Effects of thermal treatment on phase transitions and on the mechanical relaxation in poly(vinylidene fluoride)

This work reports on the effects from thermal treatment in poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVDF, obtained with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic thermal analysis (DMA) measurements. It is shown that in successive DMA measurements performed with one sample the α relaxation peak almost disappears while the γ′ peak appears. The α relaxation peak, at ∼100°C in DMA measurements, is attributed to the preferential orientation of chains in the amorphous phase while the γ′ relaxation peak, at ∼50°C, is related to the thermal treatment to which the sample was submitted.

Fluoride release by restorative materials before and after a topical application of fluoride gel

The release of fluoride from restorative materials (Vitremer, Ketac-Fil, Fuji II LC and Freedom) was evaluated during two 15-day periods, before and after a topical application of acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (APF). For each material, 6 specimens were made, which were immersed in 2 ml of deionized water. The fluoride concentration dosages in the solutions were read at intervals of 24 hours for 15 days. After this period, the specimens of each material received treatment with APF gel for 4 minutes and the fluoride released was analyzed at 24-hour intervals during the following 15 days. The analysis of variance and the Tukey test (p < 0.05) showed that the total mean fluoride released during the initial 15 days was greater for Vitremer and Ketac-Fil and lower for Fuji II LC and Freedom; and in the final 15 days there was a difference in release readings, with the greatest value for Vitremer, followed by Fuji II LC, Ketac-Fil and Freedom. The comparison of the results between the 1st day and the 16th day (after gel application) showed a greater fluoride release on the 16th day for Vitremer, Fuji II LC and Freedom and was equal for Ketac-Fil. Although all the materials evaluated gained fluoride with the application of APF, the data suggest that the resin-modified ionomers are more efficient in releasing fluoride to the medium than the other materials.

Sensitivity of AMPA receptor channel to calcium oscillations: A computational study

We used a computational model of biochemical pathways that are involved in the phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of AMPA receptor to study the receptor responses to calcium oscillations. In the model, the biochemical pathways are assumed to be located immediately under the postsynaptic membrane and we included three states of AMPA receptor: dephosphorylated, and phosphorylated in one or in two sites. To characterize the effects of calcium oscillations on the AMPA receptor, we exposed the model to stimuli with three varying parameters, namely frequency, number of pulses and calcium spike duration. Our model showed sensitivity to all of these three parameters. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Fluoride does not induce DNA breakage in Chinese hamster ovary cells in vitro.

Fluoride has been widely used in dentistry because it is a specific and effective caries prophylactic agent. However, excess fluoride may represent a hazard to human health, especially by causing injury to genetic material. Genotoxicity tests represent an important part of cancer research to assess the risk of potential carcinogens. In the current study, the potential DNA damage associated with exposure to fluoride was assessed by the single cell gel (comet) assay in vitro. Chinese hamster ovary cells were exposed to sodium fluoride (NaF) at final concentration ranging from 7 to 100 micro/ml for 3 h, at 37 dgrees C. The results pointed out that NaF in all concentrations tested did not contribute to DNA damage as depicted by the mean tail moment and tail intensity. These findings are clinically important since they represent an important contribution to a correct evaluation of the potential health risk associated with the exposure to dental agents.

Lack of genotoxicity of formocresol, paramonochlorophenol, and calcium hydroxide on mammalian cells by comet assay

Formocresol, paramonochlorophenol, and calcium hydroxide are widely used in dentistry because of their antibacterial activities in root canal disinfection. However, the results of genotoxicity studies using these materials are inconsistent in literature. The goal of this study was to examine the genotoxic potential of formocresol, paramonochlorophenol, and calcium hydroxide using mouse lymphoma cells and human fibroblasts cells in vitro by the comet assay. Data were assessed by Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test. The results showed that all compounds tested did not cause DNA damage for the tail moment or tail intensity parameters. These findings suggest that formocresol, paramonochlorophenol, and calcium hydroxide do not promote DNA damage in mammalian cells and that the comet assay is a suitable tool to investigate genotoxicity.

Determination of calcium by atomic absorption spectrophotometry applied to the preparation of alginate:chitosan complexes

Polysaccharicles, as alginate and chitosan, have been used to obtain modified release dosage forms. Alginate, due to its property of building gels during the complex formation with calcium ions, allows the building of capsules containing a core constituted by calcium alginate. This work had for objective to determine the appropriate calcium concentration for the preparation of alginate-chitosan capsules, by means of calcium quantification using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The methodology of calcium quantification was validated through analysis of the limit of detection, precision, accuracy and recovery of the method. The capsules, containing or not the drug, were prepared by the complex coacervation/ionotropic gelification method. Calcium was quantified after samples mineralization and dilution in lantanium solution. The results showed that the amount of calcium incorporated into the capsules depends on the amount of calcium added to the medium, and this ratio increases until the concentration of 1.5% of initial calcium chloride and above this concentration there is a decrease in the proportion of calcium bonded. It was observed that the proportion of calcium that links to the polymer is inversely proportional to the amount of calcium added. The calcium amount incorporated depends on the concentration of the polymeric dispersions used as well as on the ratio between the two polymers.

Effect of 0.4% stannous fluoride gel on Streptococci mutans in relation to elastomeric rings and steel ligatures in orthodontic patients

Background: Patients with fixed orthodontic appliances often experience an absolute increase in the number of Streptococci mutans colony-forming units (cfu). The aim of this investigation was to study the development of biofilm and S. mutans cfu in connection with stainless steel ligatures and elastomeric rings in orthodontic patients treated with and without 0.4% stannous fluoride gel (SFG). Material: Forty-seven patients were divided into 2 groups: those treated with 0.4% SFG for 4 minutes (experimental) and those without 0.4% SFG (control). In each patient, elastomeric rings were used for ligation on 1 side of the dental arch midline, and stainless steel ligatures were used on the opposite side. Saliva samples were collected before and after appliance placement. At 15 and 30 days after appliance placement, biofilm samples from the stainless steel ligatures and the elastomeric rings were collected and subjected to microbiologic procedures and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Results: The numbers of S. mutans cfu in the saliva and biofilm were not statistically different between the teeth fitted with elastomeric rings and stainless steel ligatures, or between the experimental and control groups. SEM analysis showed biofilm formation on both ligature ties. Conclusions: Topical application of 0.4% SFG in orthodontic patients with elastomeric rings or stainless steel ligatures does not cause a significant decrease in S. mutans cfu in the saliva and biofilm. Copyright © 2005 by the American Association of Orthodontists.

Calcium modified lead titanate/poly-ether-ether-ketone composite for acoustic emission sensors

Composites made of calcium modified lead titanate ceramic powder and poly (ether-ether-ketone) high performance polymer matrix were prepared in the film form using a hot press. The acoustic and electromechanical properties of the composites have been determined using the ultrasonic immersion technique and piezoelectric spectroscopy, respectively. The composite film with 60 - 40 vol.% PTCa/PEEK was tested as acoustic emission detector. Preliminary results shown that the piezo composite can be used as sensor to evaluate the behavior of materials.

Bone healing in surgically created defects treated with either bioactive glass particles, a calcium sulfate barrier, or a combination of both materials: A histological and histometric study in rat tibias

Objective: The purpose of this study was to histologically analyze the influence of bioactive glass and/or a calcium sulfate barrier on bone healing in surgically created defects in rat tibias. Material and methods: Sixty-four rats were divided into 4 groups: C (control), CS (calcium sulfate), BG (bioactive glass), and BG/CS (bioactive glass/calcium sulfate). A surgical defect was created in the tibia of each animal. In Group CS, a calcium sulfate barrier was placed to cover the defect. In Group BG the defect was filled with bioactive glass. In Group BG/CS, it was filled with bioactive glass and protected by a barrier of calcium sulfate. Animals were sacrificed at 10 or 30 days post-operative. The formation of new bone in the cortical area of the defect was evaluated histomorphometrically. Results: At 10 days post-operative, Group C presented significantly more bone formation than Groups CS, BG, or BG/CS. No statistically significant differences were found between the experimental groups. At 30 days post-operative, Group C demonstrated significantly more bone formation than the experimental groups. Groups CS and BG/CS showed significantly more bone formation than Group BG. No statistically significant differences were found between Group CS and BG/CS. Conclusions: (a) the control groups had significantly more bone formation than the experimental groups; (b) at 10 days post-operative, no significant differences were found between any of the experimental groups; and (c) at 30 days post-operative, the groups with a calcium sulfate barrier had significantly more bone formation than the group that used bioactive glass only. Copyright © Blackwell Munksgaard 2005.

The investigation of α→β phase transition in poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)

The phase transition from the non-polar α-phase to the polar β-phase of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) has been investigated using micro-Raman spectroscopy, which is advantageous for being a non-destructive technique. Films of α-PVDF were subjected to stretching under controlled rates and at 80°C, the transition to β-PVDF being monitored by the decrease in the Raman band at 794 cm-1 characteristic of the α-phase, with the concomitant increase in the 839 cm-1 band characteristic of the β-phase. Poling with negative corona discharge was found to affect the a-PVDF morphology improving the Raman bands related to this crystalline phase. This effect is minimized for films stretched to higher ratios. Significantly, corona-induced effects could not be observed with the other experimental techniques, viz. X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy.

Effect of rotary instrumentation and of the association of calcium hydroxide and chlorhexidine on the antisepsis of the root canal system in dogs

This study aimed at evaluating the antisepsis of the root canal system (RCS) and periapical region (PR) provided by rotary instrumentation associated with chlorhexidine + calcium hydroxide as intracanal medicament. Chronic periapical lesions were induced in 26 pre-molar roots in two dogs. After microbiological sampling, automatic instrumentation using the Profile system and irrigation with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution, with a final rinse of 14.3% EDTA followed by profuse irrigation with physiological saline were carried out in 18 root canals. After drying the canals, a paste based on calcium hydroxide associated with a 2% chlorhexidine digluconate solution was placed inside them. After 21 days, the medication was removed, leaving the root canals empty and coronally sealed. After 96 hours, a final microbiological sample was obtained, followed by histomicrobiological processing by the Brown & Brenn method. Eight untreated root canals represented the control group (C-G). Based on the Mann-Whitney test at a confidence level of 5% (p < 0.05), the procedures of antisepsis used offered significant efficacy (p < 0.05) resulting in 100.0% of the canals free of microorganisms. In the C-G, an elevated incidence of various microbial morphotypes was confirmed in all sites of the RCS, with the presence of microbial colonies in the periapical region. In contrast, the experimental group showed a similar pattern of infection in the RCS, although less intense and a reduced level of periapical infection (p < 0.05). It was concluded that adequate instrumentation followed by the application of calcium hydroxide + chlorhexidine offered significant elimination of microorganisms.

Autogenous bone graft with or without a calcium sulfate barrier in the treatment of class II furcation defects: A histologic and histometric study in dogs

Background: The purpose of this study was to histologically evaluate the healing of surgically created Class II furcation defects treated using an autogenous bone (AB) graft with or without a calcium sulfate (CS) barrier. Methods: The second, third, and fourth mandibular premolars (P2, P3, and P4) of six mongrel dogs were used in this study. Class II furcation defects (5 mm in height × 2 mm in depth) were surgically created and immediately treated. Teeth were randomly divided into three groups: group C (control), in which the defect was filled with blood clot; group AB, in which the defect was filled with AB graft; and group AB/CS, in which the defect was filled with AB graft and covered by a CS barrier. Elaps were repositioned to cover all defects. The animals were euthanized 90 days post-surgery. Mesio-distal serial sections were obtained and stained with either hematoxylin and eosin or Masson's trichrome. Histometric, using image-analysis software, and histologic analyses were performed. Linear and area measurements of periodontal healing were evaluated and calculated as a percentage of the original defect. Percentage data were transformed into arccosine for statistical analysis (analysis of variance; P<0.05). Results: Periodontal regeneration in the three groups was similar. Regeneration of bone and connective tissue in the furcation defects was incomplete in most of the specimens. Statistically significant differences were not found in any of the evaluated parameters among the groups. Conclusion: Periodontal healing was similar using surgical debridement alone, AB graft, or AB graft with a CS barrier in the treatment of Class II furcation defects.

Analysis of fluoride concentration in mother's milk substitutes

The aim of the present study was to determine the fluoride concentration in some brands of mother's milk substitutes and evaluate the possibility of developing dental fluorosis by consuming these products. The products, all powdered, were divided into 3 groups: infant formulae (group I, n = 7), milk-based (group M, n = 8) and soy-based (group 8, n = 3). Samples from 3 cans of different batches of each brand were reconstituted in deionized water and analyzed using the specific electrode method, after hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS) facilitated diffusion. The fluoride content (mg F/L) of the products ranged from 0.044 to 0.326 (I), 0.014 to 0.045 (M) and 0.253 to 0.702 (S). There was significant difference in the fluoride content of cans from distinct batches (p < 0.05) in most of the brands. The reconstitution of all products in water with optimal fluoride concentration for consumption during the mineralization phase of the primary teeth could result in daily fluoride intake above 0.07 mg F/kg body weight/day. Therefore, the consumption of these products, especially when reconstituted with optimally fluoridated water, could increase the risk of developing dental fluorosis.

Nitrergic pathways and L-type calcium channel of MnPO influencing cardiovascular homeostasis

The median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) is one of most important site of the lamina terminalis implicated in the regulation of hydro electrolytic and cardiovascular balance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of L-Type calcium channel antagonist, nifedipine, on the increase of median arterial blood pressure (MAP) induce by angiotensin II (ANG II) injected into the MnPO. The influence of nitric oxide (NO) on nifedipine antipressor action has also been studied by utilizing N W-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (40 μg 0.2 μL -1) a NO synthase inhibitor (NOSI), 7-nitroindazole (7-NIT) (40 μg 0.2 μL -1), a specific neuronal NO synthase inhibitor (nNOSI) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (20 μg 0.2 μL -1) a NO donor agent. We have also investigated the central role of losartan and PD123349 (20 nmol 0.2 μL -1), AT 1 and AT 2, respectively (selective non peptide ANG II receptor antagonists), in the pressor effect of ANG II (25 pmol 0.2 μL -1) injected into the MnPO. Male Wistar rats weighting 200-250 g, with cannulae implanted into the MnPO were utilized. Losartan injected into the MnPO, prior to ANG II, blocked the pressor effect of ANGII. PD 123319 only decreased the pressor effect of ANG II. Rats pre-treated with either 50 μg 0.2 μL -1 or 100 μg 0.2 μL -1 of nifedipine, followed by 25 pmol 0.2 μL -1 of ANG II, decreased ANG II-pressor effect. L-NAME potentiated the pressor effect of ANG II. 7-NIT injected prior to ANG II into the MnPO also potentiated the pressor effect of ANGII but with less intensity than that of L-NAME. SNP injected prior to ANG II blocked the pressor effect of ANG II. The potentiation action of L-NAME and 7-NIT on ANG II-pressor effect was blocked by prior injection of nifedipine. The results described in this study provide evidence that calcium channels play important roles in central ANG II-induced pressor effect. The structures containing NO in the brain, such as MnPO, include both endothelial and neuronal cells, which might be responsible for the influence of nifedipine on the pressor effect of ANG II. These data have shown the functional relationship between L-Type calcium channel and a free radical gas NO in the MnPO, on the control of ANG II-induced pressor effect acting in AT 1 and AT 2 receptors.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of pulpotomies employing calcium hydroxide and trioxide mineral aggregate

This study utilized clinical and radiographic examinations to compare the effectiveness of calcium hydroxide paste and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) for pulpotomies of primary molars in children. Ninety primary molars that showed clinical and radiographic indications for pulpotomy treatment were selected. The pulpotomies were performed in two sessions, using a corticosteroid/ antibiotic solution as therapeutic dressing. The sample was divided into two groups of 45 teeth, in which the pulpal remains were protected with either calcium hydroxide paste (Group 1) or MTA (Group 2). Radiographs were taken immediately and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up appointments. Three teeth in Group 1 failed after three months, while two cases failed after six months and one more failed at one year. Two failures were found in Group 2 at the 12-month follow-up. These results indicate that both materials may be utilized for pulpotomies in primary teeth.