Longitudinal alterations in motivational salience processing in ultra-high-risk subjects for psychosis.

BACKGROUND: Impairments in the attribution of salience are thought to be fundamental to the development of psychotic symptoms and the onset of psychotic disorders. The aim of the present study was to explore longitudinal alterations in salience processing in ultra-high-risk subjects for psychosis. METHOD: A total of 23 ultra-high-risk subjects and 13 healthy controls underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging at two time points (mean interval of 17 months) while performing the Salience Attribution Test to assess neural responses to task-relevant (adaptive salience) and task-irrelevant (aberrant salience) stimulus features. RESULTS: At presentation, high-risk subjects were less likely than controls to attribute salience to relevant features, and more likely to attribute salience to irrelevant stimulus features. These behavioural differences were no longer evident at follow-up. When attributing salience to relevant cue features, ultra-high-risk subjects showed less activation than controls in the ventral striatum at both baseline and follow-up. Within the high-risk sample, amelioration of abnormal beliefs over the follow-up period was correlated with an increase in right ventral striatum activation during the attribution of salience to relevant cue features. CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirm that salience processing is perturbed in ultra-high-risk subjects for psychosis, that this is linked to alterations in ventral striatum function, and that clinical outcomes are related to longitudinal changes in ventral striatum function during salience processing.

Isoenzymes of adenosine deaminase and metalloproteinases as biomarkers in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

It is estimated that approximately 1 percent of babies born per year result from in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, and other assisted reproductive technologies. In humans, the exact mechanisms that lead to embryonic attachment to the endometrial epithelium and invasion into the endometrial stroma have not been fully characterized. The aim of the study is to estimate serum total adenosine deaminase and isoenzymes ADA1, ADA2, as well as MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-13 and MIP-1a as parameters for pregnancy following IVF-ET. The study group comprised seventeen women who conceived (Group A) and nineteen women aged 21-42 years who did not conceive (Group B) after IVF-ET. Blood samples were collected between 09.00 and 10.00 a.m. during IVF-ET treatment at two different periods. The first blood sample was collected before ET and the second sample 14 days after ET. All serum samples were assayed for the MMP-2, MMP-3 MMP-13 and MIP-1a concentrations with ELISA assay. Serum tADA activity was measured by a spectrophotometer using adenosine as the substrate (Method by Giusti). According to our results it was demonstrated that women who successfully conceived after IVF-ET showed significantly lower serum concentrations of ADA1, MMP-2, MMP-3 and higher serum concentration of MMP-13 at 14 days following ET. In conclusion, ADA1 may play a protective role at the hemochorial interface. Thus, our results suggest that ADA1 may have a modulatory role in the implantation and duration of the pregnancy. In women with successful or unsuccessful pregnancy compared with normal women the levels of ADA and MMPs may be affected by the exogenous hormone therapy according to the protocol of ovarian stimulation during IVF-ET.

The effect of temperature on the viscoelastic properties of nano-hybrid composites.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the viscoelastic properties of nanofilled dental composites under both static and dynamic testing and to determine the influence of temperature, medium of storage and storage time. METHODS: Three nanofilled composites, one packable and one ormocer were tested. The specimens were examined dry at 21 degrees C and wet at 21, 37 and 50 degrees C after being stored for 24h and 1 month under both static and dynamic testing. Shear modulus, elastic modulus, loss tangent, Poisson's ratio and other viscoelastic parameters were calculated. Data were analyzed with one-way and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (p=0.05). RESULTS: All materials tested showed a significant decrease in their moduli with the increase of temperature, while the effect of water storage was different among the composites. Grandio was the composite with the highest Young's modulus followed by Filtek P60. SIGNIFICANCE: Most of the materials tested did not have elastic moduli near to that of dentin, making them less satisfactory in posterior restorations. The materials possessing nanosized filler particles had different elastic properties among them and this implies that filler size is not the only factor that affects the elastic behavior of dental composites.

The effect of temperature on viscoelastic properties of glass ionomer cements and compomers.

The objective of this study was to determine the viscoelastic properties of different types of glass ionomer cements (GICs) and compomers under varying temperature conditions found in the mouth. The materials tested were a conventional GIC (Aqua Ionofil U), a resin modified GIC (Fuji II LC), a highly viscous GIC (Voco Ionofil Molar), and two polyacid modified composite resins/compomers (Glasiosite and Dyract Flow). Six groups of four specimens were prepared from each material. One group was stored dry for 24 h and was subsequently tested dry at 21 degrees C. Each of the remaining five groups was stored for 24 h in distilled water at the temperatures 21, 30.5, 37, 43.5, and 50 degrees C, respectively, and was subsequently tested at that temperature. Shear storage modulus and loss tangent were determined by conducting dynamic torsional loading. Static shear moduli were determined by applying a constant torque (below the proportional limit of the materials) for 10 s and recording the angular deformation of the specimens. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Duncan's test (alpha= 0.05). It was found that the viscoelastic properties varied significantly (p < 0.05) across the different materials. The compomer Glasiosite, with the highest filler content, and the highly viscous GIC Voco Ionofil Molar exhibited the highest elastic moduli and lowest loss tangents. Viscoelastic properties varied also significantly (p < 0.05) with temperature levels, but changes in the tested region were not indicative of a glass transition. Dynamic shear storage moduli were highly correlated to the static ones. Storage in water lowered the values of elastic moduli.

Fatigue of packable dental composites.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to measure the fatigue properties of four dental resin composites using a dynamic mechanical analysis and to relate the results with viscoelastic properties. METHODS: Dynamic torsional loading was conducted at resonance at 30-50Hz. Specimens were thoroughly cured and tested dry at 21 degrees C. RESULTS: All of the specimens showed a loss of strength following repeated stress, due to material fatigue. The material with the highest shear modulus had the lowest damping and the highest fatigue strength. SIGNIFICANCE: Dental composites exhibit a modest loss of strength due to fatigue. Since mastication involves many cycles of stress during the life of a restoration, fatigue properties should be taken into account in restoration design.

Dynamic and static elastic moduli of packable and flowable composite resins and their development after initial photo curing.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dynamic (storage) shear modulus and the static shear modulus of elasticity of packable and flowable composite resins and to investigate their development after initial photo-curing. METHODS: Three pairs of a packable versus a flowable composite and a microfill composite resin were tested (Alert/Flow It, Filtek P60/Filtek Flow, Admira/Admira Flow, A 110). Cylindrical specimens (0.85 mm x 18 mm) were made for each material. All specimens were conditioned and tested dry at 21 degrees C. The specimens were tested at 30 min, 24h and 1 week after the end of photo curing. Storage shear modulus and loss tangent were determined by conducting dynamic torsional loading in the frequency range from 1 to 150 Hz. Static shear modulus measurements were made by applying a constant load (below the proportional limit of the materials) for 10s and recording the angular deformation of the specimens. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Duncan's Post hoc test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Storage shear moduli (at 1 week measurement) ranged from 3.39 to 9.67 GPa, and loss tangents from 0.0735 to 0.0235; static shear moduli ranged between 2.66 and 9.80 GPa. High values of elastic moduli and low tandelta values were obtained with packable composites, while low moduli values were obtained with flowable composites. Statistically significant (alpha=0.05) differences were recorded between materials of the same category. Storage time, 24h and 1 week after initial polymerization, resulted in significant increases in both moduli of elasticity. Dynamic shear storage moduli were highly correlated to the static ones (r(2)=0.92; P<0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: The results of the aging studies showed that the rigidity of these materials increases significantly even 1 week after the clinician turns off the curing unit.

The effect of pulse activation on microleakage of a 'packable' composite resin and two 'ormocers'.

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of pulse polymerization on microleakage of one packable composite resin and two organically modified ceramics (ormocers), within a high C-factor preparation. Class-V cavity preparations with occlusal margins in enamel and gingival margins in dentin were prepared on 60 freshly extracted premolars or molars. Teeth were randomly assigned to 12 experimental groups (five teeth each) representing the different restorative systems, mode of polymerization and thermal cycling test. Three groups of 20 teeth each were restored with one of the following restorative systems: Scotch bond 1/Filtek P 60, Admira bond/Admira, Etch&Prime 3.0/Definite. 10 restorations of each restorative system (two experimental groups) were conventionally polymerized, whereas the other 10 restorations were polymerized with a pulse program. The specimens were stored in double-distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 h. Ten restorations from each restorative system (30 restorations, half of the specimens) were thermocycled, the other 30 restorations were kept in double-distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 h. Then all 60 restorations stained with dye, sectioned and scored for microleakage. Results showed that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) among the materials with respect to microleakage scores. The experimental groups that were conventionally polymerized revealed significantly more microleakage (P < 0.05) after thermal cycling than all the other groups. The gingival microleakage was significantly more (P < 0.05) than occlusal in conventionally polymerized, thermocycled experimental groups.

Dynamic mechanical analysis of viscoelastic functions in packable composite resins measured by torsional resonance.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the viscoelastic functions of packable composite resins with the use of a resonant dynamic mechanical analysis technique in torsion. The materials tested were: Alert (Jeneric Pentron), Prodigy Condensable (Kerr Corporation), Surefil (Dentsply DeTrey), and Filtek P60 (3M Dental Products). Dynamic torsional loading was conducted in the frequency range from 1 to 150 Hz. Composite specimens were tested after storage in water at 37 degrees C for 24 h. One group was thermal cycled for 3000 cycles with temperatures of 5-37-50 degrees C. Measurements were taken at 21 degrees C dry, and at 37 and 50 degrees C wet. Storage modulus, loss tangent, and other viscoelastic parameters were determined from the amplitude/frequency curves. Data for storage modulus and loss tangent of the materials were analyzed by means of ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls test (alpha = 0.05). It was found that there were significant differences (P < 0.001) in storage modulus and loss tangent among the packable composites tested. The highest value of storage modulus, in measurements at 21 degrees C, was for Alert (10.3 GPa), followed by Filtek P60 (9.31 GPa), Surefil (7.29 GPa), and Prodigy Condensable (6.74 GPa). There were significant differences (P < 0.001) in storage modulus and loss tangent among the four different conditions tested. Storage modulus decreased at higher temperatures, whereas the loss tangent increased. Thermal cycling increased storage modulus and decreased loss tangent. The results showed that both monomer and filler composition and filler loading of the materials significantly affect their viscoelastic functions, and the mechanical properties of the products cannot be characterized from the packability alone.

The effect of thermal cycling on the bovine dentine shear bond strength of current adhesive systems.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of thermal cycling on shear bond strength to bovine dentine of four current adhesive systems. Forty bovine incisors were ground flat with #600-grit silicon carbide paper to obtain superficial coronal dentine surfaces. Three one-bottle (etch and rinse) adhesive systems (Single Bond, Bond 1, One Step), and one self-etching primer adhesive system (Clearfil Liner Bond 2V) were evaluated. Dentine was conditioned and bonded with the adhesive systems tested according to the manufacturers' instructions. A cylindrical teflon mould (3 x 4 mm) was placed over the bonded area (to eliminate the bonded surface) and filled with composite resin. For each adhesive system the filling composite used was from the same manufacturer. Ten specimens were prepared for each material and all specimens were conditioned at 37 degrees C for 24 h. Five specimens of each material (half of the specimens) were thermocycled at 5000 cycles (at 5, 37, 55 and 37 degrees C) with a dwell time of 15 s and bonds were stressed in shear at a rate of 0.5 mm min(-1) until failure. Data were analysed by one-way anova and Student-Newman-Keuls rank test (alpha=0.05). Statistical analysis revealed that thermal cycling significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the bond strengths of all adhesive systems. Bond strengths prior to thermocycling were not significantly different (P > 0.05), except for One Step which revealed the lowest bond strength, and varied from 22.5 +/- 3.34 to 10.98 +/-0.87 MPa. After thermal cycling, the bond strengths ranged from 9.35 +/- 1.13 to 6.06 +/- 1.77 MPa. Failures after testing and prior to thermal cycle were most commonly adhesive failures between the bonding resin and dentine associated with partial cohesive failures in the adhesive resin (type 2). Adhesive failures between bonding resin and dentin (type 1) after thermocycling were most commonly seen.

Dynamic viscoelastic behavior of resin cements measured by torsional resonance.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to measure the viscoelastic properties of four dental resin composite cements using a dynamic mechanical analysis technique. METHODS: Dynamic torsional loading was conducted in the frequency range from 1 to 80 Hz. Cement specimens were tested after storage in 37 degrees C water for 24 h. One group was thermal cycled prior to testing. Measurements were taken at 21, 37, and 50 degrees C. Storage modulus, loss tangent and other viscoelastic parameters were determined from the amplitude/frequency curves. RESULTS: Storage moduli of the cements ranged from 2.9 to 4.1 GPa at 37 degrees C. Loss tangents ranged from 0.054 to 0.084. Storage moduli decreased in a regular way with increasing temperature, whereas, loss tangents increased. Thermal cycling caused small decreases in storage moduli. SIGNIFICANCE: Resin cements with higher filler loading were found to have higher storage moduli and lower loss tangents. Since these properties have been associated with better clinical performance in the areas of retention and prevention of fracture of porcelain and resin restorations, the more highly filled cements may be recommended. Temperature variations influenced viscoelastic behavior of the cements. However, within the temperature range studied no sharp drop in modulus was seen, so the materials should function satisfactorily in the oral cavity.

Fluoride release from restorative materials and a luting cement.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: In addition to conventional glass ionomers, a considerable number of different types of materials have been formulated to release fluoride. Variation in composition results in quantitative differences in the amount of fluoride release by these materials. PURPOSE: This study evaluated and compared fluoride release in distilled water from different types of restorative materials and a luting cement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fluoride release from 4 glass ionomer formulation restorative materials (Miracle-Mix, Fuji ionomer type III, Fuji II LC improved, and Ketac-Silver), a luting cement (Ketac Cem), a compomer (Compoglass Flow), 2 sealants (Fissurit F, Helioseal F), and a composite resin (Tetric) was evaluated at time intervals of 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours and 2, 3, 7, 14, 28, 56, and 112 days. Seven disks of each material were made and stored for equilibration in double distilled water at 37 degrees C for the time of each measurement. The equilibrated solution was analyzed for fluoride with a TISAB and an ion-specific combination electrode (ORION 960900) connected to an expandable ion analyzer (Crison micropH 2002). Data were analyzed by means of univariate analysis of variance, the Dunnett C post hoc test, and repeated measures analysis. RESULTS: Fluoride was released from all the evaluated materials, with considerable variation in the rate of release but a similar pattern. Among the materials tested, fluoride release from glass ionomer formulations was greater than that from composite resin formulations; the rank of decreasing order was as follows: Miracle Mix > Fuji III, Ketac Cem > Fuji II LC > Ketac Silver, Compoglass F > Fissurit F, Helioseal F > Tetric (> indicates statistical significance; P< .05). CONCLUSION: Under the conditions of this study, glass ionomer formulations and the compomer released more fluoride than the sealants and the composite resin tested.

Fluoride release from three glass ionomers, a compomer, and a composite resin in water, artificial saliva, and lactic acid.

The amounts and the pattern of fluoride release from one metal-reinforced glass ionomer cement, two resin-modified glass ionomer cements, one compomer, and one composite resin placed in double-distilled water, artificial saliva, and lactic acid were evaluated in this study. Measurements of fluoride ion release were made for a total of 105 cylindrical specimens (10 mm in diameter and 1.5 mm in height). They were taken over a period of 16 weeks at the intervals of 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours, as well as 2, 3, 7, 14, 28, 56, and 112 days. The pattern of fluoride release was similar for all of the examined materials. The greatest amount of fluoride was released from the metal-reinforced glass ionomer Argion. The resin-modified glass ionomers Vitremer, Fuji II LC; the compomer Dyract; and the composite resin Tetric followed in ranking order. The pH of the environment strongly affected the fluoride release from the materials. There was a significant difference (P < 0.001) in the amounts of fluoride released in lactic acid vs water and artificial saliva, whereas, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the amounts of fluoride released in water vs artificial saliva.

Microleakage of bonded amalgam restorations: effect of thermal cycling.

This study examined the effect of thermal cycling on the microleakage of bonded amalgam restorations. Three dental amalgam alloys and a gallium alloy were tested with two adhesive resin systems and copal varnish as a control. Class V cavity preparations were prepared on 168 freshly extracted premolars or molars. The preparations were placed parallel to and 1.0 mm occlusal to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). Four groups of 42 teeth each were treated with one of the following adhesive dentin systems: Bond-It, All-Bond 2/Resinomer or a copal varnish (Copalite). The four groups of 42 teeth each were then restored with one of three dental amalgams: Orosphere Plus, Indiloy, Oralloy or a Gallium alloy (Galloy), resulting in 12 test groups of 14 teeth each. The specimens were stored in double distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. Final contouring and polishing of the restorations were performed under water spray. Half of the restorations in each group were thermocycled for 3000 cycles (5 degrees C-37 degrees C-55 degrees C-37 degrees C) with a dwell time of 15 sec at each temperature. The other half were stored in double distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. Then all 168 restorations were stained with dye, sectioned and scored for microleakage. Results showed that the adhesive dentin systems reduced microleakage in amalgam restorations compared to copal varnish only in non-thermocycled specimens. Statistical analysis of the results showed that there was an extremely significant difference (p < 0.001) in microleakage between the non-thermocycled and the thermocycled specimens in all test groups, whereas, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) among thermocycled specimens. The reduction of microleakage was not significantly different between Bond-It and All-Bond 2/Resinomer in non-thermocycled specimens. Oralloy showed the most microleakage in the non-thermocycled groups when compared to the other alloys using the same adhesive liner.

A survey of food problems experienced by Toronto street youth.

A brief survey was undertaken to assess the nature and severity of food scarcity experienced by a sample of 88 street youth in downtown Toronto, and to identify markers of vulnerability to food scarcity. Almost half of the youth reported experiencing involuntary hunger or food deprivation during the previous 30 days. Youth who were literally homeless (i.e., on the street or "squatting" in abandoned buildings) and those relying primarily on street-based activities for income appeared particularly vulnerable to food deprivation. Although limited in scope, the findings raise questions about the nutritional well-being of street youth and highlight the need for more effective interventions to address problems of poverty, hunger, and homelessness among Canadian youth.