Antiseptic effect of slightly acidic electrolyzed water on dental unit water systems.

Biofilm formation in dental unit water systems (DUWSs) can contaminate water from three-in-one syringes, air rotors, and low-speed handpieces. This may serve as a potential source of infection for dentists, dental staff, and patients, so these systems must be sterilized. Because slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) is often used as a disinfectant for food, the aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of using SAEW as a DUWS disinfectant. Slightly acidic electrolyzed water was injected into a dental unit and its effects evaluated. Chemical properties such as chlorine ion and potential hydrogen in the SAEW were measured. Detection of both ordinary and heterotrophic bacteria from the DUWS was performed by culture, and biofilm formation of the bacteria in the DUWS evaluated. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detected contamination by nosocomial pathogens. Almost all the chlorine ions in the SAEW were exhausted during the two-day trials, and the pH value of the SAEW fell from 5 to 4. No viable cells were detected in the SAEW collected. Biofilm formation in the water from the DUWS with SAEW was almost at a baseline level, whereas that without SAEW was 4 times higher. The PCR analysis showed that no nosocomial infecting pathogens were detected in the SAEW. The present study demonstrated the antiseptic effect of SAEW in DUWS.

Peripheral quantitative computer tomographic, histomorphometric, and removal torque analyses of two different non-coated implants in a rabbit model.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the bone-tissue response to zirconia and titanium implants at the implant-to-bone interface and at the periosteal level and (2) to quantitatively measure the mineral density of the peri-implant bone using peripheral quantitative computer tomography (pQCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten 3.5 mm × 6.6 mm screw-shaped threaded implants fabricated from titanium and zirconia were inserted into the mid-tibial diaphysis of five male New Zealand white rabbits. Calcein green was administered at 4 weeks post-implantation. The animals were sacrificed after 6 weeks and implants were retrieved and analyzed in terms of bone-to-implant contact (BIC), bone area (BA), mineralized surface (MS) percentage, inter-thread calcein labels, removal torque (RT) values, as well as pQCT measurements. FINDINGS: No statistically significant differences were detected between the zirconia and titanium implants in terms of BIC, RT, and pQCT. However, statistically significant higher BA and MS levels were found in the titanium group, while the higher amount of calcein labels occupying the threads were found in the zirconium group. Significant differences were also found in the quantity and the composition of bone at the bone-implant interfacial area vs. the region 1.5 mm away from the bone-implant interface, irrespective of the implant type. CONCLUSION: Zirconia implants demonstrated a lower bone remodeling activity in the periosteal region. The bone at the bone-implant interface shows a significantly lower cortical bone density, a higher trabecular density, and trabecular mineral content. Finally, zirconia and titanium implants showed similar bone-implant responses in terms of BIC and RT.

Construction of database for three-dimensional human tooth models and its ability for education and research--Carious tooth models -.

To construct a human teeth database which is freely available to researchers and students, three-dimensional human tooth models were generated in a previous study, by means of micro-CT, from 35 human teeth extracted during orthodontic treatment. In this study, X-ray images of 55 extracted human teeth were acquired using three-dimensional micro-CT at a resolution of 50x50x50 microm, and then visualized using a numerical data visualization software. These carious tooth models provided insight into the morphology and progression of carious defects as well as a rare insight into the morphology of carious tooth pulp, therefore rendering them as a useful tool and efficient method for dental students' learning. Moreover, these three-dimensional models could be simultaneously observed and used by many students and researchers at any one time, which was a superior advantage than having only one actual tooth for learning and study by many.

Nonlinear stress analysis of titanium implants by finite element method.

With use of dental implants on the rise, there is also a tandem increase in the number of implant fracture reports. To the end of investigating the stress occurring in implants, elasticity and plasticity analyses were performed using the finite element method. The following results were obtained: (1) With one-piece type of implants of 3.3 mm diameter, elasticity analysis showed that after applying 500 N in a 45-degree direction, stress exceeding 500 MPa which is the proof stress of grade 4 pure titanium - occurred. This suggested the possibility of fatigue destruction due to abnormal occlusal force, such as during bruxism. (2) With two-piece type of implants that can tolerate vertical loading of 5,000 N, plasticity analysis suggested the possibility of screw area fracture after applying 500 N in a 45-degree direction. (3) On the combined use of an abutment and a fixture from different manufacturers, fracture destruction of even Ti-6Al-4V, which has a high degree of strength, was predicted.

In vitro bioactivity and gene expression by cells cultured on titanium dioxide doped phosphate-based glasses.

In our previous study, glasses with 50 P(2)O(5)-(20-15) Na(2)O-30 CaO-(0-5 mol%) TiO(2) have been prepared by the conventional melt-quenching process. MG63 cell proliferation, gene expression, in vivo biocompatibility, and bioactivity of these glasses is the concern of this study. The results showed that addition of TiO(2) in small amounts up to 5 mol% enhanced the biocompatibility of these glasses. The cell metabolic activity was conspicuous, on 3 and 5 mol% TiO(2) compositions in particular, with no significant difference from Thermanox control over a period of 21 days. The findings from the gene expression study showed that, at day 1 and on 5 mol% TiO(2) glass, core binding protein factor alpha 1 (Cbfa1) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) showed significantly lower transcription level; however, collagen type I alpha subunit I (COLIAI) and Osteonectin (Sparc) showed no significant differences compared to the control. At day 7, all these genes transcription levels were not significantly different form the control, but at day 14, they were significantly higher than the control. Moreover, there were no significant differences detected in these genes on both 3 and 5 mol% TiO(2) glasses up to 7 days. At day 14; however, 5 mol% TiO(2) glasses showed significantly higher level than 3 mol% TiO(2) composition. This was also correlated by the presence of new bone tissue at the bone-particles interface for 5 mol% TiO(2) composition after 5 weeks of implantation in rat calvarium. Regardless of this favourable cell response and gene up-regulation, these glasses showed no evidence of apatite layer formation after 14 days incubation in SBF.

Bond strength of resin cements to H2O2-treated titanium plates.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of H(2)O(2)-treatment of titanium surfaces on cement shear bond strengths, and characterized H(2)O(2)-treated titanium surfaces. METHODS: Using 34.5% hydrogen peroxide solution, cp Ti plates (10 mm x 10 mm x 1 mm) were treated by (1) an immersion method, and (2) halogen irradiation while immersed in H(2)O(2) for varying times. A cylindrical block (6 mm diameter, 4 mm height) of four different cements was bonded onto H(2)O(2)-treated surfaces. The cement bond strengths were evaluated under shear mode. Treated surfaces were also characterized for color change, wettability, AC impedance, and transmission electron diffraction of stripped oxide film. RESULTS: The cement shear bond strength of cp Ti treated with H(2)O(2) and halogen for 160 s was the highest and was approximately 14 times higher than the un-treated control cp Ti plates. Bond strengths are correlated linearly to wettability. The more surface wetted with the cement material, the higher the resultant shear bond strength value. SIGNIFICANCE: These results suggest that a combined treatment of hydrogen peroxide and halogen light irradiation provides an effective surface condition with appropriate oxide film thickness to enhance the cement bond strength.

High temperature characteristics and solidification microstructures of dental metallic materials. Part III alloys for metal-bond porcelain.

The thermal expansion rate, coefficient of thermal expansion, and high temperature strength of two types of commercially available alloy for metal-bond porcelain, KIK-HII (KIK) and Degubond-J2 (J2), were evaluated up to the liquidus point temperature using a thermo-mechanical analyzer. Furthermore, microstructure in the solid-liquid coexisting region was observed for evaluation. Our results revealed the following findings: 1. For KIK, solidus point was 1,209.3 +/- 3.2 degrees C, liquidus point was 1,308.3 +/- 7.10 degrees C, and melting expansion rate was 0.41+/- 0.16%. 2. For J2, solidus point was 1,198.3 +/- 0.6 degrees C, liquidus point was 1,253.0 +/- 4.4 degrees C, and melting expansion rate was 4.50 +/- 0.80%. 3. At high temperature, the mechanical characteristics of KIK greatly differed from those of J2. The risk of causing deformation during porcelain baking was suggested for KIK. Removal of segregation during casting was considered difficult in J2.

[Trace Analysis of Lead in Copper Gluconate by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry after Separation by Co-Precipitation with Bismuth].

In order to determine trace amounts of lead in copper gluconate by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), the authors investigated a separation and pre-concentration procedure using a co-precipitation technique with bismuth. After ashing 2.0 g of the sample by means of a dry process, the ash was dissolved in (1→100) nitric acid and 75 µg of bismuth was added. Lead was co-precipitated by using an ammonium solution controlled to pH 9.5-10.5. The precipitate was left at room temperature for over 15 minutes to age, and then washed with a (3→100) ammonium solution three times. The precipitate was dissolved in (1→100) nitric acid and then analyzed by AAS. The quantification limit of this method was 0.5 mg/kg, and the trueness, repeatability and intermediate precision were 99.6%, 4.2% and 4.2% at the spiked concentration of 0.5 mg/kg, and 94.4%, 2.8% and 4.0% at the spiked concentration of 5.0 mg/kg, respectively. Thus, the present method for trace analysis of lead in copper gluconate was validated.

Cement bond strengths of titanium plates.

The success of the oral rehabilitation of implant patients depends not only on the osseointegration of implant fixtures but also on maintaining the integrity of the connection of prosthetic superstructures to these fixtures. It was an objective of the present study to evaluate and compare cement bond strengths among rolled (R), cast (C) and metal-injection-molded (M) commercially pure titanium plates which were bonded with Panavia 21 (Kuraray) and Imperva (Shofu) cements. Two plates (15x5x1 mm) of each R, C, and M were lap-jointed (lap length: 5 mm). The joints were stored in 37 degrees C distilled water for 24 h, followed by tensile tests with an INSTRON system under 1 mm/min crosshead speed. It was found that the bond strength of R with Panavia 21 (PAN) was 5.31 (SD:1.5) MPa and 2.30 (0.83) MPa with Imperva (IMP) cement. These were improved by applying an alloy primer to 7.08 (1.31) MPa and 6.72 (1.63) MPa, respectively. Using PAN with primer application, C and M samples showed bond strengths of 7.99 (1.31) and 7.20 (2.50) MPa, while they were 5.83 (2.15) and 6.79 (2.09) MPa using IMP with primer. There was a significant difference (p<0.01) between PAN and IMP cements for C samples. Additionally, samples were pre-oxidized at 100 degrees C in air for 10 min. Bond strengths of PAN with the primer were 5.69 (2.25), 9.14 (1.28), and 5.60 (3.13) MPa for R, C, and M sample groups. If the cement with the primer was applied immediately after the polishing (instead of pre-oxidized surfaces), bond strengths were improved to 9.14 (1.78) for R, 9.29 (1.85) for C, and 9.36 (1.81) MPa for M sample group. At p<0.05 level, there was a significant difference between surface pre-condition of R and M, but no significance with C.

Effects of repeated baking on the mechanical and physical properties of metal-ceramic systems.

This study evaluates effects of repeated baking processes on the mechanical and physical properties of single and triple applications of opaque, body and enamel porcelains fused to three different metal substrates (precious metal, semi-precious metal and non-precious metal). The vintage halo porcelain system was employed and fused to metals. Fused samples were subjected to three-point bend tests to evaluate bend strength and modulus of elasticity. It was found that, by increasing repeated baking cycles, (1) body and enamel porcelains increased bend strengths but opaque porcelain did not show any changes, (2) all triple-layered porcelains fired to metals increased bend strengths, and (3) all three porcelains and metal substrates did not exhibit changes in thermal expansion percentage. It was concluded that repeating baking procedures up to 10 cycles did not exhibit any adverse effects on the final properties of porcelain-fired to metals, rather it was noticed that mechanical strengths increased by increasing cycles.

High temperature characteristics and solidification microstructures of dental metallic materials part I: silver-palladium-copper-gold alloy.

Ag-Pd-Cu-Au alloy was subjected to a Thermo-Mechanical Analyzer to investigate high temperature properties up to its liquidus temperature. Microstructural examination and elemental analysis with EPMA were also conducted in the solid/liquid mixture region. The following conclusions were obtained. (1) The solidus temperature was 838.3 +/- 2.52 degrees C and 957.7 +/- 1.53 degrees C for the liquidus point. (2) Thermal expansion coefficients were 1.39 +/- 0.08% at the solidus, 2.338 +/- 0.13% at the liquidus, and the melting expansion coefficient was 0.932 +/- 0.058%. (3) The expansion during melting was controlled by a small amount of pressure such as 1/100 of the air pressure, therefore the fit accuracy of castings is suggested not to be influenced by the solidification shrinkage. (4) Although the softening heat treatment and casting exhibited an influence on thermal expansion behavior, casting temperature in addition to post-casting plastic deformation did not show an effect on the thermal expansion. (5) The yield strength at 750 degrees C was reduced down to about 1/400 of that at room temperature, and the modulus of elasticity was about 1/100 of the room temperature value.

High temperature characteristics and solidification microstructures of dental metallic materials. Part II. ADAS Type 3 gold alloy.

Previously, high temperature properties of the silver-palladium-copper-gold alloy were investigated. In this study, the thermal expansion percentage and coefficient, and high temperature strengths of ADAS Type 3 gold alloy were investigated up to the liquidus temperature. Furthermore, microstructural and compositional changes in the solid/liquid dual phase were studied. The following conclusions were obtained. (1) The solidus point of the Type 3 gold alloy was 899.3+/-11.7 degrees C, and the liquidus point was 962.3+/-2.4 degrees C. (2) The thermal expansion percentage at the solidus point was 1.636+/-0.046%, while it was 4.853+/-0.213% for the liquidus point. The thermal expansion percentage of the melt was 3.217+/-0.257%. (3) The melt expansion was observed even under the measuring pressure of 373.75 HPa, which was quite different from the fact that the melt expansion disappeared at the pressure of 20.87 HPa for the silver-palladium-copper-gold alloy. (4) The morphology of solid phase in the solid/liquid dual zone of this alloy was quite different from those observed with the silver-palladium-copper-gold alloy.

Identification of cell cycle-arrested quiescent osteoclast precursors in vivo.

Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells that resorb bone. Although osteoclasts originate from the monocyte/macrophage lineage, osteoclast precursors are not well characterized in vivo. The relationship between proliferation and differentiation of osteoclast precursors is examined in this study using murine macrophage cultures treated with macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of NF-kappaB (RANK) ligand (RANKL). Cell cycle-arrested quiescent osteoclast precursors (QuOPs) were identified as the committed osteoclast precursors in vitro. In vivo experiments show that QuOPs survive for several weeks and differentiate into osteoclasts in response to M-CSF and RANKL. Administration of 5-fluorouracil to mice induces myelosuppression, but QuOPs survive and differentiate into osteoclasts in response to an active vitamin D(3) analogue given to those mice. Mononuclear cells expressing c-Fms and RANK but not Ki67 are detected along bone surfaces in the vicinity of osteoblasts in RANKL-deficient mice. These results suggest that QuOPs preexist at the site of osteoclastogenesis and that osteoblasts are important for maintenance of QuOPs.

Characterization and evaluation of a modified local lymph node assay using ATP content as a non-radio isotopic endpoint.

INTRODUCTION: The murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) is an accepted and widely used method for assessing the skin-sensitizing potential of chemicals. Here, we describe a non-radio isotopic modified LLNA in which adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content is used as an endpoint instead of radioisotope (RI); the method is termed LLNA modified by Daicel based on ATP content (LLNA-DA). METHODS: Groups of female CBA/JNCrlj mice were treated topically on the dorsum of both ears with test chemicals or a vehicle control on days 1, 2, and 3; an additional fourth application was conducted on day 7. Pretreatment with 1% sodium lauryl sulfate solution was performed 1 h before each application. On day 8, the amount of ATP in the draining auricular lymph nodes was measured as an alternative endpoint by the luciferin-luciferase assay in terms of bioluminescence (relative light units, RLU). A stimulation index (SI) relative to the concurrent vehicle control was derived based on the RLU value, and an SI of 3 was set as the cut-off value. RESULTS: Using the LLNA-DA method, 31 chemicals were tested and the results were compared with those of other test methods. The accuracy of LLNA-DA vs LLNA, guinea pig tests, and human tests was 93% (28/30), 80% (20/25), and 79% (15/19), respectively. The estimated concentration (EC) 3 value was calculated and compared with that of the original LLNA. It was found that the EC3 values obtained by LLNA-DA were almost equal to those obtained by the original LLNA. DISCUSSION: The SI value based on ATP content is similar to that of the original LLNA as a result of the modifications in the chemical treatment procedure, which contribute to improving the SI value. It is concluded that LLNA-DA is a promising non-RI alternative method for evaluating the skin-sensitizing potential of chemicals.

Dolomite supplementation improves bone metabolism through modulation of calcium-regulating hormone secretion in ovariectomized rats.

Dolomite, a mineral composed of calcium magnesium carbonate (CaMg (CO3)2), is used as a food supplement that supplies calcium and magnesium. However, the effect of magnesium supplementation on bone metabolism in patients with osteoporosis is a matter of controversy. We examined the effects of daily supplementation with dolomite on calcium metabolism in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Dolomite was administered daily to OVX rats for 9 weeks. The same amount of magnesium chloride as that supplied by the dolomite was given to OVX rats as a positive control. Histological examination revealed that ovariectomy decreased trabecular bone and increased adipose tissues in the femoral metaphysis. Dolomite or magnesium supplementation failed to improve these bone histological features. Calcium content in the femora was decreased in OVX rats. Neither calcium nor magnesium content in the femora in OVX rats was significantly increased by dolomite or magnesium administration. Urinary deoxypyridinoline excretion was significantly increased in OVX rats, and was not affected by the magnesium supplementation. Serum concentrations of magnesium were increased, and those of calcium were decreased, in OVX rats supplemented with dolomite or magnesium. However, there was a tendency toward decreased parathyroid hormone secretion and increased calcitonin secretion in OVX rats supplemented with dolomite or magnesium. Serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) and osteocalcin levels were significantly increased in the supplemented OVX rats. These results suggest that increased magnesium intake improves calcium metabolism in favor of increasing bone formation, through the modulation of calcium-regulating hormone secretion.

Effect of wax melting range and investment liquid concentration on the accuracy of a three-quarter crown casting.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Dental casting accuracy is influenced by the setting expansion of investment materials. Although setting expansion can help compensate for casting shrinkage, it cannot be fully realized under a confined wax pattern. Exactly how soft a wax pattern should be to ensure optimum setting expansion has not been determined. PURPOSE: In this study, the relationship between wax characteristics and the casting accuracy of a three-quarter crown was investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four different wax materials were used: paraffin 135 with a softening temperature of 37.5 degrees C (P38), paraffin 1080 with a softening temperature of 63.5 degrees C, Shofu Red with a softening temperature of 41.5 degrees C, and Shofu Hard with a softening temperature of 51 degrees C. Two mixtures of phosphate-bonded investment were prepared: one with 100% special liquid and another with 75% special liquid plus 25% distilled water. For both, the liquid/powder ratio was 16:100. A type IV gold alloy was cast into a three-quarter crown mold. The discrepancy at 6 locations (1 lingual, 1 mesial, 1 distal, and 3 facial) was measured with a traveling microscope. Five readings were collected. Means and standard deviations were calculated for all data. A 2-way analysis of variance followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test for multiple comparisons was used to identify significant differences between groups at the 95% confidence level. RESULTS: For the gingival measurement sites (lingual, mesial, and distal), there was no significant difference in cast adaptation when Shofu Hard and paraffin 1080 waxes were used. However, the results with these 2 waxes were different than with Shofu Red and P38. For the 3 facial measurement sites, significantly different measurements were found for each wax; P38 demonstrated the best results. Casting shrinkage was smaller with the use of 100% special liquid. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, casting shrinkage was affected by the type of wax used and was sensitive to the site at which dimensional measurements were performed. The higher the softening temperature, the larger the casting shrinkage.