Effect of acute methyl methacrylate vapor inhalation on smokers' and non-smokers' respiratory function in a sample of male dentistry students.

BACKGROUND: Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is one of the widely used organic monomers in dentistry. It may cause multiple adverse reactions, ranging from allergic reaction to systemic toxicity. Dentistry students are exposed to MMA in an acute manner; however, the concentration of its vapor cannot be estimated well. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acute MMA vapor inhalation on the pulmonary function of dental students, both smokers and non-smokers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-eight male dental students were divided into 2 groups (group 1 - smokers and group 2 - non-smokers). The lung function parameters of the students were tested with a spirometer during their ordinary training work in a prosthodontics laboratory, before contact with MMA and immediately after it. The lung function test was performed using a standard protocol. The students were asked not to use any perfume or aromatic overlaps for a period of 24 h before starting the tests. RESULTS: The researchers noted a statistically significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory flow at 25-75% of the pulmonary volume (FEF25-75), and forced expiratory flow at 25% (FEF25) and 50% (FEF50) of the pulmonary volume in smokers and non-smokers by comparing the preand post-work tests. CONCLUSIONS: Acute inhalation of MMA vapor induced a moderate restriction of pulmonary function in dental students, both smokers and non-smokers, during their routine prosthodontics laboratory training work. No differences in the results of the pulmonary function tests between smokers and non-smokers were observed.

Methyl methacrylate modified chitosan: Synthesis, characterization and application in drug and gene delivery.

A methyl methacrylate (MMA) modified chitosan (CS) conjugate (CSMMA) has been synthesized by a green method via Michael addition reaction between CS and MMA in ethanol. The synthesized conjugate was characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, X-ray diffraction spectrometry and SEM analysis. The results confirmed that CS was covalently linked to MMA yielding a highly porous framework. The uses of CSMMA were analyzed as a potential gene and drug delivery agent. CSMMA proved to be a reasonably good gene delivery agent based on transfection efficiency studies in mammalian cancer cell lines (A549, HeLa and HepG2). For drug delivery studies, nanoparticles of the CSMMA biopolymer were prepared by ionic gelation method with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). The prepared nanoparticles were characterized in terms of FE-SEM, DLS and zeta potential. In vitro drug release study of curcumin loaded CSMMA nanoparticles showed its maximal entrapment efficiency up to 68% and the drug release was more rapid at a pH (5.0) lower than physiological pH.

"Leaching or not leaching": an alternative approach to antimicrobial materials via copolymers containing crown ethers as active groups.

In this work, new copolymers containing either MMA and 18C6 crown-ether pendants, or PEG, MMA and 18C6 crown-ether pendants were synthesized to test the idea that sequestering structural alkali-earth ions from the bacterial outer membrane (OM) may lead to bacterial death. The copolymers were obtained either via uncontrolled radical polymerization or ATRP; the latter approached allowed us to produce not only linear copolymers but also branched Y-like structures. After checking for the capability of complexing magnesium and calcium ions, the antimicrobial activity of all copolymers was tested placing their casted plaques in contact with pure water E. coli suspensions. All plaques adsorbed alkali-earth ions and killed bacteria, albeit with different antimicrobial efficiencies. Differences in the latter characteristic were attributed to different plaque roughness. The role of the 18C6 crown-ether pendants was elucidated by pre-saturating plaques with Mg/Ca ions, the marked reduction in antimicrobial efficiency indicating that losing the latter from OM due to surface complexation does play an important role in killing bacteria at short (<5 h) contact times. At longer times, the mode of action is instead related to the poly-cationic nature acquired by the plaques due to ion sequestering.

No evidence for the growth-stimulating effect of monomers on cariogenic Streptococci.

BACKGROUND: In spite of contradicting results, the high susceptibility of composites for secondary caries is still often associated with the bacterial growth-stimulating effect of released methacrylate monomers. However, most studies that showed this effect were performed with techniques having inherent limitations (spectrophotometry). OBJECTIVES: Therefore, our objective was to determine the effect of four methacrylate monomers (2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), diethylene glycol dimethacrylate (DEGDMA)) on the growth of two caries-associated bacteria, Streptococcus mutans and sobrinus, and one non-cariogenic species, Streptococcus sanguinis, using TaqMan quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to quantify bacterial DNA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cultures were exposed to monomer solutions selected after spectrophotometric growth measurements. At baseline and predetermined time intervals, bacterial DNA was extracted and quantified with TaqMan qPCR. Biofilms grown in the presence of monomers were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: Spectrophotometry indeed showed increased growth rates of all three strains with 5 mM TEGDMA, EGDMA, and DEGDMA and increased total biomass of S. sanguinis with 5 mM TEGDMA. However, qPCR failed to show any growth-stimulating effect of these monomers on S. mutans and S. sobrinus. In contrast, some monomers exhibited a growth-inhibiting effect on S. sanguinis. SEM revealed extracellular matter in S. sobrinus and S. sanguinis biofilms, which might be attributed to polymer formation. CONCLUSIONS: Techniques which quantify bacterial DNA are more appropriate to evaluate bacterial growth in the presence of monomers than spectrophotometry. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Even though methacrylate monomers did not affect the growth of cariogenic species, growth inhibition of S. sanguinis, a non-cariogenic antagonistic species, may lead to ecological shifts towards higher cariogenicity.

Bone Regeneration after Treatment with Covering Materials Composed of Flax Fibers and Biodegradable Plastics: A Histological Study in Rats.

The aim of this study was to examine the osteogenic potential of new flax covering materials. Bone defects were created on the skull of forty rats. Materials of pure PLA and PCL and their composites with flax fibers, genetically modified producing PHB (PLA-transgen, PCL-transgen) and unmodified (PLA-wt, PCL-wt), were inserted. The skulls were harvested after four weeks and subjected to histological examination. The percentage of bone regeneration by using PLA was less pronounced than after usage of pure PCL in comparison with controls. After treatment with PCL-transgen, a large amount of new formed bone could be found. In contrast, PCL-wt decreased significantly the bone regeneration, compared to the other tested groups. The bone covers made of pure PLA had substantially less influence on bone regeneration and the bone healing proceeded with a lot of connective tissue, whereas PLA-transgen and PLA-wt showed nearly comparable amount of new formed bone. Regarding the histological data, the hypothesis could be proposed that PCL and its composites have contributed to a higher quantity of the regenerated bone, compared to PLA. The histological studies showed comparable bone regeneration processes after treatment with tested covering materials, as well as in the untreated bone lesions.

Effects of acrylic resin monomers on porcine coronary artery reactivity.

The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the reactivity of porcine coronary arteries under in vitro conditions following their exposure to methyl methacrylate (MMA) and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) monomers. Confirming previous studies using rat aortas, both MMA and HEMA induced acute/direct relaxation of coronary ring preparations, which was partly dependent on the endothelium. With prolonged tissue exposure, both monomers caused time- and concentration-dependent inhibition of receptor-mediated contraction of the vascular smooth muscle caused by prostaglandin F2∝ (PGF2∝), with HEMA causing more inhibition than MMA. Hydroxyethyl methacrylate, but not MMA, also produced impairment of non-receptor-mediated contraction of the coronary smooth muscle induced by KCl. On the other hand, neither HEMA nor MMA altered relaxation of the smooth muscle produced by the direct-acting pharmacological agent, sodium nitroprusside (SNP). While exposure to HEMA impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation caused by bradykinin (BK), MMA markedly enhanced this endothelial-mediated response of the arteries. The enhanced endothelial response produced by MMA was linked to nitric oxide (NO) release. In conclusion, with prolonged tissue exposure, MMA causes less pronounced effects/adverse consequences on coronary smooth muscle function relative to the effect of HEMA, while enhancing vasorelaxation associated with release of NO from the endothelium. Accordingly, MMA-containing resin materials appear to be safer for human applications than materials containing HEMA.

Biocompatibility of 4-META/MMA-TBB resin used as a dental luting agent.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The bonding and biological properties of currently used luting/cementing materials need to be improved. 4-Acryloyloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride/methyl methacrylate-tri-n-butylborane (4-META/MMA-TBB) resin is primarily used for splinting mobile teeth or treating fractured teeth. It undergoes moisture-resistant polymerization and bonds strongly to dentin and metals. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the biological and biochemical properties META/MMA-TBB resin with those of conventional polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-MMA resin and other currently used luting materials in order to determine whether it may be a viable dental luting agent. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The degree of polymerization of 4-META/MMA-TBB resin, PMMA-MMA autopolymerizing resin, 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate-dimethacrylate (MDP-DMA) adhesive resin, and a glass ionomer cement was measured by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy. Free radical production during setting was evaluated by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. Rat dental pulp cells cultured on these materials were examined for cell viability, attachment, proliferation, and functional phenotype. RESULTS: The degree of polymerization of 4-META/MMA-TBB resin was 82% thirty minutes after preparation, compared to 66% for PMMA-MMA autopolymerizing resin. ESR spectroscopy revealed free radical production from 4-META/MMA-TBB resin and glass ionomer cement was equivalent 24 hours after preparation, with no spike in radical generation observed. In contrast, free radical production from PMMA-MMA and MDP-DMA adhesive resins was rapid and sustained and 10 to 20 times greater than that from 4-META/MMA-TBB. The percentage of viable dental pulp cells 24 hours after seeding was considerably higher on MDP-DMA and 4-META/MMA-TBB resin than on glass ionomer cement. Cell number, proliferation, and alkaline phosphatase activity were highest on 4-META/MMA-TBB resin and lowest on the glass ionomer cement. CONCLUSIONS: 4-META/MMA-TBB resin is at least as biocompatible, and perhaps even more biocompatible, than other current luting materials, with fast, favorable, and nontoxic polymerization properties. Further in vivo and human studies of 4-META/MMA-TBB resin as a dental luting agent are warranted.

Resin monomers act as adjuvants in Ni-induced allergic dermatitis in vivo.

Resin monomers (RMs) are inflammatory agents and are thought to cause allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). However, mouse models are lacking, possibly because of the weak antigenicities of RMs. We previously reported that inflammatory substances can promote the allergic dermatitis (AD) induced by intradermally injected nickel (Ni-AD) in mice. Here, we examined the effects of RMs on Ni-AD. To sensitize mice to Ni, a mixture containing non-toxic concentrations of NiCl2 and an RM [either methyl methacrylate (MMA) or 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)] was injected intraperitoneally or into ear-pinnae intradermally. Ten days later, a mixture containing various concentrations of NiCl2 and/or an RM was intradermally injected into ear-pinnae, and ear-swelling was measured. In adoptive transfer experiments, spleen cells from sensitized mice were transferred intravenously into non-sensitized recipients, and 24 h later NiCl2 was challenged to ear-pinnae. Whether injected intraperitoneally or intradermally, RM plus NiCl2 mixtures were effective in sensitizing mice to Ni. AD-inducing Ni concentrations were greatly reduced in the presence of MMA or HEMA (at the sensitization step from 10 mM to 5 or 50 µM, respectively, and at the elicitation step from 10 µM to 10 or 100 nM, respectively). These effects of RMs were weaker in IL-1-knockout mice and in macrophage-depleted mice. Cell-transfer experiments in IL-1-knockout mice indicated that both the sensitization and elicitation steps depended on IL-1. Challenge with an RM alone did not induce allergic ear-swelling in mice given the same RM + NiCl2 10 days before the challenge. These results suggest that RMs act as adjuvants, not as antigens, to promote Ni-AD by reducing the AD-inducing concentration of Ni, and that IL-1 and macrophages are critically important for the adjuvant effects. We speculate that what were previously thought of as "RM-ACD" might include ACD caused by antigens other than RMs that have undergone promotion by the adjuvant effects of RMs.

Effect of dentin desensitizing procedures on methyl methacrylate diffusion through dentin.

BACKGROUND: Acrylic and bisacryl resins are widely used both during the temporization phase as well as for provisional restorations and the effect of external agents on dentin sensitivity can be reduced by the obliteration of the tubules. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate diffusion of methyl methacrylate monomer through dentin by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after three different desensitizing procedures during the fabrication of two different provisional crown materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty extracted restoration and caries free human premolar teeth were used in this study. Thermoplastic vacuum formed material was used as a matrix to fabricate provisional restorations for each tooth before crown preparation. Teeth were prepared for a metal supported ceramic crown with 1 mm shoulder margins and then crown parts were separated from cementoenamel junction with a carborundum disk perpendicular to the long axis of the teeth. To the cementoenamel junction of each tooth a polypropylene chamber was attached that contains 1.5 cm 3 of deionized distilled water. Prepared teeth were divided into four groups ( n = 10) including control, desensitizing agent (DA) application, neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd: YAG) laser irradiation (LI), and LI after DA application groups. After application of DA (except control) each group were divided into two subgroups for fabrication of provisional restorations ( n = 5). Two autopolymerizing provisional materials (Imident (Imicryl) and Systemp C and B (Ivoclar, vivadent)) were used to fabricate provisional restorations using the strips. Water elutes were analyzed by HPLC at 10 min and 24 h. RESULTS: The monomer diffusion values varied statistically according to desensitizing procedures, provisional resin systems, and the time periods. Monomer diffusion through dentin surfaces desensitized with Nd: YAG LI after DA application was the lowest. CONCLUSIONS: Nd: YAG LI in association with DA application is an effective combination to eliminate monomer diffusion through dentin to pulpal chamber.

The inhibitory effect of a polymerisable cationic monomer on functional matrix metalloproteinases.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the use of methacryloxylethyl cetyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DMAE-CB) as a potential matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) inhibitor on both soluble recombinant and dentine matrix-bound endogenous MMPs, meanwhile attempted to determine the effective anti-MMP group of quaternary ammonium methacrylates (QAMs). METHODS: The possible inhibitory effects of five DMAE-CB mass concentrations (0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 3%, 5%) on soluble rhMMP-9 were measured using a colorimetic assay kit. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) and [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride (METMAC) were also screened against rhMMP-9 to compare the inhibitory effect with DMAE-CB. Matrix-bound endogenous MMP-activity was evaluated in completely demineralized dentine beams. Thirty beams were randomly divided into three groups (N=10) and respectively placed into 500µL of calcium- and zinc-containing media (CM; control), 0.2% chlorhexidine or 3% DMAE-CB in CM aged for 30 days. The changes in modulus of elasticity, loss of dry mass and solubilization of collagen peptides were measured via three-point bending, precision weighing and hydroxyproline assay, respectively. RESULTS: 0.5-5% mass concentrations of DMAE-CB were highly effective (P<0.05) in inhibiting rhMMP-9 varied between 76.56±6.44% and 97.06±3.24%, the inhibitory effect of MMA was much lower than that of METMAC and DMAE-CB at the same concentration (P<0.05). Dentine beams incubated in 3% DMAE-CB showed only a 26.34% decrease in the modulus of elasticity (75.74% decrease in control), a 1.72±1.56% loss of dry mass (29.70±9.12% loss in control), and significantly less solubilized hydroxyproline when compared with the control (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: DMAE-CB is effective in inhibiting both soluble recombinant MMPs and matrix-bound dentine MMPs. Quaternary ammonium group is the effective anti-MMP group of QAMs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The incorporation of DMAE-CB into dental adhesives has the potential to enhance the durability of dentine bonding and thus increases the longevity of restorations.

The PEI-introduced CS shell/PMMA core nanoparticle for silencing the expression of E6/E7 oncogenes in human cervical cells.

In this study, we examined the potential of cationic nanoparticle - polyethyleneimine-introduced chitosan shell/poly (methyl methacrylate) core nanoparticles (CS-PEI) for siRNA delivery. Initially, DNA delivery was performed to validate the capability of CS-PEI for gene delivery in the human cervical cancer cell line, SiHa. siRNA delivery were subsequently carried out to evaluate the silencing effect on targeted E6 and E7 oncogenes. Physicochemical properties including size, zeta potential and morphology of CS-PEI/DNA and CS-PEI/siRNA complexes, were analyzed. The surface charges and sizes of the complexes were observed at different N/P ratios. The hydrodynamic sizes of the CS-PEI/DNA and CS-PEI/siRNA were approximately 300-400 and 400-500nm, respectively. Complexes were positively charged depending on the amount of added CS-PEI. AFM images revealed the mono-dispersed and spherical shapes of the complexes. Gel retardation assay confirmed that CS-PEI nanoparticles completely formed complexes with DNA and siRNA at a N/P ratio of 1.6. For DNA transfection, CS-PEI provided the highest transfection result. Localization of siRNA delivered through CS-PEI was confirmed by differential interference contrast (DIC) confocal imaging. The silencing effect of siRNA specific to HPV 16 E6/E7 oncogene was examined at 18 and 24h post-transfection. The results demonstrated the capacity of CS-PEI to suppress the expression of HVP oncogenes.

The effect of adding tobramycin to Simplex P cement on femoral stem micromotion as measured by radiostereometric analysis: a 2-year randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Previous in vitro research on addition of antibiotics to bone cement has found no statistically significant deterioration in mechanical properties. However, no clinical studies have compared the performance of tobramycin-laden bone cement with that of standard bone cement (Simplex P). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 23 patients (25 hips) were randomized to receive an Exeter (Stryker Orthopaedics) femoral stem cemented with either Simplex P (standard) or Simplex T (tobramycin-laden) cement. There were 2 years of follow-up, with scheduled radiostereometric (RSA) examinations. RESULTS: All stems migrated distally and showed some degree of retroversion. No clinically significant differences in stem subsidence or retroversion were found between the Simplex T and Simplex P cement groups after 2 years. Overall subsidence was less than in previous studies, probably due to a postponed initial post-surgical examination. Rates of subsidence in both cement groups were consistent with those from previous studies of Exeter stems. INTERPRETATION: Subsidence of the femoral stem after 2 years was similar in the Simplex T (tobramycin-laden) and Simplex P (standard) groups.

On the mechanism of poly(methacrylic acid -co- methyl methacrylate)-induced angiogenesis: gene expression analysis of dTHP-1 cells.

Identifying the critical molecules associated with "biocompatibility" is a grand challenge. Poly(methacrylic acid -co- methyl methacrylate) (MAA) beads improve wound closure and wound vascularity in vivo, but the mechanism of this phenomenon is unknown. We used quantitative real-time PCR to identify the subtle changes in the expression of a small selection of molecules involved in wound healing and angiogenesis in a macrophage-like cell (dTHP-1) treated with the MAA beads (45 mol% methacrylic acid). MAA beads decreased the expression of osteopontin (OPN) compared to poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and untreated cells, and increased the expression of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α over the 24-96 h of the experiment. Interestingly, molecules associated with angiogenesis, such as bFGF, CXCL12, HIF-1α, PDGF-B, TGF-ß and VEGF, were not significantly affected by MAA beads over the course of the study. MAA beads also increased the gene expression of OPN in HUVEC compared to untreated cells, while PMMA beads did not. MAA beads modified the phenotype (gene expression) of dTHP-1 cells in a subtle yet distinct manner that was different than PMMA. It remains to connect the changes in OPN in dTHP-1 (and HUVEC) and other molecules to the enhanced vascularity seen in vivo with this polymer.

Intercalary segmental reconstruction of long bones after malignant bone tumor resection using primary methyl methacrylate cement spacer interposition and secondary bone grafting: the induced membrane technique.

BACKGROUND: Bone reconstruction after surgical resection of malignant bone tumor in children remains a difficult challenge and various techniques exist. Induced membrane reconstruction as described by Masquelet et al has been reported in traumatic large bone defects. We have been using this 2-stage technique after primary malignant bone tumors resection in children since 2000. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 12 cases: 6 Ewing sarcomas and 6 osteosarcomas. Mean age of the patients was 9 years old (range, 3 to 15.5 y). Surgical treatment consisted of wide resection and insertion of a cement spacer then secondary bone grafting. All patients had neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy and 2 patients had adjuvant radiotherapy. RESULTS: Surgical excision was complete in all cases. There was no local recurrence at 6.2 years (range, 4.6 to 9.1 y) follow-up. Three patients had pulmonary metastasis (of whom 1 deceased) and 1 had a metastasis on the contralateral limb. The 11 patients operated on the lower limb achieved weight bearing 4.1 months (range, 0.2 to 14.2 mo) after the second stage of the procedure. Complications were numerous with 7 nonunions (4 unifocal and 3 bifocal), 5 fractures (in 4 patients), 5 protruding wires (in 4 patients), and 2 femoral varus deformities. There was no infection. CONCLUSIONS: Induced membrane reconstruction seems to be a simple and reliable technique in pediatric bone tumors and these results are promising. Extended use of locking nails could reduce the high rate of nonunion though it is not always possible in skeletally immature patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV (case series).

Antibacterial analysis of a zinc-based glass polyalkenoate cement.

Infection following surgery can result in significant pain and morbidity for patients undergoing vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty, and often results in revision surgery. This study focuses on the development of Al-free glass polyalkenoate cements (GPCs) based on 0.04SrO-0.12CaO-0.36ZnO-0.48SiO( 2) glass, with the intent of optimizing their antibacterial efficacy by incorporating low-molecular-weight polyacrylic acids (PAA) and trisodium citrate (TSC), and evaluating the resultant GPCs against bacteria relevant to spinal infections, P. aeruginosa and E. coli. Ion-release profiles were determined for the GPC formulation containing E6 PAA (Cement A) and E7 PAA (Cement B), and Zn, Na, and Sr release was recorded over 1, 7, and 30 days. Inhibition was found in E. coli at each time period (0-30 days) and this generally decreased with exposure time in water. The largest GPC inhibition zones were produced by Cement A (6 mm); however the control material Simplex P + tobramycin produced much higher inhibition zones (11 mm). When testing the GPC against P. aeruginosa, inhibition was only present at the 0-day time period. Simplex P + tobramycin was found to produce inhibition at each time frame. Analysis of the agar from the inhibition zone of the E. coli test revealed that there is a significant change in Zn concentration as compared to a control agar specimen, which suggests that Zn release is responsible for the antibacterial effect of the GPCs.

Percutaneous osteoplasty with a bone marrow nail for fractures of long bones: experimental study.

PURPOSE: To develop percutaneous osteoplasty with the use of a bone marrow nail for fixation of long-bone fractures, and to evaluate its feasibility and safety in vivo and in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six long bones in three healthy swine were used in the in vivo study. Acrylic cement was injected through an 11-gauge bone biopsy needle and a catheter into a covered metallic stent placed within the long bone, creating a bone marrow nail. In the in vitro study, we determined the bending, tug, and compression strengths of the acrylic cement nails 9 cm long and 8 mm in diameter (N = 10). The bending strength of the artificially fractured bones (N = 6) restored with the bone marrow nail and cement augmentation was then compared with that of normal long bones (N = 6). RESULTS: Percutaneous osteoplasty with a bone marrow nail was successfully achieved within 1 hour for all swine. After osteoplasty, all swine regained the ability to run until they were euthanized. Blood tests and pathologic findings showed no adverse effects. The mean bending, tug, and compression strengths of the nail were 91.4 N/mm(2) (range, 75.0-114.1 N/mm(2)), 20.9 N/mm(2) (range, 6.6-30.4 N/mm(2)), and 103.0 N/mm(2) (range, 96.3-110.0 N/mm(2)), respectively. The bending strength ratio of artificially fractured bones restored with bone marrow nail and cement augmentation to normal long bone was 0.32. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous osteoplasty with use of a bone marrow nail and cement augmentation appears to have potential in treating fractures of non-weight-bearing long bones.

Design and characterization of PEGylated terpolymer biomaterials.

A terpolymer copolymerized from hexyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, and poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) was synthesized. Polymers containing 0-25 mol % PEGMA were studied. As the mole fraction of PEGMA in the polymer chains increased, the material becomes more hydrophilic as observed by a decrease in the contact angle of water (81 degrees -68 degrees) and an increase in the equilibrium water absorption (0.7-237 wt %). Furthermore, the material shows nonfouling interfacial properties through resistance to protein adsorption and cellular attachment. A total of 1.2 microg/cm(2) fibrinogen, 18,000 HUVECs/cm(2), and 3,000,000 platelets/cm(2) adsorbed or adhered on non-PEGylated materials, whereas very low amounts of protein or cells were observed on materials containing >or=15 mol % PEGMA. Being thermoplastic, the polymer can be processed postsynthesis. To illustrate the processing capabilities of the material, polymer solutions were electrospun into nonwoven fibrous scaffold, which also retained their nonfouling character.

Poly(methacrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate) beads promote vascularization and wound repair in diabetic mice.

Topical application of beads made from poly(methacrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate) (45 mol % methacrylic acid, MAA) increased the number of blood vessels and improved 1.5 x 1.5 cm full thickness wound closure in a diabetic mouse (db/db) model. Three groups were compared: MAA beads, control poly(methyl methacrylate) beads (PMMA), and no bead blanks. MAA bead treatment significantly increased percent wound closure at all timepoints (7, 14, and 21 days) with MAA bead-treated wounds almost closed at day 21 (91 +/- 5.4% MAA vs. 79 +/- 3.2% PMMA or 76 +/- 4.8% no beads; p < 0.05). This was consistent with the expected significant increase in vascularity in the MAA group at days 7 and 14. For example at day 14, MAA bead-treated wounds had a vascular density of 22.7 +/- 2.6 vessels/hpf compared with 17.0 +/- 2.0 vessels/hpf in the PMMA bead group (p < 0.05). Epithelial gap and migration measurements suggested that the increased vascularity leads to enhanced epithelial cell migration as a principal means of wound closure. Although studies are underway to elucidate the mechanism of this angiogenic response, the results presented here support the notion that such materials, perhaps in other forms, may be useful in wound care or in other situations where vascularity is to be enhanced without the use of exogenous growth factors.

The compressive properties of bone cements containing large doses of antibiotics.

The addition of large amounts of antibiotics to bone cement provides a convenient local delivery, but may influence the compressive properties of the cement. Flucloxacillin and vancomycin were added to Simplex P (Stryker, Limerick, Ireland) and VersaBond (Smith & Nephew) cements. Tripling the antibiotic dose from 2 to 6 g had little effect on the static compressive properties 24 hours after curing. After 4 weeks in phosphate-buffered saline, there was marked decrease in properties with the addition of antibiotics. Compressive strength of cements with 6 g of antibiotic was reduced to near or below the ASTM and ISO minimum of 70 MPa after 4 weeks in phosphate-buffered saline. Microcomputer tomography revealed increased porosity and clumping of the radiopacifier with the addition of antibiotics.

Methyl methacrylate activates the Gsta1 promoter.

Residual monomers in resin-based biomaterials cause cytotoxicity. We previously showed that methyl methacrylate (MMA) induced mRNA expression of the glutathione S-transferase alpha 1 gene (Gsta1) located downstream of the cis-acting anti-oxidant responsive element (ARE). Herein, we tested the hypothesis that MMA activated the Gsta1 promoter through the ARE. HepG2 cells were transfected with a luciferase reporter vector containing the ARE and the Gsta1 promoter (-990 to +46 bp) and cultured for 12 hrs with MMA (initial concentration, 10 mM). Analysis of the expressed luciferase activity indicated that MMA activated the promoter 2.6-fold. MMA (from 1 to 30 mM) dose-dependently increased the promoter activity, which reached a plateau between 6 and 12 hrs. In HepG2 cells transfected with a reporter vector containing 2 AREs and a TATA-like promoter, 10 mM MMA increased the reporter expression 2.8-fold. These results suggest that MMA increases Gsta1 transcription through ARE-mediated promoter activation.