Localized cutaneous argyria is a rare condition in which the skin changes into blue-grey spots due to the absorption of silver. The lesions need to be differentiated from other pigmentary disorders and require radiographic and histological examination for more accurate diagnosis. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy can be a confirmatory tool in the evaluation of silver elements in biopsy tissue. This report shows the localized cutaneous argyria in earlobe of a 21-year-old woman who wears silver earrings for 10 years.
Absorption ; Argyria ; Biopsy ; Diagnosis ; Ear ; Female ; Humans ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Nevus, Blue ; Silver ; Skin ; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission ; Young Adult

In the present study, rutile phase titanium dioxide nanoparticles (R-TiO₂ NPs) were prepared by hydrolysis of titanium tetrachloride in an aqueous solution followed by calcination at 900℃. The composition of R-TiO₂ NPs was determined by the analysis of X-ray diffraction data, and the characteristic features of R-TiO₂ NPs such as the surface functional group, particle size, shape, surface topography, and morphological behavior were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential measurements. The average size of the prepared R-TiO₂ NPs was 76 nm, the surface area was 19 m²/g, zeta potential was −20.8 mV, and average hydrodynamic diameter in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)–H₂O solution was 550 nm. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and morphological observations revealed that R-TiO₂ NPs were cytocompatible with oral cancer cells, with no inhibition of cell growth and proliferation. This suggests the efficacy of R-TiO₂ NPs for the aesthetic white pigmentation of teeth.
Dimethyl Sulfoxide ; Dynamic Light Scattering ; Hydrodynamics ; Hydrolysis ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Mouth Neoplasms ; Nanoparticles ; Particle Size ; Pigmentation ; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission ; Spectrum Analysis ; Titanium ; Tooth ; X-Ray Diffraction

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical manifestations and properties of remnant particles in the subconjunctival space after high-frequency radio-wave electrosurgery for conjunctivochalasis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, observational case series with in vitro experimental imaging in nine eyes from eight patients who presented with small dark-gray lesions during follow-up after high-frequency radio-wave electrosurgery for conjunctivochalasis. General examination including slit-lamp examination and visual acuity testing was performed preoperatively and postoperatively. During follow-up, we evaluated remnant particles and any other complications including granuloma or conjunctival injection with slit-lamp photography and anterior optical coherence tomography. Coagulation tips were investigated with scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to analyze the insulating electrode and assess changes to tips after repeated use. RESULTS: None of the patients included in this study experienced any change in visual acuity or major complications postoperatively. Small dark-gray lesions (0.3 to 0.5 mm in size) were observed in the inferior bulbar sub-conjunctival space in the location where high-frequency radio-wave electrosurgery had been performed. Cirrus high-definition optical coherence tomography images revealed focal hyper-reflection with a posterior shadow, suggesting foreign particles. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy imaging analysis revealed peaks of carbon and fluorine complexes, consistent with the polytetrafluoroethylene coating on the electrode. CONCLUSIONS: There were no instances of inflammatory reaction, particle migration, or major complications due to particles. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of remnant polytetrafluoroethylene particles in subconjunctival tissue when using insulated coagulation tips subjected to repeat sterilization.
Carbon ; Electrodes ; Electrosurgery ; Fluorine ; Follow-Up Studies ; Granuloma ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Photography ; Polytetrafluoroethylene ; Retrospective Studies ; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission ; Sterilization ; Tomography, Optical Coherence ; Visual Acuity

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of glass infiltration treatments on the shear bond strength (SBS) between zirconia core and ultra low-fusing porcelain veneer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The zirconia specimens were classified into 4 groups (n = 12): Untreated zirconia (group Z), zirconia coated ZirLiner (group ZL), glass-infiltrated zirconia (group ZG), glass-infiltrated and sandblasted zirconia (group ZGS). A cylinder of ultra low-fusing veneer porcelain was build up on each disk (6 mm × 3 mm). SBS was measured using a universal testing machine. Scanning electron microscope and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to evaluate the surface of zirconia and failure pattern after SBS. RESULTS: SBS value of group ZGS was significantly lower than that of other groups (P < .05). No significant differences were detected among group ZL, group Z and group ZG. CONCLUSION: Glass infiltration is not effective to the bond strength between zirconia and ultra low-fusing porcelain veneer. Sandblasting also dramatically decreased the bonding strength.
Dental Porcelain* ; Glass ; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission

Microarc oxidation (MAO) has become a promising technique for the surface modification of implants. Therefore, the aims of this study were to further quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the osteointegration abilities of MAO-treated and smooth surface (SF) implants in vivo and to investigate the areas in which the superiority of MAO-treated implants are displayed. In a rabbit model, a comprehensive histomorphological, osteogenic, mineralizational, and integrative assessment was performed using light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and radiographic analyses. Compared with the SF groups, the MAO-treated groups exhibited more active contact osteogenesis, as well as distant osteogenesis, under fluorescence examination, the mineral apposition rate was found to be greater for all of the MAO-treated implants, and the osteointegration index (OI) value was greater in the MAO-treated groups at different times. In conclusion, the calcium-rich amorphous layer created by MAO provided a better environment for osteointegration, with more active contact osteogenesis, a more rapid mineral apposition rate and greater OI values.
Animals ; Bone-Implant Interface ; physiology ; Dental Implantation, Endosseous ; methods ; Dental Implants ; Femur ; surgery ; Implants, Experimental ; Materials Testing ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Models, Animal ; Osseointegration ; physiology ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Rabbits ; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission ; Surface Properties ; Titanium

Nonthermal atmospheric plasma has been studied for its many biomedical effects, such as tooth bleaching, wound healing, and coagulation. In this study, the effects of dentinal tubules occlusion were investigated using fluoride-carboxymethyl cellulose (F-CMC) gel, nano-sized hydroxyapatite (n-HA), and nonthermal atmospheric plasma. Human dentin specimens were divided to 5 groups (group C, HA, HAF, HAP, and HAFP). Group HA was treated with n-HA, group HAF was treated with n-HA after a F-CMC gel application, group HAP was treated with n-HA after a plasma treatment and group HAFP was treated with n-HA after a plasma and F-CMC gel treatment. The occlusion of dentinal tubules was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), which shows Ca/P ratio. In the EDS results, a higher Ca/P ratio was shown in the groups including n-HA than in the control group. The specimens of group HAP and HAFP had a higher Ca/P ratio in retentivity. In the SEM results, there was not a significant difference in the amount of times applied. Therefore, this study suggests F-CMC gel and n-HA treatment using nonthermal atmospheric plasma will be a new treatment method for decreasing hypersensitivity.
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium ; Cellulose ; Dentin Sensitivity ; Dentin ; Durapatite ; Fluorides ; Humans ; Hydroxyapatites ; Hypersensitivity ; Methods ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Plasma Gases ; Plasma ; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission ; Tooth Bleaching ; Wound Healing

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of acid-treatment conditions on the surface properties of the RBM (Resorbable Blast Media) treated titanium. Disk typed cp-titanium specimens were prepared and RBM treatments was performed with calcium phosphate ceramic powder. Acid solution was mixed using HCl, H2SO4 and deionized water with 4 different volume fraction. The RBM treated titanium was acid treated with different acid solutions at 3 different temperatures and for 3 different periods. After acid-treatments, samples were cleaned with 1 % Solujet solution for 30 min and deionized water for 30 min using ultrasonic cleanser, then dried in the electrical oven (37℃). Weight of samples before and after acid-treatment were measured using electric balance. Surface roughness was estimated using a confocal laser scanning microscopy, crystal phase in the surface of sample was analyzed using X-ray diffractometer. Surface morphology and components were evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS). Values of the weight changes and surface roughness were statistically analyzed using Tukey-multiple comparison test (p=0.05). Weight change after acid treatments were significantly increased with increasing the concentration of H₂SO₄ and temperature of acid-solution. Acid-treatment conditions (concentration of H₂SO₄, temperature and time) did not produce consistent effects on the surface roughness, it showed the scattered results. From XRD analysis, formation of titanium hydrides in the titanium surface were observed in all specimens treated with acid-solutions. From XPS analysis, thin titanium oxide layer in the acid-treated specimens could be evaluated. Acid solution with 90℃ showed the strong effect on the titanium surface, it should be treated with caution to avoid the over-etching process.
Calcium ; Ceramics ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Photoelectron Spectroscopy ; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission ; Surface Properties ; Titanium ; Ultrasonics ; Water

PURPOSE: This laboratory study aimed to investigate the effect of doping an acrylic denture base resin material with nanoparticles of ZnO, CaO, and TiO₂ on biofilm formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardized specimens of a commercially available cold-curing acrylic denture base resin material were doped with 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, or 0.8 wt% commercially available ZnO, CaO, and TiO₂ nanopowder. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) was used to identify the availability of the nanoparticles on the surface of the modified specimens. Surface roughness was determined by employing a profilometric approach; biofilm formation was simulated using a monospecies Candida albicans biofilm model and a multispecies biofilm model including C. albicans, Actinomyces naeslundii, and Streptococcus gordonii. Relative viable biomass was determined after 20 hours and 44 hours using a MTT-based approach. RESULTS: No statistically significant disparities were identified among the various materials regarding surface roughness and relative viable biomass. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that doping denture base resin materials with commercially available ZnO, CaO, or TiO₂ nanopowders do not inhibit biofilm formation on their surface. Further studies might address the impact of varying particle sizes as well as increasing the fraction of nanoparticles mixed into the acrylic resin matrix.
Actinomyces ; Biofilms* ; Biomass ; Candida albicans ; Denture Bases* ; Dentures* ; Nanoparticles* ; Particle Size ; Polymethyl Methacrylate ; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission ; Streptococcus gordonii

OBJECTIVEThe effect of the silica nanoparticles (SNs) on lungs injury in rats was investigated to evaluate the toxicity and possible mechanisms for SNs.

METHODSMale Wistar rats were instilled intratracheally with 1 mL of saline containing 6.25, 12.5, and 25.0 mg of SNs or 25.0 mg of microscale SiO2 particles suspensions for 30 d, were then sacrificed. Histopathological and ultrastructural change in lungs, and chemical components in the urine excretions were investigated by light microscope, TEM and EDS. MDA, NO and hydroxyproline (Hyp) in lung homogenates were quantified by spectrophotometry. Contents of TNF-α, TGF-β1, IL-1β, and MMP-2 in lung tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry staining.

RESULTSThere is massive excretion of Si substance in urine. The SNs lead pulmonary lesions of rise in lung/body coefficients, lung inflammation, damaged alveoli, granuloma nodules formation, and collagen metabolized perturbation, and lung tissue damage is milder than those of microscale SiO2 particles. The SNs also cause increase lipid peroxidation and high expression of cytokines.

CONCLUSIONThe SNs result into pulmonary fibrosis by means of increase lipid peroxidation and high expression of cytokines. Milder effect of the SNs on pulmonary fibrosis comparing to microscale SiO2 particles is contributed to its elimination from urine due to their ultrafine particle size.

Air Pollutants ; toxicity ; Animals ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Lung ; drug effects ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Nanoparticles ; toxicity ; Pulmonary Fibrosis ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; pathology ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Silicon Dioxide ; toxicity ; Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms ; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission ; Urine ; chemistry

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