In-fiber modal Mach-Zehnder interferometer based on the locally post-processed core of a photonic crystal fiber.

We demonstrate a novel, compact and low-loss photonic crystal fiber modal Mach-Zehnder interferometer with potential applications to sensing and WDM telecommunications. By selectively collapsing a ~1-mm-long section of a hole next to the solid core, a pair of modes of the post-processed structure are excited and interfere at its exit. A modulation depth of up to ~13 dB and an insertion loss as low as 2.

Angular deflection of rotary nickel titanium files: a comparative study.

A new manufacturing method of twisting nickel titanium wire to produce rotary nickel titanium (RNT) files has recently been developed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the new manufacturing process increased the angular deflection of RNT files, by comparing instruments produced using the new manufacturing method (Twisted Files) versus instruments produced with the traditional grinding process. Testing was performed on a total of 40 instruments of the following commercially available RNT files: Twisted Files (TF), Profile, K3 and M2 (NRT).

The corrosive effects of sodium hypochlorite on nickel-titanium endodontic instruments: assessment by digital scanning microscope.

Aim: Prolonged contact (several hours) of nickel-titanium (NiTi) endodontic instruments with sodium hypochlorite has a considerable corrosive effect which reduces the instruments' resistance to fractures. The aim of this study was to verify whether short-term contact (several minutes, as is the case in clinical practice) produces the same effects.

Methods: Using a digital scanning microscope, the blade surfaces of three groups of ProTaper instruments were examined, particularly of the #1 Shaping File.

Cytotoxicity of epiphany SE endodontic sealer: a comparative in vitro study.

Background: The Epiphany endodontic obturation system, which was developed for use with all current root canal-filling techniques by substituting for gutta-percha and sealer, has been recently modified by eliminating the priming step and introducing a new self-etch, dual-cure, resin-based sealer; Epiphany SE. As with all new endodontic compounds, this novel material should undergo preliminary testing for biocompatibility. The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro cytotoxicity of Epiphany SE and to compare it with the original Epiphany sealer and with a commonly used endodontic sealer (Pulp Canal Sealer).

Mandibular ameloblastic fibroma in 6-years-old girl: a case report.

Ameloblastic fibroma (AF) is defined in WHO classification as a ''neoplasm composed of proliferating odontogenic epithelium embedded in a cellular ectomesenchymal tissue that resembles dental papilla, and with varying degrees of inductive change and dental hard tissue formation''. AF is a rather uncommon tumor, accounting for only 2.5% of all odontogenic tumors.

Experimental study of a new surgical technique for anatomic remodeling of atrophic socket in maxillary postextraction single implant.

Replacement therapy with immediate postextraction single dental implants has gained wider acceptance in clinical practice. However, because bone tissue volume may be insufficient for primary stability and subsequent osteointegration, many dentists prefer delaying implantation 2 or 3 months later, which may lead to greater loss of vestibular bone tissue and worsen postextraction atrophy. To avert these problems, a new surgical technique has been developed that allows immediate loading on postextraction single implants and atrophic socket remodeling.

Bending properties of nickel-titanium instruments: a comparative study.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the bending properties of twisted file instruments, and compare them with other commercially available nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments (Mtwo and Hero) manufactured with traditional methods.

Methods: Despite NiTi superelastic properties, flexibility of NiTi instruments is limited by size and taper. A new manufacturing process involving twisting of a ground blank combined with heat treatment has been developed by SybronEndo, aiming to produce a NiTI rotary file with superior flexibility: the Twisted File (TF).

Mechanical properties of a new and improved nickel-titanium alloy for endodontic use: an evaluation of file flexibility.

Objective: A new manufacturing method to produce more flexible and resistant NiTi endodontic instruments has been recently developed. The purpose of the study was to determine whether this new manufacturing method produces NiTi instruments (TF) of superior flexibility.

Study Design: Ten .

Radiographic and rheological properties of a new endodontic sealer.

A new dual-cured resin sealer has recently been proposed as an innovative endodontic filling material. Being a new endodontic material, no in vitro research has been published yet on Real Seal's (RS) physical properties. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare radiopacity and rheological properties of the RS sealer with those of currently available endodontic sealers (Roeko Seal Automix and Bioseal).

Chemical stability of heated sodium hypochlorite endodontic irrigants.

Several previous studies have investigated the advantage of temperature on tissue-dissolving and antimicrobial properties of sodium hypochlorite. However, it is known that the chemical stability of sodium hypochlorite is adversely affected by exposure to high temperature. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of heating sodium hypochlorite to 50 degrees C on the stability of the solution.

In vitro evaluation of the cytotoxicity of pure eugenol.

The aim of this study was to assess the cytotoxicity of pure eugenol in an in vitro method by diluting it to various concentrations in alcohol and determining the maximum noncytotoxic concentration. We used solutions of eugenol and ethyl alcohol that are soluble in water in any given proportion. The cytotoxicity of the alcohol itself was determined by using a dose-response curve for concentrations of between 0.

Cytotoxicity evaluation of six root canal sealers.

Cell cultures of human gingival fibroblasts obtained from healthy patients were used to evaluate the toxicity of six different endodontic cements: AH-26, Pulp Canal Sealer, Rocanal-R2, Rocanal-R3, Bioseal, and Endomethasone. The toxicity was determined by measuring spectrophotometrically at 405 nm the colorimetric reaction of N-acetyl-beta-hexosaminidase, an endogenous enzyme, with the chromogenic substrate [p-nitrophenol-N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosamide (NAG)]. Severe cytotoxicity was observed in the 1- and 2-wk test solutions of AH-26.

[Determination of metabolites of vitamin D in a case of Debré-De Toni-Fanconi syndrome secondary to cystinosis].

A patient affected with Debrè-De Toni-Fanconi syndrome secondary to cystinosis, has been given doses of vitamin D metabolites. This resulted in a reduced plasma 1,25(OH)2D level. This data should confirm, as it has already been noted in literature.