The influence of a packable resin composite, conventional resin composite and amalgam on molar cuspal stiffness.

Packable resin composites may offer improved properties and clinical performance over conventional resin composites or dental amalgam. This in vitro study examined the cuspal stiffness of molars restored with a packable resin composite, a conventional posterior microfilled resin composite and amalgam. Forty-eight intact caries-free human third molars were distributed into four treatment groups (n=12) so that the mean cross-sectional areas of all groups were equal. Standardized MOD cavity preparations were made and specimens restored using one of four restorative materials: (1) a spherical particle amalgam (Tytin); (2) Tytin amalgam with a dentin adhesive liner (OptiBond Solo); (3) a conventional microfilled posterior resin composite (Heliomolar); (4) a packable posterior resin composite (Prodigy Posterior). Cuspal stiffness was measured using a Bionix 200 biomaterials testing machine (MTS). Specimens were loaded vertically to 300 N at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/minute. Stiffness was measured at 10 intervals: (1) prior to cavity preparation (intact); (2) following cavity preparation, but before restoration; (3) seven days after restoration; then (4) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 12 months after restoration. All specimens were stored at 37 degrees C in deionized water throughout the study and thermocycled (5 degrees/55 degrees C; 2000 cycles) monthly for 12 months. Repeated Measures ANOVA revealed significant differences among treatment groups over time (p<0.0001). Cavity preparation reduced cuspal stiffness by more than 60%. At 12 months, the cuspal stiffness of restored teeth was, on average, 58% that of intact specimens. Neither the packable nor the conventional resin composite increased cuspal stiffness over that of amalgam.

Glial reactivity and impaired glutamate metabolism in short-term experimental diabetic retinopathy. Penn State Retina Research Group.

The early pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy and the involvement of neural and vascular malfunction are poorly understood. Glial cells provide structural and metabolic support for retinal neurons and blood vessels, and the cells become reactive in certain injury states. We therefore used the streptozotocin rat model of short-term diabetic retinopathy to study glial reactivity and other glial functions in the retina in the first months after onset of diabetes. With a two-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we measured the expression of the intermediate filament glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). After 1 month, GFAP was largely unchanged, but within 3 months of the beginning of diabetes, it was markedly induced, by fivefold (P < 0.04). Immunohistochemical staining showed that the GFAP induction occurred both in astrocytes and in Müller cells. Consistent with a glial cell malfunction, the ability of retinas to convert glutamate into glutamine, assayed chromatographically with an isotopic method, was reduced in diabetic rats to 65% of controls (P < 0.01). Furthermore, retinal glutamate, as determined by luminometry, increased by 1.6-fold (P < 0.04) after 3 months of diabetes. Taken together, these findings indicate that glial reactivity and altered glial glutamate metabolism are early pathogenic events that may lead to elevated retinal glutamate during diabetes. These data are the first demonstration of a specific defect in glial cell metabolism in the retina during diabetes. These findings suggest a novel understanding of the mechanism of neural degeneration in the retina during diabetes, involving early and possibly persistent glutamate excitotoxicity.

Fluoride release and re-uptake in direct tooth colored restorative materials.

OBJECTIVES: Glass ionomers may be "recharged" through topical fluoride (F-) treatments; however, this reported "recharging," may be attributed to surface changes after F- treatment. This study examined differences in F- release and re-uptake among dual-cured and chemically-cured glass ionomers, and a photo-cured F- releasing composite. A secondary goal was to determine if tensile strength or surface roughness changed due to F- release, or F- re-uptake and re-release. METHODS: In Phase 1, initial surface roughness and diametral tensile strength were measured. F- release was measured for 30 days. Strength and roughness were then remeasured. In Phase 2, surface roughness was measured, then materials were treated with a 5000 ppm neutral F- gel, the same gel without F-, or phosphoric acid. F- release was measured for 30 days, then final surface roughness and strength were determined. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in amount and rate of F- release, and F- re-uptake and re-release among study materials and enamel controls (p < 0.001). The amount and rate of F- re-release after NaF treatment differed significantly from F- release after acid treatment in glass ionomers, although both groups showed increased F- release after surface treatment (p < 0.001). There were no significant changes in tensile strength or surface roughness after F- release or F- re-uptake and re-release as determined by ANOVA. SIGNIFICANCE: The results of this in vitro study indicate that applications of neutral 5000 ppm F- gel to aged glass ionomer restorations results in a significant fluoride uptake and subsequent release. The data suggest that the application of neutral fluoride gel to glass ionomer restorations in situ may result in increases in oral fluoride concentrations, without affecting the restoration's surface roughness or tensile strength.