GM-CSF and IL-4 induce dendritic cell differentiation and disrupt osteoclastogenesis through M-CSF receptor shedding by up-regulation of TNF-alpha converting enzyme (TACE).

Monocytes give rise to macrophages, osteoclasts (OCs), and dendritic cells (DCs). Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB (RANK) ligand induce OC differentiation from monocytes, whereas granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) trigger monocytic differentiation into DCs. However, regulatory mechanisms for the polarization of monocytic differentiation are still unclear. The present study was undertaken to clarify the mechanism of triggering the deflection of OC and DC differentiation from monocytes. GM-CSF and IL-4 abolished monocytic differentiation into OCs while inducing DC differentiation even in the presence of M-CSF and RANK ligand. GM-CSF and IL-4 in combination potently up-regulate tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) converting enzyme (TACE) and activity in monocytes, causing ectodomain shedding of M-CSF receptor, resulting in the disruption of its phosphorylation by M-CSF as well as the induction of osteoclastogenesis from monocytes by M-CSF and RANK ligand. Interestingly, TACE inhibition robustly causes the resumption of the surface expression of M-CSF receptor on monocytes, facilitating M-CSF-mediated phosphorylation of M-CSF receptor and macrophage/OC differentiation while impairing GM-CSF- and IL-4-mediated DC differentiation from monocytes. These results reveal a novel proteolytic regulation of M-CSF receptor expression in monocytes to control M-CSF signaling and monocytic differentiation into macrophage/OC-lineage cells or DCs.

Antibacterial activity of composite resin with glass-ionomer filler particles.

The purpose of this study was to examine the antibacterial activity of composite resin with glass-ionomer filler particles versus that of contemporary commercial composite resins. Three composite resins were used: Beautifil II (containing S-PRG filler), Clearfil AP-X, and Filtek Z250. Resin blocks were bonded to maxillary first molars, and plaque accumulation on the resin block surface was examined after 8 hours. For the antibacterial test, the number of Streptococcus mutans in contact with the composite resin blocks after incubation for 12 hours was determined, and adherence of radiolabeled bacteria was evaluated. Less dental plaque was formed on Beautifil II resin block as compared to the other two materials. Antibacterial test revealed that there were no significant differences in the number of Streptococcus mutans among the three composite resins. However, the adherence of radiolabeled bacteria to the saliva-treated resin surface was significantly (p<0.01) lower in Beautifil II than in the other two materials. These results suggested that Beautifil II could reduce dental plaque formation and bacterial adherence, leading to prevention of secondary caries.

Development of a novel cement by conversion of hopeite in set zinc phosphate cement into biocompatible apatite.

Synthetic bone cement that has zinc oxide core particles covered with hydroxyapatite (HAP) was developed; that is, the conversion of hopeite, the traditional zinc phosphate cement, into HAP was attempted. Here, hopeite is the final product of the reaction between powders and trituration liquid of the traditional zinc phosphate cement. This cement may have many advantages not only in terms of biological functions but also the setting process of the traditional cement and the mechanical properties of the developed compact if the hopeite can be converted into calcium phosphate (CP). In this study, calcium nitrate solutions of various concentrations were used for the conversion of hopeite crystals into CP. The products after the solution treatment were analyzed by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation. These results indicated that the converted scholzite crystals could be partially detected. Several types of set zinc phosphate cement with different P/L ratios were arranged. The surface products of the set cement after the solution treatment were analyzed by XRD. However, the crystal phase such as hopeite was not detected except for zinc oxide. The set cement, which was treated with the calcium nitrate solution, was immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF). HAP-like crystals on the set cement could be detected for the specimens immersed for 4 weeks. These findings suggested that the binding phase in the set cement could be converted into HAP by immersion in SBF.

Assessment of allergic hypersensitivity to dental materials.

Some metallic materials in dental prostheses may cause allergic hypersensitivity. Symptoms appear not only in the oral cavity, but also on hands, feet or the entire body. Release of metal ions is thought to cause the allergic reactions; micro-particles of the corrosion products of the metal and/or ionic metal hydroxides/oxides may be the allergens. The study purpose was to review clinical surveillance of dental allergic hypersensitivity in our dental hospital. From July 2000 to June 2005, 212 patients with suspected dental metal allergy were patch tested with 26 reagents, including 19 ready-made patch test reagents (Patch test reagents, Torii Pharmaceutical Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) and 9 custom-made reagents. One-hundred-and-sixty-seven patients were females (78.8%) and 45 patients were males (21.2%). A total of 148 patients (69.8%) had one or more positive patch test reactions. The most common allergens were nickel (25.0%), palladium (24.4%), chromium (16.7%), cobalt (15.9%) and stannum (12.5%). Typical allergic symptoms and diagnoses were Pustulosis palmaris et plantaris, lichen planus, stomatitis and contact dermatitis. This study indicates that dentists and dental researchers should be concerned about the allergenic potential of dental metal materials.

Effects of heat treatment on the bioactivity of surface-modified titanium in calcium solution.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of heat treatment on the bioactivity of hydrothermal-modified titanium in CaO solution for improved bioactivity by immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). The hydrothermal treatment of titanium in CaO solution was performed at 121 degrees C at 0.2 MPa for 1 h in an autoclave followed by 1 h heat treatments at 200, 400, 600 and 800 degrees C simultaneously. The bioactivity of titanium was evaluated by hydroxyapatite precipitation during immersion in SBF. Surface microstructure changes after the heat treatments and immersion in SBF were determined by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Heat treatments at high temperatures (600 and 800 degrees C) promoted the synthesis of anatase, increased the thickness of the titanium oxide layer on the modified titanium surface and promoted the synthesis of calcium titanate, which possibly promoted the precipitation of apatite in SBF. The extent of precipitations increased with the time of immersion in SBF and the temperature of the heat treatment. Island-like deposits of needle-like crystals were observed only on the surface of the 600 and 800 degrees C heat-treated specimens after two or four week immersions in SBF. The results suggested that treatments of the surface of hydrothermal-treated titanium specimens at high temperatures (600 and 800 degrees C) could be effective for the surface modification of titanium as an implant material offering better osseointegration.

Enamel bonding of self-etching and phosphoric acid-etching orthodontic adhesives in simulated clinical conditions: debonding force and enamel surface.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of self-etching and phosphoric acid-etching orthodontic adhesives for enamel bonding in simulated clinical conditions. By using two self-etching (Transbond Plus, TP; Beauty Ortho Bond, BB) and two acid-etching (Transbond XT, TX; Superbond Orthomite, SB) adhesives, orthodontic brackets were bonded on human premolars (n=10 for each adhesive). Ten teeth without bracket bonding, i.e., intact enamel surfaces, were used as control for SEM observation. After 7-day storage in lactic acid solution, bracket debonding force by means of debonding pliers, adhesive remnant index (ARI), and enamel surface morphology were examined. All the tested adhesives exhibited sufficient bond strength for clinical use. The ARI scores were almost the same among the four adhesives. In terms of SEM observation, the enamel surfaces in the control and TP groups showed a slight change after immersion in lactic acid solution, while the BB group showed less change on the enamel surface compared with the TP group. Meanwhile, the two acid-etching adhesives caused considerable demineralization. Taken together, these findings indicated that the action of self-etching systems was evidently more conservative.

Fracture of Ni-Ti superelastic alloy under sustained tensile load in physiological saline solution containing hydrogen peroxide.

The fracture of Ni-Ti superelastic alloy has been investigated by a sustained tensile-loading test in physiological saline solution containing hydrogen peroxide (0.15M NaCl + 0.3M H(2)O(2)). The fracture always occurs when the applied stress exceeds the critical stress for martensite transformation. In contrast, under a low applied stress, the fracture does not always occur within 1000 h. The fracture is probably mainly caused by localized corrosion associated with the preferential dissolution of nickel ions. In 0.3M H(2)O(2) solution without NaCl, the fracture does not occur even under a high applied stress. The results of the present study imply that one reason for the fracture of the Ni-Ti superelastic alloy in vivo is localized corrosion due to the synergistic effects of hydrogen peroxide and sodium chloride under applied stress.

Hydrogen absorption of titanium and nickel-titanium alloys during long-term immersion in neutral fluoride solution.

Hydrogen absorption of biomedical titanium and Ni-Ti alloys in a neutral fluoride (2.0% NaF) solution for up to 10,000 h at 37 degrees C has been evaluated by means of hydrogen thermal desorption analysis. For alpha titanium (commercial pure titanium), the amount of absorbed hydrogen was, at most, 10-30 mass ppm, and the corrosion product and hydride formation were revealed on the surface of the specimen by X-ray diffraction analysis. Ni-Ti superelastic alloy absorbed approximately 150 mass ppm of hydrogen, which was probably sufficient to result in the pronounced degradation of the mechanical properties, although corrosion was hardly observed. In contrast, hydrogen absorption of alpha-beta titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) and beta titanium (Ti-11.3Mo-6.6Zr-4.3Sn) alloys was negligible, although general corrosion was observed. The results of the present study indicate that the susceptibility of titanium and Ni-Ti alloys to hydrogen absorption in the neutral fluoride solution is different from that in the acidic fluoride solution reported previously.

Chemical surface modification of high-strength porous Ti compacts by spark plasma sintering.

The biological properties of a titanium (Ti) implant depend on its surface oxide film. The aims of the present study were to increase the specific surface oxide area on Ti using a porous structure and to study the relationship between the amount of apatite coating in simulated body fluid (SBF) and the actual surface area on titanium powders. Ti powders of 110 microm average diameter were sintered by spark plasma sintering. The sintered compacts had a porosity of 28%, a compressive elastic modulus of 7.9 GPa and an ultimate strength of 112 MPa. The compressive strength of the compacts was increased to 588 MPa by subsequent annealing in a vacuum furnace at 1000 degrees C for 24 h. The sintered compacts were treated with aqueous NaOH solution and subsequently heated at 600 degrees C. The pretreated compacts showed apatite crystal precipitation in SBF. The amounts of precipitates through the compacts were compared with those of the Ti plate substrates subjected to the same chemical pretreatment. It was confirmed that the amounts of precipitates through the compacts were more than one hundred times higher than those on the Ti plates. It was concluded that the metal porous compacts developed may be used as functional materials for immobilizing functional proteins and/or drugs, because the precipitated apatite can adsorbed these substances.

Surface modification of titanium with hydrothermal treatment at high pressure.

Surface modification of titanium was investigated by means of hydrothermal treatment with a maximum pressure of 6.3 MPa (280 degrees C temperature) in CaO solution or water to improve bioactivity and biocompatibility. As a result, calcium titanate was formed on the titanium surface. Moreover, titanium oxide and titanium hydroxide layers on the surface increased as temperature and pressure increased. The surface-modified titanium was also immersed in a simulated body fluid (SBF) to estimate its bioactivity. Needle-like apatite precipitation was observed on all hydrothermal-treated titanium surfaces after immersion in SBF for four weeks. In particular, the apatite precipitation of titanium treated with 6.3 MPa in CaO solution was clearer and larger in amount than those of all other hydrothermal-treated specimens. Further, the amount of precipitate corresponded to the thickness of the surface-modified layer and the amount of calcium in the surface layer. The results suggested that surface modification of titanium with high-pressure hydrothermal treatment seemed to improve bioactivity and biocompatibility.

Hydrogen embrittlement of work-hardened Ni-Ti alloy in fluoride solutions.

Hydrogen embrittlement of work-hardened Ni-Ti alloy has been examined in acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) solutions. Upon immersion in a 2.0% APF solution with a pH of 5.0, tensile strength decreased markedly with immersion time. Moreover, the fracture mode changed from ductile to brittle due to brittle layer formation at the peripheral part of the cross section of the specimen. The amount of absorbed hydrogen increased linearly with immersion time, and it reached above 5000 mass ppm after 24 h. The hydrogen desorption temperature of the immersed specimens shifted from 450 degrees C to a lower temperature with immersion time. As the amount of absorbed hydrogen was larger than 500 mass ppm, the degradation of mechanical properties was recognized. Although the tensile properties and fracture mode scarcely change in a 0.2% APF solution, the slight reduction in hardness and hydrogen absorption of several hundreds mass ppm were observed. The results of the present study imply that work-hardened Ni-Ti alloy is less sensitive to hydrogen embrittlement compared with Ni-Ti superelastic alloy.

Strengthening of calcium phosphate cement by compounding calcium carbonate whiskers.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how aragonite (calcium carbonate) whiskers influenced the strengthening and carbonating of alpha-tricalcium phosphate (alpha-TCP) based calcium phosphate cement. Aragonite whiskers of 0.95 microm width with an aspect ratio of 6.6 were prepared. The cement powder, alpha-TCP containing 0-50 mass% aragonite whisker, was mixed with 0.6 mol/L NaH2PO4 solution and incubated at 37 degrees C and 100% relative humidity. Diametral tensile strength (DTS) value increased significantly when appropriate amount of aragonaite whiskers was added. For example, DTS value of set cement containing 20 mass% aragonite whisker was 5.8 +/- 0.5 MPa, whereas DTS value of set cement containing no whiskers was 1.3 +/- 0.2 MPa after 1-week incubation. SEM observation revealed that the shape of the whiskers and the densification of the structure could have contributed to the strengthening of the set cement. Moreover, FTIR spectra implied that a bone-like carbonated apatite was precipitated in the cement. The results obtained in the present study revealed that the shape as well as any slight dissolution of aragonite whiskers could contribute to improving the properties of a-TCP based calcium phosphate cement.

Diffusion coefficient of water through dental composite resin.

Water sorption of polymer filling materials affects dimensional stability, mechanical properties and bonding strength with tooth structures. To clarify the effect of the degradation on service life and micro-leakage, the diffusion coefficient of water through the resin should be identified. Distributions of time-dependent water concentrations in the resin were computed. Water sorption of composite resin discs with different thicknesses was measured and compared with the solution of Fick's second law. The diffusion coefficient of water through the resin discs was computed to be D=3.9-5.0 x 10(-13)m(2)/s from the measurements of specimens with different thicknesses. Results of water sorption measurements for the discs with different thicknesses were in good agreement with the theoretical results. The relationship among the thickness of the disc, the diffusion coefficient and the water sorption ratio was shown clearly. The testing method for water sorption by International Standard ISO 4049 for resin-based filling materials was discussed.

Fracture mechanisms of retrieved titanium screw thread in dental implant.

Titanium and its alloy are increasingly attracting attention for use as biomaterials. However, delayed fracture of titanium dental implants has been reported, and factors affecting the acceleration of corrosion and fatigue have to be determined. The fractured surface of a retrieved titanium screw and metallurgical structures of a dental implant system were analyzed. The outer surface of the retrieved screw had a structure different from that of the as-received screw. It was confirmed that a shear crack initiated at the root of the thread and propagated into the inner section of the screw. Gas chromatography revealed that the retrieved screw had absorbed a higher amount of hydrogen than the as-received sample. The grain structure of a titanium screw, immersed in a solution known to induce hydrogen absorption, showed features similar to those of the retrieved screw. It was concluded that titanium in a biological environment absorbs hydrogen and this may be the reason for delayed fracture of a titanium implant.

Hydrogen absorption behavior of beta titanium alloy in acid fluoride solutions.

Hydrogen absorption behavior of a beta titanium alloy in acid fluoride solutions has been analyzed by hydrogen thermal desorption. The amount of absorbed hydrogen increased with immersion time in a 2.0% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) solution. In the case of an immersion time of 60 h, the amount of absorbed hydrogen exceeded 10000 mass ppm. In contrast, the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the 0.2% APF solution was several times smaller than that in the 2.0% APF solution for the same immersion time. For immersion in a 0.2% APF solution, hydrogen absorption saturated after 48 h. The surface topography and corrosion products on the surface of the specimen immersed in the 2.0% APF solution were different from those in the 0.2% APF solution. During the later stage of immersion, the amount of absorbed hydrogen markedly increased under higher applied stress, although the applied stress did not enhance hydrogen absorption during the early stage of immersion. These results of hydrogen absorption behavior are consistent with the delayed fracture characteristics of the beta titanium alloy.

Hydrothermal modification of titanium surface in calcium solutions.

Hydrothermal modification of a titanium surface in calcium solutions was performed. The apatite precipitation on the modified surface in Hanks' solution, as a simulated body fluid, was evaluated and the surface microstructure changes after the modification were characterized by thin-film X-ray diffractometry (TF-XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Hydrothermal modification in CaO solution enhanced the precipitation of apatite on the titanium surface. High pH, high pressure and high temperature of the CaO solution increased the thickness of the surface-modified layer and enhanced the synthesis of calcium titanate which possibly promoted the precipitation of apatite in Hanks' solution. Hydrothermal modification in CaCl2 solution, on the other hand, showed reverse effects. The modification of titanium in CaO solution with hydrothermal treatment is expected to result in excellent osteointegration and can be easily performed by using an autoclave, a clinical apparatus widely used.

Delayed fracture of beta titanium orthodontic wire in fluoride aqueous solutions.

Hydrogen embrittlement of a beta titanium orthodontic wire has been examined by means of a delayed-fracture test in acid and neutral fluoride aqueous solutions and hydrogen thermal desorption analysis. The time to fracture increased with decreasing applied stress in 2.0% and 0.2% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) solutions. The fracture mode changed from ductile to brittle when the applied stress was lower than 500MPa in 2.0% APF solution. On the other hand, the delayed fracture did not occur within 1000h in neutral NaF solutions, although general corrosion was also observed similar to that in APF solutions. Hydrogen desorption of the delayed-fracture-tested specimens was observed with a peak at approximately 500 degrees C. The amount of absorbed hydrogen was 5000-6500 mass ppm under an applied stress in 2.0% APF solution for 24h. It is concluded that the immersion in fluoride solutions leads to the degradation of the mechanical properties and fracture of beta titanium alloy associated with hydrogen absorption.

Delayed fracture of Ni-Ti superelastic alloys in acidic and neutral fluoride solutions.

Hydrogen-related degradation of the mechanical properties of a Ni-Ti superelastic alloy has been examined by means of delayed fracture tests in acidic and neutral fluoride solutions and hydrogen thermal desorption analysis. Delayed fracture took place in both solutions; the time to fracture was shorter in the acidic solutions than in the neutral solutions with the same fluoride concentration. The time to fracture was reduced in both solutions when applied stress exceeded the critical stress for martensite transformation. In the acidic solutions, Ni-Ti superelastic alloy underwent general corrosion and absorbed substantial amounts of hydrogen. Fractographic features suggested that the delayed fracture in the acidic solutions was attributable to hydrogen embrittlement, whereas in the neutral solutions, a different fracture mode appeared associated with localized corrosion only in the vicinity of the fracture initiation area. In the neutral solutions, the amount of absorbed hydrogen was much less than that in the acidic solutions, and the delayed fracture was likely to be induced by active path corrosion accompanying hydrogen absorption. The results of the present study imply that the hydrogen-related degradation of performance of Ni-Ti superelastic alloys occurs in the presence of fluoride.

Fracture associated with hydrogen absorption of sustained tensile-loaded titanium in acid and neutral fluoride solutions.

The fracture of commercial pure titanium in acid and neutral fluoride solutions has been examined by a sustained tensile-loading test and hydrogen thermal desorption analysis. It was found that the fracture of titanium occurred in neutral 2.0% NaF solution as well as in 2.0% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) solution. The time to fracture decreased with increasing applied stress in both 2.0% APF and 2.0% NaF solutions. In the case of the same applied stress, the time to fracture in the 2.0% APF solution was shorter than that in the 2.0% NaF solution. General corrosion was exhibited on the side surface of the tested specimens. The formation of sodium titanium fluoride was observed on the surface of the immersed specimens in the 2.0% APF solution. Hydrogen desorption of the tested specimen in the 2.0% APF solution was observed with a peak at approximately 600 degrees C. The amount of absorbed hydrogen was >300 mass ppm in the 2.0% APF solution under an applied stress for 24 h. The results of the present study imply that applying stress to titanium by immersing in fluoride solutions leads to the degradation of its mechanical properties.

Hydrogen embrittlement of Ni-Ti superelastic alloy in fluoride solution.

Hydrogen embrittlement of Ni-Ti superelastic alloy in a fluoride solution (0.2% APF) has been investigated by means of a tensile test (after immersion) and hydrogen thermal desorption analysis. Upon immersion, the tensile strength of the alloy decreased to the critical stress level of martensite transformation. Hydrogen desorption of the immersed specimens appeared with a peak at around 500 degrees C. The amount of absorbed hydrogen in the alloy ranged from 100 to 1000 mass ppm when immersed in the fluoride solution for 2 to 24 h. The immersion in the fluoride solution led to the degradation of mechanical properties due to hydrogen embrittlement. The results of the present study imply that one reason that Ti and its alloys fracture in the oral cavity is the fact that hydrogen is absorbed in a fluoride solution, such as prophylactic agents.