Evaluation of Mineral Content and Photon Interaction Parameters of Dental Enamel After Phosphoric Acid and Er:YAG Laser Treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of laser and acid etching on the mineral content and photon interaction parameters of dental enamel in human teeth. BACKGROUND DATA: The composition of dental enamel may vary, especially at the surface, depending on the reactions that occur during dental treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty maxillary premolars were divided randomly into 2 groups of 20 teeth. In the first group, half of teeth crowns were etched by using 37% phosphoric acid; in the second group, half of teeth crowns were etched by using an erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser. The remaining half crowns in each group were used as untreated controls. We characterized the calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and potassium (K) contents in each specimen by using wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The total atomic cross-section ([Formula: see text]), effective atomic number ([Formula: see text]), and electron density (Ne) of the tooth samples were determined at photon energies of 22.1, 25, 59.5, and 88 keV by using a narrow beam transmission method. Data were analyzed statistically by using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The mineral contents after Er:YAG laser and phosphoric acid etching did not differ significantly (p > 0.05), and no significant variation in [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], or Ne was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, we conclude that the Er:YAG laser and phosphoric acid systems used in this study did not affect mineral composition or photon interaction parameters of dental enamel.

Investigation of K X-ray intensity ratios of some 4d transition metals depending on the temperature.

In this paper, we have studied the intensity ratios Kß/Kα depending on the temperature for transition elements Mo, Nb, Zr and Y by 59.5keV γ-rays from a 100 mCi (241)Am radioisotope point source. The Kα and Kß emission spectra of Mo, Nb, Zr and Y were measured by using a Si (Li) solid-state detector at temperature between 40 and 400°C. σKα and σKß production cross-sections, Kß/Kα intensity ratios, asymmetry factor, energy shifts and full width half maximum (FWHM) values of the elements have been calculated. Temperature-dependent changes of the parameters are tabulated and given in the graphical forms. Based on the results obtained, Kß/Kα X-ray intensity ratios of the elements are dependent on the temperature. It is shown that σKß fluorescence cross sections of Mo, Nb and Zr have more increase rate than σKα fluorescence cross sections with increasing temperature. For Y, σKα and σKß production cross-sections firstly decrease, then increase. In general, Kß/Kα X-ray intensity ratios tend to increase with increasing temperature. Some significant shifts are observed in Kα and Kß emission spectra of Mo and Y. These results may contribute to the XRF studies of transition metals.

Determination of energy absorption and exposure buildup factors by using G-P fitting approximation for radioprotective agents.

PURPOSE: Recently, there has been an increase in interest into research into radioprotective agents. Radioprotectors are compounds that protect against radiation injury when given orally (through drinking water) prior to radiation exposure. The purpose is to achieve preferred protection of normal tissues against injury inflicted by ionizing radiation used to treat tumors. The main aim of this work is to investigate energy absorption (EABF) and exposure buildup factors (EBF) of commonly used some radioprotective agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have used the Geometric Progression (G-P) fitting method for calculating the equivalent atomic number (Zeq), for EABF and EBF buildup factors of the radioprotective agents in the energy range 0.015-15 MeV for penetration depths up to 40 mean free path. RESULTS: Significant variations in both EABF and EBF values were observed for several agents at the moderate energy region. At energies below 0.1 MeV, EABF and EBF values increased with decreasing equivalent atomic number Zeq of the samples. At energies >0.15 MeV, EABF and EBF values were found to decrease with decreasing Zeq of all agents. In addition, EABF and EBF were the largest for carnosin, tempol, melatonin, interferon gamma and orientine at 0.05 and 0.06 MeV, respectively, and the minimum values of buildup factors were at 0.1 MeV for cysteine, amifostine, penicillamine and glutathione. CONCLUSIONS: Cysteine and amifostine are good compounds for gamma rays absorption applications among the selected compounds. The presented results in this study are expected to be helpful in radiation dosimetry.

Photon buildup factors of some chemotherapy drugs.

Everyday more and more people are diagnosed with some form of cancer. Some are treatable with chemotherapy alone, while others need radiotherapy and occasionally surgery. Recently, concurrent administration of chemotherapy and radiotherapy has been increasingly used in cancer treatment, leading to improvements in survival as well as quality of life. Accordingly, interaction of chemotherapy drugs with radiation will be meaningful to examine. In the present study, gamma ray energy absorption and exposure of buildup factors were computed using the five-parameter geometric progression (G-P) fitting formula for some chemotherapy drugs in the energy range 0.015-15 MeV, and for penetration depths up to 40 mean free path (mfp). The generated energy absorption (EABF) and exposure buildup factors (EBF) of chemotherapy drugs have been studied as a function of penetration depth and incident photon energy. The significant variations in EABF and EBF for chemotherapy drugs have been observed at the moderate energy region. It has been concluded that the buildup of photons is less in azathioprine and is more in vinblastine compared with other drugs. Buildup factors investigated in the present work could be useful in radiation dosimetry and therapy.

A study of the energy absorption and exposure buildup factors of some anti-inflammatory drugs.

Human radiation exposure is increasing due to radiation development in science and technology. The development of radioprotective agents is important for protecting patients from the side effects of radiotherapy and for protecting the public from unwanted irradiation. Radioprotective agents are used to reduce the damage caused by radiation in healthy tissues. There are several classes of radioprotective compounds that are under investigation. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory compounds are being considered for treating or preventing the effects of damage due to radiation exposure, or for increasing the chance of survival after exposure to a high dose of radiation. In this study, we investigated the radioprotective effects of some analgesic and anti-inflammatory compounds by evaluating buildup factors. The gamma ray energy absorption (EABF) and exposure buildup factors (EBF) were calculated to select compounds in a 0.015-15 MeV energy region up to a penetration depth of 40 mfp (mean free path). Variations of EABF and EBF with incident photon energy and penetration depth elements were also investigated. Significant variations in both EABF and EBF values were observed for several compounds at the moderate energy region. At energies below 0.15 MeV, EABF and EBF values increased with decreasing equivalent atomic number (Z(eq)) of the samples. In addition, EABF and EBF were the largest for ibuprofen, aspirin, paracetamol, naproxen and ketoprofen at 0.05 and 0.06 MeV, respectively, and the EABF value was 0.1 MeV for aceclofenac. From these results, we concluded that the buildup of photons is less for aceclofenac compared to other materials.

Energy absorption and exposure buildup factors for some polymers and tissue substitute materials: photon energy, penetration depth and chemical composition dependence.

The gamma ray energy absorption and exposure buildup factors have been calculated by using the five parameter geometric progression (GP) fitting formula for some polymers and tissue substitute materials in the energy region 0.015-15 MeV up to a penetration depth of 40 mean free paths. From the results, it is worth noting that significant variations occur in gamma ray buildup factors for the given polymers and tissue substitute materials depending on photon energy, penetration depth and chemical composition of the materials. Also, it was observed that there are significant variations between energy absorption (EABF) and exposure (EBF) buildup factors which may be due to the variations in chemical composition of the materials used. Finally, it is expected that the presented buildup factor data may be helpful in (a) estimating the effective dose to be given to patients in radiation therapy and diagnostics, hence allowing corrections to be made to the intensity of radiation, as it is somewhat problematic to evaluate the real absorbed dose in critical organs due to the probability of photon buildup somewhere inside the medium; (b) estimating the health hazards arising from the exposure of the human body to radiation, thus it will be helpful in controlling the exposure of the human body to radiation.

Gamma-ray energy absorption and exposure buildup factor studies in some human tissues with endometriosis.

Human tissues with endometriosis have been analyzed in terms of energy absorption (EABF) and exposure (EBF) buildup factors using the five-parameter geometric progression (G-P) fitting formula in the energy region 0.015-15 MeV up to a penetration depth of 40 mfp (mean free path). Chemical compositions of the tissue samples were determined using a wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (WDXRFS). Possible conclusions were drawn due to significant variations in EABF and EBF for the selected tissues when photon energy, penetration depth and chemical composition changed. Buildup factors so obtained may be of use when the method of choice for treatment of endometriosis is radiotherapy.

Determination of effective atomic numbers in some compounds for photoelectric process at 59.54 keV by using different methods.

The total photoelectric cross sections, sigma(pe), of some compounds have been determined from the measured total attenuation cross sections by subtracting the scattering contributions at 59.54 keV. The values of sigma(pe) were then used to compute effective atomic numbers, Z(eff) for photoelectric process at 59.54 keV. Different methods such as a direct method, an interpolation procedure and an empirical relation were employed to calculate effective atomic numbers for different compounds wherever possible. Merits and demerits of the used methods were also discussed. The obtained values of sigma(pe) and Z(eff) from the measurements were compared with the calculated ones from theory.

Quantitative EDXRF analysis of Ca, K, Mn and Na in normal and pathological adult-human teeth.

This work relates to the measurement of calcium, potassium, manganese and sodium levels in adult-human teeth from female and male patients and normal subjects. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique was used for the measurements. Pathological and non-pathological adult-human teeth samples were collected from one male human patient and one female human patient who attended the dental clinic. The standard addition method was used to determine concentrations. Experimental results are presented and discussed in this work.

Assessment of trace element concentration distribution in human placenta by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence: effect of neonate weight and maternal age.

Trace element status in human placenta is dependent on maternal-neonatal characteristics. This work was undertaken to investigate the correlation between essential trace element concentrations in the placenta and maternal-neonatal characteristics. Placenta samples were collected from total 61 healthy mothers at gestation between 37 and 41 weeks. These samples were investigated with the restriction that the mother's age was 20-40 years old and the neonate's weight was 1-4kg. Percent concentrations of trace elements were determined using wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF). The placenta samples were prepared and analyzed without exposure to any chemical treatment. Concentrations of Fe, Cu and Zn in placenta tissues were found statistically to vary corresponding to the age of the mother and weight of the neonate. In the subjects, the concentration of Fe and Cu were increased in heavier neonates (p<0.05) and the concentration of Zn was increased with increasing mother age (p<0.05). Consequently, the Fe, Cu and Zn elements appear to have interactive connections in human placenta.

Evaluation of root canal dentin after Nd:YAG laser irradiation and treatment with five different irrigation solutions: a preliminary study.

This study evaluated in vitro any changes in the morphology and mineral content of root canal dentin after treatments with Nd:YAG laser irradiation and 5 different irrigation solutions. The groups of extracted single-rooted human teeth were exposed to sterile saline solution, 5.25% NaOCl, 3% H2O2, 15% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, 2% chlorhexidine gluconate, and Nd:YAG laser irradiation. All prepared teeth were bisected longitudinally; half of each tooth was used for wavelength dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometry analysis to assess the mineral content. The other half was studied by using scanning electron microscopy to analyze the surface of the dentin. The results showed that the calcium level and calcium/phosphorus ratio decreased significantly with the NaOCl irrigation solutions (p < .05), suggesting the presence of changes at molecular level. Significant differences among the test groups were also observed in the scanning electron microscopy evaluation (p < .05). The lowest scores for root cleaning were obtained by using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid followed by Nd:YAG laser treatment.

Protective effects of amlodipine and lacidipine on ovariectomy-induced bone loss in rats.

Bone is a dynamic organ system that is directly related to calcium and phosphor metabolism. Imbalance in these two parameters upon aging or menopause leads to osteoporosis. Recently, it was also shown by researchers that high blood pressure in elderly women is statistically associated with decreased bone mineral content at the femoral neck, which may increase the susceptibility to fractures. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of different doses of amlodipine and lacidipine on ovariectomized rat femurs' calcium and phosphor content. Bone calcium and phosphor concentration was measured by a Wavelength Dispersive Spectrometer. Calcium contents of the rat femurs were significantly lower in the ovariectomized group than in the sham group eight weeks after the operation. Amlodipine treatment at doses of 1 and 3 mg/kg significantly increased the calcium (P<0.01) and phosphor concentrations (P<0.01) in the femurs of ovariectomized rats, compared to those of control (ovariectomized) group. Both doses of lacidipine (1 and 3 mg/kg) also effectively increased calcium concentrations (P<0.01) significantly in ovariectomized rats. On the other hand amlodipine treatment at doses of 1 and 3 mg/kg significantly increased the calcium (P<0.01) and phosphor concentrations (P<0.01) in the femurs of ovariectomized rats compared with those of the sham group. In conclusion, amlodipine and lacidipine improved the bone loss in an ovariectomy induced osteopenic rat model. Our findings suggest that potent calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine and lacidipine have a beneficial effect on bone metabolism, and an antihypertensive effect.

Effects of preparation procedures on ascorbic acid retention in pickled hot peppers.

The effect of preparation procedures (with and without sugar and chickpea) on ascorbic acid in pickled (acidification with vinegar) green hot peppers during pickling and the storage period (8 weeks) was studied. Ascorbic acid values in fresh pepper rapidly decreased after pickled processing (first 3 weeks) and then did not significantly (P=0.05) change through the storage time (8 weeks), but sugar and chickpea added together in pickling pepper processing resulted in greater ascorbic acid retention. The retention was 48.2% and 40.9% for 3 and 8 weeks, respectively.

Adenosine deaminase activities in sera, lymphocytes and granulocytes in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities in sera, lymphocytes and granulocytes in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis were investigated and compared with control groups. Fifty patients and 50 healthy individuals were studied. The clinical diagnosis was parasitologically confirmed by culture and Giemsa stain. ADA activities were measured by colorimetric method. Serum ADA activities 37.80 ñ 11.90, 18.28 ñ 6.08 IU/L (p<0.0001), lymphocyte specific ADA activities 14.90 ñ 7.42, 8.38 ñ 7.42 U/mg protein (p=0.04), granulocyte specific ADA activities 1.15 ñ 0.73, 1.09 ñ 0.67 U/mg protein (p>0.05) were found in patients and control groups, respectively. ADA activity increases in some infectious diseases were cell mediated immune mechanisms are dominant. In cutaneous leishmaniasis, lymphokine-mediated macrophage activity is the main effector mechanism. Increase in serum and lymphocyte ADA activities in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis may be dependent on and reflects the increase in phagocytic activity of macrophages and maturation of T-lymphocytes.