Renal Frame Count and High Blood Pressure

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the relationship between hypertension stages according to JNC-8 classification and mean renal frame count (RFC), which is an indicator of renal perfusion.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 100 hypertensive patients without obstructive renal artery disease, who had been evaluated with renal artery angiography for hypertension, were allocated into 2 groups (Stage 1 and Stage 2 hypertension). During coronary angiography, the patients were evaluated by selective renal angiography using 6F Judkins catheter. Cineangiographic images were evaluated by the same clinician and mean RFC was estimated for both renal arteries. Injections during renal angiography were performed with power injector and same amount of radiopaque media with same speed was used for all patients.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, sex, duration of hypertension, and laboratory markers. Stage 2 hypertensive patients (Group 2) had a significantly higher mean RFC than Stage 1 hypertensive patients (Group 1) (p<0.001). The mean RFC of both kidneys in Group 2 was significantly higher than that of Group 1 (p<0.001 and p=0.023, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that the mean RFC increased with increases in hypertension levels and it could be used as an indicator of renal perfusion, which is an indirect marker of renal function. If renal artery flow gets slower, blood pressure levels increase and there is a proportional relationship between these two variables (mean RFC and blood pressure levels). This study also demonstrated that there was a statistically significant correlation between mean RFC and JNC-8 hypertension stages.

Plasma galectin-3 as a biomarker for clinical staging of heart failure: a cross-sectional evaluation of 100 cases

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the plasma galectin-3 concentration associated with the severity of HF and its use as a biomarker for clinical staging of heart failure (HF).

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study, in which 100 HF cases diagnosed by clinical parameters and echocardiography were included and subgrouped into NYHA classes (I-IV) based on clinical severity and functional limitations. Plasma galectin-3 was measured with respect to these subgroups.

RESULTS

The median plasma galectin-3 concentration in pg/mL was 82.7 (95% confidence interval: 64.5-112.7), 267.2 (214.3-293.5), 694.8 (626.4-902.4), and 1530.4 (1443.1-2384.4) in NYHA class I, II, III, and IV subgroups, respectively (p <0.05). The proposed galectin-3 concentrations in mild, moderate, and severe HF were 100-460, 460-1170, and >1170 pg/mL, respectively. Galectin-3 was negatively correlated with LV Ejection fraction (EF) by Simpson's biplane method (r=-0.634, p<0.001). Pro BNP showed that the level of plasma galectin-3 was positively correlated with the level of plasma NT pro BNP (r = 0.878, p <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The plasma galectin-3 concentration showed progressive increase with increasing severity of HF; therefore, it may be used in clinical staging of the disease.

Effects of the Nd:YAG laser, air-abrasion, and acid-etchant on filling materials

The purpose of this study was to determine any inadvertent effects of the neodymium: yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, air-abrasion, and ortho-phosphoric acid on some conventionally used dental filling materials [amalgam, composite resin, compomer, glass-ionomer cement (GIC), and ceromer], when they were used for purposes of margin etching and assessed according to standard enamel etching parameters using a total of five fillings. The surfaces of the filling materials were polished. One sample from each material group was exposed to laser (at 0.75 J, 15 pps) and air abrasion (with Al-oxide powder, 60 psi) for 2 s and to the 37% ortho-phosphoric acid for 60 s. The exposed materials were examined under Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). After laser treatment most specimens showed recrystallized areas, the GIC surface being the most affected. There were some pores and cavities on the amalgam surface following laser treatment. The abraded surfaces showed mechanical abrasions. The acid etchant showed the least effect. During the application of laser or air-abrasion, the adjacent tooth or filling surface must be protected or the dentist must be careful.

Effects of Nd: YAG laser, air-abrasion and acid-etching on human enamel and dentin

The effects of the Nd:YAG laser, air-abrasion and acid-etching systems on mineral content and surface morphology of cut dentin and enamel were examined in 10 extracted human teeth. Enamel specimens were lased for two seconds at a fluence of 0.75 J and a frequency of 15 Hz, air-abraded for two seconds with 50 micron Al-oxide and etched for 60 seconds with 37% ortho-phosphoric acid. Dentinal specimens were subjected to the same procedure for half the time. Untreated areas of the same specimens served as the control. Morphologically, the lased dentin showed an apparently melted surface with partial obstruction of the dentin tubules, as well as cracks along the lased surface. Air-abrasion created very irregular surfaces on enamel and dentin. Dentin tubules were observed on the acid-etched dentin samples but not the air-abraded surfaces. The Nd:YAG laser created the most surface irregularity on both enamel and dentin. Laser treatment appeared to alter the chemical structure and surface morphology of the dentin and enamel.

The use of computed tomography when comparing nickel-titanium and stainless steel files during preparation of simulated curved canals

AIM

The aim of this study was to compare canal preparations completed with Hedstrom and K-files of ISO size 15 - 40, made of nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) and stainless steel (SS).

METHODOLOGY

Eighty simulated canals with 200 and 30 degrees C curvatures were prepared using the step-back technique and quarter turn/pull instrument manipulation. Middle and apical level canal sections were taken using computed tomography.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found between any of the file types at either level with respect to canal curvature (20 degrees or 30 degrees). At the middle level, the stainless steel files caused more enlargement toward the inner part, compared to nickel-titanium files. At the apical level, nickel-titanium canal files caused more enlargement toward the inner part, whereas more outward enlargement was caused by stainless steel instruments. No significant difference could be observed at the middle level (P > 0.05) related to the enlargement toward the outer side of the canal curvature. Transportation at both levels was significantly less (P < 0.001) for the Ni-Ti files than the SS ones. Centring ratios of the file types at the middle level were low, but not significantly different (P > 0.05), whereas at the apical level the centring ratios were significantly higher for the Ni-Ti files (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Ni-Ti instruments produced preparations with adequate enlargement, less transportation, and a better centring ratio.

Effect of CO2, Nd:YAG, and ArF excimer lasers on dentin morphology and pulp chamber temperature: an in vitro study

This study compared the effect of three laser systems: CO2 (10.600 nm), Nd:YAG (1.064 nm), and ArF excimer (193 nm) lasers on dentin hard tissue and on temperature increases of the pulp chamber. Sixty-six third molar teeth were used and randomly divided into three groups. A class I cavity was made to expose the dentin, and the pulp in the pulp chamber was removed via a hole bored in the cervical area. The pulp chamber was subsequently refilled with silicon grease, and a NiCr/NiSi thermocouple was inserted through the hole into the pulp chamber. The dentin surface was then lased for 30 s at the same settings (3 W, 2 mm spot size, 20 pps) with each laser. The average internal temperature increases were as follows: CO2, 37 degrees C; Nd: YAG, 28 degrees C; and ArF excimer, 1 degrees C. Scanning electron microscopy of the dentin in the occlusal cavity revealed extensive carbonization, isolated balls of recrystallized material, and the presence of smear layer at some dentinal tubule orifices for the CO2 and Nd:YAG lased teeth. Smear layer was also observed for the ArF excimer samples; however, they exhibited far less surface cavities than the others and seemed to undergo little morphological change on the dentin.

An investigation of the effect of a desensitizing dentifrice on dentinal tubules in vitro and in vivo

The effect of Sensodyne dentifrice, which contains strontium chloride hexahydrate, on the occlusion of dentinal tubules was studied in vivo and in vitro. Eight premolar teeth scheduled for extraction for orthodontic purposes were used. Four of the teeth were extracted before Sensodyne application (in vitro). The other four teeth were treated in vivo and then extracted. A patch of enamel was removed from all the teeth to expose the dentinal surfaces, and the smear layer over the exposed area was removed. In the in vivo test, the patients were instructed to brush their teeth for 1 minute, twice a day, for 2 weeks. The teeth were then extracted and kept in distilled water until examined by scanning electron microscope. The in vitro teeth were brushed in the same manner and kept in distilled water between brushings. Most of the in vitro dentinal tubules were found to be open, whereas most of the in vivo dentinal tubules were occluded.

Effect of calcium hydroxide and combinations of Ledermix and calcium hydroxide on inflamed pulp in dog teeth

The effects of Ledermix+calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) or Ca(OH)2 alone on inflamed pulp tissues of dogs were studied. Fifty-nine upper incisor teeth of 10 dogs were used. Class V cavities were prepared and filled with amalgam after placement of decayed dentin particles. After 7 days, the decayed dentin and alloy were removed, and the pulps of the teeth were exposed. Ledermix and Ca(OH)2 mixtures or Ca(OH)2 alone were applied to the cavities. At the end of 7, 30, and 90 days, the teeth were extracted and examined histopathologically. Inflammation was found to be more prevalent in the 7- and 30-day groups that were treated with the Ledermix+Ca(OH)2 combination, whereas fibrosis and necrosis were nearly similar in both groups. In the 90-day groups, no inflammation was seen. No difference between the two 90-day groups with regard to reparative dentin was found.

Early tensile bond strength between dentin and composite resin mediated by bonding agents

The aim of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the early tensile bond strength values of three dentin bonding agents (Scotchbond, Tenure and Gluma) to dentin. Fifteen non-carious, extracted, human third molars were used in this study. The bond strengths were calculated in an Instron test machine and expressed in MN/m2. The results were evaluated statistically using the Student-test. The in vitro tensile bond strengths of the three bonding agents to dentin showed higher values than the tensile bond strength of composite resin alone and differences among the bond strengths were significant (P < 0.05). Greater bond strength values were obtained with the Gluma bonding system than with Scotchbond or Tenure systems.

A scanning electron microscopic study of external root resorption in replanted dog teeth

Root resorption after replantation of mature permanent dog incisors was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Three groups consisting of three extracted teeth each were kept in a saline solution for 5, 30, and 120 min before replantation. The first group was replanted with the pulp intact. The second and third groups were replanted after root canal filling by Calciobiotic Root Canal Sealer. After 90 days, the teeth were extracted and the apical root surfaces were examined. Severe inflammatory root resorption was observed in the first (intact pulp) group. For the root canal filled teeth, the degree of root resorption was observed to be much less in those kept in saline for 30 min than in those kept for 120 min.

A comparative study of the area of the canal space obturated by thermoplasticized gutta-percha techniques

Two thermoplasticized gutta-percha techniques were evaluated for the percentage area of canal obturated by gutta-percha and compared with the lateral condensation of gutta-percha technique. All obturation systems were used in conjunction with Grossman's sealer. Single rooted teeth were obturated by either injected thermoplasticized gutta-percha (Ultrafil), thermoplasticized gutta-percha with metal carrier (Thermafil) or lateral condensation of gutta-percha. There were ten specimens in each group. The teeth were embedded in resin, sectioned at 1.5 mm, 3 mm and 4.5 mm from the root apex and examined with a stereomicroscope. Specimens filled by Ultrafil and Thermafil contained a significantly higher percentage of gutta-percha than specimens filled by the lateral condensation technique at every level. However no difference was found between Ultrafil and Thermafil. Three lateral condensation specimens showed voids at the 1.5 mm section; no voids were detected in specimens filled by Ultrafil or Thermafil at any level.

Evaluation of sealing properties of Thermafil and Ultrafil techniques in the absence or presence of smear layer

The apical sealing abilities of two thermoplasticized gutta-percha techniques were evaluated. A total of 128 single-rooted teeth were divided into six groups in which Ultrafil, Thermafil, and lateral condensation techniques, with and without the smear layer, were used to obturate 20 roots in each group. The roots were implanted subcutaneously in rats for 90 days to expose the materials to vital tissue and tissue fluids. The roots were recovered, immersed in 1% methylene blue for 2 wk, cleared, and the dye penetration was measured using a dissecting microscope. Thermafil showed the least leakage with smear layer present and Ultrafil the least with it absent. The two thermoplasticized gutta-percha techniques both showed significantly less leakage than lateral condensation with and without the smear layer. Removing the smear layer reduced the leakage significantly in all groups.

Dentinal wall adaptation of thermoplasticized gutta-percha in the absence or presence of smear layer: a scanning electron microscopic study

The dentinal adaptation of injected thermoplasticized gutta-percha and thermoplasticized gutta-percha resulting from Ultrafil and Thermafil systems was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and compared with adaptation obtained with the lateral condensation of gutta-percha. Each method was evaluated with and without the smear layer removed. Scanning electron microscopic observations showed the thermoplasticized gutta-percha resulting from either system to have better dentinal wall adaptation than lateral condensation of gutta-percha in either the absence or presence of the smear layer. In the absence of smear layer, the adaptation of gutta-percha was improved in all groups. Although sealer was used, removing the smear layer was found to enhance the ability of the thermoplasticized gutta-percha to enter the patent tubules.

Pulp responses to three dentine bonding agents in dogs' teeth

The purpose of this study was to evaluate pulp reactions to cavities treated with Scotchbond Dual Cure, Gluma and Tenure dentine bonding agents in four adult dogs, at intervals of 7, 30 and 90 days. The reactions were compared with the results from a control group in which the cavities were treated with zinc oxide/eugenol cement. The results indicated that Scotchbond Dual Cure dentine bonding agent caused less pulp reaction than Gluma and Tenure dentine bonding agents. However, long-term (90 days) specimens showed that none of these three bonding agents caused any severe reaction. The recovery of the pulp and a thick layer of reparative dentine formation were found quite significant.

Streptococcus mutans in plaque from margins of conventional and high copper amalgam restorations

Levels of Streptococcus mutans in plaque samples from margins of conventional and high copper amalgam restorations were compared in fourteen patients, each having one conventional amalgam filling in each quadrant and one high copper amalgam filling on the contra-lateral side were examined. The percentage of S. mutans of total CFU count in plaque was higher on conventional amalgam than on high copper amalgam. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01).

The effects of acid application on the dentine surface smear layer: an S.E.M. study

In this study, the effect of citric acid and LIV CENERA Liquid (40% poly-acrylic acid) on the smear layer of the dentine surface was investigated. Twelve freshly extracted, non-carious human molar teeth were used and approximately 25 mm2 flat occlusal dentine surfaces were prepared. Citric acid and LIV CENERA Liquid were applied for 10 and 30 seconds to the dentine surfaces. The results of our study indicated that: 1. Conditioning with LIV CENERA Liquid for 10 seconds was not effective in removing the smear layer on the dentinal tubules but application for 30 seconds was partially effective. 2. Although 10 seconds application of citric acid was not effective in removing the smear layer, 30 seconds application removed it completely, but harmful effects were observed on the dentinal tubules. 3. Conditioning with citric acid is more effective than the application of LIV CENERA Liquid in removing the smear layer, but LIV CENERA Liquid in contrast to citric acid application, did not enlarge the dentinal tubules.