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Biomedical subjects

F McDonald

Publications and source records attributed to F McDonald.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Physical and chemical properties of a new root-end filling material.

This study determined the chemical composition, pH, and radiopacity of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), and also compared the setting time, compressive strength, and solubility of this material with those of amalgam, Super-EBA, and Intermediate Restorative Material (IRM). X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer in conjunction with the scanning electron microscope were used to determine the composition of MTA, and the pH value of MTA was assessed with a pH meter using a temperature-compensated electrode. The radiopacity of MTA was determined according to the method described by the International Organization for Standardization. The setting time and compressive strength of these materials were determined according to methods recommended by the British Standards Institution. The degree of solubility of the materials was assessed according to modified American Dental Association specifications. The results showed that the main molecules present in MTA are calcium and phosphorous ions. In addition, MTA has a pH of 10.2 initially, which rises to 12.5 three hours after mixing. MTA is more radiopaque than Super-EBA and IRM. Amalgam had the shortest setting time (4 min) and MTA the longest (2 h 45 min). At 24 h MTA had the lowest compressive strength (40 MPa) among the materials, but it increased after 21 days to 67 MPa. Finally, except for IRM, none of the materials tested showed any solubility under the conditions of this study.

Aluminum Compounds↗
PubMed1995

The effect of mechanical deformation on the distribution of ions in fibroblasts.

The extracellular and intracellular sodium, potassium and chloride concentrations were determined in fibroblast cells located in the rat calvarium. The ionic values were determined by fluorescence microscopy after incubation with the fluorescent probes, sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate (SBFI), potassium-binding benzofuran isophthalate (PBFI) and 6-methoxy-N-(3-sulfopropyl) quinolinium (SPQ) (Dyes were supplied by CALBIOCHEM, Nottingham, England). After determination of the resting membrane potential, the calvaria were placed under tension by retraction of a micromanipulator. The fluorescence was measured again. A statistically significant difference was found in the calculated potassium ion concentration (Mann-Whitney; p < 0.05). This affected the resting cell membrane potential by an average of 5.2 mV. This effect was blocked by the addition of a potassium channel blocker, tetraethylammonium (TEA).

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects of the stable prostaglandin D2 analogue, ZK 118.182.

This study examined the pro- and anti-inflammatory effects of the stable prostaglandin (PG) D2 analogue, ZK 118.182 and the mechanism by which prostaglandins may exert their anti-inflammatory activity. Co-injected locally, ZK 118.182, like PGE2 and PGD2, dose-dependently increased plasma leakage induced by intradermal injection of bradykinin in rabbit skin. Infused i.v., ZK 118.182 (0.45 microgram/kg/min), a dose which did not affect systemic blood pressure, inhibited oedema formation in rabbit skin induced by the neutrophil-dependent agonists, formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4). However, it did not modify plasma leakage induced by the neutrophil-independent mediators, bradykinin and platelet-activating factor (PAF). In contrast, neutrophil accumulation in response to LTB4 and FMLP was not affected in animals infused with ZK 118.182. In vitro, ZK 118.182, like PGE2 and PGD2 inhibited FMLP-induced superoxide anion (O2-) production by rabbit neutrophils. The compound, however, had minimal effects on O2- production induced by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). ZK 118.182 inhibited to a small extent FMLP but not PMA-induced neutrophil adherence. These results show that depending on the route of administration, the PGD2 analogue, ZK 118.182, exhibits either pro- or anti-inflammatory effects. The anti-inflammatory effect may be related to the ability of the compound to inhibit increased microvascular permeability induced by neutrophil activation without interfering with neutrophil accumulation. This latter effect may be due to the analogue's capacity to suppress neutrophil secretion to a greater extent than neutrophil adherence.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

The response of bone to external loading regimens.

The results of Hert et al. have been re-examined using an external pin fixation technique involving New Zealand White rabbits. New bone formation was assessed with tetracycline epifluorescence in 49 animals. The animals were operated upon using inhalational anaesthesia, and pins were placed at opposite ends of the tibia of both hind limbs. Following recovery, oxytetracycline was given at a dosage of 25 mg kg-1 body weight intraperitoneally on the day of loading and on the fourteenth day of the loading regimen. The bones were loaded for 45 min per 24 h. Undemineralized specimens were sectioned and standardized photographs produced. The area of new bone was determined by a planimeter and by digitization. In dynamic loading the shape of the force/time curve is of little significance; the response is frequency dependent and for higher frequencies the response is greater than that from continuous loading; there was no statistical significance between the rapid relief loading regimens. For continuous loading the response is a function of the load value. In all cases more bone is laid down in immature subjects than in adults. With regard to osteoclastic activity, all loading increased the areas of resorption irrespective of character, in all adult animals intermittent loads produced a greater area of ostoeclastic resorption than static loads and produced a greater change as the number of load cycles per minute increased. The adult control animals had more resorptive activity than the immature animals although there was no statistical significance. Loading, irrespective of its character, led to a net increase of bone, the osteoblastic effects thus outweighing the osteoclastic effects.

Aging↗
PubMed1994

Blood flow changes in permanent maxillary canines during retraction.

The influence of external load on the blood flow of permanent maxillary canine teeth was assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). Blood flow readings were obtained from 10 maxillary canines and compared with the contralateral teeth simultaneously. Readings were obtained from the teeth before, during, and after the application of a 50 g force (gf) which was applied using a removable appliance. The probe for LDF measurement was held in place by a splint constructed of a silicone impression material designed to allow movement of the tooth, but prevent instability of the probe. LDF demonstrated a reading from the canine teeth consistent with recordings of blood flow, i.e. the traces were similar to the pulsatile nature of pulse pressure recordings taken from the subjects' ear-lobes. After loading the effect on the canine was (1) a decrease in blood flow as measured with LDF followed by (2) an increase in flow after 32.3 minutes (SD 4.74). These changes were statistically significant (P < 0.05) using Student's t-test. The increase in blood flow was still present after 24 and 48 hours, but returned to preload values within 72 hours. In two cases it was found that the decrease in blood flow remained as long as the load was applied. The response appeared similar to reactive hyperaemia found following placement of a tourniquet. However, the response time was substantially longer for the hyperaemic phase.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Effect of inferior alveolar nerve block anaesthesia on the lower teeth.

The aims of this study were to investigate the effects on pulpal blood flow and anaesthesia in mandibular teeth during inferior alveolar nerve block anaesthesia using 2% lignocaine with 1:80,000 adrenaline in 10 adult human subjects. Local anaesthetic solution was delivered close to the inferior alveolar nerve at the mandibular foramen using a standardized nerve block technique. The pulpal blood flow of the canine and first permanent molar was monitored by a laser Doppler flowmeter. At selected times pulpal anaesthesia was tested with an electric pulp tester. The injection of 2 ml of solution caused a decrease in pulpal blood flow in both teeth in every subject. The reduction in blood flow was of shorter duration than pulpal and soft tissue anaesthesia. A period of increased blood flow following the period of reduction was noted in several subjects. The mean reduction in pulpal blood flow in the canine at 15 min was 48% and lasted for a mean of 93 min. In contrast, the mean reduction in pulpal blood flow in the molar at 15 min was 25% and of 72 min mean duration. The mean duration of pulpal anaesthesia was 114 min in the canine compared with 88 min in the molar. Full soft tissue anaesthesia lasted for a mean of 151 min, whereas complete recovery took 255 min. This study indicated that lignocaine and adrenaline in block anaesthesia acted not only at the site of injection but also within the individual teeth.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Adrenaline in local anaesthesia: the effect of concentration on dental pulpal circulation and anaesthesia.

This study investigated the effects of inferior alveolar nerve block anaesthesia using 2% lignocaine with 1:100,000 or 1:80,000 adrenaline on pulpal blood flow in mandibular molar and canine teeth in 10 human subjects by laser Doppler flowmetry. The duration of pulpal anaesthesia in the teeth using electric pulp testing was also investigated. The injection of 2 ml of 2% lignocaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline caused a decrease in pulpal blood flow in both teeth in every subject. The mean pulpal blood flow in the canine tooth at 15 min was 58% of the baseline value whilst that in the molar was 76%. These values were not significantly different from the reduction in pulpal blood flow produced by 2% lignocaine with 1:80,000 adrenaline. Both solutions produced a reduction in blood flow that was of shorter duration than pulpal and soft tissue anaesthesia, and of shorter duration in the molar tooth compared with the canine. When 2% lignocaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline was injected, the mean reduction of blood flow was of shorter duration (canine, 60 min; molar, 42 min) than following 2% lignocaine with 1:80,000 adrenaline (canine, 93 min; molar, 72 min); these differences in reductions were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Using 2% lignocaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline, the mean duration of pulpal anaesthesia was 76 min in the canine tooth compared with 58 min in the molar tooth. Full soft tissue anaesthesia lasted for 117 min. These values were reduced significantly when compared with the lignocaine solution containing 1:80,000 adrenaline (P < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Effect of static magnetic fields on osteoblasts and fibroblasts in vitro.

In vitro assays were made of the effect of a static magnetic field of a neodymium magnet on cellular behavior. The cell turnover rate was examined by the incorporation of radioactive thymidine, and anabolic processes were measured by the incorporation of radioactive proline. Cell cultures of fibroblast- and osteoblast-like cells of the neonatal rat calvarium were assayed to determine uptakes of radioactive thymidine and proline; these assays were performed in conjunction with examination of an explant of the rat calvarium. The cells were assayed after exposure to a field for 1-, 3-, 5-, 7-, and 10-day periods. Cells were exposed to north and south poles with a pole-face flux density of 0.61 T; control cultures were exposed to an unmagnetised piece of neodymium. After sham exposure or exposure to the magnetic field, 50 microCuries/ml of culture media of isotope were added to the culture medium. The cultures were returned to an incubator for 6 h. Then, following centrifugation, the supernatant was assayed for radioactivity in a scintillation counter after addition of 3 ml of scintillation fluid. A statistically significant magnetic stimulation of turnover rate and synthesis of fibroblasts was found, but stimulation of osteoblasts did not occur. Conversely, the explants, which represent the osteoblasts and fibroblasts in an organised system, showed a statistically significant inhibition in uptake of the radioactive label. The data indicate both variability and diversity of cellular behaviour, and they accentuate the need for caution in the interpretation of effects of static magnetic fields.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Blood flow changes in the tibia during external loading.

The influence of external load on the blood flow of the rabbit tibia was assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). Blood flow readings were obtained from three adolescent and three adult female New Zealand White rabbits whose tibiae previously had been pinned with modified orthopaedic pins. Readings were obtained from the exposed mid-shaft of the tibia of each hind leg before, during, and after loading. The loading was either static or sinusoidal intermittent. The LDF resulted in a reading from the tibia which was consistent with the recordings of blood flow; the traces were similar to the pulsatile nature of pulse pressure recordings. After loading of the tibia, in both the adolescent and adult rabbits the effects were an increase in blood flow, as measured with LDF, on the tensile aspect, and a decrease in flow on the compressive side. These changes were statistically significant (p < 0.01) as measured by a Student t test. This change in flow reached a plateau with change in strain. Furthermore, the changes in flow produced by loading continued as long as the load was applied. A response similar to reactive hyperaemia occurred on the compressive aspect of the tibia; there was an increase of blood flow above the resting level after removal of the static load. The effect of a sinusoidal intermittent load was less than that of a static load, and the differences in flow between tensile and compressive aspects was not significant. The changes induced offer further insight into factors controlling bone remodelling.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Static magnetic field effects on the sagittal suture in Rattus norvegicus.

Twenty-day-old Wistar albino rats were exposed to static magnetic fields by placing a neodymium-iron-boron magnetic over their sagittal suture. Cellular activity was monitored by the uptake of tritiated thymidine in control, north, south, and unoperated animals at 1, 3, 5, and 10 days (n = 10 per group). A total of 160 animals were used for this part of the study, with the animals examined 1, 3, 5, and 10 days after surgery. Bone remodeling was examined by tetracycline fluorescence with 10 animals allocated to 5- and 10-day periods for north and south poles (n = 10 per group) and control experiments. This consisted of the placement of unmagnetized alloy, similar in size and shape to the magnets, and also included unoperated animals (n = 5 per group). A total of 60 animals were used for the tetracycline study and were examined at 5 and 10 days after surgery. While the tetracycline examination revealed very little change, the thymidine reflected a reduction in thymidine uptake subsequent to placement of the magnet, reaching a maximal effect at 3 days and returning to a normal value thereafter. This questions the potential of static magnetic fields affecting cell mitotic activity as previously reported.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Electrical effects at the bone surface.

While many factors have been isolated in enhancing and modifying bone remodelling there has been renewed interest in electrical based theories. As an adjunct to these theories magnetic based forces have been used to modify tooth movement. It would, therefore, seem prudent to re-examine the theories of electrical signalling within bone to determine if there is a basis for modification of bone modelling and remodelling as a consequence of these phenomena. Specifically piezoelectric and streaming potential phenomena will be examined in the light of new evidence. In particular the role of these signals in the in vivo situation has to be considered. Both phenomena suffer from the actual changes they induce being small in comparison to other potential difference changes. As a consequence of this the possibility of these potential signals appears to be of minor importance to cell signalling.

Bone Remodeling↗
PubMed1993

Action of adrenaline on the effect of dental local anaesthetic solutions.

This study investigated the effects of dental local anaesthetic solutions containing either 2% plain lignocaine or 2% lignocaine with 1:80,000 adrenaline. The duration of anaesthesia and the occurrence of a reduction in blood flow together with its duration were examined in the dental pulps of maxillary central incisor teeth in 10 human subjects. The local anaesthetic solution was injected into the soft tissues adjacent to the apex of the sound maxillary incisor tooth. The blood flow in the dental pulp was assessed by a laser Doppler flowmeter, and the effectiveness of pulpal anaesthesia was determined by an electric pulp tester, both at timed intervals. The injection of 1-2 ml of 2% plain lignocaine had no significant effect on blood flow in the pulp of the incisor tooth in eight of 10 subjects. In the other two, there was a small but significant increase. The duration of pulpal anaesthesia was 25.1 min (SD 6.23). Following injection of 1 ml of 2% lignocaine with 1:80,000 adrenaline, there was a significant reduction (31%) of pulpal blood flow in every subject (p < 0.05). The duration of reduced blood flow was 68.5 min (SD 9.73). The duration of pulpal anaesthesia was 100 min (SD 15.09), four times the duration of anaesthesia induced by plain lignocaine. The anaesthetic solution with vasoconstrictor produced far longer anaesthesia more consistently at a lower dose than the plain solution.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Reconstitution of the activities of the RecBCD holoenzyme of Escherichia coli from the purified subunits.

The Escherichia coli RecBCD holoenzyme and the individual constituent subunits have been purified from overproducing strains. The purified RecBCD holoenzyme has a native molecular mass of approximately 330 kDa, indicative of a heterotrimer subunit assembly. The RecB, RecC, and RecD subunits can associate in vitro to give nuclease, helicase, ATPase, and Chi-specific endonuclease activities which are indistinguishable from those of the RecBCD holoenzyme. At concentrations at which the reconstituted RecB + C + D enzyme is very active, none of the individual RecB, RecC, or RecD subunits have readily detectable activities of the holoenzyme, except RecB protein which had previously been shown to exhibit DNA-dependent ATPase activity (Hickson, I. D., Robson, C. N., Atkinson, K. E., Hutton, L., and Emmerson, P. T. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 1224-1229). At higher concentrations and with shorter DNA substrates reconstituted RecBC protein exhibits low levels of helicase and exonuclease activity.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1992

The effect of mechanical deformation on the distribution of potassium ions across the cell membrane of sutural cells.

Ionic concentrations of potassium, sodium, and chloride were determined in osteocytes of the rat calvarium. The values were determined by fluorescent microscopy of both intra- and extracellular concentrations. Following the baseline determination, the calvaria were placed in tension by retraction of a microelectrode manipulator, and the fluorescence of the cells were measured again. A statistically significant change in the derived ion distribution was found. Thus, the tensile forces affected the distribution of ions across the cell membranes, increasing intracellular sodium and decreasing intracellular potassium. This would have an effect on the resting cell membrane potential with a change of potential of 8 mV. This has implications in the interpretation of clinical findings.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Blood flow changes in the dental pulp during limited exercise measured by laser Doppler flowmetry.

The effect of limited exercise on pulpal blood flow was assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). The primary aim of the investigation was to determine whether clinically significant changes could be induced by mild exercise when LDF was used to monitor pulpal blood flow. Blood flow readings were obtained from the coronal pulps of 17 upper central incisor teeth of 10 human volunteers before, during and after limited exercise. Readings were also obtained from the adjacent attached gingivae. Pulse rate was recorded concurrently. Pulpal blood flow was found to vary during exercise, with a mean percentage change of 38% from the level at rest; the range was from a 100% decrease to a 200% increase. The mean percentage increase in gingival blood flow was 65%, with a range of 6-300%. The main indication that blood flow was being assessed was the pulsatile nature of the output. Results were compared only within individual teeth. The pulse rate increased during exercise (mean percentage increase 54%, range 11-98%). There was no direct relationship between increased pulse rate and pulpal blood flow. It was evident that the mechanisms controlling pulpal and gingival blood flows differed. Laser Doppler flowmetry readings were only reproducible in individual teeth provided that the patient was at rest, and this should be taken into account in clinical or research measurements.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Reversible compensatory hypertrophy in transplanted brown Norway rat kidneys.

Recently we described methods for optimizing the function of transplanted rat kidneys. In unilaterally nephrectomized recipients, one week after surgery, the left transplanted kidney was identical to the right native kidney with respect to wet weight and the clearances of inulin and para-aminohippuric acid (PAH). The goals of the present experiments were first, to extend the post-surgery period to three weeks (sufficient to allow hypertrophic changes), and second, to study function of transplanted hypertrophied kidneys. Genetically identical Brown Norway rats were used as donor and recipients. Three weeks after transplanting a normal kidney into a unilaterally-nephrectomized recipient, the transplanted kidney had a normal plasma flow and was identical to the contralateral native kidney with respect to wet weight and the clearances of inulin and PAH. Three weeks after transplanting a normal kidney into a bilaterally-nephrectomized recipient, the wet weight, inulin and PAH clearances, and plasma flow of the transplanted kidney were all higher than control, and not significantly different from those observed in unilaterally-nephrectomized control rats. Thus, transplanted and native kidneys exhibited the same degree of compensatory hypertrophy. Hypertrophied donor kidneys (that is, the donor rat had been unilaterally-nephrectomized three weeks previously) remained hypertrophied in bilaterally-nephrectomized recipients, but in unilaterally-nephrectomized recipients, they regressed towards normal (that is, the values of wet weight, inulin and PAH clearances and plasma flow were significantly less than those in rats with only one kidney) while the contralateral native kidney remained normal (values of wet weight and inulin and PAH clearances were not different from control).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adaptation, Physiological↗