ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to analyze the surface morphology and elemental composition of zirconia implants before and after photofunctionalization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten zirconia implants (white sky implant system- Bredent Company) five each in the study group and control group was taken. Study group samples were treated with ultraviolet light for 48 h. Microstructured surface of the study and control group blanks at abutment and thread regions were documented by Scanning Electron Microscope The semi-quantitative element composition was analyzed using Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrum. RESULTS: SEM images of the study and control group divulged a varied array of topographical configuration of the abutment area and thread region at different magnifications. At low magnification, both study and control group revealed plain compact surface and wavy porous area, whereas higher magnification showed dense grainy regions of various sizes and intensities disrupted by pores. EDX spectrum analysis for elemental composition showed increased oxygen concentration in the study group (42.8%) than the control group (29.09%), whereas carbon concentration was lower in photofunctionalized group (34.34%) than in the control group (45.41%). CONCLUSION: In zirconia implants, photofunctionalization is a viable method to effectively enhance the surface topography and hydrophilicity of bone-implant interface.
ABSTRACT
Zirconia is gaining interest as a ceramic biomaterial for implant applications due to its biocompatibility and desirable mechanical properties. At present, zirconia-based bioceramics is often seen in the applications of hip replacement and dental implants. This article briefly reviews different surface modification techniques that have been applied to zirconia such as polishing, sandblasting, acid etching, biofunctionalization, coating, laser treatment, and ultraviolet light treatment. The potential of surface modification to make zirconia a successful implant material in the future is highly dependent on the establishment of successful in vitro and in vivo studies. Hence, further effort should be made in order to deepen the understanding of tissue response to implant and tissue regeneration process.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Worldwide, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer affecting women. The five most frequent cancers affecting women in India are breast, cervical, oral cavity, lung, and colorectal cancer. More women die from cervical cancer in India than in any other country. Cancers of major public health relevance such as breast, oral, cervical, gastric, lung, and colorectal cancer can be cured if detected early and treated adequately. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes toward cervical cancer screening and prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 professional college female students to obtain information about their knowledge and attitudes on cervical cancer screening and prevention. RESULTS: In this study, we intended to assess the knowledge and attitudes toward cervical cancer screening and prevention among 100 professional college female students with a mean age of 18 years. All the respondents were single. Majority of the respondents were not aware about the cervical cancer, PAP smear testing, and human papillomavirus vaccine. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that most of the students participated in our study were not aware about the cervical cancer screening and prevention. Deaths resulting from cervical cancer are tragic as this type of cancer develops slowly, which is treatable and can be prevented through screening. Therefore, it is important that negative attitudes and gaps in knowledge should be addressed early before the women reach suitable ages for screening and vaccination.
