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In vitro calcium phosphate growth over surface modified PMMA film.

In vitro nucleation of calcium phosphate phase was studied over functionalized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) films using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. PMMA films were prepared by dissolving commercial grade pellets in chloroform and cast into thin sheets. The films were immersed in a methanol solution of sodium hydroxide before treating with 1.5% solution of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) at a pH of 5.2 for 24 h. ATP treated films were then soaked in saturated lime solution for 4 days to initiate formation of calcium phosphate precursor phase over their surface. The above films immersed in simulated body fluid solution (1.5 x SBF) for more than 5 days led to the nucleation of apatitic calcium phosphate phase all over the film surface. The ATP coupled film not subjected to lime treatment did not show calcium phosphate nucleation behaviour upon immersion in SBF solution. The Ca/P ratio of the calcium phosphate phase increase with increase in soaking time in SBF solution.

Calcium Phosphates↗

Electrodeposition of radioactive rhenium onto stents to prevent restenosis.

Radioactive stents are currently being evaluated for preventing restenosis. A major difficulty to overcome is the need to load any pre-manufactured stents with defined amounts of radioactivity at the time of use. Using stents that are preloaded by the manufacturer is not ideal because the stent length usually differs from the length needed for a specific lesion and the amounts of radioactivity varies widely due to ongoing decay of the source. Thus, we have developed a novel method that allows any currently used stainless steel or tantalum stent to be coated with radioactive rhenium. The method involves placing the stent in a series of rinsing and electroplating solutions, one containing radioactive rhenium (186Re, 188Re, or both). The overall processing time is 15 min and the procedure may be conveniently applied just prior to the stent insertion. The plated stent contains radioactive rhenium in a 1.2 microm-thick cobalt layer, with an outer 2 microm layer of gold. The gold layer gives the radioactive stent excellent radiochemical stability, good bending and biocompatibility properties, and improves stent visibility during fluoroscopy.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Methods of analysis of canine uroliths.

Accurate analysis of urinary calculi is essential for greater understanding of urinary stone disease and initiation of effective management and preventive measures. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of uroliths are discussed in this article.

Animals↗

The effect of fluoridated and non-fluoridated rewetting agents on in vitro recurrent caries.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the in vitro caries inhibiting potential of fluoridated and non-fluoridated rewetting agents that are applied to acid-etched enamel and dentine before the use of a water-free, dentine adhesive. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve caries-free premolars were divided into three groups of four teeth each. 2 x 3 x 1.5 mm cavities were prepared on the mesial and distal surfaces of each tooth, with half of the cavosurface margin in enamel and half in root dentine. In Group I (control), One-Step (Bisco, Schaumburg, USA) was applied without etching or rewetting agents. In Group II, cavities were acid-etched, rinsed, dried, and rewetted with Aqua-Prep (Bisco), a non-fluoridated rewetting agent, and then bonded with One-Step. Treatment for Group III was similar to Group II, except that Aqua-Prep F (Bisco), a fluoridated rewetting agent was used. Bonded cavities were restored with a non-fluoride-containing flowable composite (AEliteFlo, Bisco). Artificial carious lesions were induced in these specimens, from which multiple 100+/-20 microm thick longitudinal sections were prepared, yielding 16 specimens per group for evaluation with polarised light microscopy (PLM) and microradiography (MRG). Representative sections were processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination and scanning transmission electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray (STEM/EDX) analyses. RESULTS: The differences in demineralisation of dentine among the groups were not statistically significant for 'relative' lesion depth (p > 0.05, ANOVA, Student-Neuman-Keuls test), but highly significant for 'relative' lesion area (p < 0.001). Wall lesions were consistently present in Group I, while inhibition zones were invariably observed in Group III. 87.5% of Group II specimens exhibited neither wall lesion nor inhibition zone. TEM showed that remnant dentine apatite crystallites within the inhibition zones in Group III were larger and denser than those present within the corresponding wall lesions. STEM/EDX analyses confirmed the presence of calcium, phosphorus and fluorine in these plate-like crystallites. CONCLUSION: When used with a water-free, single-bottle dentine adhesive, a non-fluoridated rewetting agent is able to reduce, but cannot completely prevent recurrent caries. The use of a fluoridated rewetting agent is useful under the situation when microleakage occurs, by providing the additional benefit of fluoride-induced demineralisation inhibition.

Analysis of Variance↗

Characterisation of 0.22 caliber rimfire gunshot residues by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS): a preliminary study.

The application of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) for the characterisation of gunshot residue (GSR) from 0.22 caliber rimfire ammunition is reported. Results obtained by TOF-SIMS were compared with conventional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies. As could be expected, TOF-SIMS exhibited greater elemental sensitivity than SEM equipped with energy dispersive X-ray detection (SEM-EDX), and was also capable of detecting fragments characteristic of inorganic compounds. This preliminary study indicates that TOF-SIMS offers substantial potential for forensic GSR examinations as a complementary technique to SEM-EDX. In addition TOF-SIMS is applicable to the analysis of individual particles in the typical size range encountered in GSR casework.

Electron Probe Microanalysis↗

Evaluation of titanium brackets for orthodontic treatment: part I. The passive configuration.

The static and kinetic frictional coefficients of commercially pure titanium brackets were evaluated in the passive configuration in the dry and wet states against stainless steel, nickel-titanium, and beta-titanium arch wires. For comparison, stainless steel brackets were evaluated under identical conditions. Titanium brackets were grayer in color and rougher in texture than the stainless steel brackets. Bracket slots were up to 0.002 inch greater than the nominally stated values. Remarkably, the static and kinetic frictional coefficients of the couples formed by titanium and stainless steel brackets were comparable. When evaluated against stainless steel and nickel-titanium arch wires in the dry state at 34 degrees C, the static coefficient averaged.12 and.20, respectively, independent of bracket alloy. When evaluated against stainless steel and nickel-titanium wires in the wet state at 34 degrees C using human saliva, the static coefficient averaged.15 and.20, respectively, independent of bracket alloy. Only the beta-titanium arch wires increased by about 15%, when tested in either the dry or the wet state against titanium versus stainless steel brackets. Noteworthy, too, was the decrease of both coefficients in the beta-titanium wire couples from their previously reported values. Analyses of electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis spectra and depth profiles show that these new brackets are titanium only in the bulk. Indeed the immediate surfaces are composed of, at least, 80 atomic percent (at.%) carbon and oxygen; whereas, the titanium that is present (>11 at.%) is mostly in the form of titanium dioxide. The presence of this quite thin passivating layer, which resides on top of an oxygen-hardened titanium substrate, reduces the galling and fretting that would normally be expected in such materials. Pending the outcome of future angulation tests, these frictional measurements show that titanium brackets are not only comparable to stainless steel brackets but also are more biocompatible with nickel having been eliminated from their constitution.

Dental Alloys↗

Ultrastructure and x-ray microanalytical study of human pineal concretions.

We examined human pineal concretions and found them to exhibit a multi-layered concentric structure consisting of irregularly spaced dense and sparse zones containing fine crystals. The hydroxyapatite crystallites were shown to be irregularly outlined plate forms (measuring 11-70 nm in their longest dimension and 2-10 nm in thickness). At the center of each crystallite a central dark line was observed by means of high resolution electron microscopy. The structure and size of the crystals were similar to those of dentin and bone. The ground surface of the concretions was observed metallurgically by means of an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA). The surface zones of the concretions contained a higher concentration of zinc, which seems to play an important role during the mineralization process, whereas calcium and phosphorus exhibited higher concentrations at the center.

Aged↗

In situ chemical speciation of sulfur in calcitic biominerals and the simple prism concept.

The microstructure and composition of two mollusc shells were investigated using a combination of light microscopy, SEM, EPMA, and XANES. The shells of Pinna and Pinctada are composed of calcite prisms separated by organic walls. The prismatic units of Pinna are monocrystalline, and those of Pinctada are polycrystalline with internal organic radial membranes. High-spatial-resolution XANES maps for the different S species across adjacent prisms show that sulfate is the principal component in both the intraprismatic organic matrices and the outer membranes. Additionally, these maps confirm that the inner structures of the prismatic units are different for both genera. In many ways, the prisms of Pinna and Pinctada are different and invalidate the "simple prism" concept.

Animals↗

Transmission electron microscopy studies of the nanoscale structure and chemistry of Pt50Ru50 electrocatalysts.

The structural and chemical heterogeneity of 2.5-nm Pt50Ru50 electrocatalysts was studied by transmission electron microscopy using selected area diffraction, lattice imaging, electron-energy loss spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The catalysts with the highest methanol oxidation activities exhibit oxidation-induced phase separation on the nanoscale to from Pt-rich metal embedded in Ru-rich hydrous and anhydrous oxide. Reduction of the oxide-on metal samples produces a true bimetallic face-centered cubic Pt50Ru50 alloy, with 275 times lower oxidation activity.

Alloys↗

On the role of characterization in the design of interfaces in nanoscale materials technology.

This work reviews recent research on the design and control of interfaces in engineering nanomaterials. Four case studies are presented that demonstrate the power of a multimodal approach to the characterization of different types of interfaces. We have used a combination of conventional, high resolution, and analytical transmission electron microscopy, microbeam electron diffraction, and three-dimensional atom probe to study polymer-clay nanocomposites, turbine rotor steels used for power generation, multicomponent aluminum alloys, and nanocrystalline magnetic materials.

Alloys↗

Preparation and characterization of the antibacterial Cu nanoparticle formed on the surface of SiO2 nanoparticles.

Cu deposition on the surface of spherical SiO2 nanoparticles was studied to achieve the hybrid structure of Cu-SiO2 nanocomposite. SiO2 nanoparticles served as seeds for continuous Cu metal deposition. The chemical structure and morphology were studied with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The antibacterial properties of the Cu-SiO2 nanocomposite were examined with disk diffusion assays. The homogeneously formed Cu nanoparticles on the surface of SiO2 nanoparticles without aggregation of Cu nanoparticles showed excellent antibacterial ability.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Characterization of hard metal dusts from sintering and detonation coating processes and comparative hydroxyl radical production.

Dust samples from sintering and detonation coating hard-metal processes were characterized, compared, and contrasted for morphology, composition, and generation of hydroxyl radicals. Inhalation of respirable hard-metal (sintered carbide) dusts from hard-metal processes is known to cause fibrotic and asthmatic lung disease. Scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray analysis was used for morphology, composition, and elemental distribution. An electron spin resonance (ESR) spin trapping technique was used to detect hydroxyl radical generation. Samples were incubated with air-saturated buffer solutions containing a spin trap and analyzed by ESR for the presence of *OH in solution. Postdetonation coating samples often had surface contamination of Co on the WC particles, as shown by elemental mapping of individual particles; this was not evident in predetonation samples or unsintered materials in this study. ESR measurements show that both detonation-gun materials were capable of generating *OH , while the WC, cobalt, and presintered mixture did not produce detectable amounts of *OH radicals. The DMPO/*OH adduct formation was apparently facilitated by Fe-mediated reactions for predetonation dusts, and by Fe-mediated site-specific reactions for postdetonation dusts. The overspray materials from the detonation-gun process produced 9-fold more *OH radicals than the predetonation coating mixture. Overall, this study indicates there are substantial differences between postdetonation materials and both predetonation and unsintered hard-metal process materials with respect to morphology, elemental distribution, and *OH radical generation reactions and that these differences may be important in the toxic potential of those materials.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

Characterization of the interface between prefabricated gold copings and cast dental alloy in implant restorations.

The objective of this study was to analyse the characteristics of the metal interface between the casting of a dental noble alloy and prefabricated gold copings (OCTA-ITI Implant System) after the fabrication procedures of a prosthetic implant-retained superstructure. The microscopical investigation, performed by optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), of the region around the cylinder after the casting process and the subsequent porcelain firing procedures showed the presence of an ideal interface, including: i) maintenance of coping and casting alloy microstructures up to the interface, and ii) absence of interfacial reaction products. A low content of porosity (less than 3% by volume in average) was observed in the casting alloy bulk as well as at interface. The investigation by energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) of the alloy composition close to the interface showed the presence of a minimal elemental interdiffusion, suggesting that an adequate compatibility between alloy and coping characterized the materials used. A small decrease of the prefabricated coping hardness was also observed after the casting and porcelain firing procedures.

Dental Abutments↗

Characterization, at the bone crystal level, of the titanium-coating/bone interfacial zone.

Well integrated and clinically functional titanium dental implants retrieved in humans after 14 and 40 months of settlement were used for the characterization of the interfacial area between the plasma-sprayed coating and the surrounding mineralized bone. Electron microscopic studies were performed from undecalcified intact coating/bone interfaces. The concomitant presence of direct bone tissue apposition on the titanium coating, as well as the interposition of amorphous material along the same interfacial zones emphasizes the dynamic biologic aspect of the osseointegration process. A very striking finding of these ultrastructural and microanalytical investigations was the presence of tiny titanium grains ranging from 5 to 50 nm in diameter at the surface of bulky plasma-sprayed coating particles. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed a continuity between the lattice planes of the coating material and those of the minute titanium grains; thus indicating a chemical binding. The thickness of the granular titanium layer interposed between coating particles and mineralized bone tissue ranged up to 600 nm. The observation of calcium-phosphate needle-like crystallites within the porous layer made of titanium grains indicates a bone ingrowth process, suggesting a bone-binding mechanism to the outer surface of the coated titanium implant.

Aged↗

Mucocutaneous pigmented macule as a result of zinc deposition.

BACKGROUND: Mucocutaneous depositions of various metals such as silver, lead, gold, arsenic, mercury, iron, and bismuth have been previously published. Heavy metal deposition typically occurs in the setting of either prolonged topical application to intact skin, topical application to eroded or ulcerated skin, as a result of either parenteral administration, or due to penetrating traumatic exposure. METHOD: We report a unique case of mucocutaneous pigmentation occurring in a snow skier after topical application of a zinc-containing sunblock. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue was utilized for electron microscopy. RESULT: Backscatter electron imaging and energy dispersive spectroscopy revealed that the dominant metal present was zinc. CONCLUSIONS: Mucocutaneous deposition of metals is enhanced by damage to the surface epithelium. Metal-containing topical agents, although commonly used, may rarely result in a permanent pigmentary alteration. We believe similar cases of mucocutaneous deposition of zinc exist; however, as these may be currently misdiagnosed as amalgam tattoos, the true incidence of this disorder is presently undefined.

Adult↗