Comparative study of anatomical features of primary and accessory maxillary ostia between patients with obstructive sleep apnea and healthy controls.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine how the size and shape of the maxillary sinus and its ostia (the primary maxillary ostium and accessory maxillary ostium) relate to each other in patients with OSA using computed tomography (CT) scans. Additionally, the study aimed to explore whether or not obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) had an effect on these structures. METHODS: CT images of patients diagnosed with OSAS and healthy participants were evaluated to compare the patency, location, dimension, and presence of PMOs and AMOs using the Mann-Whitney U, Student t, and chi-square tests. Also, intragroup correlations were analyzed by Spearman's correlation test. RESULTS: Among 139 patients with OSA and healthy controls, there were significant variations in the average length (p = 0.001) and width (p = 0.008) of PMOs among the study groups. The mean maxillary sinus volume was significantly decreased in the OSA group (p = 0.001). A significant decrease in the maxillary sinus volume was observed in the OSA group (p = 0.001). In the OSA group, a significant correlation was observed between PMO obstruction and the presence of AMO (p = 0.004). The healthy group had significant correlations (r = 0.755, p = 0.000) between the vertical height and the distance between PMO and the maxillary sinus floor. Correlation analyses revealed positive, strong correlations between study variables such as the mean length and width of AMO and the vertical height of the maxillary sinus (r = 0.566, p = 0.000) in the OSA group. CONCLUSIONS: The current study indicated significant differences in sinus volume, PMO occlusion, and AMO-related dimensions between patients with OSA and healthy controls.

Effect of single-dose locally applied lactoferrin on autograft healing in peri-implant bone in rat models.

Immediate dental implant installation into fresh extraction sockets has become a common surgical technique and yields successful clinical results. In addition, complete contact may not be possible with this procedure cause of defects between the bone wall and the implant surface. Therefore, different graft materials have been used in the literature to increase the peri­implant bone volume. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of single-dose and locally applied lactoferrin on autograft healing in peri­implant area and bone implant contact value. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were included in this study. Firstly, a trephine drill was used for creating a cylindrical bony defects (6.5 mm in diameter and 3 mm in depth) under sterile saline irrigation in the lateral side of the femur. Subsequently, implant beds -2.5 mm diameter and 6 mm depth - were prepared in the middle of each defect with special implant drills. All of the implants were installed and primary stability was achieved. Rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 8 each): Group-1 had empty defects, Group-2 had defects filled with autograft, and Group-3 had defects filled with autograft and lactoferrin solution (100 µg/ml) combination. All of the rats were sacrificed at postoperative 4th week and samples were analyzed with micro-computed tomography, histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry respectively. It was found that Group 3 had the least area of fibrous tissue (6.75±0.83mm2) according to the other 2 groups (p<0.001). On the other hand, Group 3 had the highest osteoblast number (25.50±3.29), osteoclast number (21.25±1.03), newly formed bone area (20.50±1.30 mm2), total healing area (22.62±0.93 mm2), defect closure rate (80.37±1.40%), bone implant contact value (23.2%±0.6%), and percentage bone volume (18.2%±0.3%) (p<0.001). Matrix metalloproteinase-3 expression was found to be highest in Group 3 by immunohistochemistry analysis. In this study it was observed that the results of the different analysis techniques supported each other. According to these findings it can be stated that a single-dose and locally applied lactoferrin solution plays an important role in the autograft healing in peri­implant area and increasing bone implant contact value. These findings will shed light on further clinical studies of implant osseointegration.

Myo-inositol Oxygenase as a Novel Marker in the Diagnosis of Acute Kidney Injury.

BACKGROUND: Due to the lack of diagnostic efficiency of serum creatinine in acute kidney injury (AKI), there is a pressing need to develop novel diagnostic markers. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated myo-inositol oxygenase (MIOX), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and cystatin C in terms of their applicability in the diagnosis of AKI. METHODS: We enrolled a total of 39 AKI patients and 38 healthy controls in the study. We compared the levels of serum MIOX, NGAL and cystatin C between the two groups. RESULTS: We found that the concentrations of serum creatinine, blood-urea nitrogen, MIOX and cystatin C were higher in the AKI group. According to the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) values were 0.694 (95% CI 0.579-0.794) for MIOX and 0.976 (95% CI; 0.912-0.997) for cystatin C. For MIOX, when the cut-off concentration was set to 77.3 pg/mL, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were found to be 53.8% (95% CI; 37.2-69.9) and 81.5 (95% CI; 65.7-92.3), respectively. For cystatin C, at the cut-off value of 14 mg/L, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 94.8% (95% CI; 82.7-99.4) and 94.7 % (95% CI 82.3-99.4), respectively. CONCLUSION: The measurement of serum MIOX and cystatin C levels is valuable for the diagnosis of AKI. Further research is needed for the evaluation of the potential use of MIOX as a kidney-specific enzyme in the early diagnosis of AKI.

Comparative evaluation of various low-level laser therapies on bone healing following tooth extraction: An experimental animal study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of helium-neon and gallium-aluminum-arsenide lasers with various doses on bone healing following tooth extraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maxillary right incisor teeth of 30 female albino Wistar rats were extracted. Five groups were established: four groups treated with helium-neon or gallium-aluminum-arsenide lasers and a control group. Both laser groups' rats received energy doses of 6 J/cm2 and 10 J/cm2 for 7 days. At the end of 30 days, all subjects were sacrificed for histological and morphological evaluations. RESULTS: Laser groups showed faster bone healing and gallium-aluminum-arsenide lasers increased vascular immunoreactivity. The most widespread organized bone formation in the extraction socket was observed in the gallium-aluminum-arsenide laser group with the energy dose of 10 J/cm2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that low-level laser therapies were effective on alveolar bone healing and that an energy dose of 10 J/cm2 did not have an inhibition effect on bone regeneration.

Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy With a Herbal Extract on Alveolar Bone Healing.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effect of a gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) diode laser used in low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with the application of Mecsina Hemostopper on mandibular alveolar bone healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standard semispherical bone defects were created in left mandibular diastema sites of 32 female Long-Evans rats. Experimental animals were allocated to 1 of 4 groups: control group (no treatment), laser group (GaAlAs LLLT), Mecsina group, and laser-Mecsina combination group. Liquid Mecsina 0.01 mL was applied to the bone defects. Laser treatment was performed for 7 days after surgery at an energy dose of 10 J/cm2. All animals were sacrificed to observe hard tissue healing histologically, immunohistochemically, and radiologically at 30 days after surgery. RESULTS: Histologic assessment showed significantly more calcified tissue areas and significantly more osteoblast cells in the laser and laser-Mecsina groups than in the other groups (P < .01). Qualitative morphologic assessment showed that more bone tissue was present in the laser-Mecsina group than in the other groups. CONCLUSION: This study showed that LLLT, Mecsina application, and combined treatments were effective in healing alveolar bone among all tested treatment modalities.

A customized zirconia abutment design combined with a CAD/CAM laminate veneer: a clinical report.

An alternative prosthetic treatment approach for single implants in the maxillary esthetic zone with an improper implant axis, limited interocclusal distance, inadequate abutment retention, and screw holes located at the labial surface is presented in this clinical report. The gingiva and soft tissues were contoured with provisional composite restorations to mimic the emergence profile of lateral incisors. Prefabricated zirconia abutments were customized with laminate veneer preparations by appropriate ceramic build-up with reference from the reshaped gingiva to avoid labiolingual overcontour. The laminate veneers were fabricated by computer-aided design/ computer-assisted manufacture to cover the screw hole of the angulated abutment at the labial surface. Preliminary results revealed improvement in esthetics; however, long-term clinical follow-up should be performed.

Effect of Veneering Methods on Zirconia Framework-Veneer Ceramic Adhesion and Fracture Resistance of Single Crowns.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance (FR) and shear bond strength (SBS) via finite element analysis (FEA) of zirconia framework veneered with different methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Zirconia frameworks were prepared as crowns for FR and cubic blocks for SBS (N = 60, n = 10). The specimens were veneered with one of the following veneering methods: (a) overcemented file-splitting (OCF), (b) layering (L), or (c) overpressing (P). For crowns, stainless steel dies (N = 30; chamfer: 1 mm) were scanned using a contrast spray. Bilayered design for OCF and reduced design (1 mm) for both L and P were performed by computer-aided design and manufacturing. For the SBS test, zirconia blocks were sectioned (4 × 4 × 4 mm(3)) under water cooling and sintered. Frameworks were veneered with compatible ceramics for each veneering method and subjected to mechanical tests. The milled suprastructures were bonded to zirconia frameworks using a resin composite in Group OCF and photopolymerized. Crowns were cemented to the metal dies with resin modified glass-ionomer cement. All specimens were stored at 37°C, 100% humidity for 48 hours prior to mechanical tests. Data were statistically analyzed (ANOVA, Bonferroni tests, α = 0.05). Fractured specimens were examined under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and FEA modeling of the crowns was performed. RESULTS: Mean FR values (N) were significantly higher with L (6102 ± 1519) and P (4117 ± 1083) than with of OCF (1900 ± 254) (p = 0.01). The mean SBS (MPa) in OCF (24 ± 4) was significantly lower (p < 0.002) than L (35 ± 6) and P (32 ± 6) (p > 0.05). For crown restorations, while only adhesive failures were found in OCF, cohesive failures within veneering ceramic were more frequent in P and L. FEA verified these findings. CONCLUSION: Veneering methods based on layering or pressing may reduce ceramic chipping but the overcemented file-splitting method does not seem to prevent this failure. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Layering and overpressing veneering methods on zirconia frameworks with reduced design might decrease chipping compared to overcemented file-splitting, where in the latter, zirconia framework and feldspathic suprastructure are combined using a resin cement.

Effect of various veneering techniques on mechanical strength of computer-controlled zirconia framework designs.

PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the fracture resistance (FR), flexural strength (FS), and shear bond strength (SBS) of zirconia framework material veneered with different methods and to assess the stress distributions using finite element analysis (FEA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Zirconia frameworks fabricated in the forms of crowns for FR, bars for FS, and disks for SBS (N = 90, n = 10) were veneered with either (a) file splitting (CAD-on) (CD), (b) layering (L), or (c) overpressing (P) methods. For crown specimens, stainless steel dies (N = 30; 1 mm chamfer) were scanned using the labside contrast spray. A bilayered design was produced for CD, whereas a reduced design (1 mm) was used for L and P to support the veneer by computer-aided design and manufacturing. For bar (1.5 × 5 × 25 mm(3) ) and disk (2.5 mm diameter, 2.5 mm height) specimens, zirconia blocks were sectioned under water cooling with a low-speed diamond saw and sintered. To prepare the suprastructures in the appropriate shapes for the three mechanical tests, nano-fluorapatite ceramic was layered and fired for L, fluorapatite-ceramic was pressed for P, and the milled lithium-disilicate ceramics were fused with zirconia by a thixotropic glass ceramic for CD and then sintered for crystallization of veneering ceramic. Crowns were then cemented to the metal dies. All specimens were stored at 37°C, 100% humidity for 48 hours. Mechanical tests were performed, and data were statistically analyzed (ANOVA, Tukey's, α = 0.05). Stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to evaluate the failure modes and surface structure. FEA modeling of the crowns was obtained. RESULTS: Mean FR values (N ± SD) of CD (4408 ± 608) and L (4323 ± 462) were higher than P (2507 ± 594) (p < 0.05). Mean FS values (MPa ± SD) of CD (583 ± 63) and P (566 ± 54) were higher than L (428 ± 41) (p < 0.05). Mean SBS values (MPa ± SD) of CD (49 ± 6) (p < 0.05) were higher than L (28 ± 5) and P (30 ± 8). For crown restorations, while cohesive failures within ceramic and zirconia were seen in CD, cohesive failures within ceramic were found in both L and P. Results were verified by FEA. CONCLUSION: The file splitting technique showed higher bonding values in all mechanical tests, whereas a layering technique increased the FR when an anatomical core design was employed. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: File splitting (CAD-on) or layering veneering ceramic on zirconia with a reduced framework design may reduce ceramic chipping.

Microshear bond strength and finite element analysis of resin composite adhesion to press-on-metal ceramic for repair actions after various conditioning methods.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the repair bond strength of differently surface-conditioned press-on-metal ceramic to repair composites and determined the location of the accumulated stresses by finite element analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Press-on-metal ceramic disks (IPS InLine PoM, Ivoclar Vivadent) (N = 45, diameter: 3 mm, height: 2 mm) were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 15 per group) and conditioned with one of the following methods: 9.5% hydrofluoric acid (HF) (Porcelain etch), tribochemical silica coating (TS) (CoJet), and an unconditioned group acted as the control (C). Each group was divided into three subgroups depending on the repair composite resins: a) Arabesk Top (V, a microhybrid; VOCO), b) Filtek Z250 (F, a hybrid;3M ESPE); c) Tetric EvoCeram (T, a nanohybrid; Ivoclar Vivadent) (n = 5 per subgroup). Repair composites disks (diameter: 1 mm, height: 1 mm) were photopolymerized on each ceramic block. Microshear bond strength (MSB) tests were performed (1 mm/min) and the obtained data were statistically analyzed using 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (α = 0.05). Failure types were analyzed under SEM. Vickers indentation hardness, Young's modulus, and finite element analysis (FEA) were performed complementary to MSB tests to determine stress accumulation areas. RESULTS: MSB results were significantly affected by the surface conditioning methods (p = 0.0001), whereas the repair composite types did not show a significant effect (p = 0.108). The interaction terms between the repair composite and surface conditioning method were also statistically significant (p = 0.0001). The lowest MSB values (MPa ± SD) were obtained in the control group (V = 4 ± 0.8; F = 3.9 ± 0.7; T = 4.1 ± 0.7) (p < 0.05). While the group treated with T composite resulted in significantly lower MSB values for the HF group (T= 4.1 ± 0.8) compared to those of other composites (V = 8.1 ± 2.6; F = 7.6 ± 2.2) (p < 0.05), there were no significant differences when TS was used as a conditioning method (V = 5 ± 1.7; F = 4.7 ± 1; T = 6.2 ± 0.8) (p > 0.05). The control group presented exclusively adhesive failures. Cohesive failures in composite followed by mixed failure types were more common in HF and TS conditioned groups. Elasticity modulus of the composites were 22.9, 12.09, and 10.41 GPa for F, T, and V, respectively. Vickers hardness of the composites were 223, 232, and 375 HV for V, T, and F, respectively. Von Mises stresses in the FEA analysis for the V and T composites spread over a large area due to the low elastic modulus of the composite, whereas the F composite material accumulated more stresses at the bonded interface. CONCLUSION: Press-on-metal ceramic could best be repaired using tribochemical silica coating followed by silanization, regardless of the repair composite type in combination with their corresponding adhesive resins, providing that no cohesive ceramic failure was observed.

A preliminary report on short-term clinical outcomes of three-unit resin-bonded fixed prostheses using two adhesive cements and surface conditioning combinations.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival rate of three-unit surface-retained, resin-bonded, metal-ceramic fixed dental prostheses (RBFDP) using two adhesive cements and two surface conditioning methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2005 and 2009, a total of 58 patients (34 women, 24 men; mean age: 42.1 years) received 58 three-unit RBFDPs made of a nonprecious alloy (Wirocast Co-Cr). Restorations were cemented employing the following combinations: (1) alumina air abrasion-silane + Panavia F 2.0 (group A1), (2) tribochemical silica coating (CoJet)-silane + Panavia F 2.0 (group A2), (3) alumina air abrasion-silane + Super-Bond C and B (group B1), and (4) CoJet-silane + Super-Bond C and B (group B2). Teeth were conditioned using the adhesives of the cements accordingly. Adaptation, debonding, fracture, and crack and caries formation were considered for clinical evaluation. Data were collected at baseline, 6 months, and annually thereafter. Forty-eight RBFDPs were available for follow-up (mean: 20.3 months, minimum: 6 months, maximum: 42 months). RESULTS: The effect of cement type on the survival rate of RBFDPs was not significant (P > .05). The survival rate was also not significantly affected by the location (maxilla: 93.2%, mandible: 92.9%; P = .928). All experienced failures were observed within the first year after cementation. In total, four complete debondings were encountered (two in group A1, one in group A2, and one in group B1 at months 1, 3, 7, and 3, respectively). Group B2 did not result in any failures during the observation period. The failures were adhesive debondings between the metal surface and the cement. CONCLUSION: Early findings did not show significant differences between the cement and conditioning type combinations, with group B2 presenting no failures.

Color analysis of different ceramic systems.

This study compared the color properties of three different ceramic systems. Three groups of 10 specimens each were prepared: Dental porcelain alloy was used as a framework for conventional and ProBOND metal-ceramic systems, while glass-ceramic ingots were used as a framework for 10 samples using an all-ceramic system. For the former, dentin porcelain was applied and a ceramic veneering material was applied to the ingot frameworks. Using a dental spectrophotometer, the pre- and post-glaze color compatibility between disc specimens and A3 shade was evaluated. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare color differences among groups in this study, while the Mann-Whitney U test was used to make bilateral comparisons among the three different ceramic systems. The values obtained during the dentin stage revealed a significant difference in the all-ceramic group (p < 0.05). After glazing, there was no significant difference between ProBOND samples and all-ceramic samples (p > 0.05). These results suggest that ProBOND can yield esthetically superior results in clinical applications compared to conventional ceramic systems.

Nebivolol prevents remodeling in a rat myocardial infarction model: an echocardiographic study.

OBJECTIVE: Ventricular remodeling (VR) which develops after myocardial infarction (MI) plays an important role in progressive left ventricular dysfunction. We aimed to investigate the role of nebivolol treatment on VR after a MI in a rat ischemia-reperfusion model. METHODS: Rats were divided into 3 groups of 12 each: sham operated (sham-control), MI-induced (MI-control) and nebivolol treated (MI-nebivolol). Left ventricular (LV) diameters, volumes, and diastolic filling parameters were evaluated by echocardiography. On the 28th day, after recording the systemic and LV pressures and determining the plasma nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) levels , animals were sacrificed and heart, body and LV weights (HW, BW, LVW) were measured and infarct sizes were determined. Results were evaluated statistically by ANOVA for repeated measurements 3x3 factorial design with post-hoc Bonferroni test. RESULTS: After MI, while VR (an increase in LV diameters and volumes associated with a decrease in EF, FS and posterior wall thickness change (LWPc) was significant in MI-control rats (p<0.05 for; all comparisons) these changes were significantly less in MI-nebivolol group (p=0.08 and p=0.06 for EF and FS respectively). LV end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was lower (p<0.005) and Delta+/- dp/dt's (p<0.05) were higher in MI-nebivolol group compared to MI-control animals. Although infarct sizes were similar in MI-induced groups (p=0.79); LVW/HW and HW/BW's were significantly greater in the MI-control group compared to sham-control (p<0.01 for all comparisons), these changes were not statistically significant in MI-nebivolol group. The increase in plasma NO and ONOO- levels were also prevented with nebivolol. CONCLUSION: Nebivolol therapy reduced the effects of VR in rats after MI. These beneficial effects were not related to its heart rate and blood pressure reducing effects. Nitric oxide regulatory action of this compound may contribute these beneficial effects on VR developed after MI.

Preliminary evaluation of titanium tetrafluoride as an alternative ceramic etchant to hydrofluoric acid.

PURPOSE: The etching of dental ceramics with a glassy matrix by means of hydrofluoric acid (HF) is highly effective and after the application of a silane coupling agent, a strong link between the adhesive and the ceramic is achieved. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether aqueous titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) solution could be used as an alternative ceramic etchant or not. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy lithia-based all-ceramic specimens (IPS Empress 2, Ivoclar Vivadent) (diameter: 4 mm, height: 4 mm) were prepared and ultrasonically cleaned for 15 min in ethanol and deionized water, then divided into 1 control and 4 experimental groups (n = 14/group). The control group was acid etched with 4.9% HF for 20 s as described by the manufacturer. The experimental groups were treated with 2.5% TiF4 solution for 60 s, 2.5% TiF4 solution for 120 s and 5% TiF4 solution for 60 s, as well as 5% TiF4 solution for 120 s. Seven of the ceramic specimens in each group were luted to the other seven by a dual-curing cement (Variolink II, Ivoclar Vivadent,) with silane application (Monobond-S). After storage of luted specimens in deionized water at 37 degrees C for 24 h, the specimens were embedded in plastic holders with cyanoacrylate, and the shear-bond strength (SBS) tests were performed with a Shimadzu universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. A one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni correction, followed by the Tukey test, were applied for statistical analysis. Scanning electron microscopic examination was performed to evaluate the pattern of debonding. RESULTS: Significantly higher SBS values (p 0.05). CONCLUSION: Aqueous TiF4 solution exhibited similar shear bond strength values in comparison to commonly used HF and can be considered as an alternative ceramic etchant within the limitations of this preliminary report.

Influence of cervical finish line type on the marginal adaptation of zirconia ceramic crowns.

The current study evaluated the effect of different cervical finish line designs on the marginal adaptation of a zirconia ceramic. Four different marginal finish lines (c: chamfer, mc: mini-chamfer, fe: feather-edge and s: rounded shoulder) were prepared on phantom incisors. Die models for each preparation group (N = 28, n = 7 per finish line design group) were made of epoxy resin. Y-TZP (ICE Zirkon) frameworks were manufactured by a copy-milling system (Zirconzahn) using prefabricated blanks and tried on the master models for initial adaptation of the framework; they were then sintered, followed by veneering (Zirconzahn). The finished crowns were cemented with a polycarboxylate cement (Poly F) under 300 g load and ultrasonically cleaned. The specimens were sliced and the marginal gap was measured, considering absolute marginal opening (AMO) and marginal opening (MO) for each coping under a stereomicroscope with image processing software (Lucia). The measurements were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis, Mann Whitney and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests at a significance level of alpha = 0.01. Means of AMO measurement (microm) for the feather-edge finish line (87 +/- 10) was significantly lower than that of the chamfer (144 +/- 14), shoulder (114 +/- 16) and mini-chamfer finish line types (114 +/- 11) (p < 0.01). Means of MO measurements was the lowest for feather-edge finish line (68 +/- 9) (p < 0.01) and then, in ascending order, shoulder (95 +/- 9), mini-chamfer (97 +/- 12) and chamfer (128 +/- 10). The cervical finish line type had an influence on the marginal adaptation of the tested zirconia ceramic. Although the feather-edge finish line resulted in lower AMO and MO values, with its proven mechanical disadvantage, it cannot be recommended in clinical applications of zirconia crowns. This type of finish line has acted solely as a control group to test the null hypothesis in the current study. For better marginal adaptation, both shoulder and mini-chamfer finish line types could be suggested for zirconia crowns.

The effects of nebivolol on apoptosis in a rat infarct model.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, nitric oxide (NO) was investigated to see if it mediated effects of nebivolol on apoptosis in the rat myocardial infarction (MI) model. METHODS AND RESULTS: Rats were divided into 3 groups: sham operated (sham-control), MI-induced (MI-control) and nebivolol treated (MI-nebivolol). The initial dose of nebivolol was administrated intravenously (iv) within 10 min of post-MI reperfusion and continued orally for 28 days. NO mediated effects of nebivolol were assessed either in the early (2(nd) day) or sub-acute (28(th) day) period of MI by histologic, hemodynamic and biologic studies. Left ventricular (LV) pressure changes were prevented with nebivolol (the increase in LV end-diastolic pressure and the decrease in maximum rise and fall rate of LV pressure (+dp/dt and -dp/dt) was significantly less in MI-nebivolol). Total and regional apoptotic indexes were significantly lower in the MI-nebivolol group (10.2 vs 7.1%, respectively on the 2(nd) day; p=0.004). Although plasma nitrite/nitrate, cyclic guanylate cyclase and peroxynitrite concentrations were high both in MI-control and MI-nebivolol groups on the 2(nd) day, these concentrations were decreased to the basal value on the 28(th) day in the MI-nebivolol group. CONCLUSION: As a result, nebivolol treatment (initially by iv within 10 min of reperfusion and continued orally) reduced the myocardial apoptosis after MI. This beneficial effect of nebivolol is mediated by NO regulation.

Seven-year clinical follow-up study of Probond ceramic crowns.

OBJECTIVE: The Probond metal-ceramic system was proposed as an alternative to conventional metal-ceramic restorations. This study examined the 7-year survival and clinical performance of Probond metal-ceramic crowns. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A total of 200 patients were included in the study. All subjects required single-unit fixed prosthodontics in various areas of the mouth. The patients without any active periodontal or pulpal diseases, having adequate tooth structure and good oral hygiene, were included in the study, while patients with parafunctional habits were excluded. Overall clinical performance over 7 years was determined by using modified USPHS criteria and evaluated with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: Seven failures were recorded among the 260 crowns placed. In the 4th year, 2 Probond crowns had minimal incisal fractures, and 1 restoration had a cervical fracture in the 2nd year. After 7 years, 2 Probond crowns were replaced with new Probond crowns as a result of fracture or trauma. Two restorations lost their occlusal contact integrity due to marginal ridge fractures. The formation of cracks and fractures as well as caries were significant (P <.05) at the 4- and 7-year recalls. Overall survival rates for marginal integrity, color stability, caries and crack formations, and occlusal integrity were 90.7%, 98.1%, 98.1%, 95.4%, and 99%, respectively, at 7 years. CONCLUSION: The durability of Probond ceramic crown restorations proved to be successful after 7 years.

Evaluation of metal bond strength to dentin and enamel using different adhesives and surface treatments.

Because adherence of base metal alloys is important for the long-term clinical success of adhesive fixed partial dentures, it has been necessary to improve adhesion to metal substrate by using different surface treatments. This study used different surface conditioning methods and two different luting resins to evaluate the shear bond strength of base metal alloys to dentin and enamel. Sixty noncarious freshly extracted human teeth were mounted in a plastic holder filled with autopolymerized acrylic resin. After the roots were removed and 30 flat enamel and 30 flat dentin surfaces were exposed, the specimens were divided randomly into two main luting cement groups. Sixty nickel chromium (NiCr) metal specimens were fabricated and subjected to three different surface conditioning procedures: sandblasting with 50 microm aluminum oxide, tribochemical silica coating, and a combination of the two. Scanning electron mircoscopy (SEM) evaluations revealed mainly cohesive failures. Self-cure adhesive resulted in higher bond strengths to dental substrates. Higher bond strengths were achieved through a combination of sandblasting and tribochemical silica coating; however, further clinical research is required. A surface treatment that combines sandblasting with tribochemical silica coating can achieve a more effective bond for adhesive restorations with metal substrates.

Analysis of dentinal stress distribution of maxillary central incisors subjected to various post-and-core applications.

This study evaluated the stress distribution on an endodontically treated maxillary central incisor restored with different post-and-core systems by using a three-dimensional finite element analysis model. Seven three-dimensional finite element models were created. Each model contained cortical bone, cancelous bone, periodontal ligament, 3 mm apical root canal filling, post-and-core and all-ceramic crowns. Two different pre-fabricated zirconia ceramic post systems, a glass fiber-reinforced post system and a titanium post system were modeled. As a control, an all-ceramic crown on an endodontically treated maxillary central incisor without a post-and-core was modeled. Each model received a 45 degrees oblique occlusal load at a constant intensity of 100 N. In each model, the ratio of Von Mises stress distribution was compared. The greatest stresses were observed in the coronal third of the roots on facial surfaces. The ratio of Von Mises stress distribution in dentin for the zirconia ceramic post (CosmoPost) and ceramic core (Cosmo Ingot), zirconia ceramic post (CosmoPost) and composite core (Tetric Ceram), glass fiber-reinforced post (FRC Postec) and composite core (Tetric Ceram), titanium post (Er post) and composite core (Tetric Ceram), zirconia ceramic post (Cerapost) and ceramic core (Cosmo Ingot), zirconia ceramic post (Cerapost) and composite core (Tetric Ceram) and the control group were 0.886, 0.889, 0.988, 0.924, 0.889, 0.893 and 1, respectively. The stress concentrations in dentin created by two different zirconia ceramic post systems were nearly the same. The zirconia ceramic post systems created slightly less stress concentration in dentin than the glass fiber-reinforced and titanium posts.

Comparison of the effects of specific and nonspecific inhibition of nitric oxide synthase on morphine analgesia, tolerance and dependence in mice.

The effects of L-Canavanine, a selective inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a nonselective NOS inhibitor, on pain threshold and morphine induced analgesia, tolerance and dependence in mice were investigated and compared. Morphine was administered by subcutaneous implantation of a pellet containing 40 mg free base and withdrawal was precipitated by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of naloxone (2 mg/kg). L-Canavanine (200 mg/kg, i.p.) did not affect the pain threshold, morphine-induced analgesia and the induction and expression phases of morphine tolerance and dependence. L-NAME (20 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the pain threshold, potentiated morphine-induced analgesia and attenuated the expression phase of morphine dependence which has been characterized by withdrawal signs and body weight loss, but did not modify the induction phase of morphine tolerance and dependence. It is concluded that constitutive NOS isoforms which were inhibited by L-NAME may be involved specifically in the mechanisms of morphine induced analgesia, tolerance and dependence.