Interfacial fracture of dentin adhesively bonded to quartz-fiber reinforced composite

The paper presents the results of an experimental study of interfacial failure in a multilayered structure consisting of a dentin/resin cement/quartz-fiber reinforced composite (FRC). Slices of dentin close to the pulp chamber were sandwiched by two half-circle discs made of a quartz-fiber reinforced composite, bonded with bonding agent (All-bond 2, BISCO, Schaumburg) and resin cement (Duo-link. BISCO, Schaumburg) to make Brazil-nut sandwich specimens for interfacial toughness testing. Interfacial fracture toughness (strain energy release rate, G) was measured as a function of mode mixity by changing loading angles from 0 degrees to 15 degrees. The interfacial fracture surfaces were then examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) to determine the failure modes when loading angles changed. A computational model was also developed to calculate the driving forces, stress intensity factors and mode mixities. Interfacial toughness increased from approximate to 1.5 to 3.2 J/m(2) when the loading angle increases from approximate to 0, 0 to 15 degrees. The hybridized dentin/cement interface appeared to be tougher than the resin cement/quartz-fiber reinforced epoxy. The Brazil-nut sandwich specimen was a suitable method to investigate the mechanical integrity of dentin/cement/FRC interfaces. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Angular-planar CMB power spectrum

Gaussianity and statistical isotropy of the Universe are modern cosmology's minimal set of hypotheses. In this work we introduce a new statistical test to detect observational deviations from this minimal set. By defining the temperature correlation function over the whole celestial sphere, we are able to independently quantify both angular and planar dependence (modulations) of the CMB temperature power spectrum over different slices of this sphere. Given that planar dependence leads to further modulations of the usual angular power spectrum C(l), this test can potentially reveal richer structures in the morphology of the primordial temperature field. We have also constructed an unbiased estimator for this angular-planar power spectrum which naturally generalizes the estimator for the usual C(l)'s. With the help of a chi-square analysis, we have used this estimator to search for observational deviations of statistical isotropy in WMAP's 5 year release data set (ILC5), where we found only slight anomalies on the angular scales l = 7 and l = 8. Since this angular-planar statistic is model-independent, it is ideal to employ in searches of statistical anisotropy (e.g., contaminations from the galactic plane) and to characterize non-Gaussianities.

Reimplante mediato de dentes tratados ou não com solução de hipoclorito de sódio a 1% - estudo histomorfométrico em ratos

Foi avaliada a influência do hipoclorito de sódio a 1% no reparo do periodonto de incisivos reimplantados tardiamente em ratos. Os dentes foram mantidos em meio ambiente durante 30 minutos e a seguir imersos em hipoclorito de sódio a 1%, por 25 minutos. Os animais foram sacrificados aos 10, 30 ou 60 dias. Os cortes histológicos foram obtidos no sentido transversal dos terços cervical, médio e apical e delineados com um aumento de 52 vezes. Os eventos observados sobre a superfície radicular foram medidos quanto a sua extensão através de um sistema analisador de imagens (Mini-Mop, Carl Zeiss). Aos 10 dias, observou-se a predominância de tecido conjuntivo fibroso no grupo tratado. Aos 30 e 60 dias observou-se o aumento da anquilose e reabsorção por substituição, assim como neoformação limitada de ligamento periodontal. No grupo controle, aos 30 e 60 dias, foram observadas áreas de reabsorções mais extensas e profundas, quando comparadas ao grupo tratado. Os resultados possibilitaram as seguintes conclusões quando comparado o grupo tratado com o controle: a) leva à formação de tecido conjuntivo semelhante a uma cápsula fibrosa no período inicial do reparo; b) possibilita uma limitada neoformação de ligamento periodontal; c) ocasiona uma superfície de anquilose mais extensa; d) não impede a reabsorção por substituição.

Metabolismo glicídico em ratos submetidos a desnervação do músculo esquelético e ao exercício de natação

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

Liofilização de fatias de abacaxi: avaliação da cinética de secagem e da qualidade do produto

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a cinética de secagem e os parâmetros de qualidade - conteúdo de vitamina C, reidratação e textura - de fatias de abacaxi liofilizadas em função da espessura e da temperatura de congelamento. Abacaxis do tipo Havaí, variedade Smooth Cayenne, foram fatiados transversalmente em espessuras de 0,5, 1,0 e 1,5 cm. As fatias foram congeladas nas temperaturas de -14, -24 e -34 °C, sendo, em seguida, conduzidas ao liofilizador. Uma parcela das amostras era destinada ao estudo da cinética de secagem pela pesagem periódica das mesmas, enquanto outra foi reservada para os testes de qualidade. O teor de vitamina C foi quantificado por adição de ácido oxálico na amostra e titulado com 2,6-diclorofenolindofenol. O parâmetro de textura avaliado foi a dureza, por testes de compressão em texturômetro, enquanto a reidratação foi obtida pela pesagem das amostras antes e após a imersão em água destilada por 5 min. Os resultados do presente trabalho mostraram que existe uma forte dependência da cinética de secagem e dos atributos de qualidade de fatias de abacaxi liofilizadas em função das condições utilizadas durante a etapa de congelamento, mesmo sendo este classificado como congelamento lento. Por outro lado, a taxa de congelamento não é a única variável que tem influência sobre a cinética de secagem e os atributos de qualidade. A combinação de temperatura e umidade, tanto durante a liofilização propriamente dita, quanto durante a etapa de reidratação, tem influência sobre a transição vítrea do material que, por sua vez, afeta a extensão do colapso estrutural sofrido pelo produto.

Avaliação das alterações em polpa de manga 'Tommy-Atkins' congeladas

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

Avaliação da qualidade de polpa de goiaba 'Paluma' armazenada a -20ºC

Neste estudo, goiabas da cultivar 'Paluma' foram cortadas em duas partes e submetidas a diferentes processos de conservação antes do armazenamento a -20ºC. No primeiro processo a polpa dura foi triturada, acondicionada em sacos de polietileno, com espessura de 40 µm, congelada e armazenada a -20°C°, e no segundo processo a polpa dura foi cortada ao meio, branqueada em água quente a 98ºC por quatro minutos, seca e acondicionada em sacos de polietileno, com espessura de 40 µm, congelada e armazenada a -20ºC. A qualidade da polpa foi avaliada através do pH, teor de ácido ascórbico, sólidos solúveis totais, acidez total titulável, aparência, textura e coloração. As duas formas de conservação mostraram-se adequadas para preservação da polpa com boa aparência até 18 semanas. Houve redução no conteúdo de ácido ascórbico, principalmente na polpa triturada. A textura e o sabor da polpa foram afetados pelo tempo de armazenamento. Os dois procedimentos, como técnicas de preservação de goiabas pelas indústrias de alimentos, podem ser usados durante o período de safra, sendo uma boa alternativa para evitar perdas pós-colheita.

Estudo comparativo morfofuncional de melanócitos em lesões de melasma

FUNDAMENTOS - Melasma é hipermelanose comum caracterizada por máculas acastanhadas em áreas fotoexpostas, cuja fisiopatogenia não é totalmente esclarecida. OBJETIVOS - Caracterizar e comparar morfologica e funcionalmente os melanócitos da epiderme sã com os da pele afetada por melasma. MÉTODOS - Avaliaram-se 12 pacientes portadores de melasma facial, sendo realizadas biópsias da pele lesada e pele sã adjacente. Os cortes foram corados por hematoxilina-eosina, Fontana-Masson, marcados pelo Melan-A e submetidos à microscopia eletrônica. A quantificação epidérmica de melanina e melanócitos foi estimada a partir de análise citomorfométrica digital. RESULTADOS - Todas as pacientes eram mulheres com média de idade 41,3±2,8 anos. Ao Fontana-Masson evidenciou-se importante aumento da melanina epidérmica na pele lesada em relação à pele sã. A marcação pelo Melan-A demonstrou melanócitos maiores com dendritos proeminentes na pele lesada. Observou-se maior densidade de melanina epidérmica na pele lesada, e a análise digital do número de melanócitos da epiderme não demonstrou diferença significativa entre pele lesada e sã. À microscopia eletrônica, observaram-se número aumentado de melanossomas maduros nos ceratinócitos e melanócitos com organelas citoplasmáticas proeminentes na pele lesada. CONCLUSÕES - Melanogênese aumentada na epiderme com melasma em relação à epiderme normal adjacente.

POSSIBLE MECHANISMS FOR REDUCTION OF CIRCULATING CONCENTRATIONS OF PROGESTERONE BY INTERFERON-ALPHA IN COWS - EFFECTS ON HYPERTHERMIA, LUTEAL CELLS, METABOLISM OF PROGESTERONE AND SECRETION OF LH

Experiments were performed to determine the mechanism by which recombinant bovine interferon-alpha(I)1 (rbIFN-alpha) causes an acute reduction in plasma concentrations of progesterone. In experiment 1, administration of a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor blocked rbIFN-alpha-induced hyperthermia but did not prevent the decline in plasma concentrations of progesterone. The decline in progesterone concentrations caused by rbIFN-alpha was, therefore, not a direct consequence of the associated hyperthermia or of pathways mediated through prostaglandin synthesis. It is also unlikely that rbIFN-alpha acts to increase the clearance of progesterone since injection of rbIFN-alpha did not decrease plasma concentrations of progesterone in ovariectomized cows given an intravaginal implant of progesterone (experiment 2). In experiment 3, rbIFN-alpha did not affect basal and LH-induced release of progesterone from cultured luteal slices, indicating that rbIFN-alpha is unlikely to affect luteal function directly. Injection of rbIFN-alpha did, however, cause a decrease in plasma concentrations of LH in ovariectomized cows (experiment 4) that coincided temporally with the decrease in progesterone concentrations seen in cows having a functional corpus luteum. The present results strongly suggest that rbIFN-alpha acts to reduce secretion of progesterone by interfering with pituitary support for luteal synthesis of progesterone. The finding that rbIFN-alpha can inhibit LH secretion implies that interferon-alpha molecules should be considered among the cytokines that can regulate hypothalamic or pituitary function.

Rehydration and shrinkage behaviour of dried pineapple

The shrinking behavior, apparent densities and rehydration indexes of fresh and osmotically pre-treated pineapple slices during air-drying were obtained. The air drying velocity varied from 1.5 to 2.5 m/s and the air temperature from 40 to 70 degreesC. By means of automatic control, it was possible to obtain drying curves under conditions of constant product temperature. Volumetric shrinkage of fresh samples was temperature independent for drying at high air velocities but, at lower velocities, increased with decreasing drying temperature. Osmotically pre-treating the material resulted in reduced shrinkage, as well as drying with product temperature controlled, due to lower drying times needed that led to shorter high temperature exposition. Moisture dependence of apparent density was highly non-linear and could be fitted by an empirical model. Fresh sample rehydration indexes were higher than osmosed ones and increased with increasing temperature, except for pre-treated samples dried at 70 degreesC, probably due to superficial sugar caramelization, which reduced surface water permeability.

Role of 5-HT in stress, anxiety, and depression

There are conflicting results on the function of 5-HT in anxiety and depression. To reconcile this evidence, Deakin and Graeff have suggested that the ascending 5-HT pathway that originates in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and innervates the amygdala and frontal cortex facilitates conditioned fear, while the DRN-periventricular pathway innervating the periventricular and periaqueductal gray matter inhibits inborn fight/flight reactions to impending danger, pain, or asphyxia. To study the role of the DRN 5-HT system in anxiety, we microinjected 8-OH-DPAT into the DRN to inhibit 5 HT release. This treatment impaired inhibitory avoidance (conditioned fear) without affecting one-way escape (unconditioned fear) in the elevated T-maze, a new animal model of anxiety. We also applied three drug treatments that increase 5-HT release from DRN terminals: 1) intra-DRN microinjection of the benzodiazepine inverse agonist FG 4172, 2) intra-DRN microinjection of the excitatory amino acid kainic acid, and 3) intraperitoneal injection of the 5-HT releaser and uptake blocker D-fenfluramine. All treatments enhanced inhibitory avoidance in the T-maze. D-Fenfluramine and intra-DRN kainate also decreased one-way escape. In healthy volunteers, D-fenfluramine and the 5-HT agonist mCPP (mainly 5-HT2C) increased, while the antagonists ritanserin (5-HT2A/(2C)) and SR 46349B (5-HT2A) decreased skin conductance responses to an aversively conditioned stimulus (tone). In addition, D-fenfluramine decreased, whereas ritanserin increased subjective anxiety induced by simulated public speaking, thought to represent unconditioned anxiety. Overall, these results are compatible with the above hypothesis. Deakin and Graeff have suggested that the pathway connecting the median raphe nucleus (MRN) to the dorsal hippocampus promotes resistance to chronic, unavoidable stress. In the present study, we found that 24 h after electrolytic lesion of the rat MRN glandular gastric ulcers occurred, and the immune response to the mitogen concanavalin A was depressed. Seven days after the same lesion, the ulcerogenic effect of restraint was enhanced. Microinjection of 8-OH-DPAT, the nonselective agonist 5-MeO-DMT, or the 5-HT uptake inhibitor zimelidine into the dorsal hippocampus immediately after 2 h of restraint reversed the deficits of open arm exploration in the elevated plus-maze, measured 24 h after restraint. The effect of the two last drugs was antagonized by WAY-100135, a selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist. These results are compatible with the hypothesis that the MRN-dorsal hippocampus 5-HT system attenuates stress by facilitation of hippocampal 5-HT1A-mediated neurotransmission. Clinical implications of these results are discussed, especially with regard to panic disorder and depression.

The 3.4-3.5 Ga Sao Jose do Campestre massif, NE Brazil: remnants of the oldest crust in South America

The oldest fragment of continental crust recognized in South America occurs as an isolated Archean enclave in northeastem Brazil's Borborema Province, ca. 600 Ma Brasiliano-Pan African orogenic belt. This Archean fragment, the Sao Jose do Campestre massif, is surrounded by large tracts of 2.2-2.0 Ga Paleoproterozoic gneisses and is located more than 600-1500 km from the much larger assemblages of Archean rocks found in the Sao Fransciso and Amazonian cratons, located to the south and west, respectively. Geochronological studies of the Sao Jose do Campestre massif show that its oldest rocks contain zircons with U-Pb ages up to 3.5 Ga and Sm-Nd T-DM model ages of more than 3.7 Ga, indicating that they represent reworked crust. This older nucleus is flanked by both reworked and juvenile 3.25 and 3.18 Ga rocks which arc intruded by both 3.00 and 2.69 Ga plutonic bodies. The protracted evolution the Sao Jose do Campestre massif is consistent with that of a larger continental mass as opposed to a small crustal fragment that grew in isolation. As such, the Sao Jose do Campestre massif is interpreted as representing a detached piece of an evolved craton that became entrained with younger rocks during a subsequent Paleoproterozoic accretionary-orogenic event. This hypothesis is bolstered by the presence of Paleoproterozoic gneisses that envelop the Sao Jose do Campestre massif, as well as the existence of ca. 2.0 Ga metamorphic zircon and monazite within its rocks. The occurrence of several different Archean cratonic basement inliers within the greater Paleoproterozoic crustal framework of the Borborema Province suggests that cratonic slices spalled off one or more larger Archean masses prior to the ca. 2.2-2.0 Ga Paleoproterozoic orogenic collage. A important challenge is to link these older fragments to their parent cratons. Although results are not unique, the pattern of ages and isotopic signatures observed in the Sao Jose do Campestre massif is similar to that seen in parts of the Sao Francisco Craton, and it is possible that the Sao Jose do Campestre massif is a fragment of an Archean continental fragment formed during an episode of continental breakup prior to 2200 Ma. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Polymerization shrinkage: effects of boundary conditions and filling technique of resin composite restorations

Objective: To evaluate the linear polymerization shrinkage (LPS) and the effect of polymerization shrinkage of a resin composite and resin-dentin bond strength under different boundary conditions and filling techniques.Methods: Two cavities (4 x 4 x 2 MM) were prepared in bovine incisors (n = 30). The teeth were divided into three groups, according to boundary conditions: In group TE, the total-etch technique was used. In group EE, only enamel was conditioned, and in group NE, none of the watts of the cavities were conditioned. A two-step adhesive system was applied to all cavities. The resin composite was inserted in one (B) or three increments (1), and tight-cured with 600 mW/cm(2) (80 s). The LPS (%) was measured in the top-bottom direction, by placing a probe in contact with resin composite during curing. Enamel and total mean gap widths were measured (400 x) in three slices obtained after sectioning the restorations. Then, the slices were sectioned again, either to obtain sticks from the adhesive interface from the bottom of the cavity or to obtain resin composite sticks (0.8 mm(2)) to be tested for tensile strength (Kratos machine, 0.5 mm/min). The data was subjected to a two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's test for comparison of the means (alpha = 0.05).Results: the highest percentage of LPS was found for the TE when bulk fitted, and the lowest percentage of LPS was found in the Hand NE when incrementally fitted. The resin dentin bond strength was higher and the total mean gap width was tower for TE group; no significant effect was detected for the main factor fitting techniques. No difference was detected for the tensile strength of resin composite among the experimental groups.Conclusions: the filling technique is not able to minimize effects of the polymerization shrinkage, and bonding to the cavity watts is necessary to assure reduced mean gap width and high bond strength values. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study of the morphological alterations to enamel and dentin in human and bovine teeth after irradiation with Er : YAG laser

Objective: the purpose of this study is to make use of scanning electron microscopy in order to comparatively analyze the morphological alterations to human and bovine enamel and dentin. Earlier data: Many a morphological study involving Er:YAG laser can be found in the literature. Still, not a single study comparing the effects of this infrared laser in human and bovine teeth has been reported. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two slices of human and bovine enamel and dentin were evenly divided into four groups. With the exception of the control group, the samples were irradiated with Er:YAG laser, focused at a distance of 12 mm and a 10-Hz frequency, with 150, 250, and 350 mJ of output energy per pulse for 10 seconds. After irradiation all specimens were observed under a scanning electron microscope. Results: There was practically no morphological difference for those samples that underwent 150 mJ/pulse irradiation. The dentin exposed to 250 mJ had a few open dentinal tubules. These were seen in enamel after a 350 mJ irradiation, in which the energy was able to reach the dentin. Conclusions: the breadth of this study allows us to state that the pattern between the species grew more heterogenous as the energy density was increased and that irradiation with 150 mJ/pulse resulted in greater likeness in human and bovine enamel and dentin.

Anatomopathological analysis of sentinel and nonsentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer: Hematoxylin-eosin versus immunohistochemistry

The authors compare the detection of metastases in sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) and nonsentinel lymph nodes (NSLNs) using hematoxvlin-eosin (HE) staining versus immunohistochemistry (IHC). Thirty-six patients with breast carcinoma undergo exeresis of the primary tumor and of 50 SLNs and 491 NSLNs. Sentinel lymph nodes are sectioned into transverse slices of 2- to 3-mm thickness, and a cytologic smear and a frozen section were obtained from each slice. The slices are completely cut into serial sections at 100-mu m intervals. Two consecutive 4-mu m-thick sections are then obtained from each level and were prepared for HE staining and IHC. Nonsentinel lymph nodes are evaluated similarly to SLNs. The authors obtain 4076 SLN sections and 32 012 NSLN sections, fora total of 36 088 sections. A comparison of HE staining versus IHC based on the total number of sections shows a sensitivity of 93.8%, a negative predictive value of 98.9%, and an accuracy of 99.1 %. The values obtained by HE staining are similar to those obtained by IHC.