STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: IPS Empress2 system was developed and used in prosthodontic treatment, but the cost of ingot is expensive for wide application. PURPOSE: This study was to investigate the possibility on recycling of IPS Empress 2 ceramic for wide application of IPS Empress 2 ceramic in prosthodontic treatment. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 1st, 2nd and 3rd pressed disc-shaped(10x1.5mm) IPS Empress 2 specimens were made with IPS Empress ingot(200, Ivoclar, Liechtenstein) and pressing furnace(IPS Empress EP 500, Ivoclar, Liechtenstein). Vicker's surface hardness and fracture toughness, acid resistance, and pressing accuracy of IPS Empress 2 ceramic were measured and analyzed. Surface hardness was measured by microhardness tester(MTX 70, Matsuzawa, Japan). before and after surface treatment with 0.5% hydrofluoric acid and carbonic acid(Coca cola) for evaluation of acid resistance. RESULTS: The surface hardness of 1st pressed specimen was the higher(5.11 GPa) than those of 2nd pressed( 4.89 GPa) and 3rd pressed specimen(4.86 GPa). and the fracture toughness of 1st pressed (1.58 MPam1/2)and 2nd pressed specimen(1.51 MPam1/2) were higher than that of 3rd pressed specimen(1.39 MPam1/2). The changes of surface hardness of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd pressed specimens after treatment with fluoric acid were 0.17, 0.06, 0.05(GPa) respectively, and those of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd pressed specimens after treatment with carbonic acid were 0.07, 0.00, 0.05(MPa) respectively. The pressing accuracy of 1st, 2nd and 3rd specimen were 77.22%, 85.681%, and 75.05%. The pressing accuracy of 2nd pressed specimen was higher than that of the 3rd specimen. CONCLUSION: The changes of physical properties according to recycling of IPS Empress 2 from this study were insignificant. Therefore the possibility of recycling of IPS Empress 2 can be suggested from the results.
Carbon ; Carbonic Acid ; Ceramics ; Hardness* ; Hydrofluoric Acid ; Prosthodontics ; Recycling

The distribution of carbonic anhydrase (CA) isozymes I, II, IV, and IX was investigated in the human duodenum and colon using Western blotting analysis and immunohistochemical staining. A Western blotting analysis revealed an abundant expression of CAI and IX in the duodenum and colon. The expression of CAII and IV was detected in mucosa of duodenum and colon. The degree of expression, however, showed regional difference. The expression of CAII was strong in the duodenum and colon, and that of CAIV was weak in the duodenum and colon. Immunohistochemical staining of duodenum revealed no staining for CAI. CAII was detected at the columnar cells of surface epithelium and secretory cells and ductal cells of Brunner's gland. CAIV was detected at the ductal cells of Brunner's gland. CAIX was detected at the cells of intestinal gland and rare cells of the Brunner's gland. Immunohistochemical staining of colon showed a positive reaction of CAI and II at the columnar and goblet cells of surface epithelium, and CAIV and IX at the columnar cells of surface epithelium. These results demonstrate the differential distribution of CA isozymes in duodenum and colon, and suggest that Brunner's gland may contribute the control of acid-base balance in the duodenal lumen by secreting bicarbonate ion catalyzed by CAII and IV.
Acid-Base Equilibrium ; Bicarbonates ; Blotting, Western ; Carbon* ; Carbonic Anhydrases* ; Colon ; Duodenum ; Epithelium ; Goblet Cells ; Humans* ; Immunohistochemistry ; Intestinal Mucosa ; Intestines* ; Isoenzymes* ; Mucous Membrane

Alteration of the chemical composition of aqueous humor may be closely related to the occurrence of glaucoma. Comparison of chemical composition of aqueous humor in glaucoma patients with that of the normal eyes is thought to be helpful in searching the pathogenesis and treatment modality of glaucoma. Concentration of 8 chemical components in the aqueous humor of cataract eyes as well as glaucoma eyes was analyzed and the differences between the two groups were searched by the authors. Subjects were 47 eyes of 47 cataract patients and 35 eyes of 32 glaucoma patients. During the operation 0.1-0.2cc of aqueous humor was collected by anterior chamber paracentesis and 10cc of blood was also drawn. In cataract patients, the mean values were Na+;145.2, K+;4.0, Cl-;123.7, HCO3-; 22.9 mEq/l, Ca++;6.6, Mg++;1.7, glucose; 48.2 mg/100 ml and ascorbic acid; 245.5 microgram/ml. In glaucoma patients, the mean values were Na+;142.1, K+;4.0, Cl-;126.0, HCO3-;17.6 mEq/I, Ca++;6.3, Mg++;1.9, glucose; 59.4 mg/100 ml and ascorbic acid; 227.5 microgram/ml. Aqueous glucose concentration was 55% of blood glucose level, and aqueous ascorbic acid concentration was 62 times higher than that in blood. Regarding the eight components in aqueous humor, no significant difference was found between cataract and glaucoma patients. Lack of significant difference in ascorbic acid levels between the two groups was thought to be due to the use of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors prior to glaucoma surgery.
Anterior Chamber ; Aqueous Humor* ; Ascorbic Acid ; Blood Glucose ; Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors ; Cataract* ; Glaucoma* ; Glucose ; Humans ; Paracentesis

This study examined the anti-osteoclastogenic effects of baicalin on receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL)-induced RAW264.7 cells. Baicalin is a flavonoid that is produced by Scutellaria baicalensis and is known to have multiple biological properties, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The effects of baicalin on osteoclasts were examined by measuring 1) cell viability; 2) the formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) (+) multinucleated cells; 3) RANK/RANKL signaling pathways and 4) mRNA levels of osteoclast-associated genes. Baicalin inhibited the formation of RANKL-stimulated TRAP (+) multinucleated cells and also suppressed the RANKL-stimulated activation of p-38, ERK, cSrc and AKT signaling. Baicalin also inhibited the RANKL-stimulated degradation of IkappaB in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, the RANKL-stimulated induction of NFATc1 transcription factors was found to be abrogated by this flavonoid. Baicalin was further found to decrease the mRNA expression of osteoclast-associated genes, including carbonic anhydrase II, TRAP and cathepsin K in the RAW264.7 cells. Our data thus demonstrate that baicalin inhibits osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting the RANKL-induced activation of signaling molecules and transcription factors in osteoclast precursors.
Acid Phosphatase ; Carbonic Anhydrase II ; Cathepsin K ; Flavonoids ; Isoenzymes ; NF-kappa B ; NFATC Transcription Factors ; Osteoclasts ; RNA, Messenger ; Scutellaria baicalensis ; Transcription Factors

Osteopetrosis is a rare genetic bone disease characterized by increased bone density but prone to breakage due to defective osteoclastic function. Among two primary types of autosomal dominant osteopetrosis (ADO), osteopetrosis type II is characterized by sclerosis of bones, predominantly involving the spine, the pelvis, and the skull base. Fragility of bones and dental abscess are leading complications. This report presents a case of osteopetrosis in a 52-years-old female, which was complicated by the development of cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis and meningitis. She was suffered from multiple fractures since one year ago. Laboratory data revealed elevated serum levels of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) without carbonic anhydrase II DNA mutation. A thoracolumbar spine X-ray showed, typical findings of ADO type II (ADO II; Albers-Schonberg disease), prominent vertebral endplates so called the 'rugger jersey spine'. Her older sister also showed same typical spine appearance. We report a case of ADO II with cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis and meningitis that was successfully treated with long-term antibiotics with right sphenoidotomy.
Abscess ; Acid Phosphatase ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Bone Density ; Bone Diseases ; Carbonic Anhydrase II ; Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis* ; DNA ; Female ; Humans ; Meningitis* ; Osteoclasts ; Osteopetrosis* ; Pelvis ; Sclerosis ; Siblings ; Skull Base ; Spine

Carbonic anhydrase catalizes the reversible hydration of carbonic dioxide and participate in various biological processes. There are several isozymes and differ in their kinetic properties, tissue distribution and subcellular localization. The expression of carbonic anhydrase isozymes in digestive tract vary according to animal species and region of the tract. The distribution of carbonic anhydrase (CA) isozymes I, II, IV and IX was investigated in various portions of the rat small intestine using Western blotting analysis and immunohistochemical staining. Western blotting analysis of rat small intestine revealed that CAI was found to be abundantly expressed throughout the small intestine. Expression of CAII in duodenum was much higher than that in jejunum and ileum. Expression of CAIV and IX was found to be weak throughout the small intestine. Immunohistochemical reaction revealed no staining of CAI in all parts of small intestine except blood vessels. CAII was detected at the supranuclear cytoplasm of surface epithelium, but not in intestinal gland. Staining intensity was most strong in the proximal duodenum. CAIV was detected at the apical surface of epithelial cells of villi, and showed most strong staining intensity in the terminal ileum. CAIX was detected at the surfcae epithelium, cells of intestinal gland and Brunner's gland, and the positive reaction was confined to the supranuclear cytoplasm. CAIX differed from CAII in tissue distribution, but subcellular localization of CAIX and II were the same. These results indicate that the surface epithelium of small intestine express CAII, IV and IX, intestinal gland and Brunner's gland express CAIX, and suggest that CAIX may somewhat contribute the control of acid-base balance in the small intestine.
Acid-Base Equilibrium ; Animals ; Biological Processes ; Blood Vessels ; Blotting, Western ; Carbon* ; Carbonic Anhydrases* ; Cytoplasm ; Duodenum ; Epithelial Cells ; Epithelium ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Ileum ; Immunohistochemistry ; Intestinal Mucosa ; Intestine, Small* ; Isoenzymes* ; Jejunum ; Rats* ; Tissue Distribution

BACKGROUND: Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), one of the most widely used brominated flame-retardants, is a representative persistent organic pollutants group. Studies on TBBPA toxicity have been conducted using various target cells; however, few studies have investigated TBBPA toxicity in bone cells. Therefore, this study investigated the in vitro effects of TBBPA on osteoclasts, a cell type involved in bone metabolism. METHODS: RAW264.7 cells were cultured in medium containing 50 ng/mL receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and varying concentrations of TBBPA. To evaluate the effects of TBBPA on the differentiation and function of osteoclasts, osteoclast-specific gene expression, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity, bone resorbing activity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and mitochondrial superoxide were measured. RESULTS: The presence of 20 μM TBBPA significantly increased TRAP activity in RANKL-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, the bone resorbing activity of osteoclasts, and the gene expression of Akt2, nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1, and chloride channel voltage-sensitive 7. However, TBBPA treatment caused no change in the expression of carbonic anhydrase II, cathepsin K, osteopetrosis-associated transmembrane protein 1, Src, extracellular signal-related kinase, GAB2, c-Fos, or matrix metalloproteinase 9. Furthermore, 20 μM TBBPA caused a significant decrease in MMP and a significant increase in mitochondrial superoxide production. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that TBBPA promotes osteoclast differentiation and activity. The mechanism of TBBPA-stimulated osteoclastogenesis might include increased expression of several genes involved in osteoclast differentiation and reactive oxygen species production.
Acid Phosphatase ; Carbonic Anhydrase II ; Cathepsin K ; Chloride Channels ; Cytoplasm ; Gene Expression ; In Vitro Techniques ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial ; Metabolism ; Osteoclasts ; Phosphotransferases ; RANK Ligand ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B ; Superoxides ; T-Lymphocytes

Pyrimidine derivatives have been the subject of much attention in pesticide and medicine fields owing to their unique biological properties. Particularly, a large number of these compounds have recently been reported to show substantial antitumor activities, and some of them have been investigated in clinical trials. Although these structurally novel compounds have a common chemical moiety of a pyrimidine ring, there are a variety of mechanisms of their antitumor action, such as, inhibition of cyclin-dependent-kinases, inhibition of protein tyrosine kinase, inhibition of carbonic anhydrases, inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase and disruption of microtubule assembly. In this paper, we described the latest advances in the research of such pyrimidine derivatives as antitumor drug according to their action on targets.
Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Folic Acid Antagonists ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Pyrimidines ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Tetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase ; pharmacology ; Tubulin Modulators ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use

No abstract available.
Aluminum Hydroxide ; Carbonates ; Inflammation

Aims: This project was aimed to study the microbial diversity of the limestone soil and its correlation with the environment. Methodology and results: The study was carried out using samples obtained from Gunung Lang, Ipoh, Perak in August 2013. X-ray diffraction analysis of the rock structure confirmed that the samples were of limestone origin. Besides that, soil analysis revealed that this area was fertile and rich in nutrients. It therefore served as a suitable habitat for microorganismal diversity to flourish. This was proven by the 16S rDNA metagenomic analysis which targeted on 16S rDNA variable region V3-V5 using Illumina MiSeq sequencer. Using this approach, a variety of microorganisms was identified and many yet to be characterized microorganisms were detected from this area. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: This is the first study in Malaysia that aimed to study the microbial diversity of limestone soils through metagenomic approach. The study showed that limestone is rich in microbial diversity and it is a place worth looking for novel microbes and genes of interest in biotechnology.
Calcium Carbonate