incident was managed by replacement of the cracked connector during a temporary circulatory arrest. The patient was hypothermic and the time off bypass was less than 1.5 min. There were no neurologic sequelae, the patient made an uneventful recovery. In conclusion, the spillage of volatile anesthetics can cause cracks in the polycarbonate connector of the extra-corporeal circuit, leading to potentially interruption of CPB.

A comparative study on the accuracy of impression body according to the types of impression tray / 대한치과보철학회지

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the accuracy of impression body taking by the closed and the open tray impression technique with 3 types of impression tray. Individual tray, metal stock tray and polycarbonate tray were used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine closed tray impressions were taken by individual tray, metal stock tray and polycarbonate stock tray, respectively with polyether impression material. 9 open tray impressions were also acquired by same manner. Precision analysis on the master models was performed by attaching the reference frameworks with alternate single screws and measuring the vertical fit discrepancy of respective analogues in working cast with a stereo microscope. Data were analyzed by 1 way ANOVA and independent t-test. RESULTS: The average fit accuracy of impression bodies was calculated. With the closed tray impression technique, there were significant statistical differences in vertical fit discrepancy according to the types of tray. The individual tray group showed the lowest value and the polycarbonate stock tray group represented the highest. With the open tray impression technique, there was no significant difference in vertical fit discrepancy. Significant statistical difference in vertical fit discrepancy was found between the open and the closed impression technique with the polycarbonate stock tray. CONCLUSION: From the results above, more precise impressions could be acquired by the rigid individual tray compared with the polycarbonate stock tray. It was hard to get consistent accuracy impressions by the closed tray impression technique with polycarbonate stock trays.

Microbial Exposure Assessment in Sawmill, Livestock Feed Industry, and Metal Working Fluids Handling Industry

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to investigate the distribution patterns and exposure concentrations of bioaerosols in industries suspected to have high levels of bioaerosol exposure. METHODS: We selected 11 plants including 3 livestock feed plants (LF industry), 3 metal working fluids handling plants (MWFs industry), and 5 sawmills and measured total airborne bacteria, fungi, endotoxins, as well as dust. Airborne bacteria and fungi were measured with one stage impactor, six stage cascade impactor, and gelatin filters. Endotoxins were measured with polycarbonate filters. RESULTS: The geometric means (GM) of the airborne concentrations of bacteria, fungi, and endotoxins were 1,864, 2,252 CFU/m3, and 31.5 EU/m3, respectively at the sawmills, followed by the LF industry (535, 585 CFU/m3, and 22.0 EU/m3) and MWFs industry (258, 331 CFU/m3, and 8.7 EU/m3). These concentrations by industry type were significantly statistically different (p < 0.01). The ratio of indoor to outdoor concentration was 6.2, 1.9, 3.2, and 3.2 for bacteria, fungi, endotoxins, and dust in the LF industry, 5.0, 0.9, 2.3, and 12.5 in the MWFs industry, and 3.7, 4.1, 3.3, and 9.7 in sawmills. The respiratory fractions of bioaerosols were differentiated by bioaerosol types and industry types: the respiratory fraction of bacteria in the LF industry, MWF industry, and sawmills was 59.4%, 72.0%, and 57.7%, respectively, and that of fungi was 77.3%, 89.5%, and 83.7% in the same order. CONCLUSION: We found that bioaerosol concentration was the highest in sawmills, followed by LF industry facilities and MWFs industry facilities. The indoor/outdoor ratio of microorganisms was larger than 1 and respiratory fraction of microorganisms was more than 50% of the total microorganism concentrations which might penetrate respiratory tract easily. All these findings suggest that bioaerosol in the surveyed industries should be controlled to prevent worker respiratory diseases.

Optimal Condition of Microporous Membrane for Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Allotransplantation to Stimulate Wound Healing in Vitro

PURPOSE: Major drawbacks of conventional bone marrow stromal cells (BSCs) transplantation method are mainly caused by direct transplanted cell to host cell interactions. We hypothesized that separation of the transplanted cells by a microporous membrane might inhibit most of the potential adverse effects and induce superior effect. The purpose of the study is to determine the optimal condition of the microporous membrane. METHODS: First, BSCs were placed in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) transwell inserts with 3, 8, or 12 micrometer pore size, and cultured in 24 well culture plates. After 5 days, bottoms of the plates were observed for presence of attached BSCs in monolayer and cell numbers were evaluated. Second, BSCs were placed PET, polycarbonate (PCT), and mixed cellulose esters (MCE) transwell inserts with 3 and 8 micrometer pore size, and cultured in 24 well culture plates. After 3 days, the supernatants of the media left in culture plate were analyzed for collagen, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Third, BSCs were placed in 15% and 70% of the PET membrane with 3 micrometer pore size. All the experimental conditions and methods were same as the second study. RESULTS: The optimal pore sizes to prevent BSC leakage were 3 micrometer and 8 micrometer. The amounts of type I collagen and three growth factors tested did not show significant differences among PET, PCT, and MCE groups. However, the collagen, VEGF, and bFGF levels were much higher in the high (70%) density group than in the low (15%) density group. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the optimal pore size of membrane to prevent direct BSC to recipient cell contact is in between 3 micrometer and 8 micrometer. Membrane materials and pore sizes do not influence the collagen and growth factor passage through the membrane. The most striking factor for collagen and growth factor transport is pore density of the membrane.

[ comparison of solubility of zinc phosphate and polycarboxilate based on Iranian standard No 2725 and 2726]

Zinc phosphate and polycarboxilate cement have wide application in operative, pedodontics dentistry and fixed prosthodontics. The Ariadent zinc phosphate and polycarboxilate cements are manufactured in Iran. One of the important and necessary properties of each cement to be used in oral cavity is its low solubility. The purpose of the present study was to determine and compare the solubility of Harvared zinc phosphate and polycarboxilate cement with Ariadent. In this experimental study that was based on specification No 2725 and 2726 of Iranian standard, ten discs shaped samples with 1 +/- 0.03 mm width and 10 +/- 0.3 mm diameter was constructed for each cement. Zinc phosphate solubility with spectrophotometry and polycarboxilate solubility with conductivity evaluation was measured. The data were analyzed with T test. Statistical analysis was significant [p<0.05]. The mean value of solubility for Harvard and Ariadent zinc phosphate cement was in order 1.23 +/- 0.24 and 0.86 +/- 0.15 mgr P205 per gr. There was statistically significant difference between the two above cements [p=0.001]. The mean value of solubility for Harvard and Ariadent polycarboxilate cement was in order 39.27 +/- 4.40 and 37.85 +/- 3.05 simence on the meter per kg. There was no statistically significant difference between the two above cements [p=0.4]. In accordance to determined values from Iranian standard No 2725 and 2726, the mean value of solubility of 4 experimental cements in this study was within standard limits

Evaluation of different sterilization and disinfection methods on commercially made preformed crowns.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes caused by different sterilization or disinfection methods on the vestibular surface of four commercially made preformed crowns using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Preformed crowns (NuSmile Primary Anterior Crown (NSC), Kinder Krowns (KK), Pedo Pearls (PP) and polycarbonate crowns (PC)) were sterilized and/or disinfected by one of the following techniques: no sterilization or disinfection (G1 control group); steam autoclaving at 134 degrees C (30 psi) for 4 min (G2); steam autoclaving at 134 degrees C (30 psi) for 12 min (G3); steam autoclaving at 121 degrees C (15 psi) for 30 min (G4); and ultrasonication in a bath containing 4% Lysetol AF for 5 min at room temperature (chemical disinfection) (G5). Scanning electron micrographs of the crowns were taken before and after their sterilization or disinfection. The changes on the vestibular surface were then scored for the presence or absence of crazing, contour alteration, fracturing, and vestibular surface changes. The data were analyzed statistically using the chi-square test. No changes were observed before and after sterilization or disinfection in the stereomicroscopic evaluation of the vestibular surface of the crowns. However, all methods in which steam autoclaving was used to sterilize the crowns caused significant (P < 0.05) crazing and contour alterations of the vestibular surface of the crowns when they were examined by SEM. Chemical disinfection using an aldehyde-free disinfectant is the preferred method of disinfection for crowns that have been used previously in other dental patients.

[Frequency of dental cements application by general practitioners and prosthodontists in Tehran, 2004]

Nowadays various types of dental cements are used in fixed prosthetic treatments with different indications. On the other hand, these indications may be changed over a lot every day and new materials are being produced. The aim of this study was to determine the practice of dentists [included general practitioners and prosthodontists] about applications and manipulations of dental cements in fixed prosthetic treatments. The study was designed as a cross-sectional, descriptive method. Samples were 362 general practitioners [GP] and 32 [academic and non-academic staff] specialists worked in Great Tehran in 2004. Sampling was done in a simple random method. The questionnaire consisted of 11 questions. After determining the validity of questionnaire, it's reliability was confirmed by means of a test-retest exam. Zinc phosphate was the most frequent cement in fixed partial denture restorations [FPDs] in non-vital teeth [54.4% of GPs and 51.3% of specialists]. In vital teeth, both in preparations near and distant to the pulp, polycarboxylate were used frequently by GPs [50.8% and 56.4%, respectively] and specialists [531% and 34.4%, respectively]. The most of dentists in both groups were using zinc oxide with eugenol in temporary restorations near the pulp [55.5% and 62.5%, respectively]. Zinc phosphate was frequently used for post and core cases [54.5% and 71.9%, respectively]. The choices of general practitioners were relatively similar to specialists

Efeito do estímulo de substâncias liberadas por cimentos endodônticos sobre macrófagos em cultura / Effect of stimulation by substances leached from endodontic sealers on macrophages cells in culture

O selamento biológico dos canais radiculares, almejado pelo tratamento endodôntico, depende não somente dos passos operatórios e substâncias utilizadas nesse processo, mas também do sistema imune do paciente. Portanto, o objetivo desse trabalho in vitro foi analisar a viabilidade de macrófagos previamente ativados com interferon-gama (IFN-g) e lipopolissacarídeos (LPS) e estimulado por substâncias liberadas por 3 cimentos endodônticos. Material e Métodos - Meio de cultura foi condicionado por cimentos comumente utilizados em Endodontia (à base de óxido de zinco e eugenol, resinoso e à base de hidróxido de cálcio) durante 1h ou 24h. Macrófagos foram obtidos de líquido de ascite do peritônio de camundongos e semeados em 42 poços (2 x 105 células/poço) em placas de 96 poços. Após a ativação com IFN-g e LPS de E. coli a mensuração da citotoxicidade de substâncias liberadas dos cimentos foi obtida através do teste de redução do MTT. A absorbância dos poços foi lida em espectrofotômetro usando um filtro de 562 nm. Os dados de seis réplicas foram comparados pelo teste estatístico de Friedman. O nível de significância foi de 5%. Resultados - A viabilidade de células controle e das tratadas pelas substâncias liberadas pelos cimentos foi similar. Os grupos tratados com o cimento de óxido de zinco e eugenol apresentaram diferenças significantes na viabilidade celular. A viabilidade de células de células tratadas com meios condicionados por 1h foi menor do que o daquela de células tratadas com meio condicionado por 24h. Conclusão - Independentemente do tempo de condicionamento (1h ou 24h) as substâncias liberadas durante a presa dos cimentos endodônticos testados não foram citotóxicas aos macrófagos peritoniais de camundongos ativados e em cultura