The small molecule nutrients and cell growth factors required for the normal metabolism of chondrocyte mainly transport into the cartilage through free diffusion. However, the specific mass transfer law in the cartilage remains to be studied. In this study, using small molecule rhodamine B as tracer, the mass transfer models of cartilage were built under different pathways including surface pathway, lateral pathway and composite pathway. Sections of cartilage at different mass transfer times were observed by using laser confocal microscopy and the transport law of small molecules within different layers of cartilage was studied. The results showed that rhodamine B diffused into the whole cartilage layer through surface pathway within 2 h. The fluorescence intensity in the whole cartilage layer increased with the increase of mass transfer time. Compared to mass transfer of 2 h, the mean fluorescence intensity in the superficial, middle, and deep layers of cartilage increased by 1.83, 1.95, and 3.64 times, respectively, after 24 h of mass transfer. Under lateral path condition, rhodamine B was transported along the cartilage width, and the molecular transport distance increased with increasing mass transfer time. It is noted that rhodamine B could be transported to 2 mm away from cartilage side after 24 h of mass transfer. The effect of mass transfer under the composite path was better than those under the surface path and the lateral path, and especially the mass transfer in the deep layer of cartilage was improved. This study may provide a reference for the treatment and repair of cartilage injury.
Cartilage, Articular ; Rhodamines/pharmacology* ; Chondrocytes

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the penetration depth of 2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) into root dentinal tubules and the influence of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty freshly extracted anterior teeth were decoronated and instrumented using Mtwo rotary files up to size 40, 4% taper. The samples were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10), that is, conventional syringe irrigation (CSI) and PUI. CHX was mixed with Rhodamine B dye and was used as the final irrigant. The teeth were sectioned at coronal, middle and apical levels and viewed under CLSM to record the penetration depth of CHX. The data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: The mean penetration depths of 2% CHX in coronal, middle and apical thirds were 138 microm, 80 microm and 44 microm in CSI group, respectively, whereas the mean penetration depths were 209 microm, 138 microm and 72 microm respectively in PUI group. Statistically significant difference was present between CSI group and PUI group at all three levels (p < 0.01 for coronal third and p < 0.001 for middle and apical thirds. On intragroup analysis, both groups showed statistically significant difference among three levels (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Penetration depth of 2% CHX into root dentinal tubules is deeper in coronal third when compared to middle and apical third. PUI aided in deeper penetration of 2% CHX into dentinal tubules when compared to conventional syringe irrigation at all three levels.
Chlorhexidine* ; Dentin* ; Rhodamines ; Syringes ; Tooth ; Ultrasonics

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the penetration depth of 2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) into root dentinal tubules and the influence of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty freshly extracted anterior teeth were decoronated and instrumented using Mtwo rotary files up to size 40, 4% taper. The samples were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10), that is, conventional syringe irrigation (CSI) and PUI. CHX was mixed with Rhodamine B dye and was used as the final irrigant. The teeth were sectioned at coronal, middle and apical levels and viewed under CLSM to record the penetration depth of CHX. The data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: The mean penetration depths of 2% CHX in coronal, middle and apical thirds were 138 microm, 80 microm and 44 microm in CSI group, respectively, whereas the mean penetration depths were 209 microm, 138 microm and 72 microm respectively in PUI group. Statistically significant difference was present between CSI group and PUI group at all three levels (p < 0.01 for coronal third and p < 0.001 for middle and apical thirds. On intragroup analysis, both groups showed statistically significant difference among three levels (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Penetration depth of 2% CHX into root dentinal tubules is deeper in coronal third when compared to middle and apical third. PUI aided in deeper penetration of 2% CHX into dentinal tubules when compared to conventional syringe irrigation at all three levels.
Chlorhexidine* ; Dentin* ; Rhodamines ; Syringes ; Tooth ; Ultrasonics

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the resin infiltration into dentin of one-bottle adhesive systems and self-etching primer bonded to Class V cavities using confocal laser scanning microscope(CLSM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty Class V cavities were prepared from freshly extracted caries-free human teeth. These teeth were divided into two groups based on the presence of cervical abrasion: Group I, cervical abrasion; Group II, wedge-shaped cavity preparation. Resin-dentin interfaces were produced with two one-bottle dentin bonding systems-ONE COAT BOND(OCB; Coltene(R)) and Syntac(R)Srint(TM)(SS; VIVADENT)-, one self-etching priming system-CLEARFIL(TM) SE BOND(SB; KURARAY)- and one multi-step dentin bonding system-Scotchbond(TM)Multi-Purpose(SBMP, 3M Dental Products)-as control according to manufacturers'instructions. Cavities were restored with Spectrum(R)(Dentsply). Specimens were immersed in saline for 24 hours and sectioned longitudinally with a low-speed diamond disc. The resin-dentin interfaces were microscopically observed using CLSM. The quality of resin-infiltrated dentin layers were evaluated by five dentists using 0-4 scale. RESULTS: Confocal laser scanning microscopal investigations using primer labeled with rhodamine B showed that the penetration of the primer occurred along the cavity margins. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's Multiple Range test revealed that the primer penetration of the group 2(wedge-shaped cavity preparation) was more effective than group 1(cervical abrasion) and that of the gingival interfaces was more effective than the occlusal interfaces. In the one-bottle dentin bonding systems, the resin penetration score of OCB was compatible to SBMP, but those of SS and self-etching priming system, SB were lower than SBMP.
Adhesives ; Dentin ; Dentists ; Diamond ; Humans ; Rhodamines ; Tooth

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rewetting effect of water-based primer on the air-dried dentin. In this in vitro study, freshly extracted non-caries human molars and three-step adhesive system(SBMP) were used. Freshly extracted non-caries human molars and three-step adhesive system(SBMP) were used. Flat occlusal dentin surface were prepared using low-speed diamond saw. Prepared teeth were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1.(W); etched(35% phosphoric acid for 15s) and blot-dried, Group 2.(5D); 5s air-dried, Group 3.(30D); 30s air-dried. To obtain color contrast in CLSM observation, primer was mixed with rhodamine B and bonding resin was mixed with fluorescein. Microscopic sample of each group were obtained after longitudinal section. Morphological investigation of resin-dentin interface and thickness of hybrid layer measurement using CLSM were done. Microtensile bond strength for each specimen was measured. Specimen were observed under microscope to examine the failure patterns of interface between resin and dentin. The results of this study were as follows: 1. The results(mean) of Thickness of hybrid layer were W;19.67, 5D;20.9, 30D;10microm. Only 30D had statistically significant differences to W and 5D(P<0.05). 2. The results(mean) of Microtensile bond strength were W;16.02, 5D;14.69, 30D;11.14MPa. Only 30D had statistically significant differences to W and 5D(P<0.05). 3. There were positive correlation between Thickness of hybrid layer and microtensile bond strength(P<0.05).
Adhesives ; Dentin* ; Diamond ; Fluorescein ; Humans ; Molar ; Rhodamines ; Tooth

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the penetration pattern of dentin adhesives according to the orientation of dentinal tubules with confocal laser scanning microscopy. Specimens having perpendicular, parallel and oblique surface to dentinal tubules were fabricated. The primer of dentin adhesives (ALL BOND(R) 2, CLEARFIL(TM) SE BOND and PQ1) was mixed with fluorescent material, rhodamine B isothiocyanate (Aldrich Chem. CO., Milw., USA). It was applied to the specimens according to the instructions of manufactures. The specimens were covered with composite resin (Estelite, shade A2) and then cut to a thickness of 500 microm with low speed saw (Isomet(TM), Buehler, USA). The adhesive pattern of dentin adhesives were observed by fluorescence image using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results were as follows. 1. For the groups with tubules perpendicular to bonded surface, funnel shape of resin tag was observed in all specimen. However, resin tags were more prominent in phosphoric acid etching system (ALL BOND(R) 2 and PQ1) than self etching system (CLEARFIL(TM) SE BOND). 2. For the groups with tubules parallel to bonded surface, rhodamine-labeled primer penetrated into peritubular dentin parallel to the orientation of dentinal tubules. But rhodamine-labeled primer of PQ1 diffused more radially into surrounding intertubular dentin than other dentin adhesive systems. 3. For the groups with tubules oblique to bonded surface, resin tags appeared irregular and discontinuous. But they penetrated deeper into dentinal tubules than other groups.
Adhesives* ; Dentin* ; Dentin-Bonding Agents ; Fluorescence ; Microscopy, Confocal* ; Rhodamines

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the maximum depth and percentage of irrigant penetration into dentinal tubules by passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty extracted human teeth were instrumented and divided into three groups. According to final irrigation regimen, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (Group A, NaOCl), 2% chlorhexidine (Group B, CHX) and saline solution (Group C, control group) were applied with Irrisafe 20 tips (Acteon) and PUI. Irrigant was mixed with 0.1% rhodamine B. Sections at 2 mm, 5 mm, and 8 mm from the apex were examined with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The percentage and maximum depth of irrigant penetration were measured. Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test were performed for overall comparison between groups at each level and for pairwise comparison, respectively. Within a group, Wilcoxon test was performed among different levels. p values less than 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: In all groups, highest penetration depth and percentage of penetration were observed at the 8 mm level. At 2 mm level, Groups A and B had significantly greater depths and percentages in penetration than Group C (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between Groups A and B. At 5 mm level, penetration depths and percentage of penetration was not significantly different among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: NaOCl and CHX applied by PUI showed similar depth and percentage of penetration at all evaluated levels.
Chlorhexidine ; Dentin ; Humans ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Rhodamines ; Sodium Chloride ; Sodium Hypochlorite ; Tooth ; Ultrasonics*

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the maximum depth and percentage of irrigant penetration into dentinal tubules by passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty extracted human teeth were instrumented and divided into three groups. According to final irrigation regimen, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (Group A, NaOCl), 2% chlorhexidine (Group B, CHX) and saline solution (Group C, control group) were applied with Irrisafe 20 tips (Acteon) and PUI. Irrigant was mixed with 0.1% rhodamine B. Sections at 2 mm, 5 mm, and 8 mm from the apex were examined with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The percentage and maximum depth of irrigant penetration were measured. Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test were performed for overall comparison between groups at each level and for pairwise comparison, respectively. Within a group, Wilcoxon test was performed among different levels. p values less than 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: In all groups, highest penetration depth and percentage of penetration were observed at the 8 mm level. At 2 mm level, Groups A and B had significantly greater depths and percentages in penetration than Group C (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between Groups A and B. At 5 mm level, penetration depths and percentage of penetration was not significantly different among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: NaOCl and CHX applied by PUI showed similar depth and percentage of penetration at all evaluated levels.
Chlorhexidine ; Dentin ; Humans ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Rhodamines ; Sodium Chloride ; Sodium Hypochlorite ; Tooth ; Ultrasonics*

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the push-out bond strength and dentinal tubule penetration of root canal sealers used with coated core materials and conventional gutta-percha. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 72 single-rooted human mandibular incisors were instrumented with NiTi rotary files with irrigation of 2.5% NaOCl. The smear layer was removed with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Specimens were assigned into four groups according to the obturation system: Group 1, EndoRez (Ultradent Product Inc.); Group 2, Activ GP (Brasseler); Group 3, SmartSeal (DFRP Ltd. Villa Farm); Group 4, AH 26 (Dentsply de Trey)/gutta-percha (GP). For push-out bond strength measurement, two horizontal slices were obtained from each specimen (n = 20). To compare dentinal tubule penetration, remaining 32 roots assigned to 4 groups as above were obturated with 0.1% Rhodamine B labeled sealers. One horizontal slice was obtained from the middle third of each specimen (n = 8) and scanned under confocal laser scanning electron microscope. Tubule penetration area, depth, and percentage were measured. Kruskall-Wallis test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: EndoRez showed significantly lower push-out bond strength than the others (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found amongst the groups in terms of percentage of sealer penetration. SmartSeal showed the least penetration than the others (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The bond strength and sealer penetration of resin-and glass ionomer-based sealers used with coated core was not superior to resin-based sealer used with conventional GP. Dentinal tubule penetration has limited effect on bond strength. The use of conventional GP with sealer seems to be sufficient in terms of push-out bond strength.
Dental Pulp Cavity* ; Dentin* ; Edetic Acid ; Glass ; Gutta-Percha ; Humans ; Incisor ; Rhodamines ; Smear Layer

The purpose of this study was to compare the dye leakage of MTA (mineral trioxide aggregate) apical plug produced by two orthograde placement techniques (hand condensation technique and ultrasonically assisted hand condensation technique). To simulate straight canal, 60 transparent acrylic blocks with straight canal were fabricated. These transparent acrylic blocks were divided into 2 groups (Group C; hand condensation technique (HC) and Group U; ultrasonically assisted hand condensation technique (UAHC)) of 30 blocks with each MTA application method. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups (n = 15) with different canal size of #70 (subgroup C70 and subgroup U70) and #120 (subgroup C120 and subgroup U120). After apical plug was created, a wet paper point was placed over the MTA plug and specimen was kept in a humid condition at room temperature to allow MTA to set. After 24 hours, remaining canal space was backfilled using Obtura II. All specimens were transferred to floral form socked by 0.2% rhodamine B solution and stored in 100% humidity at room temperature. After 48 hours, resin block specimens were washed and scanned using a scanner. The maximum length of microleakage was measured from the scanned images of four surfaces of each resin block using Photoshop 6.0. Statistical analysis was performed with Mann-Whitney U test. Group U of UAHC had significantly lower leakage than Group C of HC in #70-size canal (subgroup U70) (p < 0.05).
Glutamates ; Guanine ; Hand ; Humidity ; Rhodamines ; Root Canal Filling Materials ; Ultrasonics ; Pemetrexed