Implant inclination and horizontal misfit in metallic bar framework of overdentures: analysis by 3d-fea method

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate by three-dimensional finite element analysis (3D-FEA) the biomechanics involved in bar-framework system for overdentures. The studied factors were latero-lateral angulation in the right implant (-10, -5, 0, 5 and 10 degrees), and different bar cross-sections (circular, Hader and oval) presenting horizontal misfits (50 or 150 µm) on the opposite implant. Positive angulation (5 and 10 degrees) for implant inclination to mesial position, negative angulation (-5 and -10 degrees) for distal position, and zero degree for parallel implants. The von Mises stresses evaluated the bar, screw and the implant; maximum principal, minimum principal and shear stress analyses evaluated the peri-implant bone tissue. Parallel implants provide lower stress in alveolar bone tissue; mesial inclined bars showed the most negative effect on prosthetic structures and implants. In conclusion, bar cross-section showed no influence on stress distribution for peri-implant bone tissue, and circular bar provided better behavior to the prosthetic system. Higher stress concentration is provided to all system as the misfit increases.

Resumo O objetivo neste estudo foi avaliar por meio do método por elemento finito tridimensional (3D-AEF) a biomecânica envolvida na infraestrutura do sistema barra-clipe para overdentures. Os fatores de estudo foram inclinação mésio-distal entre implantes (-10, -5, 0, 5, 10 graus) e diferentes seções transversais da barra metálica (circular, oval e Hader) com desajuste horizontal (50 e 150 µm). Valores de inclinação positivas (5 e 10 graus) indicam inclinação do implante para mesial e valores negativos (-5 e -10 graus) mostram inclinação para distal, enquanto zero grau indica implantes paralelos. Valores de tensões equivalentes de von Mises foram utilizadas nos sistemas barra, parafuso e implante. Tensão máxima e mínima principal, e cisalhante foram utilizadas para análise do osso alveolar peri-implante. Implantes paralelos promoveram menores tensões em tecido peri-implante; as inclinações para mesial apresentaram piores resultados para as estruturas protéticas e implantes. As diferentes seções transversais da barra não mostraram influência na distribuição de tensões no osso alveolar peri-implante. Concluindo, a barra circular apresentou melhores resultados para os componentes protéticos e maiores valores de tensões foram observados em todos os modelos na medida que o desajuste aumentou.

Influence of Temporary Cements on the Bond Strength of Self-Adhesive Cement to the Metal Coronal Substrate

This research evaluated the influence of temporary cements (eugenol-containing [EC] or eugenol-free [EF]) on the tensile strength of Ni-Cr copings fixed with self-adhesive resin cement to the metal coronal substrate. Thirty-six temporary crowns were divided into 4 groups (n=9) according to the temporary cements: Provy, Dentsply (eugenol-containing), Temp Cem, Vigodent (eugenol-containing), RelyX Temp NE, 3M ESPE (eugenol-free) and Temp Bond NE, Kerr Corp (eugenol-free). After 24 h of temporary cementation, tensile strength tests were performed in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min and 1 kN (100 kgf) load cell. Afterwards, the cast metal cores were cleaned by scraping with curettes and air jet. Thirty-six Ni-Cr copings were cemented to the cast metal cores with self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200, 3M ESPE). Tensile strength tests were performed again. In the temporary cementation, Temp Bond NE (12.91±2.54) and Temp Cem (12.22±2.96) presented the highest values of tensile strength and were statistically similar to each other (p>0.05). Statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was observed only between Provy (164.44±31.23) and Temp Bond NE (88.48±21.83) after cementation of Ni-Cr copings with self-adhesive resin cement. In addition, Temp Cem (120.68±48.27) and RelyX Temp NE (103.04±26.09) showed intermediate tensile strength values. In conclusion, the Provy eugenol-containing temporary cement was associated with the highest bond strength among the resin cements when Ni-Cr copings were cemented to cast metal cores. However, the eugenol cannot be considered a determining factor in increased bond strength, since the other tested cements (1 eugenol-containing and 2 eugenol-free) were similar.

Resumo Esta pesquisa avaliou a influência dos cimentos temporários (contendo eugenol [CE]ou livre de eugenol[LE]) na resistência à tração de copingsde Ni-Cr fixados com cimento resinoso auto-adesivo sobre substrato coronário metálico. Trinta e seis coroas provisórias foram divididas em 4 grupos (n=9) de acordo com os cimentos temporários: Provy, Dentsply (contendo eugenol), Temp Cem, Vigodent (contendo eugenol), RelyXTemp NE, 3M ESPE (livre de eugenol) andTemp Bond NE, KerrCorp (livre de eugenol). Após 24 h da cimentação temporária, testes de resistência à tração foram realizados em uma máquina universal de ensaios, com velocidade de 0,5 mm/min. e célula de carga de 1kN (100 kgf). Em seguida, os núcleos metálicos fundidos foram limpos por meio de raspagem com cureta ejatos de ar. Trinta e seis copings de Ni-Cr foram cimentados sobre os núcleos metálicos com cimento resinoso auto-adesivo (RelyX U200, 3M ESPE). Testes de resistência à tração foram novamente realizados. Na cimentação provisória, Temp Bond NE (12,91±2,54) e Temp Cem (12,22±2,96) apresentaram os maiores valores de resistência à tração e foram estatisticamente semelhantes entre si (p>0,05). Diferença estatisticamente significante (p<0.05) foi observada apenas entre Provy (164,44±31,23) e Temp Bond NE (88,48±21,83)após cimentação dos copingsdeNi-Cr com cimento resinoso auto-adesivo. Além disso, Temp Cem (120,68±48,27) e RelyX Temp NE (103,04±26,09) mostraram valores intermediários de resistência à tração. Em conclusão, o cimento temporário contendo eugenol, Proxy, foi associado com a mais alta resistência de união do cimento resinoso, quando os copingsde Ni-Cr foram cimentados sobre os núcleos metálicos fundidos. Entretanto, o eugenol não pode ser considerado como um fator determinante no aumento da resistência de união, já que outros cimentos testados (1 contendo eugenol e 2 livres de eugenol) foram semelhantes.

Concentrations of strontium, barium, cadmium, copper, zinc, manganese, chromium, antimony, selenium, and lead in the liver and kidneys of dogs according to age, gender, and the occurrence of chronic kidney disease

This study was conducted to measure the concentrations of strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), and lead (Pb) in canine liver, renal cortex, and renal medulla, and the association of these concentrations with age, gender, and occurrence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Tissues from 50 dogs were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Cu, Zn, and Mn levels were highest in the liver followed by the renal cortex and renal medulla. The highest Sr, Cd, and Se concentrations were measured in the renal cortex while lower levels were found in the renal medulla and liver. Female dogs had higher tissue concentrations of Sr (liver and renal medulla), Cd (liver), Zn (liver and renal cortex), Cr (liver, renal cortex, and renal medulla), and Pb (liver) than male animals. Except for Mn and Sb, age-dependent variations were observed for all element concentrations in the canine tissues. Hepatic Cd and Cr concentrations were higher in dogs with CKD. In conclusion, the present results provide new knowledge about the storage of specific elements in canine liver and kidneys, and can be considered important reference data for diagnostic methods and further investigations.

Composition Analysis of Remaining Metal Particles on Ferrochrome Kitchen Knife / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To establish a feasible evaluation index and method to identify composition of remaining metal particles on ferrochrome kitchen knife.@*METHODS@#The small samples of remaining metal particles were rubbed from the knives using filter paper. The composition of remaining metal particles was detected by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDX) and GSR particle analysis function, using mathematical methods to calculate the ratio (relative amount) of Fe and Cr in remaining metal particles.@*RESULTS@#The ratio (relative amount) of Fe and Cr of remaining metal particles had significant differences among most ferrochrome kitchen knives (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Using GSR particle analysis function to quantitatively detect the ratio (relative amount) of Fe and Cr of remaining metal particles on ferrochrome kitchen knife, which can establish the feasible evaluation method to estimate such injury tool.

Comparison surface characteristics and chemical composition of conventional metallic and Nickel-Free brackets

This study aims at comparing conventional and nickel-free metal bracket surface characteristics with elemental composition by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The sample consisted of 40 lower incisor brackets divided into four groups: ABZ = conventional brackets, Kirium Abzil 3M® (n = 10); RL = conventional brackets, Roth Light Morelli® (n = 10); NF = nickel-free brackets, Nickel-Free Morelli® (n = 10); and RM = nickel-free brackets, Roth Max Morelli® (n = 10). Qualitative evaluation of the bracket surface was performed using SEM, whereby surface features were described and compared. The elemental composition was analyzed by EDS. According to surface analysis,groups ABZ and RL showed a homogeneous surface, with better finishing, whereas the surfaces in groups NF and RM were rougher. The chemical components with the highest percentage were Fe, Cr and C. Groups NF and MR showed no nickel in their composition. In conclusion, the bracket surface of the ABZ and RL groups was more homogeneous, with grooves and pores, whereas the surfaces in groups NF and RM showed numerous flaws, cracks, pores and grooves. The chemical composition analysis confirmed that the nickel-free brackets had no Ni in their composition, as confirmed by the manufacturer’s specifications, and were therefore safe to use in patients with a medical history of allergy to this metal.

Supplementation of soft drinks with metallic ions reduces dissolution of bovine enamel

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of metallic ions to carbonated drinks on their erosive potential. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Powdered enamel was added to carbonated beverages (Coca-ColaTM or Sprite ZeroTM and shaken for 30 s. The samples were then immediately centrifuged and the supernatant removed. This procedure was repeated 5 times with the beverages containing Cu2+, Mg2+, Mn2+ or Zn2+ (1.25-60 mmol/L). For Coca-ColaTM, the concentration of each ion that exhibited the highest protection was also evaluated in combination with Fe2+. The phosphate or calcium released were analyzed spectrophotometrically. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (p<0.05). RESULTS: For Coca-ColaTM, the best protective effect was observed for Zn2+ alone (10 mmol/L) or in combination (1 mmol/L) with other ions (12% and 27%, respectively, when compared with the control). Regarding Sprite ZeroTM, the best protective effect was observed for Cu2+ at 15 and 30 mmol/L, which decreased the dissolution by 22-23%. Zn2+ at 2.5 mmol/L also reduced the dissolution of powdered enamel by 8%. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the combination of metallic ions can be an alternative to reduce the erosive potential of Coca-ColaTM. Regarding Sprite ZeroTM, the addition of Cu2+ seems to be the best alternative. .

Evaluation of ionic degradation and slot corrosion of metallic brackets by the action of different dentifrices

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in vitro ionic degradation and slot base corrosion of metallic brackets subjected to brushing with dentifrices, through analysis of chemical composition by Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and qualitative analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). METHODS: Thirty eight brackets were selected and randomly divided into four experimental groups (n = 7). Two groups (n = 5) worked as positive and negative controls. Simulated orthodontic braces were assembled using 0.019 x 0.025-in stainless steel wires and elastomeric rings. The groups were divided according to surface treatment: G1 (Máxima Proteção Anticáries®); G2 (Total 12®); G3 (Sensitive®); G4 (Branqueador®); Positive control (artificial saliva) and Negative control (no treatment). Twenty eight brushing cycles were performed and evaluations were made before (T0) and after (T1) experiment. RESULTS: The Wilcoxon test showed no difference in ionic concentrations of titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni) between groups. G2 presented significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the concentration of aluminium ion (Al). Groups G3 and G4 presented significant increase (p < 0.05) in the concentration of aluminium ion. The SEM analysis showed increased characteristics indicative of corrosion on groups G2, G3 and G4. CONCLUSION: The EDS analysis revealed that control groups and G1 did not suffer alterations on the chemical composition. G2 presented degradation in the amount of Al ion. G3 and G4 suffered increase in the concentration of Al. The immersion in artificial saliva and the dentifrice Máxima Proteção Anticáries® did not alter the surface polishing. The dentifrices Total 12®, Sensitive® and Branqueador® altered the surface polishing.

OBJETIVO: avaliar in vitro a degradação iônica e corrosão do fundo do slot de braquetes metálicos submetidos à escovação com dentifrícios, realizando análises da composição química por Espectroscopia de Energia Dispersiva (EDS) e qualitativa por Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV). MÉTODOS: foram selecionados 38 braquetes divididos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos experimentais (n = 7). Dois grupos (n = 5) funcionaram como controles positivo e negativo. Aparelhos ortodônticos simulados foram confeccionados com fios de aço inoxidável 0,019" x 0,025" e anéis elastoméricos. Os grupos foram divididos de acordo com o tratamento de superfície: G1 (Máxima Proteção Anticáries®); G2 (Total 12®); G3 (Sensitive®); G4 (Branqueador®); Controle Positivo (saliva artificial) e Controle Negativo (sem tratamento). Foram realizados 28 ciclos de escovação e avaliações antes (T0) e após (T1) o experimento. RESULTADOS: o teste de Wilcoxon indicou não existir diferença nas concentrações iônicas de titânio (Ti), cromo (Cr), ferro (Fe) e níquel (Ni) entre os grupos. O grupo G2 apresentou redução significativa (p < 0,05) na concentração do íon alumínio (Al) e os grupos G3 e G4 apresentaram aumento significativo (p < 0,05) nas concentrações do íon alumínio. A análise em MEV mostrou aumento nas características indicativas de corrosão dos grupos G2, G3 e G4. CONCLUSÃO: a análise por EDS revelou que os grupos controle e G1 não sofreram alterações na composição química. O grupo G2 apresentou degradação na quantidade de íons Al, e G3 e G4 sofreram aumento na concentração de Al. A imersão em saliva artificial e o dentifrício Máxima Proteção Anticáries® não alteraram o polimento de superfície. Os dentifrícios Total 12®, Sensitive® e Branqueador® alteraram o polimento de superfície.

Flocculation of Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn during estuarine mixing [Caspian Sea]

During estuarine mixing of fresh water with saline water and due to the flocculation process, a portion of dissolved metals come into particulate phase, and the dissolved load decreases. This process plays an important role in self-purification of heavy metals in rivers. In this study, flocculation of Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn during mixing of Cheshme-Kileh River water with Caspian Sea water has been investigated. Salinity and electrical conductivity are the governing factors for the flocculation of Mn and Cu. Zn and Ni are governed by pH. Dissolved oxygen is a governing factor for the flocculation of Pb. Rapid flocculation occurs in the earlier stages of mixing. The final flocculation rates of metals are in the following order: Mn [68.79%] > Pb [45.45%] > Ni [26.32%] > Cu [23.08%] > Zn [21.21%]. In addition, electro-flocculation [EF] is investigated. The results reveal that EF had adverse effect on flocculation rates of heavy metals. General pattern of EF of metals is like the following: Mn [57.89%] > Pb [40.9%] > Cu [23.08% > Ni [22.37%] > Zn [15.15%]. Furthermore, the effect of decreasing pH level on flocculation of heavy metals is studied. Except for Mn, decreasing the pH increased the flocculation rates of heavy metals. Maximum flocculation of Ni, Cu, Pb, and Zn occur at pH about 7.5. Due to the flocculation of trace metals during the estuarine mixing about 51.6, 7.8, 5.5, 3.9, and 3.6 ton/year of Mn, Ni, Zn, Pb, and Cu, respectively, are removed from the river water

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes between Endoscopic and Radiologic Placement of Self-expandable Metal Stent in Patients with Malignant Colorectal Obstruction / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study compared the clinical outcomes between endoscopic and radiologic placement of self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) in patients with malignant colorectal obstruction. METHODS: In total, 111 patients were retrospectively enrolled in this study between January 2003 and June 2011 at Seoul National University Boramae Hospital. Technical and clinical success rates, complication rates, and stent patency were compared between using an endoscopic (n=73) or radiologic (n=38) method during the SEMS placement procedure. RESULTS: The technical success rate was higher in the endoscopic method than in the radiologic method (100% [73/73] vs. 92.1% [35/38], respectively; p=0.038). In addition, in 3 of the remaining 35 patients in the radiologic-method group, adjuvant endoscopic assistance was required. In the six patients (including the three aforementioned patients), the causes of technical failure were the inability to pass the guidewire into an obstructive lesion due to a tortuous, curved angulation of the sigmoid or descending colon (n=4), and a difficult approach to a lesion located at the descending or transverse colon (n=2). The clinical success rate, complication rate, and stent patency did not differ significantly between the two methods (p=0.424, 0.303, and 0.423, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: When the colorectal obstruction had a tortuous, curved angulation of the colon or was located at or proximal to the descending colon, the endoscopic method of SEMS placement appears to be more useful than the radiologic method. However, once SEMS placement was technically successful, the clinical success rate, complication rate, and stent patency did not differ with the method of insertion.

Inspection of left metal particles on skin impacted by the steel hammers / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To establish a new method to estimate injury-tool by analyzing the components of left metal particles from hammers impact on pig skin and filter paper using scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDX).@*METHODS@#The pig skin and filter paper were stricken by two steel hammers. The left metal particles were examined by SEM-EDX and the results were statistically analyzed by SPSS 13.0.@*RESULTS@#The characteristics of left particles showed stable by several impacts using one steel hammer. The left particles showed no statistical difference for impact on pig skin and filter paper. The left particles displayed a statistical difference using two hammer with different components.@*CONCLUSION@#SEM-EDX can be used to detect the left metal particles from the steel hammer and can provide a method for estimating injury-tool.

Effect of denture cleansers on metal ion release and surface roughness of denture base materials

Chemical disinfectants are usually associated with mechanical methods to remove stains and reduce biofilm formation. This study evaluated the effect of disinfectants on release of metal ions and surface roughness of commercially pure titanium, metal alloys, and heat-polymerized acrylic resin, simulating 180 immersion trials. Disk-shaped specimens were fabricated with commercially pure titanium (Tritan), nickel-chromium-molybdenum-titanium (Vi-Star), nickel-chromium (Fit Cast-SB Plus), and nickel-chromium-beryllium (Fit Cast-V) alloys. Each cast disk was invested in the flasks, incorporating the metal disk to the heat-polymerized acrylic resin. The specimens (n=5) were immersed in these solutions: sodium hypochlorite 0.05%, Periogard, Cepacol, Corega Tabs, Medical Interporous, and Polident. Deionized water was used as a control. The quantitative analysis of metal ion release was performed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ELAN DRC II). A surface analyzer (Surftest SJ-201P) was used to measure the surface roughness (µm). Data were recorded before and after the immersions and evaluated by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). The nickel release proved most significant with the Vi-Star and Fit Cast-V alloys after immersion in Medical Interporous. There was a significant difference in surface roughness of the resin (p=0.011) after immersion. Cepacol caused significantly higher resin roughness. The immersion products had no influence on metal roughness (p=0.388). It could be concluded that the tested alloys can be considered safe for removable denture fabrication, but disinfectant solutions as Cepacol and Medical Interporous tablet for daily denture immersion should be used with caution because it caused greater resin surface roughness and greater ion release, respectively.

Desinfetantes químicos são normalmente associados a métodos mecânicos para remover manchas e reduzir a formação do biofilme. Este estudo avaliou o efeito de desinfetantes na liberação de íons metálicos e na rugosidade superficial do titânio comercialmente puro, ligas metálicas e resina acrílica termopolimerizável, simulando 180 ensaios de imersões. Espécimes em formato de discos foram confeccionados com titânio comercialmente puro (Tritan), liga de níquel-cromo-molibdênio-titânio (Vi-Star), liga de níquel-cromo (Fit Cast-SB Plus) e liga de níquel-cromo-berílio (Fit Cast-V). Os espécimes (n=5) foram imersos nestas soluções: hipoclorito de sódio a 0,05%, Periogard, Cepacol, Corega Tabs, Medical Interporous e Polident. Como controle, foi utilizada a água deionizada. A análise quantitativa de liberação de íons metálicos foi realizada por meio de espectrometria de massa com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ELAN DRC II). O rugosímetro (Surftest SJ-201P) foi utilizado para medir a rugosidade superficial (µm). Os dados foram registrados antes e depois das imersões e avaliados por ANOVA com dois fatores e teste de Tukey (α=0,05). A liberação de níquel provou ser mais expressiva nas ligas Vi-Star e Fit Cast-V após a imersão em Medical Interporous. Houve diferença significante na rugosidade superficial da resina (p=0,011) após a imersão. O Cepacol causou maior rugosidade superficial de forma significativa. Os produtos de imersão não influenciaram nos resultados da rugosidade do metal (p=0,388). Pode-se concluir que as ligas metálicas testadas podem ser consideradas seguras para a fabricação de próteses removíveis, mas as soluções desinfetantes como o Cepacol e a pastilha Medical Interporous para a imersão diária da prótese devem ser utilizados com cautela, pois causaram maior rugosidade superficial da resina e maior liberação de íons, respectivamente.

Efeito da 1, 10-fenantrolina e seus derivados complexados em metal na atividade proteolítica de Leishmania braziliensis / Effect of 1, 10-phenanthroline and its complexed metal derivatives in proteolytic activity of Leishmania braziliensis

Leishmanioses são um grupo de doenças com um largo espectro de manifestações clínicas, as quais variam desde lesões cutâneas até o envolvimento visceral severo, podendo levar ao ótibo. A leishmaniose é, ainda hoje, uma doença negligenciada, estando entre os agravos prioritários do programa de pesquisa sobre doenças da pobreza da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Além de não haver vacinas disponíveis, a terapia é baseada em medicamentos injetáveis que causam sérios efeitos colaterais, tornando o tratamento inviável para muitos países endêmicos. Drogas derivadas de metal representam um novo arsenal terapêutico antimicrobiano e anti-câncer. Os inibidores de peptidase/agentes quelantes tais como 1,10-fenantrolina e seus derivados, no estado livre de metal ou como ligantes com metais de transição, interferem com a função de vários sistemas biológicos. Em trabalhos anteriores, nosso grupo descreveu que o parasito L. braziliensis produziu moléculas gp63 sensíveis a 1,10-fenantrolina. No presente trabalho, demonstramos a distribuição celular da molécula gp63 em uma cepa virulenta de L. braziliensis por meio de análises bioquímicas e imuno-histoquímica. Depois disso, relatamos os efeitos inibitórios de três compostos derivados da 1,10-fenantrolina, 1,10-fenantrolina-5,6-dioma (phendio), [Cu(phendio)2] e [Ag(phendio)2], nas atividades metalopeptidases celulares e extracelulares produzidas por promastigotas de L. braziliensis, bem como as suas ações sobre a viabilidade do parasita e na interação com as células de macrófagos murinos. As moléculas gp63 foram detectadas em compartimentos de parasitos, incluindo membrana citoplasmatica e bolsa flagelar. O tratamento de promastigotas de L. braziliensis durante 1 hora com 1,10-fenantrolina e seus derivados resultou numa inibição significativa da viabilidade celular e mostrou um mecanismo de ação irreversível. Estes inibidores de metalopeptidases induziram apoptose em promastigotas de L. braziliensis, demonstrada através ...

Leishmaniasis is a group of diseases with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, which range from self-limited skin lesions to severe visceral involvement that can lead to death. Leishmaniasis is still a neglected disease, and it is among the priorities of the research program on diseases of poverty of World Health Organization (TDR/WHO). There is no available vaccine and the treatment is based on drugs that cause serious side effects, and are unaffordable in several endemic countries. Metal-based drugs represent a novel antimicrobial and anti-cancer therapeutics arsenal. Peptidase inhibitors/chelating agents such as 1,10-phenanthroline and its substituted derivatives, either the metal-free state or as ligands coordinated to transition metals, interfere with crucial functions of several biological systems. In previous works, our group described that L. braziliensis produced gp63 molecules sensible to 1,10-phenanthroline. Herein, we initially studied the cellular distribution of gp63 in a virulent strain of L. braziliensis by biochemical and immunocytochemical analyses. After that, we reported the inhibitory effects of three 1,10-phenanthroline derivative compounds, 1,10-phenanthroloine-5,6-dione (phendio), [Cu(phendio)2] and [Ag(phendio)2], on both cellular and extracellular metallopeptidase activities produced by L. braziliensis promastigotes as well as their actions on the parasite viability and on the interaction with murine macrophage cells. The gp63 molecules were detected in several parasite compartments, including cytoplasm, membrane lining the cell body and flagellum, and flagellar pocket. The treatment of L. braziliensis promastigotes for 1 hour with 1,10-phenanthroline and its derivatives resulted in a significant inhibition of cell viability and showed an irreversible mechanism of action. These metallopeptidase inhibitors induced apoptosis in L. braziliensis promastigotes as judged by annexin/propidium iodide staining and TUNEL assays ...

Kinetic properties of cell wall bound superoxide dismutase in leaves of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) following stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis) infection.

Stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici) is the most devastating disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) accounting huge economical losses to the industry worldwide. HD 2329 was a widely grown wheat cultivar which had become highly susceptible to stripe rust and was used to understand the biochemical aspects of the host pathogen interaction through characterization of superoxide dismutase (SOD). In the present study, two types of SOD, ionically or covalently bound to the particulate fraction were found in the stripe rust infected and uninfected wheat leaves of susceptible cultivar HD 2329. Cell walls of leaves contained a high level of SOD, of which 41-44% was extractable by 2 M NaCl and 10-13% by 0.5% EDTA in infected and uninfected leaves. The NaCl-released SOD constituted the predominant fraction. It exhibited maximum activity at pH 9.0, had a Km value of 1.82-2.51 for uninfected and 1.77-2.37 mM for infected, respectively with pyrogallol as the substrate, and a Vmax of 9.55-21.4 and 12.4-24.1 A min-1g-1FW. A temperature optimum of 20oC was observed for SOD of both uninfected and infected leaves. SOD showed differential response to metal ions, suggesting their distinctive nature. Inhibition of wall bound SOD by iodine and its partial regeneration of activity by mercaptoethanol suggested the involvement of cysteine in active site of the enzyme. These two forms showed greater differences with respect to thermodynamic properties like energy of activation (Ea) and enthalpy change (H), while entropy change (S) and free energy change (G) were similar. The results further showed that pathogen infection of the leaves of susceptible wheat cultivar induced a decrease in the SOD activity and kinetics which might be critical during the response of plant cells to the infection.

Determinación de macro elementos en exudado de hojas de zábila (Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f.) / Macroelements determination in zabila leaves exudate (Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f.)

El Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. (zábila) es una planta utilizada por sus propiedades medicinales, la parte utilizada de esta planta es su hoja, de ésta se extraen dos componentes: los cristales y el exudado. En esta investigación se estudió la concentración de macro elementos presentes en el exuda-do de hojas de zábila, a saber: sodio (Na), calcio (Ca), magnesio (Mg) y potasio (k) por espectrometría de absorción atómica en llama (FAAS). Las plantas estudiadas fueron cultivadas en la ciudad de Coro, estado Falcón. Las muestras compuestas de exudado se recolectaron en hojas ubi-cadas en las posiciones bajas, medias y superiores de las plantas. Luego se secaron por liofilización, y se mineralizaron: 0.25 g de muestra de exudado se sometieron a digestión ácida, con 1:2 HNO3 concentrado y H2O2 en plancha de calentamiento. Se utilizó material certificado NIST 1572, USA: Hojas de plantas cítricas, para evaluar la exactitud del método, no encontrándose diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p <0.05) entre los valores del material de referencia con los valores obtenidos con el método aplicado en esta investigación. El promedio de la desviación estándar relativa (RSD) fue de 1.41%, lo que certifica la precisión del método empleado. Las concentraciones de los macro elementos encontradas fueron: Na: 0.24 ± 0,03% p/p, k: 0.69 ± 0,13% p/p, Ca: 0.07 ± 0,01% p/p y Mg: 0.01 ± 0,00% p/p. El método empleado para determinar la concentración de Na, Ca, Mg y k en muestras de exudado de zábila por FAAS fue exacto, preciso y libre de interferencias.

The objective of this work was to determine the metals in Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. (zabila). Theses metals are necessary in the human organism; namely: Na, k, Ca y Mg. It was digested for 1 hour in a hot plate at 70 ºC 0.25 g of lyo-philized exudate with 1:2 nitric acidic and hydrogen peroxi-de. It was no found significatives statistics differences at 95% of confidence between the standard calibration curve and the aqueous calibration curve, so no matrix effect was observed. The recovery studies was satisfactory, the mean value was 99.77 ± 2%. It was no found significatives statistics differences at 95% of confidence between the certificated values (NBS: Citrics leaves 1572) of studied metals and the values found with the applied methodology. The concentrations of these elements in the real composed samples were: Na: 0.24 ± 0,03% w/w; k: 0.69 ± 0,13% w/w; Ca: 0.07 ± 0,01% w/w; Mg: 0.01 ± 0,00% w/w. The method used to determine the determined elements was exact, pre-cise and free from interferences.

Detection of metal elements of skin in electric injury by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the feasibility of the detection of metal elements of skin in electric injury using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and to establish a method to detect metal elements of skin in electric injury.@*METHODS@#Brass, copper, aluminum and iron were used as electrodes to make electrical marks on rabbit hindlimb (220V AC), and then ICP-MS was used to detect the metal elements in injured skin.@*RESULTS@#Comparing with control group,the levels of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb showed higher in the group of brass shock (P < 0.05); the levels of Cr, Cu and Pb were higher in group of the copper shock (P < 0.05); the levels of Al, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu and Pb displayed stronger in group of aluminum shock (P < 0.05); the levels of Cr, Mn, Fe and Ni showed higher in the group of iron shock (P < 0.05). The types and levels of metal elements showed the significant difference between different electrode groups after electric injury.@*CONCLUSION@#ICP-MS can be used as an effective tool to determine electric injury, and the method can be used to estimate the features of electrodes.

Biodesintegración de aparatología ortodóntica metálica / Biodisintegration of metal orthodontic appliances

El objetivo de esta revisión de la literatura es describir los procesos de alteración de la aparatología de uso en ortodoncia a partir de su interacción con el medio bucal. En este aspecto se describe el medio bucal desde el punto de vista químico-biológico y a partir de allí los mecanismos de corrosión y sus posibles efectos sobre los arcos y brackets. Este último aspecto es analizado desde su composición y configuración. Se realizan consideraciones también desde el punto de vista de los materiales sin uso y reciclados.

Hydrogen peroxide bleaching: effect of various concentrations on mercury and other metal ions release from dmixed and spherical dental amalgam / Clareamento por peróxido de hidrogênio: efeito de várias concentrações de mercúrio e liberação de outros íons metálicos pelos amálgamas dentais misturado e esférico

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different hydrogen peroxide concentrations (HP) on mercury and other metal ions release from admixed and spherical dental amalgam. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental amalgam discs were prepared from GS.80 and Lojic+ alloys (Southern Dental Industries, Australia) according to manufacturer’s instructions in stainless steel moulds (10mm diameter and 2mm thickness). The discs (n=25 of each alloy) were divided into five equal groups for each alloy. Each group was immersed in 20 ml of 38%, 24%, 10%, or 3% HP solution for 24 h at 37ºC with 0% (distilled water) as control. Following immersion procedure, solutions were taken for metal ion release determination (Hg, Ag, Sn and Cu) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Statistical analysis was conducted using one and two way ANOVA tests to determine significance of differences between test groups. Bonferroni Post Hoc test was conducted for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Metal ion release for the elements (Hg, Ag, Sn and Cu) increased with exposure to increasing concentrations of HP for both GS.80 and Lojic+ amalgam alloys. The differences in concentration of metal ions released after treatment with 0% (control), 3%, 10%, 24% or 38% HP were statistically significant (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: Metal ions (Hg, Ag, Cu and Sn) were released from dental amalgam following treatment with all HP concentrations. Metal ion release increased with increasing HP concentration. Even with exposure of dental amalgam to relatively high HP concentration (38%), released Hg did not exceed the maximum acceptable limit.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar os efeitos de diferentes concentrações de peróxido de hidrogênio na liberação de íons de Hg e outros metais de amálgamas misturados e esféricos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Discos de amálgama dental foram preparados com ligas GS.80 e Lojic+, de acordo com instruções dos fabricantes, em moldes de aço inoxidável (10 mm de diâmetro e 2 mm de espessura). Os discos (n=25 de cada liga) foram divididos em cinco grupos iguais para cada liga. Cada grupo foi imerso em 20 ml de solução HP a 38%, 24%, 10% ou 3% a 37ºC, por 24 h a 37ºC, e com água destilada 0% como controle. Após os procedimentos de imersão, soluções foram tomadas para determinação da liberação de íons metálicos (Hg, Ag, Sn and Cu) utilizando-se espectometria da massa de plasma pareadas por indução (ICP-MS). Análise estatística foi conduzida utilizando-se ANOVA testes para determinar significância das diferenças entre os grupos testes. Bonferroni Post Hoc foram feitos para comparações múltiplas. RESULTADOS: A liberação de íons metálicos para os elementos (Hg, Ag, Sn e Cu) aumentou com a exposição a concentrações aumentadas de peróxido de hidrogênio após o tratamento, tanto para a liga de amálgama GS 80 como para aLojic +. As diferenças de concentração dos íons liberados após tratamento com concentrações de peróxido de H a 0%, 3%, 10% ou 38 % foram estatisticamente significantes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSÕES: Íons metálicos (Hg, Ag, Cu e Sn) foram liberados de amálgamas dentais seguindo-se tratamento com todas as concentrações de H2O2. A liberação de ions metálicos aumentou com a elevação da concentração do peróxido de hidrogênio. Mesmo com exposição de amálgama dental a concentrações relativamente altas de peróxido de hidrogênio (38%), a liberação de Hg não excedeu o limite máximo aceitável.

On the electrodeposition of reactive metals from ionic liquids

In this paper we show that ionic liquids can be used for the electrodeposition of highly reactive elements, which can not be obtained from aqueous solutions, such as aluminium, magnesium and lithium as well as of refractory metals such as tantalum and titanium. The development of ionic liquids, especially air and water stable ones, has opened the door for the electrodeposition of reactive elements which in the past were only accessible using high temperature molten salts or, in part, organic solvents. Due to their high stability, ionic liquids can be regarded as the missing link to high temperature molten salts. Currently, ionic liquids can not yet replace molten salts in the electrowinning of reactive and refractory metals. Nevertheless, they can be employed efficiently for the coating of other metals with thin layers of tantalum, aluminum and presumably many other ones at reasonable temperatures. From a practical point of view, molten salts are hardly suited for the coating of sensitive materials like NiTi shape memory alloy with other metals since the electrolysis process is performed usually at temperatures above 400 C. With ionic liquids a technical electroplating process might be performed at moderate or even at room temperature

Potential considerations & concerns in the risk characterization for the interaction profiles of metals.

The contaminants of concern for smelting and mining sites include arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn). Risk assessments for such sites need to consider whether toxicity values can be developed for this mixture, and if not, whether interactions among the individual components are significant and can be incorporated quantitatively into the assessment. No information is available for the risk characterization of the toxic interactions of AsCdPbZn mixtures. Studies of the AsCdPb and CdPbZn mixtures supported the assumption that a reasonable approximation to the toxicity of a mixture can be achieved by considering the binary submixtures. Data relevant to long-term simultaneous exposure to binary submixtures were not conclusive. For example, data from animal and human studies of Zn and Pb suggested that moderately elevated Zn intakes may slightly inhibit Pb absorption and haematological effects in children who have deficient or marginal Zn intakes, but were not adequate for adjusting absorption parameters in the Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic (IEUBK) model for Pb. Thus the existing database calls for plausible approaches for risk characterization and considerations in the data usage for such characterization. This article is an attempt to identify such data gaps and the scientific considerations for such efforts.

Removal of copper(II) ions from aqueous solutions by Azolla rongpong: batch and continuous study.

Batch and packed bed continuous biosorption studies were conducted to investigate the kinetics and isotherms of Cu(II) ions on the biomass of blue green alga Azolla rongpong. It is observed that the biosorption capacity of algae depends on initial pH and dosage. The biosorption capacity increases with increasing concentration and follows Freundlich isotherm model well with k and n values 0.06223 and 0.949 respectively. The optimum pH of 3.5 with an algae dosage of 1 g/L was observed. The results indicate that with the advantage of high metal biosorption capacity and recovery of Cu(II) ions, A. rongpong can be used as an efficient and economic biosorbent for the removal and recovery of toxic heavy metals from aqueous wastes even at higher concentration.