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Biomedical subjects

M Cucu

Publications and source records attributed to M Cucu.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

The influence of orthodontic bracket base diameter and mesh size on bond strength.

Previous studies have shown that the size of the foil mesh and surface area of the bracket base correlated to bond strength to tooth enamel. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets with 80 and 100 gauge mesh bases as well as mini and standard size bases. Eighty extracted human premolar teeth were randomly allocated into four groups of twenty teeth each. Premolar brackets of different mesh and bracket base area sizes were bonded to the enamel with a conventional 'two paste' orthodontic bonding agent. The SBS was determined and the bond failure sites were assessed using light-optical microscope and SEM. Bond failure occurred in all groups primarily at the bracket/adhesive interface. Mean values for SBS were 9.97 +/- 2.94 MPa and 10.72 +/- 2.54 MPa for 80 gauge mini and standard size respectively, and 10.45 +/- 3.27 MPa and 11.39 +/- 3.32 MPa for 100 gauge mini and standard size. A one-way ANOVA and an unpaired t-test revealed no significant difference in mean SBS (P > 0.05) between 80 and 100 gauge mini and standard size brackets, and no significant difference in mean SBS between brackets of the same surface area with a different gauge mesh size. The clinical relevance of this finding is that the clinician can select smaller brackets with no reduction in effectiveness of the treatment procedure.

Adolescent↗

Tissue response to hafnium.

The aim of the present experimental study was to evaluate the tissue response to hafnium (Hf) a reactive metal closely related to titanium (Ti) and zirconium (Zr). Hf has not been previously evaluated as implant material in a biologic environment. In a first experiment, 21 machined Hf non-threaded implants (test) and 21 similar Ti implants (control) were inserted in the abdominal wall of 21 rats. Animals were sacrificed after 8 days (6 rats), 6 (7 rats) and 12 weeks (8 rats). In a second experiment, 18 rabbits received 18 Hf and 18 Ti threaded implants in their tibiae, one implant in each tibia. The rabbits were sacrificed after 6, 12 and 24 weeks (6 animals/time interval). The bulk metal of the abdominal wall implants, embedded together with the surrounding tissue, was electrolytically dissolved and semithin (1 microm) sections of the intact tissue-implant interface were evaluated by light microscopy (morphometry). Bone-implant contact and bone area within threads were evaluated in ground sections. In soft tissues, a fluid space containing predominantly monocytes/macrophages surrounded the abdominal implants at 8 days. At 6 and 12 weeks, a fibrous capsule, consisting of layers of macrophages and fibroblasts, surrounded the implants. Macrophages, including multinuclear giant cells, always formed the innermost layer in contact with the implant surface. No quantitative or qualitative difference in the tissue organization was detected between Ti and Hf implants. In rabbits, 6 weeks after insertion, the proximal two threads located within the cortical bone were filled with bone in contact with Hf and Ti. The distal threads contained bone marrow. After 12 and 24 weeks, mature bone was present in the proximal 3-4 implant threads. No statistically significant difference was found between Hf and Ti implants at any time periods. It is concluded that Hf is an interesting metal for biomedical applications in bone and soft tissue.

Journal Article↗

Morbus odontologicus studenticus.

Several case reports are described of the disease called "Morbus Odontologicus Studenticus". A widely spread disease often seen amongst young people after they have graduated from high school. It is a combination of predisposed psychological and physiological factors which can lead to severe brain-damage (boredom, bewilderment).

Humans↗