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Alumina powder/Bis-GMA composite: effect of filler content on mechanical properties and osteoconductivity.

Three composites consisting of alumina powder dispersed in a bisphenol-a-glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA) matrix were prepared and evaluated to assess the effect of alumina powder content on the mechanical properties and osteoconductivity of the composite. The alumina powder composites (APC) consisted of alumina powder (AL-P) as the inorganic filler dispersed in a Bis-GMA matrix that was solidified by a radical polymerization process. Prior to polymerization the AL-P was mixed with the monomers in proportions of 50%, 70%, and 80% by weight (APC50, APC70, and APC80). A fused silica-glass-filled composite containing 70% glass by weight (SGC70) was used as a control. The compressive and bending strengths, the elastic modulus in bending, and the bending strain of the composites increased as the AL-P content increased. We also evaluated the composites in vivo by implanting them into the medullary canals of rat tibiae. To compare the osteoconductivity of the composites, an affinity index was calculated for each composite; the affinity index equals the length of a bone in direct apposition to the composite and is expressed as a percentage of the total length of the composite surface. Microradiographic examination for periods of up to 26 weeks after implantation revealed that APC50, APC70, and APC80 all exhibited excellent osteoconductivity and made direct contact with the bone with no interposed soft tissues. However, the higher the AL-P content of the composite, the higher the osteoconductivity, especially at 4 weeks after the operation. Moreover, the amount of bone directly apposed to the composite surface increased with time. In contrast, little bone formation was seen on the surface of SGC70, even after 26 weeks. Observation by scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis demonstrated that bone made direct contact with the APC surface through a layer containing calcium, phosphorus, and alumina powder. These results suggest that APC shows promise as a basis for developing mechanically strong and highly osteoconductive composites.

Aluminum Oxide↗

Detection of titanium in human tissues after craniofacial surgery.

Generally, titanium fixation plates are not removed after osteosynthesis, because they have high biocompatability and high corrosion resistance characteristics. Experiments with laboratory animals, and limited studies of analyses of human tissues, have reported evidence of titanium release into local and distant tissues. This study summarizes our results of the analysis of soft tissues for titanium in four patients with titanium microfixation plates. Energy dispersive x-ray analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry were used to detect trace amounts of titanium in surrounding soft tissues. A single metal inclusion was detected by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray analysis in one patient, whereas, electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry analyses revealed titanium present in three of four specimens in levels ranging from 7.92 to 31.8 micrograms/gm of dry tissue. Results from this study revealed trace amounts of titanium in tissues surrounding craniofacial plates. At the atomic level, electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry appears to be a sensitive tool to quantitatively detect ultra-trace amounts of metal in human tissue.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Cytology of allergic conjunctivitis. Presence of airborne, nonhuman elements.

Two groups of patients suffering from allergic conjunctivitis (32 atopic, 33 nonatopic) were studied. Their conjunctival secretions were subjected to cytologic examination involving morphologic and semiquantitative evaluation. Account was taken of noncellular and nonhuman elements in the smears; they included mucus, Charcot-Layden crystals, pollen grains, vegetal fragments and fungi. In 12 cases scanning electron microscopy was used in conjunction with x-ray microanalysis to identify material of noncellular origin. Similar quantities of inflammatory cells were present in both groups, while epithelial cells, particularly goblet cells, were more numerous in the atopic than in the nonatopic group (21.8% versus 6%). Pollen grains, vegetal fragments and fungi were present in 18%, 55% and 12% of cases, respectively. Exfoliative cytology emerges as a valuable tool for the diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis, while the presence of noncellular elements is of particular diagnostic significance.

Adolescent↗

Three-dimensional configuration of the mitochondria in cultured heart cells.

The mitochondria of chick heart cells grown in monolayer culture occupy a relatively large percentage (30%) of the cell cytoplasmic volume, as determined by thin section morphometry, and vary in their ultrastructural configuration in response to different functional states of the cell. The present study was undertaken to determine the three-dimensional structure of the mitochondria in cardiac cells, since reconstruction experiments have demonstrated the existence of a mitochondrial network in cardiac and other tissues, e.g. diaphragm, soleus and vastus muscle, kidney and urinary bladder, in vivo. Confluent monolayers of synchronously beating embryonic chick heart cells were fixed, stained with a mitochondria-specific heavy metal complex (Pb-Cu citrate), and processed for either transmission electron microscopy (TEM) or scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and backscatter electron imaging (BSI). Both secondary and backscatter images revealed the presence of many thin, extremely elongate structures which in stereo views appeared as branching, anastomosing networks. TEM demonstrated localization of the electron dense stain to either nuclear or mitochondrial membranes, structures which were easily distinguished with SEM or BSI alone. These morphological results indicate that many mitochondria of the cultured heart muscle cell are interconnected and suggest that this morphological network may represent a parallel functional unit which maintains the energy state of the cell.

Animals↗

Scanning electron microscopy methodology for study of the pathophysiology of calcification in bioprosthetic heart valves.

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) morphologic analysis combined with energy dispersive characteristic X-ray (EDX) microprobe analysis provides insight into the mechanisms associated with disease-related crystal formation in biological materials. SEM and EDX were employed in analyzing specimens which were embedded in standard fashion in glycolmethacrylate. The specimen surfaces under electron microscope investigation resulted from microtomy used in the preparation of reference light microscope histological sections; thus histology served as a direct reference for the SEM and EDX analyses. The particular application of these methods was in the study of bioprosthetic heart valve calcification, largely responsible for clinical failure of these heart valve substitutes. To simulate the clinically observed mineralization processes, glutaraldehyde-pretreated porcine heart valve leaflets were implanted subcutaneously in rats and subsequently removed at various time intervals from 1 to 56 days. Also, to address the hypothesis that the calcification process generates crystalline materials analogous to those in bone, EDX data obtained from pure hydroxyapatite were compared with the embedded tissue results. Further, EDX results were compared with data obtained by chemical analysis of the bulk specimens to assess the validity of the electron microscope technique.

Animals↗

Scanning and electron microprobe analysis of metal-porcelain interface.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the interfacial region between porcelain and base metal alloy using scanning electron microscope with electron microprobe analyzer. Results gave evidence of formation of Nio and Cr2O3 with evidence of more migration of NiO towards the porcelain. Sandblasting of oxidized and fired metal samples (simulating firing of porcelain without its application) showed appearance of crystalline structure of Ni and Cragain, indicating delamination of oxide layer by sandblasting. At porcelain side analysis showed NiO and Cr2O3 and iron oxide plus Si, K, CI, Sn and Cu.

Dental Casting Technique↗

Some recent experience with the scanning electron microscope in corrosion research.

Corrosion and oxidation are the results of chemical reaction between a solid surface (such as of a metal or alloy) and its environment, to form a corrosion product. The product may adhere to the surface, thereby usually providing some protection from further attack, or may be removed from it (e.g. by volatilization or by dissolution in the environment). In either case this leads to changes in topography, morphology and, often, composition of the surface. Study of such changes can provide considerable information and assistance in the determination of the mechanisms of degradation. Scanning electron microscopy with associated microanalysis has thus enabled significant advances to be made in understanding many corrosion and oxidation processes. The progress attained in several areas where the technique has played a major part but has been extended to its maximum capabilities is discussed and related to the particular advantages and limitations of scanning electron microscopy in this field. One such area is the study of high-temperature corrosion processes. Here, the high resolution and depth of focus of the instrument have provided detailed information on the microstructure of high-temperature oxide and other corrosion-product scales and underlying alloy. For instance, the sizes and distributions of pores in the scales give important insight into the possibility of growth mechanisms involving gas-phase transport within the scales themselves. Associated microanalysis can assist in identification of rate-determining layers and of other localized diffusion paths which can short-circuit bulk lattice diffusion.

Alloys↗

Surface analysis of titanium implants.

Medical grade titanium samples were examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy before and after immersion in various proteins. Additionally, an implant removed from a patient following clinical failure was examined using scanning ion and electron microscopy. The surface of the as-received samples was found to be mainly TiO2, with contaminants of H2O/OH-, calcium and nitrogen which remained after autoclaving. The immersed proteins adhered to the titanium surface, possibly via a Ca-O link. The failed clinical sample was found to be partially fibrously encapsulated with evidence of calcification. Small amounts of TiOOH were detected at the fibrous periphery, supporting the theory of Tengvall and co-workers that in vivo titanium implants are covered in a gel of this material.

Bone and Bones↗

Evidence against a looped structure of the inactive human X-chromosome territory.

Multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization with a whole chromosome composite probe for the X-chromosome and microdissection probes for the Xp and Xq arms, as well as for the Xp terminal, Xq terminal, and X centromer specific subregional probes, was applied to three-dimensional (3D) preserved human female amniotic fluid cell nuclei. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and three-dimensional image analysis demonstrated distinctly separated Xp arm and Xq arm domains. 3D distance measurements revealed a high variability of intrachromosomal distances between Xpter, Xcen, and Xqter specific probes within both X territories. A 3D distance measurement error of +/- 70 nm was found in control experiments using quartz glass microspheres labeled with different fluorochromes. Our data argue against the hypothesis of Walker et al. (1991, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88, 6191-6195) that a looped structure of the inactive X territory is formed by tight telomere-telomere associations.

Female↗

Development and application of 16S rRNA-targeted probes for detection of iron- and manganese-oxidizing sheathed bacteria in environmental samples.

Comparative sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA genes from several Leptothrix and Sphaerotilus strains led to the design of an oligonucleotide probe (PS-1) based on a sequence within the hypervariable region 1 specific for four Leptothrix strains and for one of the four Sphaerotilus natans strains examined. Another probe (PSP-6) was based on a sequence within the hypervariable region 2. PSP-6 was specific for one of the two evolutionary lineages previously described for Leptothrix spp. (P. L. Siering and W. C. Ghiorse, Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 46:173-182, 1996). Fluorescein-labeled oligonucleotide probes were synthesized, and their specificity for fluorescence in situ hybridization identification was confirmed by a laser scanning microscopy technique (W. C. Ghiorse, D. N. Miller, R. L. Sandoli, and P. L. Siering, Microsc. Res. Tech. 33:73-86, 1996) to compare whole-cell hybridizations of closely related bacteria. Probe specificity was also tested in dot blot against total RNA isolated from four Leptothrix strains, four Sphaerotilus strains, and 15 other members of the class Proteobacteria. When the probes were tested on samples from the Sapsucker Woods wetland habitat where Leptothrix spp. are thought to play a role in manganese and iron oxidation, positive signals were obtained from several sheathed filamentous bacteria including some that were morphologically similar to previously isolated strains of "Leptothrix discophora." Other unknown filamentous sheathed bacteria also gave strong positive signals. This work provides a foundation for future studies correlating the presence of members of the Leptothrix-Sphaerotilus group of sheathed bacteria with manganese and iron oxidation activity in habitats where biological iron and manganese oxidation are important environmental processes.

Bacteria↗

The effect of ceramic surface treatment on bonding to densely sintered alumina ceramic.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Ceramic surface treatment is crucial for bonding to resin. High crystalline ceramics are poorly conditioned using traditional procedures. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of silica coating on a densely sintered alumina ceramic relative to its bond strength to composite, using a resin luting agent. Material and methods Blocks (6 x 6 x 5 mm) of ceramic and composite were made. The ceramic (Procera AllCeram) surfaces were polished, and the blocks were divided into 3 groups (n = 5): SB, airborne-particle abrasion with 110-microm Al 2 O 3 ; RS, silica coating using Rocatec System; and CS, silica coating using CoJet System. The treated ceramic blocks were luted to the composite (W3D Master) blocks using a resin luting agent (Panavia F). Specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 7 days and then cut in 2 axes, x and y, to obtain specimens with a bonding area of approximately 0.6 mm 2 (n = 30). The specimens were loaded to failure in tension in a universal testing machine, and data were statistically analyzed using a randomized complete block design analysis of variance and Tukey's test (alpha=.05). Fractured surfaces were examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to determine the type of failure. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy was used for surface compositional analysis. RESULTS: Mean bond strength values (MPa) of Groups RS (17.1 +/- 3.9) ( P =.00015) and CS (18.5 +/- 4.7) ( P =.00012) were significantly higher than the values of Group SB (12.7 +/- 2.6). There was no statistical difference between Groups RS and CS. All failures occurred at the adhesive zone. CONCLUSION: Tribochemical silica coating systems increased the tensile bond strength values between Panavia F and Procera AllCeram ceramic.

Air Abrasion, Dental↗

Morphologic characteristics and chemical composition of Christmas tree cataract.

PURPOSE: Christmas tree cataract consists of highly refractile multicolored "needles" crisscrossing the lens fibers of the deep cortex. The fact that the colors vary according to the angle of the incident light, and that in retroillumination only a dim outline of the cataract is seen, would suggest that Christmas tree cataract is a diffractive phenomenon. This study was performed to unravel the ultrastructure and chemical composition of the Christmas tree needles. METHODS: Eight lenses from donor eyes and four extracapsularly extracted lenses with Christmas tree cataract were investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The chemical composition was studied with energy-dispersive x-ray microanalysis and Raman microspectroscopy. RESULTS: Scanning electron microscope examination showed that the needles are smooth, rectangular, plate-like elements bordered by membranes and amorphous material and running crisscross through the lens. In the specimens for transmission electron microscopic examination, the needles proved to be largely dissolved, but the remains showed regular spacings of approximately 5 nm. Material identical in spacing and electron density was found in neighboring cells bound to a reticular membranous network originating from the fiber-limiting membranes. Energy-dispersive x-ray and Raman microanalysis showed that the needles have a high sulfur content and pronounced S-S, CS-SC, and C-S vibrations. The cytoplasm adjacent to the needles and reticular meshwork had an elevated Ca++ content. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that cystine is the most likely candidate for the Christmas tree needles and that the needles probably are formed as the result of an age-related aberrant breakdown of crystallins induced by elevated Ca++ levels.

Aged↗

Essential iris atrophy. A clinical, immunohistologic, and electron microscopic study in an enucleated eye.

A 29-year-old woman had unilateral essential iris atrophy, corneal endothelial changes, and absolute glaucoma. The enucleated eye was examined by routine light microscopy. Separate portions of unfixed fresh frozen cornea were sectioned and reacted with monoclonal antibodies against keratins, vimentin, and inflammatory cell markers. Stains for filamentous actin (f-actin) were performed using the 7-nitro-benz-2-oxa-1,3-diazolylphallacidin (NBD phallacidin) probe. In addition, portions of cornea and iris were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Immunocytochemical stains with anti-keratin antibodies showed reactivity only in the corneal epithelium of the patient and normal control. Immunoreactivity with anti-vimentin antibodies was observed in corneal endothelium and keratocytes of the patient and control, but was negative in the epithelium. Staining for f-actin appeared more pronounced in the corneal endothelium of the patient. Scanning electron microscopy of the corneal endothelium showed irregularity in cell size and shape and filopodial processes characteristic of migrating cells. Transmission electron microscopy disclosed abnormalities of Descemet's membrane and endothelium with a posterior collagenous layer. The corneal endothelium displayed normal junctional complexes without desmosomal junctions or increased microvillus projections. Increased 10-nm cytoplasmic filaments were noted consistent with the expression of vimentin. Occasional chronic inflammatory cells perturbed the corneal endothelium and were detected within the endothelial layer. Alterations in the endothelium and Descemet's membrane suggest the acquired nature of this disease.

Actins↗

A comparison of the preventive effects of lanthanides and fluoride on human experimental root surface carious-like lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanisms of lanthanides prevention of human root surface carious-like lesions and to compare the effectiveness of lanthanum (La) with that of cerium (Ce) and fluoride (F). Various treatment procedures were also compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acetic buffers containing lanthanum, cerium, and fluoride (500 ppm) were used individually or in combination to treat 48 cementum-dentin samples. The acid-resistant capacity of various treatment procedures was evaluated by means of scanning electron microscope, electron microprobe, and polarizing light microscope analyses. RESULTS: The acid-resistant effects of lanthanide element were comparable to those of fluoride, and their acid-resistant effects were even stronger when combined with fluoride and cerium. These effects are likely due to the formation of La(Ce)HAP, FLa(Ce)HAP, and lanthanum/cerium phosphate compounds. CONCLUSION: Combined F/La(Ce) was more effective in the prevention of root surface caries than were lanthanides alone.

Acetic Acid↗

Survey of gunshot residue analysis in forensic science laboratories.

The purpose of this survey was to determine the methods of analysis being used on gunshot residue (GSR) samples in forensic science laboratories across the United States. In addition, the two general techniques of GSR analysis are compared and contrasted. Problems encountered by analysts using scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDX) are discussed.

Electron Probe Microanalysis↗

Antibacterial activity of zinc modified titanium oxide surface.

Titanium-based implants are successfully used for various biomedical applications. However, in some cases, e.g. in dental implants, failures due to bacterial colonization are reported. Surface modification is a commonly proposed strategy to prevent infections. In this work, titanium oxide, naturally occurring on the surface of titanium, was modified by promoting the formation of a mixed titanium and zinc oxide, on the basis of the idea that zinc oxide on titanium surface may act as the zinc oxide used in pharmaceutical formulation for its lenitive and antibacterial effects. The present work shows that it is possible to form a mixed titanium and zinc oxide on titanium surfaces, as shown by Scanning Electron Microscopy and XPS analysis. To this end titanium was preactivated by UV on crystalline titanium oxide, both in the anatase form or in the co-presence of anatase and rutile. By performing antibacterial assays, we provide evidence of a significant reduction in the viability of five streptococcal oral strains on titanium oxide surfaces modified with zinc. In conclusion, this type of chemical modification of titanium oxide surfaces with zinc might be considered a new way to reduce the risk of bacterial colonization, increasing the lifetime of dental system applications.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

X-ray microanalysis of bulk hydrated specimens of neoplastic and non-neoplastic human urothelium.

Specimens of neoplastic and non-neoplastic human urothelium were rapidly frozen against a copper block immersed in liquid nitrogen, planed in a cryoultramicrotome and then examined by low-temperature scanning electron microscopy (LTSEM) following coating by aluminium. Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (XRMA) was performed on the superficial urothelial cells and on gelatin blocks mounted in parallel which had known concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, and phosphorus. The neoplastic urothelial cells had significantly less phosphorus (P less than 0.05) than non-neoplastic cells and the ratios K+/P,K+/Na+, and K+/Cl- were significantly higher in neoplastic cells than in non-neoplastic cells (P less than 0.00001). These results are consistent with those expected in cells with a sustained increase in intracellular pH caused by stimulation of Na+/H+ ion membrane exchange.

Electrolytes↗