In vitro evaluation of the electrochemical behaviour of stainless steel and Ni-Ti orthodontic archwires at different temperatures.

The aim of this study was to compare the electrochemical corrosion behaviour of stainless steel (SS) and nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) orthodontic archwires in Ringer's solution at temperatures ranging from 15 to 55°C by using linear sweep voltametry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Polarization curves show that the corrosion current density of SS is greater than that of Ni-Ti alloy. Since the corrosion current density is directly proportional to the corrosion rate, a great corrosion current density shows a lower resistance against corrosion. Therefore, in comparison with SS, Ni-Ti alloys have a lower corrosion rate. Results show that the temperature of the solution affects the corrosion rates of the alloys. As the temperature increases, the corrosion resistance of both of the alloys decreases, although these variations were not so large. Impedance measurements show that the electrochemical behaviour of Ni-Ti exhibits higher polarization resistance and lower capacitance, which means that passive film formed on this alloy is more homogeneous and thicker in comparison with SS. Results also show that polarization resistance of both alloys decreases slowly with increases in the temperature of the solution.

Detection of tumor angiogenesis in vivo by alphaVbeta3-targeted magnetic resonance imaging.

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is a requirement for malignant tumor growth and metastasis. In the absence of angiogenesis, local tumor expansion is suppressed at a few millimeters and cells lack routes for distant hematogenous spread. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the degree of angiogenesis is correlated with the malignant potential of several cancers, including breast cancer and malignant melanoma. Moreover, the expression of a specific angiogenesis marker, the endothelial integrin alphaVbeta3, has been shown to correlate with tumor grade. However, studies of tumor angiogenesis such as these have generally relied on invasive procedures, adequate tissue sampling and meticulous estimation of histologic microvessel density. In the present report, we describe a novel approach to detecting angiogenesis in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a paramagnetic contrast agent targeted to endothelial alphaVbeta3 via the LM609 monoclonal antibody. This approach provided enhanced and detailed imaging of rabbit carcinomas by directly targeting paramagnetic agents to the angiogenic vasculature. In addition, angiogenic 'hot spots' not seen by standard MRI were detected. Our strategy for MR imaging of alphaVbeta3 thus represents a non-invasive means to assess the growth and malignant phenotype of tumors.