Effects of meperidine or saline on thermal, mechanical and electrical nociceptive thresholds in cats

Objective To measure cutaneous electrical nociceptive thresholds in relation to known thermal and mechanical stimulation for nociceptive threshold detection in cats.Study design Prospective, blinded, randomized cross-over study with 1-week washout interval.Animals Eight adult cats [bodyweight 5.1 +/- 1.8 kg (mean + SD)].Methods Mechanical nociceptive thresholds were tested using a step-wise manual inflation of a modified blood pressure bladder attached to the cat's thoracic limb. Thermal nociceptive thresholds were measured by increasing the temperature of a probe placed on the thorax. The electrical nociceptive threshold was tested using an escalating current from a constant current generator passed between electrodes placed on the thoracic region. A positive response (threshold) was recorded when cats displayed any or all of the following behaviors: leg shake, head turn, avoidance, or vocalization. Four baseline readings were performed before intramuscular injection of meperidine (5 mg kg(-1)) or an equal volume of saline. Threshold recordings with each modality were made at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes post-injection. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and paired t-tests (significance at p < 0.05).Results There were no significant changes in thermal, mechanical, or electrical thresholds after saline. Thermal thresholds increased at 15-60 minutes (p < 0.01) and mechanical threshold increased at 30 and 45 minutes after meperidine (p < 0.05). Maximum thermal threshold was +4.1 +/- 0.3 degrees C above baseline at 15 minutes while maximum mechanical threshold was 296 +/- 265 mmHg above baseline at 30 minutes after meperidine. Electrical thresholds following meperidine were not significantly different than baseline (p > 0.05). Thermal and electrical thresholds after meperidine were significantly higher than saline at 30 and 45 minutes (p < 0.05), and at 120 minutes (p < 0.05), respectively. Mechanical thresholds were significantly higher than saline treatment at 30 minutes (p <= 0.05).Conclusion and clinical relevance Electrical stimulation did not detect meperidine analgesia whereas both thermal and mechanical thresholds changed after meperidine administration in cats.

Short courses of mechanical ventilation with high-O-2 levels in elderly rat lungs

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of mechanical ventilation (MV) of high-oxygen concentration in pulmonary dysfunction in adult and elderly rats. Methods: Twenty-eight adult (A) and elderly (E), male rats were ventilated for 1 hour (G-AV1 and G-EV1) or for 3 hours (G-AV3 and G-EV3). A and E groups received a tidal volume of 7 mL/kg, a positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 cm H2O, respiratory rate of 70 cycles per minute, and an inspiratory fraction of oxygen of 1. We evaluated total protein content and malondialdehyde in bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL) and performed lung histomorphometrical analyses. Results: In G-EV1 animals, total protein in BAL was higher (33.0 +/- 1.9 mu g/mL) compared with G-AV1 (23.0 +/- 2.0 mu g/mL). Upon 180 minutes of MV, malondialdehyde levels increased in elderly (G-EV3) compared with adult (G-AV3) groups. Malondialdehyde and total proteins in BAL after 3 hours of MV were higher in elderly group than in adults. In G-EV3 group we observed alveolar septa dilatation and significative increase in neutrofiles number in relation to adult group at 60 and 180 minutes on MV. Conclusion: A higher fraction of inspired oxygen in short courses of mechanical ventilation ameliorates the parameters studied in elderly lungs.

Mechanical removal of necrotic periodontal ligament by either Robinson bristle brush with pumice or scalpel blade. Histomorphometric analysis and scanning electron microscopy

One of the important factors accounting for successful delayed replantation of avulsed teeth is seemingly the type of root surface treatment. Removal of necrotic cemental periodontal ligament remnants may prevent the occurrence of external root resorption, which is the major cause of loss of teeth replanted in such conditions. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of two mechanical techniques for removal of root-adhered periodontal ligament. Preservation or removal of the cementum layer concomitantly with these procedures was also assessed. Forty-five roots of healthy premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes were selected. After extraction, the teeth were kept dry at room temperature for 1 h and then immersed in saline for rehydration for an additional 10 min. Thereafter, the roots were assigned to three groups, as follows: group 1 (control) - the cemental periodontal ligament was preserved; group 2 - removal of the periodontal ligament by scraping root surface with a scalpel blade (SBS); group 3 - periodontal ligament remnants were removed using a Robinson bristle brush at low-speed with pumice/water slurry (RBP). The specimens were analysed histomorphometrically and examined by scanning electron microscopy. The quantitative and qualitative analyses of the results showed that the RBP technique was significantly more effective than the SBS technique for removal of the periodontal ligament remnants adhered to root surface. Both techniques preserved the cementum layer.

An alternative technique to the harvesting of a connective tissue graft from a thin palate: Enhanced wound healing

This article describes an alternative surgical approach to the harvesting of subepithelial connective tissue grafts from thin palates. A partial-thickness flap is raised, and a graft composed of epithelium and connective tissue is removed from the palate. The superficial layer ( epithelium and a thin zone of connective tissue) is then dissected from the graft and replaced at the donor site to facilitate faster healing. The subjacent layer of connective tissue is placed as needed to obtain root coverage. The clinical application of this technique is described in two patients with multiple gingival recessions.

Influence of Crown Ferrule Heights and Dowel Material Selection on the Mechanical Behavior of Root-Filled Teeth: A Finite Element Analysis

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Mechanical behavior of ceramic veneer in zirconia-based restorations: a 3-dimensional finite element analysis using microcomputed tomography data

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Long-term nano-mechanical properties of biomodified dentin-resin interface components

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Evaluation of the Effect of Retightening and Mechanical Cycling on Preload Maintenance of Retention Screws

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

The Effect of Mechanical Cycling and Different Misfit Levels on Vicker's Microhardness of Retention Screws for Single Implant-Supported Prostheses

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of mechanical cycling and different misfit levels on Vicker's microhardness of retention screws for single implant-supported prostheses.Materials and Methods: Premachined UCLA abutments were cast with cobalt-chromium alloy to obtain 48 crowns divided into four groups (n = 12). The crowns presented no misfit in group A (control group) and unilateral misfits of 50 mu m, 100 mu m, and 200 mu m in groups B, C, and D, respectively. The crowns were screwed to external hexagon implants with titanium retention screws (torque of 30 N/cm), and the sets were submitted to three different periods of mechanical cycling: 2 x 10(4), 5 x 10(4), and 1 x 10(6) cycles. Screw microhardness values were measured before and after each cycling period. Data were evaluated by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05).Results: Mechanical cycling statistically reduced microhardness values of retention screws regardless of cycling periods and groups. In groups A, B, and C, initial microhardness values were statistically different from final microhardness values (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference for initial screw microhardness values (p > 0.05) among the groups; however, when the groups were compared after mechanical cycling, a statistically significant difference was observed between groups B and D (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Mechanical cycling reduced the Vicker's microhardness values of the retention screws of all groups. The crowns with the highest misfit level presented the highest Vicker's microhardness values.

Primary Tooth Enamel Loss After Manual and Mechanical Microabrasion

Purpose: This study's purpose was to assess the amount of dental enamel loss on primary incisors after manual or mechanical microabrasion with a phosphoric acid/pumice poste. Methods: Ten exfoliated primary maxillary incisors were bisected faciolingually and the resulting 20 halves were randomly assigned to 2 groups: group 1 (N=10) manual technique (plastic spatula); and group 2 (N=10) mechanical technique (rubber cup attached to a low-speed handpiece). Microabrasion was performed on the buccal surface using an abrasive paste prepared with 37% phosphoric acid and pumice. Ten 20-second applications alternated with 20-second risings were performed in each group. Enamel thickness measurements made under stereomi-croscopy before and after microabrasion were analyzed statistically by analysis of variance and pairwise t test. Results: There was a statistically significant difference (P=.003) between the manual and mechanical techniques. The mechanical technique produced a mean enamel loss of 274.16 mu m (66% of total enamel thickness), while the mean enamel loss with the manual technique was 152.59 mu m (39% of total enamel thickness). Conclusion: Manual microabrasion using a plastic spatula removed less enamel, but was sufficient to eliminate most superficial stains and defects, and may be a viable option for the microabrasive technique on primary teeth. (Pediatr Dent 2008;30:420-3) Received March 15, 2007 / Lost Revision September 19, 2007 / Revision Accepted October 19, 2007

Mechanical and biological characterization of resin-modified glass-ionomer cement containing doxycycline hyclate

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Analysis of mechanical behavior of implant-supported prostheses in the anterior maxilla: analysis by speckle pattern interferometry

The use of implants to rehabilitation of total edentulous, partial edentulous or single tooth is increasing, it is due to the high rate of success that this type of treatment present. The objective of this study was to analyze the mechanical behavior of different positions of two dental implants in a rehabilitation of 4 teeth in the region of maxilla anterior. The groups studied were divided according the positioning of the implants. The Group 1: Internal Hexagonal implant in position of lateral incisors and pontic in region of central incisors; Group 2: Internal Hexagonal implant in position of central incisors and cantilever of the lateral incisors and Group3 - : Internal Hexagonal implants alternate with suspended elements. The Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry (ESPI) technique was selected for the mechanical evaluation of the 3 groups performance. The results are shown in interferometric phase maps representing the displacement field of the prosthetic structure.

Mechanical, physical, and chemical characterization of Ti-35Nb-5Zr and Ti-35Nb-10Zr casting alloys

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Evaluation of Patients' Perceptions of Alterations After Chin Bone Graft Harvesting

Objective: To evaluate patients' perceptions of alterations occurring after chin bone harvesting.Materials and Methods: Thirty patients were evaluated subjectively by visual analog scale-related sensitivity, facial aesthetics, eating, speaking, and lower lip movement, during 12 months. Objective analysis used the static light touch neurosensorial test. The statistical analysis was executed with Friedman test with P < 0.05 for both samples.Results: Subjective analysis revealed no alterations (1) to facial aesthetics, eating, speaking or lower lip movement but sensitivity of the mental region went from a lot of alteration initially (5) to little at the end of the study (3). Objective analysis results showed normal sensitivity (1) in the region after 12 months.Conclusion: The discrepancy between subjective and objective analyses may be indicative of the limited precision of clinical testing for subjective impressions assessment. (Implant Dent 2012;21:411-414)

Prospective study of soft tissue contour changes following chin bone graft harvesting

This study sought to evaluate changes in the soft tissue contour after chin bone graft harvesting. Thirty selected patients underwent chin bone graft harvesting and evaluations were made using lateral cephalograms preoperatively and postoperatively at 30 and 180 days. Fixed points and lines were established on cephalometric tracings and used to measure the selected vertical and sagittal parameters. Results showed statistically significant alterations to the vertical position values of the vermilion (V-VPV) which increased from 9.70 to 11.01 and the exposure of lower incisors (V-ELI) which increased from 1.85 to 3.5, showing an increase in their distance from the plane of reference and a lowering of their position, the clinical equivalent of a labial ptosis condition. None of the sagittal parameters analysed showed any statistically significant variation in the final evaluation. The study concluded that the alterations to patients' soft tissue contours resulted mainly from failure to ensure precise reattachment of the mentalis muscles and identified the need for further investigation of that aspect.