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Electrochemical and XPS studies of titanium for biomaterial applications with respect to the effect of hydrogen peroxide.

Electrochemical measurements, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy have been used to study the effect of hydrogen peroxide on the passivity of titanium in a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution. The results indicate that the passive film formed in the PBS solution--with and without addition of H2O2--may be described with a two-layer structure model. The inner layer has a structure close to TiO2 whereas the outer layer consists of hydroxylated compounds. The introduction of H2O2 in the PBS solution broadens the hydroxylate-rich region, probably due to the formation of a Ti(IV)-H2O2 complex. Furthermore, the presence of H2O2 results in enhanced dissolution of titanium and a rougher surface on a microscopic scale. Finally, a dark pigmentation (blue color) is observed when titanium has been exposed--for several weeks--to PBS with additions of H2O2.

Color↗

Electrolyte levels in neoplastic and nonneoplastic human urothelium after ouabain treatment: X-ray microanalysis of bulk hydrated samples.

Samples of neoplastic and nonneoplastic human urothelium were immediately frozen, incubated in Krebs' saline and then frozen, or incubated in 10(-5) mol/L ouabain in Krebs' saline and then frozen. The frozen specimens were then planed in a cryoultramicrotome and examined by low-temperature scanning electron microscopy. X-Ray microanalysis was performed on the superficial urothelial cells. Neoplastic cells immediately frozen and those incubated in Krebs' saline had significantly higher K+/Na+, K+/P, and K+/Cl- ratios and lower Na+/P and Cl-/P ratios than nonneoplastic cells. Incubation in ouabain led to a fall in the K+/Na+, K+/P, and K+/Cl- ratios and a rise in the Na+/P and Na+/Cl- ratios in both neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells and effectively nullified the difference between them. These results are consistent with the concept that in neoplasia a primary event is stimulation of Na+/H+ exchange, which leads to secondary stimulation of the ouabain-sensitive Na+/K+ ATPase pump.

Adult↗

Characterization of fluorosed human enamel by color reflectance, ultrastructure, and elemental composition.

Mature fluorosed human enamel has been described as a subsurface enamel hypomineralization, with porosity increasing relative to the degree of fluorosis. The purpose of the current study was to quantitatively measure the color of the fluorosed enamel by light reflectance, and to further characterize the enamel by scanning electron microscopy. Teeth with varying degrees of fluorosis were obtained and divided in groups of mild, moderate and severe fluorosis using Dean's index for fluorosis. The color of the labial enamel surface was measured using a Minolta Chroma Meter CR241 (Minolta, Ramsey, N.J., USA). The teeth were further characterized for elemental composition using an energy-dispersive spectrometer, and imaged in both secondary and backscattered electron modes. The results of this study showed that the moderately and severely fluorosed enamel contained an uneven distribution of areas which were more electron-absorbent with a relatively increased carbon content. The changes in the physical characteristics of the teeth could be quantitated by measurements of light reflectance. The color of the teeth was significantly different between groups, with all groups significantly different than normal.

Calcium↗

Application of several physical techniques in the total analysis of a canine urinary calculus.

A single calculus from the bladder of a Beagle bitch has been analyzed by a multiple technique approach employing x-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray fluorescence spectrometry, atomic absorption spectrophotometry and density gradient fractionation. The qualitative and quantitative data obtained showed excellent agreement, lending confidence to such an approach for the evaluation and understanding of stone disease.

Animals↗

Quantitative comparison of the water permeable zone among four types of dental adhesives used with a dual-cured composite.

This study compared silver penetration in the adhesive interface among four versions of adhesives from the same manufacturer: OptiBond FL, OptiBond Solo Plus, OptiBond Solo Plus Dual Cure, and OptiBond Solo Plus Self-Etch, when coupled with dual-cured composite, CoreRestore 2 (Kerr). Twenty flat dentin surfaces were prepared using one of the adhesives and bonded with the composite, following the manufacturer's instructions. The surfaces were sectioned into 2-mm slabs and immersed in ammoniacal silver nitrate for 24 hours. Each specimen was exposed to a photodeveloping solution for eight hours and examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The water permeable area occupied by the silver nitrate tracer was determined, and the relative weight of silver was analyzed by wavelength dispersive spectrometry (WDS). The OptiBond FL group had a significantly lower silver content than the other groups (p < 0.0001). Each group demonstrated different patterns of silver deposition within the adhesive layer and within various features of artifactual fracture from dehydration stress of the SEM. This may be indicative of weak links in the bonded interfaces. Simplified-step adhesives showed increased permeability, which can lead to disruption of coupling with composites.

Adhesives↗

Microstructural characterization of cyanobacterial mats from the McMurdo Ice Shelf, Antarctica.

The three-dimensional structures of two types of cyanobacterium-dominated microbial mats from meltwater ponds on the McMurdo Ice Shelf were as determined by using a broad suite of complementary techniques, including optical and fluorescence microscopy, confocal scanning laser microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with back-scattered electron-imaging mode, low-temperature scanning electron microscopy, and microanalyitical X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. By using a combination of the different in situ microscopic techniques, the Antarctic microbial mats were found to be structures with vertical stratification of groups of cyanobacteria and mineral sediments, high contents of extracellular polymeric substances, and large void spaces occupied by water. In cyanobacterium-rich layers, heterocystous nostocalean and nonheterocystous oscillatorialean taxa were the most abundant taxa and appeared to be intermixed with fine-size deposits of epicellular silica and calcium carbonate. Most of the cyanobacterial filaments had similar orientations in zones without sediment particles, but thin filaments were tangled among thicker filaments. The combination of the microscopic techniques used showed the relative positions of biological and mineral entities within the microbial mats and enabled some speculation about their interactions.

Antarctic Regions↗

Phytolith analysis on dental calculus, enamel surface, and burial soil: information about diet and paleoenvironment.

Silica phytoliths (microscopic remains originating in plant tissues) have been identified on the enamel surface and dental calculus of a sample of teeth selected from well preserved skeletons from a Late Roman necropolis in Tarragona (Spain). Phytoliths were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and their siliceous nature was confirmed by X-ray microanalysis. The phytoliths were compared to those of soil samples from both the areas of the tombs corresponding to the abdomen and the periphery of the skeletons, and were classified taxonomically by comparison with a large collection of silica particles from modern plants in the Mediterranean area. Most of the phytoliths identified on the enamel and the dental calculus belong to the family of Poaceae, while the phytoliths from the abdominal area belong to Poaceae, Leguminosae, Cyperaceae, and Chenopodiaceae. Results are concordant with archaeological, ecological, and historical data from the same site, and with the human Mediterranean diet. If done properly, the study of phytoliths can provide direct information about the vegetable diet of past human populations, and could be applied to the study of human fossils.

Adult↗

Effect of reuse on surface characteristics of balloon angioplasty catheters.

Surfaces of reused angioplasty catheter balloons were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), image analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The surfaces were found to have longitudinal ridges, cracks, wrinkled regions and particulates. Most of the particles were carbon-based, and contained traces of Cl and Si. The average number of particles ranged between 11 and 38 per mm2, while the average particle size ranged from 14 micron to 28 micron. About 70%-90% of the particles were larger then 10 micron which is approximately the diameter of the fine blood capillaries. The particles appeared to be firmly attached to the outer surface of the balloon. FT-IR and XPS analysis revealed the presence of Si, the absence of proteins, and suggested that the surface of the reused balloon catheters was oxidized. The study highlights the large number of particles created and released during angioplasty.

Angioplasty, Balloon↗

Detection of aluminum oxide and polyethylene wear particles from joint endoprostheses using cathodoluminescence and x-ray analysis in SEM.

A highly sensitive method to localize aluminum oxide or polyethylene wear particles in biological tissues is presented. Using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) with a special cathodoluminescence detector system, small amounts of these foreign materials can be visualized in simple frozen sections by their bright luminescence, even at low magnifications (200X). At higher magnifications, a differentiation of free as well as phagocytized aluminum oxide and polyethylene particles can be made due to their different behavior in light emission. In addition, aluminum oxide such as other metals can be identified by x-ray microprobe analysis. This combination of SEM with microprobe analysis and with the highly sensitive cathodoluminescence mode enables to detect and identify wear products from all the materials, commonly used in manufacturing artificial joint replacements.

Aluminum↗

Mineralogical microanalysis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

A mineralogical analysis of lung tissue was conducted on 25 samples from patients who had been diagnosed as having idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at low magnification and energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (EDXA) was used. In all samples, the surface silicon/sulfur (Si/S) ratio was calculated. The Si/S ratio for 25 samples of normal lung and 6 samples of pneumoconiotic lung was also determined (upper limit of normal Si/S ratio = 0.3). The difference between the Si/S ratio in the group with IPF and group with normal lung tissue was significantly significant (p less than .007, Wilcoxon test). Six of 12 patients with a previous diagnosis of IPF and a Si/S ratio greater than 0.3 had an exposure history that could imply inhalation of silica/silicates, and the correct diagnosis for these patients is most probably pneumoconiosis. The silica/silicate deposits detected in patients with IPF, and who had a ratio and no past exposure to dusts, could be either a cause or an effect of the disease.

Adult↗

Atomic force microscopy of purple membranes.

The surface structure of purple membranes was imaged using an atomic force probe mounted in a scanning tunnelling microscope. One of the two different membrane surfaces showed protruding, disc-shaped features forming an hexagonal lattice with about 6 nm centre to centre spacing. These are identified as the cytoplasmic surfaces of trimers of bacteriorhodopsin molecules and are correlated with the structural information on bacteriorhodopsin obtained from numerous earlier electron microscope and diffraction studies.

Bacteriorhodopsins↗

PCR typing of human semen stains after SEM-EDX examination.

There is an increasing demand to use scanning electron microscopy in the forensic analysis of biological samples. Such analyses are routinely used for the investigation of blood stains, seminal stains, diatoms, residues on wounds and residues and trace elements in gunshot powder. The same samples are sometimes also required for identification via DNA analysis, e.g. blood stains, seminal stains or epidermal cells. The ionising radiation provokes damage to DNA and also to membrane and protein structure. The question therefore arises whether the usual sequence of such an investigation, i.e. prior application of SEM and afterwards analysis of DNA, can affect the success rate of the DNA analysis. We have therefore experimentally exposed semen samples to a defined electron beam for different time intervals varying between 1 and 25 min and afterwards performed quantitative and qualitative DNA analysis. Our studies revealed that sample treatment with an electron beam does not interfere with subsequent DNA typing by various currently used forensic PCR systems.

DNA↗

An x-ray microanalysis study of differences in concentration of elements in brain cells due to opiates, cell type, and subcellular location.

Adult female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups and given two daily doses of: 1) morphine (25 mg/kg at each injection), or 2) methadone (5 mg/kg), or 3) saline for nine days. Two hours before the rats were killed on day 10, they were given a double dose of the drugs. Fifteen minutes before being killed, some of the morphine-treated rats were given the opiate antagonist naloxone (2.5 mg/kg), which caused a sudden arousal in these rats. At the time of killing, the preoptic-hypothalamic region was repidly removed and frozen in liquid propane to prevent translocation of elements in cells. Frozen 4-micrometer sections were cut, freeze-dried, and electron-probed in a scanning electron microscope, and energy-dispersive x-ray spectra were collected. The characteristic peak-to-continuum ratio for all detectable elements was determined in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm of ependymal cells and neurons. The data from nine cells of each type in each rat brain were then subjected to one- and three-way analysis of variance. The results show significant differences in the distribution of elements (sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, potassium, and calcium) which are dependent upon: 1) subcellular localization, 2) cell type, and particularly, 3) opiate treatment. The behavioral state produced by the opiates is correlated with the effects they have on intracellular concentration of several elements, most notably, sodium.

Animals↗

Chairside polishing of heat-cured acrylic resin: an SEM and EDA study.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the surfaces produced on two commonly used heat-cured acrylic resins by two chairside polishing systems compared to conventional lathe polishing. It used energy dispersive analysis (EDA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the abrasive materials bonded in the silicone points that are marketed for chairside polishing of acrylic resin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the three polishing systems (conventional as control, Shofu acrylic polishing system [AcryPoint], and Kenda Queen silicone polisher), three operators polished specimens using a defined protocol. Specimens were subjected to SEM and confocal microscopy. EDA was undertaken on the silicone polishing points. RESULTS: Conventional polishing produced the superior surface, followed by the surfaces produced by the Shofu system and then Kenda Queen. However, both chairside polishing systems produced smoother surfaces on acrylic resin than the surfaces produced by either steel or tungsten carbide burs. Both the Shofu acrylic polishing system and Kenda Queen silicone polisher contain beads of cerium, which is widely used in industry for polishing of glass. CONCLUSION: Silicone polishing points marketed for polishing of acrylic resin could be used to produce smooth surfaces that have been adjusted with burs where there is no access to a laboratory lathe.

Acrylic Resins↗

Double sodium and potassium sulphates revealed by microprobe analysis in dried cervical mucus: a mid-cycle crystallographic index.

The use of physical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy and microprobe analysis permits the analysis of valuable details of the structure of dried samples of mid-cycle cervical mucus during the period of maximum ferning. From a crystallographic point of view, particular attention was paid to the location, morphology and chemical composition of anisotropic organic sulphate microstructures. As distinct from the isotropic sodium chloride pattern described by Papanicolaou, these appear in a narrow period of time corresponding to the middle of the period of maximum ferning. Anisotropic microstructures were revealed to be tiny isolated crystals or polycrystalline aggregates composed of double salts of potassium and sodium. The potassium/sodium cation ratio, equal to 3/1, was constant in the best specimens. Using a simple polarizing microscope, the detection of anisotropic microstructures may be useful to determine the period of maximum fertility more accurately. In addition, experiments have been carried out in order to determine the relative importance of sulphate anisotropic structures as compared with the whole crystallized surface and to investigate precisely their transience after they appear.

Adult↗

Scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic force microscopy: application to biology and technology.

The scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and the atomic force microscope (AFM) are scanning probe microscopes capable of resolving surface detail down to the atomic level. The potential of these microscopes for revealing subtle details of structure is illustrated by atomic resolution images including graphite, an organic conductor, an insulating layered compound, and individual adsorbed oxygen atoms on a semiconductor. Application of the STM for imaging biological materials directly has been hampered by the poor electron conductivity of most biological samples. The use of thin conductive metal coatings and replicas has made it possible to image some biological samples, as indicated by recently obtained images of a recA-DNA complex, a phospholipid bilayer, and an enzyme crystal. The potential of the AFM, which does not require a conductive sample, is shown with molecular resolution images of a nonconducting organic monolayer and an amino acid crystal that reveals individual methyl groups on the ends of the amino acids. Applications of these new microscopes to technology are demonstrated with images of an optical disk stamper, a diffraction grating, a thin-film magnetic recording head, and a diamond cutting tool. The STM has even been used to improve the quality of diffraction gratings and magnetic recording heads.

Animals↗

New high-palladium casting alloys: studies of the interface with porcelain.

This investigation studied the metal ceramic interface for two representative high-palladium alloys each of the Pd-Cu-Ga and Pd-Ga systems, using scanning electron microscopy and x-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. The Pd-Cu-Ga alloys produced complex subsurface oxidation regions with thickness ranging from 15 to 20 microns for one alloy and 5 to 10 microns for the other alloy. Ga, In, and Sn accumulated at the interfaces, and Ga-rich deposits were found in the subsurface scale. One Pd-Ga alloy presented a surface oxidation region which dissolved in the ceramic, producing "islands" rich in Pd and Ga with a width that ranged from 1 to 2 microns. These islands were separated from the alloy by a band rich in Ga and Si which was 1 to 2.5 microns thick. While the other Pd-Ga alloy presented similar interfacial microstructures, the "islands" formed for this alloy were relatively sparse. The Pd-Cu-Ga alloys had a more favorable interface for metal ceramic bonding, which agrees with previous characterization of bond failures between these alloys and dental porcelain.

Copper↗

A medicated polycarboxylate cement to prevent complications in composite resin therapy.

Preparative treatment is the preferred method to protect the dentin and pulp from complications in composite resin therapy. This study investigated the in vivo effects of the polycarboxylate cement containing zinc fluoride and tannic acid in composite resin restorations. Scanning electron micrographs established that the composite resin failed to contact the axial wall. The gaps varied from 10 to 60 microns. However, this polycarboxylate cement was shown to provide excellent adaptation to dentin when used as a base and its chemical adhesion allowed it to make close contact with the unetched dentin. The newly developed electron probe x-ray microanalyzer revealed that the in vivo penetration of fluoride and zinc occurred through the dentinal tubules. When this polycarboxylate cement was used, the orifices of dentinal tubules were partially occluded, possibly with the smear layer fixed by tannic acid. In addition, by releasing the components, this polycarboxylate cement adds acid resistance to dentin and increases the resistance of dentin collagen to proteolytic enzymes. As such this polycarboxylate cement offers advantages as a base to composite resin therapy.

Adolescent↗