Looking back and looking forward

'Forty years back and forty years on' was the title of the address given by Francis Manfield at the annual meeting of the RCS of England in December 1970. Francis, twice president of the Middx & Herts Branch, which this year celebrates its first 40 years, started in practice in 1930, so he was well qualified to look back over those 40 years. The aspects of change in dentistry, 1930-1970, make arresting reading more than 20 years later. His predictions for the future are equally interesting.

Determination of lanthanum in food and water samples by Zeeman-effect atomic absorption spectrometry using graphite tube lined with tungsten foil

A sensitive, selective method for the determination of lanthanum in food and water samples by atomic absorption spectrometry using a graphite tube lined with tungsten foil is described. The atomization of lanthanum from the tungsten surface gives better analytical sensitivity, a lower atomization temperature and negligible memory effects. The characteristic mass and detection limit of the method were 8.1 x 10(-9) and 7.85 x 10(-9) g, respectively. The precision (relative standard deviation in the range 5.9-9.9%), accuracy and interferences of the method were also investigated. The method can be used directly for the determination of trace amounts of lanthanum in food and water without pre-dissociation of the matrices. The results obtained by this method are in good agreement with those obtained from inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry.

Biolistic transformation of prokaryotes: factors that affect biolistic transformation of very small cells

Five bacterial species were transformed using particle gun-technology. No pretreatment of cells was necessary. Physical conditions (helium pressure, target cell distance and gap distance) and biological conditions (cell growth phase, osmoticum concentration, and cell density) were optimized for biolistic transformation of Escherichia coli and these conditions were then used to successfully transform Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Erwinia amylovora, Erwinia stewartii and Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae. Transformation rates for E. coli were 10(4) per plate per 0.8 micrograms DNA. Although transformation rates for the other species were low (less than 10(2) per plate per 0.8 micrograms DNA), successful transformation without optimization for each species tested suggests wide utility of biolistic transformation of prokaryotes. E. coli has proven to be a useful model system to determine the effects of relative humidity, particle size and particle coating on efficiency of biolistic transformation.

Development and clinical performance of an automated, portable tungsten-178/tantalum-178 generator

An automated, portable 178W/178Ta generator system has been developed for use in first-pass radionuclide angiography studies with the multiwire gamma camera. Eluant (0.03N HCI, 0.1% H2O2) and buffer (0.13 N Na2HPO4) are delivered with a dual channel peristaltic pump. The generator column is a borosilicate glass tube with 30 microns fused glass frit containing 0.75 ml AG1X8 anion exchange resin. This column and associated plumbing are assembled, integrally autoclaved, and then connected to sterile eluant and buffer containers. Automatic push-button elution directly into an injection syringe is provided. Three such generators have been employed in the study of 78 patients in the catheterization laboratory utilizing a mobile, multiwire gamma camera. Over a 3-mo period, 301 sterile pyrogen-free doses ranging from 15 to 99.5 mCi were supplied with a mean breakthrough level of 2.1 +/- 3.6 microCi. This automated, portable, high-yield 178W/178Ta generator represents a major advancement that will significantly facilitate first-pass radionuclide angiography with 178Ta and the multiwire gamma camera.

Analysis of trypsin inhibitors and lectins in white kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris, var. Processor) in a combined method

Buffered saline extraction, affinity chromatography, and Folin-BSA protein assay were used consecutively to provide a combined method for analysis of trypsin inhibitors and lectins in white kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris, var. Processor). The method was tested by following the decrease of both antinutritional factors by germination of the beans for 7 days at 20 degrees C. Repeatability coefficients of variation were 2-7.4% for the trypsin inhibitors and 2.2-10% for the lectins. After 7 days of germination, trypsin inhibitors and lectins were reduced by 72 and 92%, respectively.

Cutting effectiveness and wear of carbide burs on eight machinable ceramics and bovine dentin

As a first approach in evaluating the feasibility of industrial machinable ceramics in dentistry, we performed weight-load-cutting tests on eight machinable ceramics and bovine dentin, using #1557 carbide burs driven by an air-turbine handpiece. While the transverse load applied to the bur was cyclically varied between 20 and 80 g, we measured the cutting speed (i.e., the steady-state handpiece speed during cutting) and the cutting volume. The greater the applied load, the more the cutting speed decreased and the cutting volume increased. The degree of this trend, however, differed among the workpieces. When dentin and mica-based glass ceramics were being cut, the cutting speed was moderately reduced, the cutting effectiveness of the bur remained high, and the wear of the bur was small. When other ceramics--such as AIN-based, Si3N4-based, and CaO.SiO2-based ceramics--were being cut, however, the cutting speed was less diminished, and the cutting efficiency of the bur was smaller and decreased rapidly, along with extensive wear of the bur. We speculate that mica-based glass ceramics could be used as the substitute for dentin in the pre-clinical cutting exercise, and that another potential use of machinable ceramics examined might be in the production of future machined dental prostheses.

Influence of anode and filter material on image quality and glandular dose for screen-film mammography

The influence of anode and filter materials on the performance (image quality and dose) of a mammography system is investigated. The image quality is evaluated with the image quality index method. A computer simulation has been developed to calculate the physical parameters of the image quality index (contrast, resolution and noise) as well as the mean glandular dose. The calculations take into account the successive steps of the process: x-ray production, filtration, interaction with the test object, anti-scatter grid, interaction with the image detector (screen-film system). An excellent correlation is obtained between the results predicted by the model and those of experimental measurements, suggesting that the model may be used for the prediction of the performance of mammographic equipment. The experimental conclusions are confirmed: the use of a tungsten anode with a rhodium filter allows a dose reduction without a significant degradation of image quality. The computer program can also be used to simulate the influence of factors which are difficult to combine in practice, e.g., various anode and filter materials, monoenergetic x-rays, etc.

The delivery of foreign genes into fertilized fish eggs using high-velocity microprojectiles

Fertilized eggs of loach (Misgurnus fossilis), rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) and zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio) were bombarded with high-velocity tungsten microprojectiles covered with plasmid DNA containing sequences of beta-galactosidase and neomycin phosphotransferase genes. About 70% of the eggs survived the bombardment. The activity of both transferred genes was revealed in the fish developed from the bombarded eggs. Neomycin phosphotransferase gene sequences were detected by means of PCR amplification and Southern hybridization in the total DNA of zebrafish that survived after G418 treatment.

[Aluminum, steel and tungsten portal film cassettes for the imaging verification of 60Co photon irradiation up to 42 MV in a clinical trial]

The movement of the patient lowers the contrast of the portals, because the exposition time is long and identical with the treatment time. To enhance the contrast in the portals, the first models of the cassettes were modified under the clinical tests by a rear sheet nearly free from backscattering. With the modified cassettes iodine contrast media are weakly seen on the portals in the laboratory tests, but not in the clinical routine.

[Effect of rotary instruments on composites for coronal restoration. A proposed evaluation protocol for the effect of rotary instruments and surface conditions]

Numerous core composites are used to reconstruct abutments for fixed partial dentures. The preparation is carried out with various type of burs. The purpose of this study is to facilitate the choice among them. Six chemical composites, one glass ionomer cement and two light cured composites have been selected. Calibrated samples have been made, divided into four series and prepared with six different burs used for fixed partial dentures, three of them as finishing burs. In the first part of the investigation, the samples were examined with a S.E.M., in order to visualize the surface texture. According to the materials used, variations may exist. In the second part of the investigation, a tridimensional study was performed using a mechanical scanner microscope which permitted the quantification of some roughness characteristics, thus, an objective comparison of the surfaces became possible. Due to the complementary nature of the two investigation techniques, a protocol is presented for the study of burs instrumentation and prepared tooth surface.

Comparisons of the low-resolution structures of ornithine decarboxylase by electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography: the utility of methylamine tungstate stain and Butvar support film in the study of macromolecules by transmission electron microscopy

The structure of ornithine decarboxylase (Mr approximately 1.04 x 10(6] from Lactobacillus 30a was investigated by electron microscopy and x-ray crystallography. Electron micrographs showed the structure to be well preserved in methylamine tungstate stain. The molecules interacted little with the Butvar support film, yielding three unique projections: a hexagonal ring (front view) and two rod-shaped projections (edge views). Stereo pairs revealed a novel feature of the Butvar film in that some molecules were suspended in the stain in random orientations. Consequently, the relatedness of the hexagonal ring and the rod-shaped particles could be demonstrated since some particle shapes interconverted when the stage was tilted +/- 45 degrees. The two edge views were related by a 30 degrees rotation about the sixfold axis. Image averaging of the three primary views suggested a dodecamer (point group symmetry 622) composed of two hexameric rings, apparently in an eclipsed configuration. To investigate the structural organization of the complex, the dissociation of the enzyme was studied by electron microscopy. The dissociation process involved the initial breakage of the ring followed by separation of dimers from the ring (one subunit from each of the two hexamers). Thus, the dodecamer forms as a hexamer of dimers rather than a dimer of hexamers. These structural studies were confirmed and extended by x-ray crystallographic analysis. A 4.0-A resolution electron density map revealed two hexameric rings, consisting of six closely associated dimers, tilted approximately 10 degrees with respect to the molecular twofold axis. Electron density projections of the three primary views of the molecule derived from the x-ray data corresponded closely to those obtained from image averaging of the electron microscopy data, thereby establishing in a novel way the reliability of the electron microscopy studies. Methylamine tungstate stain and Butvar support film therefore offer unique advantages for investigating protein structures by electron microscopy.

Semiempirical model for generating tungsten target x-ray spectra

A semiempirical model for generating tungsten target x-ray spectra is presented. This model extends earlier work in two significant areas. First, both bremsstrahlung and characteristic x-ray production are assumed to occur at varying depths within the target. Second, optimal parameters for the model were determined from experimental spectra utilizing nonlinear least-squares techniques. As a result, good agreement is obtained between calculated and measured x-ray tube spectra and output for different target angles and a wide range of x-ray tube potentials. Such is not the case with previously published models.

Time course and distribution of tungsten-laden macrophages in the hilar lymph nodes of the dog lung after experimental instillation of calcium tungstate into the left apical bronchus

We sprayed a tungsten powder (CaWO4) into the airway of a single lobe (left apical) of the dog lung in order to study: (a) the kinetics of particle translocation from the bronchoalveolar lining to hilar lymph nodes, and (b) the sorting in lung lymph nodes of inhaled microcrystals. We found that the transport of the tungsten particles to the regional lymph node takes at least 24 hours and reaches its peak at day 7. In situ detection of tungsten by elemental particle analysis of lymph node sections by scanning electron microscopy allowed precise mapping of the marker in the node; the method was complemented by light microscopy and thin-section electron microscopy of the same nodes. Virtually all of the lymph node tungsten was located inside macrophages. The first tungsten-positive macrophages seen in the regional lymph nodes (day 1 to day 3) were restricted to the subcapsular space. This was followed by massive filling of the same sinus and of the narrow interfollicular areas by the particle-laden macrophages (day 3 to day 7). The even distribution of the tungsten-bearing phagocytes found in these anatomical regions of the node indicated that the subcapsular area in the dog was a continuous domain rather than the segmented region observed in nodes of common laboratory animals such as the rat. By day 7 after tungsten instillation, a moderate number of tungsten-positive macrophages was also detected in the paracortical region of the node. Finally, the presence of tungsten-bearing macrophages was extended to the outer lymph node medulla (day 7 to day 14); here, the macrophages were located in association with cords of plasmacytes and showed interdigitations with these lymphocytes. Only minimal amounts of tungsten were detected inside lymphoid follicles in association with dendritic cells. Some of the tungsten initially deposited in the airway of the apical left lung lobe was detected in contralateral hilar lymph nodes. We conclude that: (i) particle translocation from the alveolus to regional lymph nodes is a slow process that is mediated by pulmonary macrophages, in agreement with the findings of Harmsen et al Science 230:1277, 1985); (ii) in the lymph node, particle-bearing macrophages are sorted through narrow interfollicular sinuses into the outer medulla where they interact extensively with plasma cells; (iii) the migrating macrophages cannot penetrate the follicular domains of the node; minute quantities of exogenous particles may, nevertheless, be transferred from macrophages to follicular dendritic cells; and (iv) contralateral drainage may be a feature of the lymphatic system in the lung.

Optimization of delivery of foreign DNA into higher-plant chloroplasts

We report here an efficient and highly reproducible delivery system, using an improved biolistic transformation device, that facilitates transient expression of beta-glucuronidase (GUS) in chloroplasts of cultured tobacco suspension cells. Cultured tobacco cells collected on filter papers were bombarded with tungsten particles coated with pUC118 or pBI101.3 (negative controls), pBI505 (positive nuclear control) or a chloroplast expression vector (pHD203-GUS), and were assayed for GUS activity. No GUS activity was detected in cells bombarded with pUC118 or pBI101.3. Cells bombarded with pBI505 showed high levels of expression with blue color being distributed evenly throughout the whole cytosol of the transformants. pHD203-GUS was expressed exclusively in chloroplasts. We base this conclusion on: i) the procaryotic nature of the promoter used in the chloroplast expression vector; ii) delayed GUS staining; iii) localization of blue color within subcellular compartments corresponding to plastids in both shape and size; and iv) confirmation of organelle-specific expression of pHD203-GUS using PEG-mediated protoplast transformation. Chloroplast transformation efficiencies increased dramatically (about 200-fold) using an improved helium-driven biolistic device, as compared to the more commonly used gun powder charge-driven device. Using GUS as a reporter gene and the improved biolistic device, optimal bombardment conditions were established, consistently producing several hundred transient chloroplast transformants per Petri plate. Chloroplast transformation efficiency was found to be increased further (20-fold) with supplemental osmoticum (0.55 M sorbitol and 0.55 M mannitol) in the bombardment and incubation medium. This system provides a highly effective mechanism for introducing and expressing plasmid DNA within higher-plant chloroplasts, and the fact that GUS functions as an effective marker gene now makes many genetic studies possible which were not possible before.

Metallurgically bonded needle holder jaws. A technique to enhance needle holding security without sutural damage

A new needle holder jaw face has been specifically designed and developed to increase needle holding security without sutural damage. Tungsten carbide particles have been metallurgically bonded into the stainless steel jaw to create a fine granular surface. This bonded jaw enhances needle holding security by limiting either twisting or rotation of the clamped needle. In addition, compression of the monofilament synthetic sutures by the bonded jaws does not reduce suture breaking strength.

A clinical scanning electron microscope study of tooth surface preparation and bonding

This clinical study utilized cut dentine surfaces on which the Creation Bond System and Scotchbond were applied after various surface treatments. It was observed under the scanning electron microscope that preparation with a tungsten carbide bur left a smear layer on the dentine. When this surface was pumiced, the smear layer remained and the tubules were plugged with smear debris. Polyacrylic acid and citric acid removed the smear layer from the dentine surface. When the Creation Bond System was applied to the surface treated with polyacrylic acid, hollow depressions were produced. Application of the Creation Bond System to the surface treated with citric acid resulted in some resin tag formation into the dentinal tubules as well as hollow depressions on the resin surface. The presence of these irregularities in the resin indicated fluid from the dentinal tubules prevented contact of the bonding resin with the dentine surface. This degree of contamination was not observed when Scotchbond was applied to a pumiced dentine surface.

Multibarreled glass-coated tungsten microelectrode for both neuronal activity recording and iontophoresis in monkeys

A multibarreled glass-coated tungsten microelectrode suitable for single-unit recording and iontophoresis in chronically behaving animals is described. The microelectrode was stiff enough to pass through the dura matter of behaving monkeys, and can be applied as a microiontophoretic electrode. The electrode is easy to build and usable in stabilized conditions after repeated penetrations.

An electron microscopic evaluation of the enamel surface subsequent to various debonding procedures

In this study, enamel surface roughness was investigated following the use of various combinations of bonding agents, burrs and polishing procedures. Orthodontic brackets were bonded to 135 premolar teeth extracted from adolescents. Subsequent to debonding and finishing, the enamel surface was gold coated and examined in the scanning electron microscope. Each 200x photomicrograph was graded according to surface roughness and assigned to one of four selected standard grades. The use of different composites and different burs showed no significant effect on the finish of the enamel surface using Chi-square tests. Only two finishing procedures had a significant effect on surface roughness. The use of a Soflex disc followed by pumice slurry resulted in the roughest enamel surface and the use of pumice alone produced the smoothest enamel surface.

Physical characterization of histidine-rich protein from Plasmodium lophurae

The size and shape of Plasmodium lophurae histidine-rich protein have been determined by analytical centrifugation and electron microscopy. From the partial specific volume of 0.72 cc/g, the molecular weight was determined to be 43,000. The sedimentation velocity studies indicated a coefficient of 1.32 S in 0.9 M acetic acid (pH 3.5), monodispersity and significant asymmetry. Darkfield electron microscopy revealed the major species to be compact oblate spheroids 12 nm in width and extended filamentous particles of average length 35 nm by 1.5 nm. Analysis of the sequence of the protein by the method of Garnier et al. (J. Mol. Biol. (1978) 120, 97-120) predicted that 82% of its residues would be found in three long alpha-helices. The protein's CD spectrum has a strong resemblance to that of poly(L-histidine) at pH 4-5, where the homopolymer is thought to be in a right-handed alpha-helical form. A single helix containing 300 residues would be 45 nm long, the largest length found by electron microscopy. From the electron-microscopic data, sedimentation coefficients of 1.6 and 1.95 S, respectively, were calculated for flexible-coil and extended-rod models, in closer agreement with the measured value of 1.3 S than the value calculated for a spherical model. Thus, the major species in acetic acid is probably an incompletely extended rod which, as the pH is increased to neutrality, condenses to form spherical molecular aggregates seen in the malaria parasite.

Lowry protein assay containing sodium dodecyl sulfate in microtiter plates for protein determinations on fractions from brain tissue

A modified Lowry protein assay which contains sodium dodecyl sulfate (Markwell et al., 1978, Anal. Biochem. 87, 207-210) has been adapted for use in 96-well microtiter plates. A spectrophotometer interfaced with a computer is used to plot the standard curve and calculate the protein content of each sample. The method is suitable for measuring 4-40 micrograms of protein/assay in a volume of 50 microliters. There was no need for prior solubilization of proteins which had been extracted from brain tissue. Test samples, up to 21 in triplicate, can be tested on a single microtiter plate plus standards. Alternatively, further samples can be tested separately on extra plates using the standard curve from the original plate for calculations.

Comparative efficiency testing 330 carbide dental burs utilizing Macor substrate

Traditionally, it has been difficult to compare the clinical performance of carbide dental burs. The purpose of this laboratory study was to investigate the comparative cutting efficiency of number 330 dental burs from six manufacturers. These burs were tested utilizing custom-built equipment consisting of a frictionless air sled to which the Macor substrate was attached. The substrate was fed to the bur at constant pressure. The efficiency of each bur, defined as the distance of the cut divided by the time taken, then was calculated. Of the six bur types tested, only one was found to be markedly superior, and four types were comparable in performance.

[Behavior of a dental rotary instrument alloy after titanium nitride coating]

A titanium nitride coating has been deposited on steel and tungsten carbide dental rotary instruments. This process is carried out under partial vacuum, by reacting vapourized metal (titanium) and nitrogen in a plasma. The instruments temperature is around 500 degrees C during coating. We have determined by micro-analysis the treatment modifications upon the different bursa components. VICKERS microhardness tests have shown the coating temperature effects towards the heat treatments of employed steels.

Trace metal lung diseases: a new fatal case of hard metal pneumoconiosis

Four subjects working in sharpening and grinding operations of hard metal tools were examined. Only 1 worker, a 37-year-old female exposed for 7 years to hard metal dusts, developed hard metal pneumoconiosis, which rapidly progressed to death. Cytology of the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) showed a high number of eosinophils, more than 30% of the cell population. Biopsy of the lung revealed interstitial fibrosis with hyperplasia of the pneumocytes of the second type and inflammatory cellular infiltration of the interstitium. High tungsten (W) and tantalum concentrations were determined in the admission BAL and in the biopsy 4 months later by neutron activation analysis while cobalt (Co) levels were near to normal values. The content of Co and W in blood and urine and particularly in pubic hair and toe nails of the patients was significantly higher than the normal values. This suggests that these biological specimens could be used as indicators of chronic exposure to hard metal dusts.

[Evaluation of effects of dust prevention in the principal tungsten mines in Jiangxi]

An evaluation of the effects of dust prevention in the Jiangxi tungsten mines has been carried out. The rate of silicosis morbidity in most mines was under 1%. Up to 1983, the rate in individual mines is 1.95%. According to the data from those mines, the forecasting of cumulative probability of morbidity of mine workers having been in contact with dust for 30 years is up to 7.5%. From those data, the authors suggest that the maximum permissible concentration of dust should be 1.0 mg/m3 in the mines with concentration of silicon dioxide dust over 70%.