Bioactivity Potential of EndoSequence BC RRM Putty.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to characterize and assess the interaction of EndoSequence BC RRM putty (Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA) in contact with blood and simulated body fluid. Tricalcium silicate-based materials are in contact with blood and tissue fluids during and after their setting. These materials are hydraulic; thus, their properties improve in moist conditions. However, specific environmental conditions may modify the material setting. METHODS: EndoSequence BC RRM putty was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. This was done before setting and after contact with water, Hank's balanced salt solution, and heparinized whole blood. Furthermore, characterization of an explanted material from a failed root-end surgery was performed. RESULTS: The EndoSequence BC RRM putty was composed of tricalcium silicate, tantalum oxide, and zirconium oxide. The tricalcium silicate reaction led to the formation of calcium hydroxide, and this was evident over the putty in contact with water and Hank's balanced salt solution. In the latter case, there was also the formation of globular crystals synonymous with hydroxyapatite formation. The material in contact with blood exhibited a poorly crystalline surface with additional peaks for calcium, phosphorus, and chlorine, whereas the material retrieved from the failed root-end surgery had deposition of calcium carbonate on its surface. CONCLUSIONS: The environmental conditions affect the hydration of the EndoSequence RMM putty and consequentially the material interaction with the environment. However, in vitro material assessment may not be representative of the clinical situation because carbon dioxide present in vivo leads to the formation of calcium carbonate rather than the hydroxyapatite reported in in vitro studies.

Functionalization of cyclo-olefin polymer substrates by plasma oxidation: stable film containing carboxylic acid groups for capturing biorecognition elements.

Many current designs in biomedical diagnostics devices are based on the use of low cost, disposable, easy-to-fabricate chips made of plastic material, typically a cyclo-olefin polymer (COP). Low autofluorescence properties of such material, among others, make it ideal substrate for fluorescence-based applications. Functionalization of this plastic substrate for biomolecule attachment is therefore of great importance and the quality of films produced on such surface have often a significant influence on the performance of the device. In this communication we discuss the surface chemistry and some other characteristics of hydrophilic films, containing carboxylic acid functional groups, formed by plasma oxidation of COP and also films containing cross-linked, polymerized acryclic acid produced by sequential deposition of tetraorthosilicate and acrylic acid by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Immobilization of labeled, single stranded DNA revealed high binding capacity for both coatings. To our best knowledge, this is the first example of direct immobilization of biomolecules on just plasma oxidized COP. Furthermore, more sophisticated treatment of the oxidized plastic substrate by PECVD with other organic precursors increased the binding capacity by some 40% than that of just plasma oxidized COP. The carboxy functionalized surfaces, due to the negative charge of the carboxy groups, showed very positive trends towards increasing the signal to noise ratio when charged biomolecules such as DNA, are used.

Silicon bioavailability studies in young rapidly growing rats and turkeys fed semipurified diets: a comparative study.

Two experiments were conducted using completely randomized designs to study the bioavailability of Si from three sources to growing rats and turkeys fed semipurified diets. The basal diets were dextrose-egg albumin for rats and dextrose-casein for turkeys. The Si sources were tetraethylorthosilicate (TES), sodium silicate (NaSil), and sodium zeolite A (NaZA). Rats and turkeys were supplemented at 500 and 270 ppm Si, respectively, from each source. A control group of unsupplemented rats and turkeys was included in each experiment. In general, irrespective of Si source, Si supplementation slowed (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) growth rates in both rats and turkeys. Although dietary Si supplementation reduced (p < 0.05) plasma Mg levels and liver Zn concentrations in rats, it increased (p < 0.05) plasma P and reduced (p < 0.05) plasma Cu levels in turkeys. Rats on TES had significantly slower (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) growth rates (5-10%) than those on NaSil or NaZA. In rats, NaZA and TES reduced (p < 0.05) hemoglobin concentrations and plasma Zn, respectively. However, plasma Mg levels were higher (p < 0.05) in TES than NaSil- or NaZA-fed rats. The source of the dietary Si did not affect (p < 0.05) the organ weights of rats and their mineral concentrations. Turkeys on TES diets grew at a significantly faster (p < 0.05) rate (15%) than those on NaSil or NaZA diets during the first 2 wk of experimentation. However, after 4 wk, there were no significant(p > 0.05) differences in growth between the Si sources. In turkeys, NaZA increased (p < 0.05) hematocrit levels and plasma Mg levels. Turkeys on NaZA diets had larger (p < 0.05) hearts and livers than those on NaSil but not TES. Liver Mn content was higher (p < 0.05) in turkeys on NaSil than TES or NaZA. Heart Zn was lower (p < 0.05) in turkeys on NaSil than TES, but not NaZA.

Re-evaluating the need for hospitalization following synovectomy using Yttrium-90 silicate.

In 51 patients treated with Yttrium-90 (Y-90) synovectomy for rheumatoid (inflammatory) arthritis (IA) and OA of the knee we found that decreased retained knee activity (RKA) and increased extra-articular activity in lymph nodes and liver are more likely to be found in IA than OA and following bilateral knee injections. Joint inflammation, as assessed by radionuclide blood pool scan but not by SF white cell count, correlates with decreased RKA and increased activity in lymph nodes. Intra-articular steroid had no significant effect on retention or extra-articular uptake. Strict hospital immobilization improves RKA of Y-90 in IA but not in OA. Y-90 synovectomy in OA shows good RKA and low extra-articular uptake. We recommend strict immobilization following Y-90 synovectomy, particularly in IA patients and/or those with high joint blood flow.