Influence of masticating cycles and chewing patterns on inadvertent enamel wear caused by zirconia brackets.

Little information is available about enamel wear caused by zirconia brackets, an inadvertent side effect of orthodontic treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine potential enamel damage induced by contact with zirconia brackets. Sliding and impact wear simulations were performed using bovine enamel specimens positioned at a 25° slant to a zirconium ball to determine wear behaviour. Different chewing patterns, tapping and grinding, were simulated. Specimens were profiled using confocal laser scanning microscopy, and the mean maximum depth and surface roughness were measured. Scanning electron microscopy was also performed. The mean maximum depth of wear values differed according to the number of mastication cycles, with a higher number of cycles producing higher depths of wear. The facet wear depth was significantly greater with the tapping pattern than with the grinding pattern. Scanning electron microscopic observation of the wear facets revealed that surface textures at the edges were rougher than those at the centre of all facets. The results of this study indicated that enamel wear was induced by contact with zirconia brackets during the early period of mastication, and that the patterns and number of cycles of mastication affected the wear progression of enamel.

Effectiveness of Nanohydroxyapatite on Demineralization of Enamel and Cementum Surrounding Margin of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Polycrystalline Ceramic Restoration.

INTRODUCTION: Prosthetic dentistry has shifted toward prevention of caries occurrence surrounding restorative margin through the anti-demineralization process. This study examines the ability of nanohydroxyapatite (NHA) gel and Clinpro (CP) on enhancing resistance to demineralization of enamel and cementum at margin of restoration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty extracted mandibular third molars were segregated at 1 mm above and below cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to separate CEJ portions and substituted with zirconia disks by bonding to crown and root portions with resin adhesive. The enamel and cementum area of 4 × 4 mm2 neighboring zirconia was applied with either NHA or CP, while one group was left no treatment (NT) before demineralized with carbopal. Vickers hardness (VHN) of enamel and cementum was evaluated before material application (B M), after material application (A M), and after demineralization (A D). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc multiple comparisons were used to justify for the significant difference (α = 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were determined for surface evaluations. RESULTS: The mean ± SD of VHN for B M, A M, and A D for enamel and cementum was 393.24 ± 26.27, 392.89 ± 17.22, 155.00 ± 5.68 and 69.89 ± 4.59, 66.28 ± 3.61, 18.13 ± 0.54 for NT groups, respectively, 390.10 ± 17.69, 406.77 ± 12.86, 181.55 ± 7.99 and 56.01 ± 9.26, 62.71 ± 6.15, 19.09 ± 1.16 for NHA groups, respectively, and 387.90 ± 18.07, 405.91 ± 9.83, 188.95 ± 7.43 and 54.68 ± 7.30, 61.81 ± 4.30, 19.22 ± 1.25 for CP groups, respectively. ANOVA indicated a significant increase in anti-demineralization of enamel and cementum upon application of NHA or CP (p < 0.05). Multiple comparisons indicated the capability in inducing surface strengthening to resist demineralization for enamel and cementum of NHA which was comparable to CP (p > 0.05) as evidenced by SEM and XRD data indicating NHA and CP deposition and crystallinity accumulation. CONCLUSION: NHA and CP were capable of enhancing anti-demineralization for enamel and cementum. The capability in resisting the demineralization process of NHA was comparable with CP. NHA was highly recommended for anti-demineralization for enamel and cementum surrounding restorative margin.

What is the Best Radionuclide for Immuno-PET of Multiple Myeloma? A Comparison Study Between 89Zr- and 64Cu-Labeled Anti-CD138 in a Preclinical Syngeneic Model.

Although positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with 18-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) is a promising technique in multiple myeloma (MM), the development of other radiopharmaceuticals seems relevant. CD138 is currently used as a standard marker for the identification of myeloma cells and could be used in phenotype tumor imaging. In this study, we used an anti-CD138 murine antibody (9E7.4) radiolabeled with copper-64 (64Cu) or zirconium-89 (89Zr) and compared them in a syngeneic mouse model to select the optimal tracers for MM PET imaging. Then, 9E7.4 was conjugated to TE2A-benzyl isothiocyanate (TE2A) and desferrioxamine (DFO) chelators for 64Cu and 89Zr labeling, respectively. 64Cu-TE2A-9E7.4 and 89Zr-DFO-9E7.4 antibodies were evaluated by PET imaging and biodistribution studies in C57BL/KaLwRij mice bearing either 5T33-MM subcutaneous tumors or bone lesions and were compared to 18F-FDG-PET imaging. In biodistribution and PET studies, 64Cu-TE2A-9E7.4 and 89Zr-DFO-9E7.4 displayed comparable good tumor uptake of subcutaneous tumors. On the bone lesions, PET imaging with 64Cu-TE2A-9E7.4 and 89Zr-DFO-9E7.4 showed higher uptake than with 18F-FDG-PET. Comparison of both 9E7.4 conjugates revealed higher nonspecific bone uptakes of 89Zr-DFO-9E7.4 than 64Cu-TE2A-9E7.4. Because of free 89Zr's tropism for bone when using 89Zr-anti-CD138, 64Cu-anti-CD138 antibody had the most optimal tumor-to-nontarget tissue ratios for translation into humans as a specific new imaging radiopharmaceutical agent in MM.

Ion release in ceramic bearings for total hip replacement: Results from an in vitro and an in vivo study.

INTRODUCTION: Literature on the potential release of trace elements following implantation of Zirconia-platelet toughened alumina (ZPTA) ceramic components is scant. The present study therefore analysed the in vitro and in vivo potential release of ions from ZPTA bearings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An in vitro and in vivo study was conducted. The in vitro study compared leaching in bovine serum from two groups: ZPTA ceramic heads and Co-28Cr-6Mo alloy heads, both 28-mm diameter. A third group without implant served as reference group. An in vivo clinical study compared trace elements in the whole blood of patients with 36-mm diameter ZPTA ceramic-on-ceramic articulation after three and 12 months. A cohort of subjects without any prosthesis was used as control group. The release of ions was determined by high resolution-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: In the in vitro experiment, significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) in trace element release for chromium, cobalt and molybdenum were found, with increased levels of ion release in the Co-28Cr-6Mo metal group. The very low detection limit for yttrium allowed detection of a small yttrium release from the ZPTA heads, which was not confirmed by the in vivo study. No significant difference between the groups was found for strontium, aluminium, and zirconium. In the in vivo study, no relevant differences in ion levels between the reference group without any implant and the study group were found at the three and 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study supports that ZPTA ceramic articulation components are safe in terms of ion release, and may be an excellent alternative to bearings based on Co-28Cr-6Mo alloys.

Thermal cracks of implant-based zirconia four-unit restorations: A fractographic analysis of two restorations fractured during production.

Two zirconia-based 4-unit restorations intended for the same patient fractured during the veneering process even though the prolonged cooling protocol recommended by the manufacturers was used. Fractographic analyses revealed that both restorations fractured as a result of thermal shock, but at different times during production. Further investigation is necessary to optimize the firing protocols for large zirconia-based restorations and avoid fracture due to thermal shock.

Effect of surface treatments on repair with composite resin of a partially monoclinic phase transformed yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Studies of composite resin repairs of yttrium-tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) are usually performed in its tetragonal phase, but it may be partially transformed into a monoclinic phase in a clinical fracture. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of airborne-particle abrasion (APA) and a bonding agent on the shear bond strength (SBS) between a composite resin and hydrothermally aged Y-TZP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Specimens (7.0×7.0×1.7 mm, N=112) of Y-TZP Lava were obtained, and 50% were aged in an autoclave at 134°C at 300 kPa for 8 hours. The surfaces were treated with APA 50-µm Al2O3 particles (ALU) or Rocatec Soft (30 µm) (ROC) followed by Clearfil SE Bond Primer (10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate [10-MDP]) plus Clearfil porcelain bond activator (3-methacryloxypropyl-trimethoxy silane [3-MPS]) (CLE) or RelyX Ceramic Primer plus a layer of RelyX U100 adhesive-resin cement (REL). Composite resin cylinders were built on the Y-TZP treated surfaces. After thermocycling (6000 cycles, 5°C and 55°C, 30-second dwell time), an SBS test was carried out (n=14). Data were analyzed by 3-way ANOVA and the Tukey honest significant differences test (α=.05). The failure mode was analyzed. RESULTS: The 3-way ANOVA was not significant for aging (P>.05), but the APA (P<.001), bonding agent (P<.001), and their interaction (P<.001) were significant. APA with ALU or ROC did not influence the SBS of the groups bonded with CLE, but the REL APA with ROC provided higher SBS. The failure mode was adhesive for all specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Adhesion was not different on monoclinic partially transformed Y-TZP. The APA with ROC followed by REL was the most effective treatment for repairing Y-TZP.

Load to failure of different zirconia implant abutments with titanium components.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Abutments with a zirconia superstructure and a titanium insert have recently become popular. Although they have been tested under static load, their performance under simulated mastication is not well known. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the cyclic load to failure of 3 types of zirconia abutments with different mechanisms of retention of the zirconia to the titanium interface. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen implants (n=5 per system) and abutments (3 groups: 5 friction fit [Frft]; 5 bonded; and 5 titanium ring friction fit [Ringfrft]) were used. Abutments were thermocycled in water between 5°C and 55°C for 15000 cycles and then cyclically loaded for 20000 cycles or until failure at a frequency of 2 Hz by using a sequentially increased loading protocol up to a maximum of 720 N. The load to failure for each group was recorded, and 1-way analysis of variance was performed. RESULTS: The mean load-to-failure values for the Frft group was 526 N, for the Bond group 605 N, and for the Ringfrft group 288 N. A statistically significant difference was found among all abutments tested (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Abutments with the bonded connection showed the highest load-to-failure value, and the abutment with the titanium ring friction fit connection showed the lowest load-to-failure value.

Clinical assessment of enamel wear caused by monolithic zirconia crowns.

The purpose of this study was to measure enamel wear caused by antagonistic monolithic zirconia crowns and to compare this with enamel wear caused by contralateral natural antagonists. Twenty monolithic zirconia full molar crowns were placed in 20 patients. Patients with high activity of the masseter muscle at night (bruxism) were excluded. For analysis of wear, vinylpolysiloxane impressions were prepared after crown incorporation and at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up. Wear of the occlusal contact areas of the crowns, of their natural antagonists, and of two contralateral natural antagonists (control teeth) was measured by use of plaster replicas and a 3D laser-scanning device. Differences of wear between the zirconia crown antagonists and the control teeth were investigated by means of two-sided paired Student's t-tests and linear regression analysis. After 2 years, mean vertical loss was 46 µm for enamel opposed to zirconia, 19-26 µm for contralateral control teeth and 14 µm for zirconia crowns. Maximum vertical loss was 151 µm for enamel opposed to zirconia, 75-115 µm for control teeth and 60 µm for zirconia crowns. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between wear of enamel by zirconia-opposed teeth and by control teeth. Gender, which significantly affected wear, was identified as a possible confounder. Monolithic zirconia crowns generated more wear of opposed enamel than did natural teeth. Because of the greater wear caused by other dental ceramics, the use of monolithic zirconia crowns may be justified.

A practice-based clinical evaluation of the survival and success of metal-ceramic and zirconia molar crowns: 5-year results.

This practice-based study evaluates the survival and success of conventionally luted metal-ceramic and zirconia molar crowns fabricated by using a prolonged cooling period for the veneering porcelain. Fifty-three patients were treated from 07/2008 to 07/2009 with either metal-ceramic crowns (MCC) or zirconia crowns (ZC). Forty-five patients (26 female) with 91 restorations (obser-vational period: 64.0 ± 4.8 months) participated in a clinical follow-up examination and were included in the study. Estimated cumulative survival (ECSv), success (ECSc) and veneering ceramic success (ECVCSc) were calculated (Kaplan-Meier) and analysed by the crown fabrication technique and the position of the restoration (Cox regression model) (P < 0.05). Five complete failures (MCC: 2, ZC: 3) were recorded (5-year ECSv: MCC: 97.6%, (95% confidence interval (95%-CI): [93%; 100%]/ZC: 94.0%, (95%-CI): [87%; 100%]). Of the MCCs (n = 41), 85.0%, [95%-CI: (77%; 96%)] remained event-free, whereas the ECSc for the ZCs (n = 50) was 74.3% (95%-CI): [61%; 87%]. No significant differences in ECSv (P = 0.51), ECSc (P = 0.43) and ECVCSc (P = 0.36) were detected between the two fabrication techniques. Restorations placed on terminal abutments (n = 44) demonstrated a significantly lower ECVCSc (P = 0.035), (5-year VCF-rate: 14.8%) than crowns placed on tooth-neighboured abutments (n = 47), (5-year VCF-rate: 4.3%). In the present study, zirconia molar crowns demonstrated a 5-year ECSv, ECSc and ECVCSc comparable to MCCs. Irrespective of the fabrication technique, crowns on terminal abutments bear a significantly increased risk for VCFs. Clinical investigations with an increased number of restorations are needed.

[Health status of dust-exposed workers in a precision casting enterprise].

Objective: To investigate the health status of workers exposed to zircon sand and silica dust in a precision casting enterprise, and to provide a basis for the development of prevention and control measures. Methods: Occupational health examination, questionnaire survey, and field investigation of occupational health were performed for 176 male workers (18 workers in the zirconium dust exposure group, 109 in the non-zirconium dust exposure group, and 49 in the non-dust exposure group) in a precision casting enterprise, and a statistical analysis was performed for the data obtained. Results: Dust and noise were major hazard factors for occupational diseases in this enterprise. The abnormal rate of physical examination was 71.02%. Compared with the non-zirconium dust exposure group, the zirconium dust exposure group had significantly higher detection rates of restrictive ventilatory dysfunction, increased immunoglobulin IgE, increased alanine aminotransferase, and increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (P<0.05) ; compared with the non-dust exposure group, the zirconium dust exposure group had a significantly higher detection rate of increased ALP (P<0.05) . Of all workers, 15 were found to have pneumoconiosis-like changes (11 had pneumoconiosis and 4 needed observation) , among whom 4 were in the zirconium dust exposure group (3 had pneumoconiosis and 1 needed observation) and 11 were in the non-zirconium dust exposure group (8 had pneumoconiosis and 3 needed observation) . The detection rate of pneumoconiosis-like changes showed no significant differences between the two groups (20.22% vs 10.09%) . Conclusions: There was a severe dust hazard in this enterprise. Inhalation of dust containing zirconium is associated with respiratory system injury, especially the development of pneumoconiosis, and it may also cause immune dysfunction and liver impairment.

[(89)Zr]oxinate4 for long-term in vivo cell tracking by positron emission tomography.

PURPOSE: (111)In (typically as [(111)In]oxinate3) is a gold standard radiolabel for cell tracking in humans by scintigraphy. A long half-life positron-emitting radiolabel to serve the same purpose using positron emission tomography (PET) has long been sought. We aimed to develop an (89)Zr PET tracer for cell labelling and compare it with [(111)In]oxinate3 single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). METHODS: [(89)Zr]Oxinate4 was synthesised and its uptake and efflux were measured in vitro in three cell lines and in human leukocytes. The in vivo biodistribution of eGFP-5T33 murine myeloma cells labelled using [(89)Zr]oxinate4 or [(111)In]oxinate3 was monitored for up to 14 days. (89)Zr retention by living radiolabelled eGFP-positive cells in vivo was monitored by FACS sorting of liver, spleen and bone marrow cells followed by gamma counting. RESULTS: Zr labelling was effective in all cell types with yields comparable with (111)In labelling. Retention of (89)Zr in cells in vitro after 24 h was significantly better (range 71 to >90%) than (111)In (43-52%). eGFP-5T33 cells in vivo showed the same early biodistribution whether labelled with (111)In or (89)Zr (initial pulmonary accumulation followed by migration to liver, spleen and bone marrow), but later translocation of radioactivity to kidneys was much greater for (111)In. In liver, spleen and bone marrow at least 92% of (89)Zr remained associated with eGFP-positive cells after 7 days in vivo. CONCLUSION: [(89)Zr]Oxinate4 offers a potential solution to the emerging need for a long half-life PET tracer for cell tracking in vivo and deserves further evaluation of its effects on survival and behaviour of different cell types.

The effect of zirconia or titanium as abutment material on soft peri-implant tissues: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: The objective of this review was to analyze research with regard to the effect of zirconia or titanium as abutment material on soft peri-implant tissues. METHODS: Clinical studies were selected via electronic and hand searches in English language journals until December 1, 2014. Only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and prospective controlled clinical trials (CCTs) showing direct comparison between zirconia (Zr) and titanium (Ti) abutments in the same patient were considered. The outcome measures were (1) soft tissue color, (2) soft tissue recession, (3) peri-implant probing, (4) bleeding on probing, (5) esthetic indexes, (6) patient-reported outcome, (7) marginal bone level, and (8) biological complications. RESULTS: Nine relevant studies (11 papers) were identified: 4 RCTs and 5 CCTs. Due to heterogeneity in the study design, statistical methods, and reported results, a meta-analysis of the data was feasible only for soft tissue color. The outcome was found to be significantly superior for Zr abutments. For the other outcome measures, a qualitative analysis of the selected articles was performed. The studies did not show any statistically significant differences between Zr and Ti abutments on soft tissue recession, probing depths, bleeding on probing, marginal bone level, and patient-reported outcome. One study reported significantly higher pink esthetic score (PES) scores at Zr implants with Zr abutments, compared to metal implants and Ti abutments. CONCLUSION: Overall, the research does not support any obvious advantage of Ti or Zr abutments over each other. However, there is a significant tendency in Zr abutments evoking better color response of peri-implant mucosa and superior esthetic outcome measured by PES score.

Soft tissue biological response to zirconia and metal implant abutments compared with natural tooth: microcirculation monitoring as a novel bioindicator.

INTRODUCTION: Zirconia is often used for implant abutments for esthetics. The aim of this clinical study was to compare the effects of zirconia and metal abutments on periimplant soft tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten maxillary anterior implant patients, 5 with metal abutments and 5 with zirconia abutments, were enrolled in this trial. The soft tissue around the implant abutments was evaluated by 2-dimensional laser speckle imaging and thermography. The blood flow in soft tissue around natural teeth was also measured to correct for differences among the subjects. RESULTS: Significantly greater blood flow was detected in the zirconia abutment group (95.64 ± 5.17%) relative to the metal abutment group (82.25 ± 8.92%) in free gingiva (P = 0.0317). Reduced blood flow (by almost 18%) was detected in the tissue surrounding metal abutments compared with the tissue surrounding natural teeth. The surface temperature showed no significant difference for all measurements. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that blood flow in tissue surrounding zirconia abutments is similar to that in soft tissue around natural teeth. Moreover, zirconia abutments could be advantageous for the maintenance of immune function by improving blood circulation.

Clinical study to evaluate the wear of natural enamel antagonist to zirconia and metal ceramic crowns.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Tooth wear is a complex process, which, if not prevented, may adversely affect the integrity of the stomatognathic system. Different restorative dental materials may affect the amount of wear on natural enamel antagonists. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vivo study was to evaluate and compare the wear of enamel opposing natural enamel, zirconia, and metal ceramic crowns after 1 year. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten participants between 18 and 35 years of age requiring 2 complete crowns, 1 on either side of maxillary or mandibular molar region, and having healthy natural teeth in the opposing arch were selected. For each participant, 1 monolithic polished zirconia crown and 1 glazed metal ceramic crown were fabricated and cemented. To evaluate the wear of the antagonistic natural enamel (premolar and molar), polyvinyl siloxane impressions were made immediately (baseline) and at 1 year after cementation. The wear of natural enamel against natural enamel was evaluated as the control. The resulting casts were scanned (using a 3D white light scanner), and 3D software was used to calculate the maximum amount of linear wear. RESULTS: One-way repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to analyze data. Mean ±SD occlusal wear of the antagonistic enamel 1 year after the cementation of metal ceramic crowns was 69.20 ±4.10 µm for premolar teeth and 179.70 ±8.09 µm for molar teeth, whereas for zirconia crowns, it was 42.10 ±4.30 µm for premolar teeth and 127.00 ±5.03 µm for molar teeth. Occlusal wear of natural enamel opposing natural enamel was 17.30 ±1.88 µm in the premolar region and 35.10 ±2.60 µm in the molar region. The Bonferroni post hoc test revealed that the occlusal wear of antagonistic enamel 1 year after the cementation of a metal ceramic crown was significantly higher (P<.001) than that of an opposing zirconia crown or natural enamel. CONCLUSIONS: Zirconia crowns led to less wear of antagonist enamel than metal ceramic crowns, but more than natural enamel.

In vivo evaluation of Zr-based bulk metallic glass alloy intramedullary nails in rat femora.

Zr-based bulk metallic glasses (BMG) show high corrosion resistance in vitro and higher strength and lower Young's modulus than crystalline alloys with the similar composition. This study aimed to perform an in vivo evaluation of Zr65Al7.5Ni10Cu17.5 BMG. Osteotomy of the femur was done in rats and stabilized with intramedullary nails made of Zr65Al7.5Ni10Cu17.5 BMG, Ti-6Al-4V alloy, or 316L stainless steel. Systemic and local effects of each type of nail were evaluated by measuring the levels of Cu and Ni in the blood and the surrounding soft tissue. Changes of the surface of each nail were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Healing of the osteotomy was evaluated by peripheral quantitative computed tomography and mechanical testing. No increase of Cu and Ni levels was recognized. Surface of the BMG showed no noticeable change, while Ti-6Al-4V alloy showed Ca and P deposition and 316L stainless steel showed surface irregularities and pitting by SEM observation. The stress strain index, maximum torque, torsional stiffness, and energy absorption values were larger for the BMG than those for Ti-6Al-4V alloy, although there was no significant difference. The Zr-based BMG can promote osteotomy healing as fast as Ti-6Al-4V alloy, with the possible advantage of the Zr-based BMG that bone bonding is less likely, allowing easier nail removal compared with Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The Zr-based BMG is promising for the use in osteosynthetic devices that are eventually removed.

Effect of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate on potassium lowering for 28 days among outpatients with hyperkalemia: the HARMONIZE randomized clinical trial.

IMPORTANCE: Hyperkalemia is a common electrolyte abnormality that may be difficult to manage because of a lack of effective therapies. Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate is a nonabsorbed cation exchanger that selectively binds potassium in the intestine. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of zirconium cyclosilicate for 28 days in patients with hyperkalemia. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: HARMONIZE was a phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating zirconium cyclosilicate in outpatients with hyperkalemia (serum potassium ≥5.1 mEq/L) recruited from 44 sites in the United States, Australia, and South Africa (March-August 2014). INTERVENTIONS: Patients (n = 258) received 10 g of zirconium cyclosilicate 3 times daily in the initial 48-hour open-label phase. Patients (n = 237) achieving normokalemia (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) were then randomized to receive zirconium cyclosilicate, 5 g (n = 45 patients), 10 g (n = 51), or 15 g (n = 56), or placebo (n = 85) daily for 28 days. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary end point was mean serum potassium level in each zirconium cyclosilicate group vs placebo during days 8-29 of the randomized phase. RESULTS: In the open-label phase, serum potassium levels declined from 5.6 mEq/L at baseline to 4.5 mEq/L at 48 hours. Median time to normalization was 2.2 hours, with 84% of patients (95% CI, 79%-88%) achieving normokalemia by 24 hours and 98% (95% CI, 96%-99%) by 48 hours. In the randomized phase, serum potassium was significantly lower during days 8-29 with all 3 zirconium cyclosilicate doses vs placebo (4.8 mEq/L [95% CI, 4.6-4.9], 4.5 mEq/L [95% CI, 4.4-4.6], and 4.4 mEq/L [95% CI, 4.3-4.5] for 5 g, 10 g, and 15 g; 5.1 mEq/L [95% CI, 5.0-5.2] for placebo; P < .001 for all comparisons). The proportion of patients with mean potassium <5.1 mEq/L during days 8-29 was significantly higher in all zirconium cyclosilicate groups vs placebo (36/45 [80%], 45/50 [90%], and 51/54 [94%] for the 5-g, 10-g, and 15-g groups, vs 38/82 [46%] with placebo; P < .001 for each dose vs placebo). Adverse events were comparable between zirconium cyclosilicate and placebo, although edema was more common in the 15-g group (edema incidence: 2/85 [2%], 1/45 [2%], 3/51 [6%], and 8/56 [14%] patients in the placebo, 5-g, 10-g, and 15-g groups). Hypokalemia developed in 5/51 (10%) and 6/56 patients (11%) in the 10-g and 15-g zirconium cyclosilicate groups, vs none in the 5-g or placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among outpatients with hyperkalemia, open-label sodium zirconium cyclosilicate reduced serum potassium to normal levels within 48 hours; compared with placebo, all 3 doses of zirconium cyclosilicate resulted in lower potassium levels and a higher proportion of patients with normal potassium levels for up to 28 days. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of zirconium cyclosilicate beyond 4 weeks and to assess long-term clinical outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02088073.

Enamel wear caused by monolithic zirconia crowns after 6 months of clinical use.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate enamel wear caused by monolithic zirconia crowns and to compare this with enamel wear caused by contralateral natural antagonists. Twenty monolithic zirconia crowns were placed in 20 patients requiring full molar crowns. For measurement of wear, impressions of both jaws were made at baseline after crown cementation and at 6-month follow-up. Mean and maximum wear of the occlusal contact areas of the crowns, of their natural antagonists and of the two contralateral natural antagonists were measured by the use of plaster replicas and 3D laser scanning methods. Wear differences were investigated by the use of two-sided paired Student's t-tests and by linear regression analysis. Mean vertical loss (maximum vertical loss in parentheses) was 10 (43) µm for the zirconia crowns, 33 (112) µm for the opposing enamel, 10 (58) µm for the contralateral teeth and 10 (46) µm for the contralateral antagonists. Both mean and maximum enamel wear were significantly different between the antagonists of the zirconia crowns and the contralateral antagonists. Gender and activity of the masseter muscle at night (bruxism) were identified as possible confounders which significantly affected wear. Under clinical conditions, monolithic zirconia crowns seem to be associated with more wear of opposed enamel than are natural teeth. With regard to wear behaviour, clinical application of monolithic zirconia crowns is justifiable because the amount of antagonistic enamel wear after 6 months is comparable with, or even lower than, that caused by other ceramic materials in previous studies.

Total knee arthroplasty in patients with hypersensitivity to metals.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the risk of hypersensitivity to metals in a population of consecutive subjects undergoing a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We also proposed a diagnostic pathway to address any sensitivity to metals. We finally presented the mid-term outcomes of a full non allergenic knee implant. METHODS: We developed a protocol based on the medical history, patch testing, and on specific laboratory assays, in order to assess a sensitization to metals. Twenty-four patients (25 knees) with referred or suspected allergy to metals were found in more than 1,000 treated patients, with a mean age of 72.9 years. We proceeded to a radiologic study, a clinical evaluation by the visual analogic scale (VAS), and Knee Society rating system (KSS). In all cases a full anallergic cemented implant with an oxidized zirconium femoral component and an all-polyethylene tibial baseplate was chosen. RESULTS: Four (16.6%) of the 24 patients were considered to be hypersensitive to metals. The mean follow-up was 79.2 months. No patient reported any reaction related to hypersensitivity or complications after TKA. The VAS improved from a mean preoperative value of 7.2 to 1.8 postoperatively; the KSS and the functional score increased from 38 to 91 points and from 39 to 88 points, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We consider careful research of medical history for metals hypersensitivity crucial, and we perform patch testing and lab assays in case of doubtful sensitization. The choice of a modern hypoallergenic implant may prevent any kind of potential reactions.

Peculiar reaction of oxidized zirconium from a total knee arthroplasty prosthesis: A case report.

Oxidized zirconium (OxiniumTM) prostheses, made up of a metallic alloy of zirconium with a ceramic surface formed by oxidizing the outer layer, were developed as an alternative bearing surface to reduce polyethylene wear and decrease failure of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We report a unique catastrophic failure of an Oxinium TKA with consequent accelerated wear and severe metallosis. Intraoperatively, we observed extensive wear grooving of the femoral component with exposure of the underlying silver layers and the complete wear of polyethylene on the medial side. Metallic debris had a peculiar arthrogram appearance, noted within the cut surface of the femur and tibia, indicative of the osteolysis that occurred, leading up to the failure of the implants. The histopathologic examination revealed a collection of macrophages with foreign-body reactions and black-pigmented metal-induced wear particles. Oxinium has clear benefits regarding superior wear properties; however, surgeons need to be aware that there is a risk of exposure to the underlying layers that may precede accelerated wear, deformation, and metallosis. Uncovering the deeper layers could result in the appearance of an arthrogram on plain radiographs. Early identification of polyethylene wear and prompt revision is crucial to avoid the rapid progression of subsequent metallosis and catastrophic implant failure, specifically when using oxidized zirconium components for TKA. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report presenting a detailed histologic analysis to provide insight into the mechanisms of the failed Oxinium components.

Antagonist enamel tooth wear produced by different dental ceramic systems: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the amount of enamel tooth wear induced by different antagonistic ceramic crown materials in the posterior area within a follow-up period up to 24 months in function. A network meta-analysis was performed to assess the effect of the materials on the mean vertical loss (MVL) of the antagonist enamel tooth surface. DATA: Main search terms used in combination: ceramic, dental materials, metal ceramic, tooth wear and dental enamel. SOURCES: An electronic search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL plus hand-searching. STUDY SELECTION: Eligibility criteria included clinical studies reporting on MVL on antagonist's tooth up to 24 months following the permanent crown placement. From a total of 5697 articles, 7 studies reporting on 261 crowns for 177 subjects with 3 ceramic materials (Lithium disilicate, metal-ceramic, monolithic zirconia) were included. Among all, metal-ceramic and zirconia caused significantly higher enamel tooth wear on antagonist teeth, representing 82.5 µm [54.4; 110.6]) and 40.1 µm [22.2; 58.0]) more MVL than natural teeth group. In contrast, lithium disilicate showed only 5.0 µm [-48.2; 58.1]) more MVL than occurs on opposing natural teeth. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review demonstrated that prosthodontic ceramic materials produced significantly more antagonist enamel tooth wear than opposing natural enamel tooth wear, and ceramic material type was correlated to the degree of enamel tooth wear. Additional well-conducted, randomized controlled trials with homogeneous specimens are required due to inadequate sample size and number of the clinical studies included in the analyses. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The amount of wear caused by different restorative materials has a high influence on the antagonistic natural teeth and should therefore be evaluated intensively by the dentist.