Comparative investigation of two rotary nickel-titanium instruments: ProTaper versus RaCe. Part 2. Cleaning effectiveness and shaping ability in severely curved root canals of extracted teeth

AIM

To determine the cleaning effectiveness and shaping ability of ProTaper and RaCe nickel-titanium rotary instruments during the preparation of curved root canals in extracted human teeth.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 48 root canals of mandibular and maxillary molars with curvatures ranging between 25 degrees and 35 degrees were divided into two groups of 24 canals each. Based on radiographs taken prior to instrumentation with the initial instrument inserted into the canal, the groups were balanced with respect to the angle and the radius of canal curvature. Canals were prepared using a crown-down preparation technique. After each instrument, the root canals were flushed with a 2.5% NaOCl solution and at the end of instrumentation with NaCl. Using pre- and post-instrumentation radiographs, straightening of the canal curvatures was determined with a computer image analysis program. After splitting the roots longitudinally, the amount of debris and smear layer was quantified on the basis of a numerical evaluation scale, using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The data established for scoring the debris and the smear layer were separately recorded and analysed statistically using the Wilcoxon test.

RESULTS

Two ProTaper and three RaCe instruments fractured; there was no significant difference between instrument types (P > 0.05). Completely clean root canals were never observed. For debris removal, RaCe files achieved significantly better results (P < 0.001) than ProTaper instruments. The results for remaining smear layer were similar and not significantly different (P > 0.05). RaCe instruments maintained the original canal curvature significantly better (P < 0.05) than ProTaper instruments. No significant differences were detected between the instruments (P > 0.05) for the time taken to prepare the canals.

CONCLUSIONS

Under the conditions of this study, RaCe instruments resulted in relatively good cleaning and maintained the original curvature significantly better than ProTaper did.

Solubility of root-canal sealers in water and artificial saliva

AIM

To compare the weight loss of eight different root-canal sealers in water and in artificial saliva with different pH values.

METHODOLOGY

For standardized samples (n = 12 per group), ring moulds were filled with epoxy resin (AH 26, AH Plus)-, silicone (RSA RoekoSeal)-, calcium hydroxide (Apexit, Sealapex)-, zinc oxide-eugenol (Aptal-Harz)-, glass-ionomer (Ketac Endo)- and polyketone (Diaket)-based sealers. These samples were immersed in double-distilled water or artificial saliva with different pH values (7.0, 5.7 and 4.5) for 30 s, 1 min, 2 min, 5 min, 10 min, 20 min, 1 h, 2 h, 10 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 14 days and 28 days. Mean loss of weight was determined and analysed statistically using a one-way anova and Student-Newman-Keuls test for all pairwise comparisons.

RESULTS

Most sealers were of low solubility, although Sealapex, Aptal-Harz and Ketac Endo showed a marked weight loss in all liquids. Even after 28 days of storage in water, AH 26, AH Plus, RSA RoekoSeal, and Diaket showed less than 3% weight loss. At exposure times greater than 14 days, Sealapex showed the significantly greatest weight loss of all sealers tested (P < 0.05). Aptal-Harz and Ketac Endo were significantly more soluble in saliva (pH 4.5) than in water (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Under the conditions of the present study, AH Plus showed the least weight loss of all sealers tested, independent of the solubility medium used. Sealapex, Aptal-Harz and Ketac Endo had a marked weight loss in all liquids.

Efficiency of rotary nickel-titanium K3 instruments compared with stainless steel hand K-Flexofile. Part 2. Cleaning effectiveness and shaping ability in severely curved root canals of extracted teeth

AIM

To determine the cleaning effectiveness and the shaping ability of K3 nickel-titanium rotary instruments and stainless steel hand K-Flexofiles during the preparation of curved root canals in extracted human teeth.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 60 root canals of mandibular and maxillary molars with curvatures ranging between 25 degrees and 35 degrees were divided into two groups of 30 canals. Based on radiographs taken prior to instrumentation with the initial instrument inserted into the canal, the groups were balanced with respect to the angle and the radius of canal curvature. Canals were prepared by K3 instruments using a crown-down preparation technique or by K-Flexofiles using a reaming motion up to size 35. After each instrument, the root canals were flushed with 5 mL of a 2.5% NaOCl solution and at the end of instrumentation with 5 mL of saline. Using pre- and post-instrumentation radiographs, straightening of the canal curvatures was determined with a computer image analysis program. After splitting the roots longitudinally, the amount of debris and smear layer were quantified on the basis of a numerical evaluation scale, using a scanning electron microscope. The data established for scoring the debris and the smear layer were separately recorded and analysed statistically using the Wilcox-on's test.

RESULTS

None of the stainless steel K-Flexofiles but 5 K3 nickel-titanium instruments separated. Completely clean root canals were never observed. For debris removal, K-Flexofiles achieved significantly better results (P < 0.001) than K3 instruments. The results for remaining smear layer were similar (P > 0.05). K3 instruments maintained the original canal curvature significantly better (P < 0.0001) than K-Flexofiles. No significant differences were detected between the instruments (P > 0.05) for the time taken to prepare the canals.

CONCLUSIONS

Under the conditions of this study, K-Flexofiles allowed significantly better removal of debris than K3 instruments. K3 files maintained the original curvature significantly better. A number of K3 instruments fractured.

Efficiency of rotary nickel-titanium K3 instruments compared with stainless steel hand K-Flexofile. Part 1. Shaping ability in simulated curved canals

AIM

To compare the shaping ability of K3 rotary nickel-titanium instruments with stainless steel K-Flexofiles manipulated by hand. Part 1 of this two-part report describes the efficiency of these two instruments in simulated curved root canals.

METHODOLOGY

Simulated canals with 28 degrees and 35 degrees curves in resin blocks were prepared by K3 instruments with a rotational speed of 250 r.p.m. using a crown-down preparation technique, or by K-Flexofiles using a reaming motion -i = 24 canals in each case). All canals were prepared up to size 35 at the end-point of preparation. Pre- and postinstrumentation images were recorded, and assessment of canal shape was completed with a computer image analysis program. Material removal was measured at 20 measuring points, beginning 1 mm from the apex. Incidence of canal aberrations, preparation time, changes of working length and instrument failures were also recorded.

RESULTS

In comparison with stainless steel K-Flexofiles, rotary K3 instruments achieved better canal geometry and showed significantly less canal transportation (P < 0.05) Eleven K3 instruments and none of the K-Flexofiles fractured during preparation (P < 0.05). Between both the canal types, K3 was significantly faster (P < 0.001) than K-Flexofiles. Both instruments maintained a good working distance.

CONCLUSIONS

K3 instruments prepared curved canals rapidly and with minimal transportation towards the outer aspect of the curve. Fractures occurred significantly more often with K3.

Effect of sterilization on the cutting efficiency of PVD-coated nickel-titanium endodontic instruments

AIM

To investigate alterations in cutting efficiency when conventional and titanium nitride (TiN) coated nickel-titanium (NiTi) K-files were exposed to repeated sterilization using an autoclave.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 96 NiTi K-files (size 35) were randomly divided into two groups (A and B) of 48 instruments each. Whilst the instruments of group B were exposed to physical vapour deposition (PVD) creating a coating of a TiN layer, the files of group A were not coated. The instruments of groups A and B were randomly divided into four subgroups of 12 instruments each. A.1/B.1: Instruments were exposed to five cycles of sterilization. A.2/B.2: Instruments were exposed to 10 cycles of sterilization. A.3/B.3: Instruments were immersed in NaOCl for 30 min, rinsed in water, and exposed to five cycles of sterilization. A.C/B.C: Instruments were not sterilized (controls). The cutting efficiency of all files was determined by means of a computer-driven testing device. Special plastic samples with cylindrical canals were used and the maximum penetration depth of the files into the lumen was assessed.

RESULTS

The TiN-coated instruments of groups B.1, B.2 and B.3 showed no significant difference in comparison with the penetration depths of the controls (P> 0.05). The uncoated files of groups A.1, A.2 and A.3 displayed significantly lower maximum penetration depths (P< 0.05) when compared to the control files.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeated sterilization under autoclave or exposure to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) prior to sterilization did not alter the cutting efficiency of PVD-coated NiTi K-files.

Efficiency of rotary nickel-titanium FlexMaster instruments compared with stainless steel hand K-Flexofile--Part 1. Shaping ability in simulated curved canals

AIM

The purpose of this study was to compare the shaping ability of FlexMaster rotary nickel-titanium instruments with stainless steel hand K-Flexofiles. This part of the two-part report describes the efficiency of these two instruments in simulated curved root canals.

METHODOLOGY

Simulated 28 degree- and 35 degree-curved canals were prepared by the FlexMaster instruments with a rotational speed of 250 rpm using a crown-down preparation technique. and by the K-Flexofiles using a reaming motion (n = 24 canals in each case). All canals were prepared up to size 35. The pre- and post-instrumentation images were recorded and assessment of the canal shape was completed with a computer image analysis program. The material removal was measured at 20 measuring points, beginning 1 mm away from the apex. Incidence of canal aberrations, preparation time,changes of working length and instrument failures were also recorded.

RESULTS

In comparison with stainless steel K-Flexofiles, the rotary FlexMaster instruments achieved bet-ter canal geometry, showed less canal transportation and created fewer canal aberrations in both the canal types. Two FlexMaster instruments were separated, and 15 FlexMaster instruments and 11 K-Flexofiles were permanently deformed during preparation. However, these differences were not significant (P > 0.05). Between both the canal types, FlexMaster was significantly faster (P < 0.001) than K-Flexofiles. Both instruments maintained a good working distance.

CONCLUSIONS

FlexMaster instruments prepared curved canals rapidly, and with minimal transportation towards the outer aspect of the curve.

Efficiency of rotary nickel-titanium FlexMaster instruments compared with stainless steel hand K-Flexofile--Part 2. Cleaning effectiveness and instrumentation results in severely curved root canals of extracted teeth

AIM

To determine the cleaning effectiveness and the shaping ability of FlexMaster nickel-titanium rotary instruments and stainless steel hand K-Flexofiles during the preparation of curved root canals in extracted human teeth.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 48 root canals with curvatures ranging between 25 degrees and 35 degrees were divided into two groups of 24 canals. Based on radiographs taken prior to the instrumentation with the initial instrument inserted into the canal, the groups were balanced with respect to the angle and the radius of canal curvature. Canals were prepared by FlexMaster instruments using a crown-down preparation technique or by K-Flexofiles using a reaming working motion up to size 35. After each instrument, the root canals were flushed with 5 mL of a 2.5% NaOCl solution and at the end of instrumentation with 5 mL of NaCl. Using the pre- and post-instrumentation radiographs, straightening of the canal curvatures was determined with a computer image analysis program. After splitting the roots longitudinally, the amount of debris and smear layer were quantified on the basis of a numerical evaluation scale, using a scanning electron microscope.

RESULTS

Completely cleaned root canals were not found with any of the two instruments. In general, K-Flexofiles resulted in significantly less debris(P < 0.001) and less smear layer (P < 0.05) than Flex-Master instruments, but these differences were not significant in the apical third of the canals (P > 0.05). FlexMaster instruments maintained the original canal curvature significantly better (P < 0.0001) than K-Flexofiles. No significant differences were detected between the instruments (P > 0.05) for the time taken to prepare the canals.

CONCLUSIONS

Under the conditions of this study, K-Flexofiles allowed significantly better canal cleaning than FlexMaster instruments. FlexMaster instruments maintained the original curvature significantly better.

Shaping ability of Hero 642 rotary nickel-titanium instruments and stainless steel hand K-Flexofiles in simulated curved root canals

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the shaping ability of Hero 642 rotary nickel-titanium instruments with that of stainless steel hand K-Flexofiles.

STUDY DESIGN

Simulated 28 degrees and 35 degrees curved canals were prepared with Hero 642 instruments by using a crown-down preparation and with K-Flexofiles by using a reaming working motion (n = 24 canals in each case). All canals were sequentially prepared up to size 35. Preinstrumental and postinstrumental images were taken, and assessment of the canal shapes was completed with a computer image analysis program. Material removal was measured at 20 measuring points, beginning 1 mm away from the apex. In addition, preparation time, changes of working length, and instrument failures were recorded.

RESULTS

In comparison with stainless steel K-Flexofiles, rotary Hero 642 instruments achieved better canal geometry and showed less canal transportation, both in canals with 28 degrees curves and in canals with 35 degrees curves. Three Hero instruments separated, whereas none of the K-Flexofiles separated. In 28 degrees curved canals, Hero instruments were significantly faster (P <.01) and maintained working distance significantly better (P <.05) than K-Flexofiles. These differences were insignificant in 35 degrees curved canals.

CONCLUSION

Hero 642 instruments prepared curved canals rapidly, without change in working length and with only minimal transportation toward the outer aspect of the curve.

Antimicrobial efficacy of chloroxylenol and chlorhexidine in the treatment of infected root canals

PURPOSE

To investigate the antimicrobial efficacy of a chlorhexidine gluconate (2.0%) and of an ethanolic chloroxylenol solution (10%) as a temporary root canal dressing against selected test microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Extracted single-rooted human teeth were instrumented up to size 40. After removal of the smear layer suspensions of the test microorganisms were inserted into the root canals. After incubation for 48 hrs each suspension of the test organisms was removed and the root canals were filled with one of the two different disinfectants. The teeth were then incubated for 48 hrs. Twelve teeth and three controls were used for each of the four test organisms and each of the two regimens. After incubation, each root canal was instrumented and the removed canal wall dentin was examined microbiologically.

RESULTS

With a contact time of 48 hrs between the two disinfectants and the four bacterial suspensions the medications led to a total killing of microorganisms in 82% of a total of 96 contaminated teeth. In the dentin layer situated 50 microm from the root canal, both medications achieved bacterial killing in a range from 99.9% to 99.99%, depending on the test organism. There were no significant differences (P> 0.1) between the relative antimicrobial activity of the two root canal dressings.

Isolation and characterization of four novel parsley proteins that interact with the transcriptional regulators CPRF1 and CPRF2

The common plant regulatory factors (CPRFs) from parsley are transcription factors with a basic-leucine-zipper motif that bind to cis-regulatory elements frequently found in promoters of light-regulated genes. Proposed to function in concert with members of other transcription factor families, CPRFs regulate the transcriptional activity of many target genes. Here, we report that, in contrast to CPRF2, which operates as a transcriptional activator, CPRF1 functions as repressor in vivo. Two-hybrid screens using CPRF1 and CPRF2 as "baits" resulted in the isolation of four novel parsley proteins which interact with either CPRF1 or CPRF2 in vivo. Three of these factors represent new parsley bZIP factors, designated CPRF5-CPRF7, whereas the fourth, named CPRF1-interacting protein (CIP), shows no homology to any other known protein. CPRF5 and CIP specifically interact with CPRF1, whilst CPRF6 and CPRF7 exclusively form heterodimers with CPRF2. CPRF5, CPRF6 and CPRF7 are transcription factors that exhibit sequence-specific DNA-binding as well as transactivation abilities, whereas the function of CIP remains elusive. The newly isolated CPRFs and CIP are constitutively localized in the nucleus in parsley protoplasts. Furthermore, mRNA accumulation studies revealed that the expression of these novel bZIP genes and CIP is not altered by exposure to light. We discuss the possible roles of the newly identified proteins in CPRF1- and CPRF2-dependent target gene expression.

Recombinant phytochrome A in yeast differs by its spectroscopic and photochemical properties from the major phyA' and is close to the minor phyA": evidence for posttranslational modification of the pigment in plants

Previously, two pools of phytochrome A (phyA' and phyA") have been detected by in situ low-temperature fluorescence spectroscopy and photochemistry; it was suggested that they might differ in the nature of their posttranslational modification. In order to verify this possibility Arabidopsis and rice (Oryza) phyA were expressed in yeast and the pigments were assembled in vivo with phycocyanobilin (PCB) and phytochromobilin (P phi B). The resulting recombinant phytochromes in the red-light-absorbing form (Pr) were characterized in the yeast cell by (1) the fluorescence emission spectra; (2) the temperature dependence of Pr fluorescence intensity and activation energy of fluorescence decay; and (3) the extent of photoconversion of Pr into photoproduct lumi-R (gamma 1) or far-red-light absorbing form (Pfr) (gamma 2). Both Arabidopsis phyA/PCB and Oryza phyA/P phi B had low gamma 1 of ca 0.05, allowing their attribution to the Pr" phenomenological type of phytochrome comprising phyA", phyB and cryptogam phytochromes. The spectroscopic properties of Oryza phyA/P phi B were also very close to phyA". However, both investigated holoproteins differed from phyA", both with respect to the character of temperature dependence of the fluorescence yield and activation energy. Thus, recombinant Oryza phyA/P phi B is similar but not identical to phyA". The data demonstrate that the low-abundance-fraction plant phyA (phyA") comes from the same gene as the major (phyA') fraction. Because both endogenous phyA fractions differ from the phytochrome expressed in yeast, they appear to be posttranslationally modified and/or bound to partner proteins or cellular substructures. However, the character of the presumed chemical modification is different in phyA' and phyA" and its extent is more profound in the case of the former.

EID1, an F-box protein involved in phytochrome A-specific light signaling

To perceive red and far-red light, plants have evolved specific photoreceptors called phytochromes. Even though the spectral properties of all phytochromes are very similar, they show a distinct mode of action. Here we describe EID1, a negatively acting component of the signaling cascade that shifts the responsiveness of the phytochrome A (phyA) signaling system associated with hypocotyl elongation from red to far-red wavelengths. EID1 is a novel nuclear F-box protein that contains a leucine zipper whose integrity is necessary for its biological function. EID1 most probably acts by targeting activated components of the phyA signaling pathway to ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis.

Relationship between design features of endodontic instruments and their properties. Part 3. Resistance to bending and fracture

Stainless-steel prototypes characterized by five different cross-sectional shapes (square, triangular, rhomboidal, "S"-shaped, and the cross-sectional design of H-type files) and three different number of flutes (16, 24, and 32) were used for investigation of the relationship between design features and the resistance to bending and fracture of root canal instruments. Both resistance to bending (bending moment) and resistance to fracture (angular deflection and torque) were determined in accordance to ISO 3630-1. Numbers 15, 25, and 35 prototypes were tested with a sample size of 10 instruments each. Whereas prototypes with the rhombus-shaped cross-sectional design displayed the lowest resistance to bending, those of the square cross-section showed the greatest. In general, S-shaped prototypes and those with the H-type cross-section achieved lower angular deflection than all other prototypes, whereas those with the triangular cross-sectional shape and 32 flutes reached the greatest angular deflection. Overall, rhombus-shaped prototypes showed lower torque values than all other prototypes. Results indicate that bending and torsional properties of endodontic instruments are mainly influenced by their cross-sectional design. Moreover, these properties are also affected by the number of flutes and the manufacturing process (twisted or milled) of endodontic instruments.

Both subunits of the dimeric plant photoreceptor phytochrome require chromophore for stability of the far-red light-absorbing form

The dimeric plant photoreceptor phytochrome is converted from its inactive red light-absorbing form (Pr) into the active far-red light-absorbing form (Pfr) upon light absorption. Dynamics of Pfr generation and of thermal Pfr-to-Pr conversion are of fundamental importance for inducing adequate responses to light signals. Here, we analyzed the role of subunit interactions on spectroscopic properties of dimeric phytochrome A. Using a coexpression system and affinity chromatography, we prepared mixed phytochrome dimers that can incorporate the essential chromophore only in one subunit. We demonstrate that such mixed dimers have unaltered difference spectra. In contrast, dark reversion differed greatly between Pfr-Pfr homodimers and Pfr-Pr heterodimers, the former being about 100-fold more stable. Temperature dependence of reaction rates revealed an additional stabilization of about 4 kcal/mol in homodimers. Consequences of these findings are discussed in relation to the biological function of, and functional diversification between, phytochrome family members.

Event-by-event fluctuations of the Kaon-to-Pion ratio in central Pb+Pb collisions at 158 GeV per nucleon

We present the first measurement of fluctuations from event to event in the production of strange particles in collisions of heavy nuclei. The ratio of charged kaons to charged pions is determined for individual central Pb+Pb collisions. After accounting for the fluctuations due to detector resolution and finite number statistics we derive an upper limit on genuine nonstatistical fluctuations, which could be related to a first- or second-order QCD phase transition. Such fluctuations are shown to be very small.

The DNA binding properties of the parsley bZIP transcription factor CPRF4a are regulated by light

The common plant regulatory factors (CPRFs) from parsley are transcription factors with a basic leucine zipper motif that bind to cis-regulatory elements frequently found in promoters of light-regulated genes. Recent studies have revealed that certain CPRF proteins are regulated in response to light by changes in their expression level and in their intracellular localization. Here, we describe an additional mechanism contributing to the light-dependent regulation of CPRF proteins. We show that the DNA binding activity of the factor CPRF4a is modulated in a phosphorylation-dependent manner and that cytosolic components are involved in the regulation of this process. Moreover, we have identified a cytosolic kinase responsible for CPRF4a phosphorylation. Modification of recombinant CPRF4a by this kinase, however, is insufficient to cause a full activation of the factor, suggesting that additional modifications are required. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the DNA binding activity of the factor is modified upon light treatment. The results of additional irradiation experiments suggest that this photoresponse is controlled by different photoreceptor systems. We discuss the possible role of CPRF4a in light signal transduction as well as the emerging regulatory network controlling CPRF activities in parsley.

Intracellular trafficking of photoreceptors during light-induced signal transduction in plants

Plants monitor changes in the ambient light environment by highly specialised photoreceptors, which include the red/far-red photoreversible phytochromes, the blue-light-absorbing cryptochromes and phototropin and the so-far-unidentified UVB photoreceptor(s). Light easily penetrates plant organs/tissues and reaches even the subcellular compartments of various cell types. Therefore, it is not surprising that the determination of the intracellular localisation of photoreceptors has been, for many years, a major, and often controversial, subject of plant photobiology and cell biology research. Phototropin, one of the blue-light photoreceptors of higher plants, controls phototropism by monitoring the direction of light, and it is localised in or at the plasmalemma. In contrast, the subcellular localisation of phytochromes changes dynamically and exhibits a very complex pattern. These photoreceptors are localised in the cytosol in dark- grown tissues. Irradiation, however, induces import of phytochromes into the nucleus. The import occurs in a light-quality- and light-quantity-dependent fashion and, as such, seems to be unique to higher plants. Light-induced accumulation of phytochromes in the nuclei correlates well with various physiological responses mediated by these photoreceptors. These observations indicate that light-dependent intracellular redistribution of phytochrome photoreceptors is one of the major regulatory steps in photomorphogenesis.

Negative interference of endogenous phytochrome B with phytochrome A function in Arabidopsis

To study negative interactions between phytochromes, phytochrome B (phyB) overexpressor lines, the mutants phyA-201, phyB-4, phyB-5, phyD-1, phyA-201 phyB-5, phyA-201 phyD-1, and phyB-5 phyD-1 of Arabidopsis were used. Endogenous phyB, but not phytochrome D (phyD), partly suppressed phytochrome A (phyA)-dependent inhibition of hypocotyl elongation in far-red light (FR). Dichromatic irradiation demonstrated that the negative effect of phyB was largely independent of the photoequilibrium, i.e. far-red light absorbing form of phytochrome formation. Moreover, phyB-4, a mutant impaired in signal transduction, did not show a loss of inhibition of phyA by phyB. Overexpression of phyB, conversely, resulted in an enhanced inhibition of phyA function, even in the absence of supplementary carbohydrates. However, overexpression of a mutated phyB, which cannot incorporate the chromophore, had no detectable effect on phyA action. In addition to seedling growth, accumulation of anthocyanins in FR, another manifestation of the high irradiance response, was strongly influenced by phyB holoprotein. Induction of seed germination by FR, a very low fluence response, was suppressed by both endogenous phyB and phyD. In conclusion, we show that both classical response modes of phyA, high irradiance response, and very low fluence response are subject to an inhibitory action of phyB-like phytochromes. Possible mechanisms of the negative interference are discussed.

The response regulator ARR2: a pollen-specific transcription factor involved in the expression of nuclear genes for components of mitochondrial Complex I in Arabidopsis

Two-component signal systems regulate a variety of cellular activities. They involve at least two common signalling molecules: a signal-sensing kinase and a response regulator that mediates the output response. Multistep systems also require proteins containing phosphotransfer domains. Here we report that the response regulator ARR2 from Arabidopsis is predominantly expressed in pollen and is localized in the nuclear compartment of the plant cell. Furthermore, ARR2 is transcriptionally active in yeast and binds to the promoters of nuclear genes for several components of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I (nCI) from Arabidopsis. The nuclear nCI genes are up-regulated in pollen during spermatogenesis. The transcription factor functions of ARR2 are mediated by its C-terminal output domain. Our data identify ARR2 as the first eukaryotic response regulator which functions as a transcription factor at a known promoter sequence. Yeast two-hybrid analysis and in vitro interaction studies suggest that ARR2 very probably forms part of a multistep two-component signalling mechanism that includes HPt proteins like AHP1 or AHP2. These findings point to an as yet unidentified signal transduction system that may regulate aspects of floral and mitochondrial gene expression.

Nucleo-cytoplasmic partitioning of the plant photoreceptors phytochromes

Phytochromes in harmony with blue light photoreceptors play a major role in controlling plant growth and development from germination to seed maturation. Light absorption by phytochromes triggers a signaling cascade, phototransduction, which culminates in regulated gene expression. A major regulatory step at the cellular level, which affects specificities of light-induced physiological responses, seems to be the light-quality and light-quantity dependent nuclear import of the phytochromes themselves. The correlations found between the nuclear import of phytochromes (phyA and phyB) and various physiological responses regulated by these photoreceptors provides strong support for this hypothesis.

Control of nuclear import and phytochromes

The past year has brought significant changes in our understanding of the molecular mechanism of photoreceptor-regulated gene expression in higher plants. The light-quantity- and light-quality-dependent nuclear import of phytochromes, followed by the conformation-dependent direct interaction of these phytochromes with transcription factors, seems to play a major role in light-modulated plant growth and development.

pH changes in root dentin after root canal dressing with gutta-percha points containing calcium hydroxide

Alkalinizing action on root dentin was investigated by treating the enlarged root canals of a total of 120 extracted teeth for 24 h, 3 days, or 7 days with either gutta-percha points (size 40) containing calcium hydroxide or an equivalent quantity of aqueous calcium hydroxide suspension. After splitting the teeth longitudinally the pH of the dentin was determined using a pH microelectrode in small cavities at each of four set measuring points. The gutta-percha points were unable to alkalinize the root dentin over a period of 7 days. Clear, rapid, and prolonged alkalinization of the dentin extending through to the root surface was achieved, however, with the aqueous calcium hydroxide suspension.

A comparative scanning electron microscopic investigation of the efficacy of manual and automated instrumentation of root canals

The cleaning effectiveness of automated and manual root canal instrumentation was investigated with the aid of a scanning electron microscope. Hand instrumentation was performed with K-Flexofiles used in a reaming working motion and according to the step-back technique and with Hedstrom files used in a filing motion. Automated preparation was performed with the KaVo-Endo Flash device featuring torque-limited rotation using K-Flexofiles, as well as with the mechanical ProFile system using rotary nickel-titanium instruments. Twelve teeth each with either straight or curved root canals were instrumented to size 40. After cracking the roots longitudinally (n = 120), the amount of debris and smear layer were quantified on the basis of a numerical evaluation scale (1 through 5). Comparison of manual instrumentation with the automated KaVo-Endo Flash resulted in an equivalent degree of canal cleaning. Complete cleanliness was not achieved by any of the techniques and devices investigated. Best instrumentation results, especially in curved canals, were obtained with rotary ProFile instruments.