OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the chemical and biological properties of fast-set white mineral trioxide aggregate (FS WMTA), which was WMTA combined with calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl₂·2H₂O), compared to that of WMTA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surface morphology, elemental, and phase analysis were examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The cytotoxicity and cell attachment properties were evaluated on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPLFs) using methyl-thiazol-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay and under SEM after 24 and 72 hours, respectively. RESULTS: Results showed that the addition of CaCl₂·2H₂O to WMTA affected the surface morphology and chemical composition. Although FS WMTA exhibited a non-cytotoxic profile, the cell viability values of this combination were lesser than WMTA, and the difference was significant in 7 out of 10 concentrations at the 2 time intervals (p < 0.05). HPLFs adhered over the surface of WMTA and at the interface, after 24 hours of incubation. After 72 hours, there were increased numbers of HPLFs with prominent cytoplasmic processes. Similar findings were observed with FS WMTA, but the cells were not as confluent as with WMTA. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of CaCl₂·2H₂O to WMTA affected its chemical properties. The favorable biological profile of FS WMTA towards HPLFs may have a potential impact on its clinical application for repair of perforation defects.
Calcium Chloride* ; Calcium* ; Cell Survival ; Cytoplasm ; Electron Probe Microanalysis ; Fibroblasts ; Humans ; Miners* ; Periodontal Ligament ; X-Ray Diffraction

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the mineral composition of naturally- and artificially-produced caries-affected root dentin and to determine the elemental incorporation of resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) into the demineralized dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Box-formed cavities were prepared on buccal and lingual root surfaces of sound human premolars (n = 15). One cavity was exposed to a microbial caries model using a strain of Streptococcus mutans. The other cavity was subjected to a chemical model under pH cycling. Premolars and molars with root surface caries were used as a natural caries model (n = 15). Outer caries lesion was removed using a carbide bur and a hand excavator under a dyeing technique and restored with RMGI (FujiII LC, GC Corp.). The weight percentages of calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), and strontium (Sr) and the widths of demineralized dentin were determined by electron probe microanalysis and compared among the groups using ANOVA and Tukey test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: There was a pattern of demineralization in all models, as visualized with scanning electron microscopy. Artificial models induced greater losses of Ca and P and larger widths of demineralized dentin than did a natural caries model (p < 0.05). Sr was diffused into the demineralized dentin layer from RMGI. CONCLUSIONS: Both microbial and chemical caries models produced similar patterns of mineral composition on the caries-affected dentin. However, the artificial lesions had a relatively larger extent of demineralization than did the natural lesions. RMGI was incorporated into the superficial layer of the caries-affected dentin.
Bicuspid ; Calcium ; Dentin* ; Electron Probe Microanalysis ; Glass ; Hand ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Miners ; Models, Chemical ; Molar ; Root Caries ; Streptococcus mutans ; Strontium

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of single and combined applications of fluoride on the amount of fluoride release, and the remineralization and physical properties of enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each of four fluoride varnish and gel products (Fluor Protector, FP, Ivoclar Vivadent; Tooth Mousse Plus, TM, GC; 60 Second Gel, A, Germiphene; CavityShield, CS, 3M ESPE) and two fluoride solutions (2% sodium fluoride, N; 8% tin(ii) fluoride, S) were applied on bovine teeth using single and combined methods (10 per group), and then the amount of fluoride release was measured for 4 wk. The electron probe microanalysis and the Vickers microhardness measurements were conducted to assess the effect of fluoride application on the surface properties of bovine teeth. RESULTS: The amount of fluoride release was higher in combined applications than in single application (p < 0.05). Microhardness values were higher after combined applications of N with FP, TM, and CS than single application of them, and these values were also higher after combined applications of S than single application of A (p < 0.05). Ca and P values were higher in combined applications of N with TM and CS than single application of them (p < 0.05). They were also increased after combined applications of the S with A than after single application (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Combined applications of fluoride could be used as a basis to design more effective methods of fluoride application to provide enhanced remineralization.
Dental Caries ; Dental Enamel ; Electron Probe Microanalysis ; Fluorides* ; Methods* ; Paint ; Sodium Fluoride ; Surface Properties ; Tooth

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of annealing on the nanostructure and hardness of Co-Cr metal ceramic samples that were fabricated with a direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five groups of Co-Cr dental alloy samples were manufactured in a rectangular form measuring 4 x 2 x 2 mm. Samples fabricated by a conventional casting technique (Group I) and prefabricated milling blanks (Group II) were examined as conventional technique groups. The DMLS samples were randomly divided into three groups as not annealed (Group III), annealed in argon atmosphere (Group IV), or annealed in oxygen atmosphere (Group V). The nanostructure was examined with the small-angle X-ray scattering method. The Rockwell hardness test was used to measure the hardness changes in each group, and the means and standard deviations were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA for comparison of continuous variables and Tukey's HSD test was used for post hoc analysis. P values of <.05 were accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: The general nanostructures of the samples were composed of small spherical entities stacked atop one another in dendritic form. All groups also displayed different hardness values depending on the manufacturing technique. The annealing procedure and environment directly affected both the nanostructure and hardness of the Co-Cr alloy. Group III exhibited a non-homogeneous structure and increased hardness (48.16 +/- 3.02 HRC) because the annealing process was incomplete and the inner stress was not relieved. Annealing in argon atmosphere of Group IV not only relieved the inner stresses but also decreased the hardness (27.40 +/- 3.98 HRC). The results of fitting function presented that Group IV was the most homogeneous product as the minimum bilayer thickness was measured (7.11 A). CONCLUSION: After the manufacturing with DMLS technique, annealing in argon atmosphere is an essential process for Co-Cr metal ceramic substructures. The dentists should be familiar with the materials that are used in clinic for prosthodontics treatments.
Alloys ; Argon ; Atmosphere ; Ceramics ; Dental Alloys* ; Dentists ; Electron Probe Microanalysis ; Hardness Tests ; Hardness* ; Humans ; Metal Ceramic Alloys ; Nanostructures* ; Oxygen ; Prosthodontics

Tooth bleaching agents may weaken the tooth structure. Therefore, it is important to minimize any risks of tooth hard tissue damage caused by bleaching agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of applying 45S5 bioglass (BG) before, after, and during 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) bleaching on whitening efficacy, physicochemical properties and microstructures of bovine enamel. Seventy-two bovine enamel blocks were prepared and randomly divided into six groups: distilled deionized water (DDW), BG, HP, BG before HP, BG after HP and BG during HP. Colorimetric and microhardness tests were performed before and after the treatment procedure. Representative specimens from each group were selected for morphology investigation after the final tests. A significant color change was observed in group HP, BG before HP, BG after HP and BG during HP. The microhardness loss was in the following order: group HP>BG before HP, BG after HP>BG during HP>DDW, BG. The most obvious morphological alteration of was observed on enamel surfaces in group HP, and a slight morphological alteration was also detected in group BG before HP and BG after HP. Our findings suggest that the combination use of BG and HP could not impede the tooth whitening efficacy. Using BG during HP brought better protective effect than pre/post-bleaching use of BG, as it could more effectively reduce the mineral loss as well as retain the surface integrity of enamel. BG may serve as a promising biomimetic adjunct for bleaching therapy to prevent/restore the enamel damage induced by bleaching agents.
Animals ; Biomimetic Materials ; analysis ; therapeutic use ; Cattle ; Ceramics ; analysis ; chemistry ; Chemical Phenomena ; Color ; Colorimetry ; Dental Enamel ; drug effects ; ultrastructure ; Electron Probe Microanalysis ; Glass ; analysis ; chemistry ; Hardness ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; pharmacology ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Protective Agents ; analysis ; therapeutic use ; Random Allocation ; Solubility ; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared ; Time Factors ; Tooth Bleaching ; methods ; Tooth Bleaching Agents ; pharmacology ; Water ; chemistry ; X-Ray Diffraction

Rapid prenatal detection methods, including molecular cytogenetic analysis and ultrasonographic markers, are very important for prenatal diagnosis. The use of molecular cytogenetic techniques has significantly improved the rapid detection of aneuploidy and identification of small structural abnormalities of fetal chromosomes. At present, commonly used molecular cytogenetic techniques include fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), quantitative fluorescence PCR (QF-PCR), multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH). There is extensive evidence that major chromosomal abnormalities can be effectively detected by ultrasonography in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. So we can combine molecular cytogenetic techniques with ultrasonographic markers to improve the identification of aneuploidies for chromosomes and the accuracy of prenatal diagnosis, and to reduce birth defects in newborns.
Chromosome Aberrations ; Chromosome Disorders ; diagnosis ; Cytogenetic Analysis ; Electron Probe Microanalysis ; Female ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Nucleic Acid Hybridization ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; methods ; Protein Array Analysis ; Ultrasonography, Prenatal

OBJECTIVE: To provide objective proof on diagnosis of electrical current mark in electrocution, the environmental scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microanalyser (ESEM-EDX) were adopted to study the microscopic morphological characteristics and elemental composition of electrical current mark. METHODS: Morphological characteristics of electrical current marks, the elemental composition and morphology of metal particles were studied with ESEM-EDX. RESULTS: The electroporation and metal melted beads could be found in the electrical current marks and skin around them. The metal melted beads mainly composed of common metal such as iron, copper, aluminum and some uncommon metal including gold, titanium and barium. CONCLUSION ESEM-EDX can be applied in forensic diagnosis of electrocution.
Autopsy ; Electric Injuries/pathology* ; Electron Probe Microanalysis/methods* ; Forensic Medicine/methods* ; Humans ; Metals, Heavy/analysis* ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning/methods* ; Skin/pathology* ; Trace Elements/analysis* ; X-Rays

The aim of the present study is to compare the corrosion tendency using two kinds of NiTi files in the various environmental conditions through the visual examination and electrochemical analysis. ProTaper Universal S2, 21 mm (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and Hero 642, 0.06 tapers, size 25, 21 mm (Micromega, Besancon, France) rotary instruments were tested. The instruments were randomly divided into eighteen groups (n = 5) by the immersion temperature, the type of solution, the brand of NiTi rotary instrument and the presence of mechanical loading. Each file was examined at various magnifications using Scanning Electron Microscope (JEOL, Akishima, Tokyo, Japan) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). EDX was used to determine the components of the endodontic file alloy in corroded and noncorroded areas. The corrosion resistance of unused and used NiTi files after repeated uses in the human teeth was evaluated electrochemically by potentiodynamic polarization test using a potentiostat (Applied Corrosion Monitoring, Cark-in-Cartmel, UK). Solution temperature and chloride ion concentration may affect on passivity of NiTi files. Under the conditions of this in vitro study, the corrosion resistance is slightly increased after clinical use.
Alloys ; Androsterone ; Collodion ; Corrosion ; Electron Probe Microanalysis ; Electrons ; Humans ; Immersion ; Tokyo ; Tooth

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: There has been a great interest in the use of titanium for fixed and removable prostheses in recent because of its excellent biocompatibility. However, the melting temperature and chemical reactivity of titanium necessities casting system different from those used in conventional casting. The current titanium casting systems are based on an electric-arc design for melting the metal in an argon atmosphere and its exclusive investment. Despite the new development in Ti casting system, inadequate mold filling and internal porosity are frequently observed casting defects. PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to compare the castibility and reaction layer of the casting titanium under the two casting machines and their investment condition. MATERIAL AND METHOD: coping and machine-milled titanium coping according to the casting methods and the marginal configurations. The total 28 specimens were used, and these are divided into 4 groups according to 2 casting machines and 2 investments. The castings were analyzed using x-ray microanalysis and microhardness testing. The reaction layer between margin of titanium casting and the investments was observed and analyzed with scanning electron microscope. RESULT: 1. Castabiliy of casting titanium specimen was best in the group of centrifugal casting machine and Selevest CB(R) and good that of Selevest CB and pressure differential casting machine, Rematitan plus and centrifugal casting machine, Rematitan plus and pressure differential casting machine in order. 2. There was no significanct correlation in titanium castability in respect of casting machine. However ANOVA indicated that Selevest CB(R) groups had significantly better castability than Rematitan plus(R) groups.(p<0.05) 3. There was a significant microhardness difference between cetrifugal casting machine groups and pressure differential groups.(p<0.05) Titanium castings in centifugal groups had significantly harder than those in pressure differential groups. 4. The addition of zirconia decreased interfacial reactivity. CONCLUSION: above result revealed that of the castability of titanium casting specimens had little correlation in casting machines and was better in magnesia-based investment contained ZrO2 groups. However in order to practice casting titanium in clininic, its castability should be improved, also there should be more research on factor of castability so that long-span prothesis and removable partial denture metla frame may be casted completly.
Alloys* ; Argon ; Atmosphere ; Denture, Partial, Removable ; Electron Probe Microanalysis ; Freezing ; Fungi ; Investments* ; Porosity ; Prostheses and Implants ; Titanium*

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of porcelain firing cycle on microstructure of 4 metal ceramic alloys, and to analyze the changes of their corrosion resistance in the artificial saliva. METHODS: We simulated the process of firing and repolishing when fabricating porcelain-fused-to-metal restoration in clinic,and then observed the microstructures of Ni-Cr, Ni-Cr-Ti, Co-Cr alloys and high gold alloy by field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The electrochemical corrosion behavior of alloys in artificial saliva was analyzed by polarization curves and corrview 2 corrosion analysis software. The data of self-corrosion potential and transpassive potential were obtained and analyzed. RESULTS: After the porcelain firing cycle, the surface composition changed slightly, and the morphological in the 3 predominate base metal alloys also changed. The self-corrosion potential turned to more negative, and the transpassive potential declined. CONCLUSION The procedure of porcelain firing cycle can affect the surface microstructure and increase the corrosion of 4 metal-ceramic alloys.
Corrosion ; Dental Casting Technique ; Dental Porcelain ; chemistry ; Electron Probe Microanalysis ; Metal Ceramic Alloys ; chemistry ; Saliva, Artificial ; Surface Properties