Root malformation associated with a cervical mineralized diaphragm--a distinct form of tooth abnormality?

Objective: Deviations in length and shape of tooth roots result from hard tissue resorption or occur as a developmental disorder. The purpose of this report is to present a type of root malformation which seems to have gone unreported so far.

Study Design: Two patients showing severely dysplastic roots of all permanent first molars were evaluated using radiography, histology as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy.

Calcein release from polymeric vesicles in blood plasma and PVA hydrogel.

Purpose: The main goal of this study was to show the long-term stability of vesicles from poly(2-methyl oxazoline-block-polydimethylsiloxane-block poly(2-methyl oxazoline) (PMOXA-PDMS-PMOXA) in PBS, blood plasma and the feasibility to use these vesicles for drug release from PVA hydrogels.

Methods: The vesicle formation properties and loading efficiency was evaluated using fluorescent dyes. The stability of the vesicles was evaluated in buffer at pH 7 at room temperature and in 50% blood plasma at 37 degrees C.

A new concept for more biocompliant bone cements for vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.

A series of more biocompliant bone cements with mechanical properties that match those of different vertebral trabecular or cancellous bones for vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty applications, have been developed. The elastic modulus and strength of the bone cements are in a range of 5 to 400 MPa, and 5 to 75 MPa, respectively. The bone cement shows excellent thermal and dimensional stability in simulated body fluid of Ringer's solution at both 37 and 70 degrees C.

Vesicles for Signal Amplification in a Biosensor for the Detection of Low Antigen Concentrations.

The sensitivity of biosensors is often not sufficient to detect diagnostically relevant biomarker concentrations. In this paper we have utilized a Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) to detect dissipative losses induced by the attachment of intact vesicles. We modified a sandwich assay by coupling the secondary antibodies to vesicles.

Combined pulse oximetry/cutaneous carbon dioxide tension monitoring during colonoscopies: pilot study with a smart ear clip.

Background: We compared the accuracy and practicability of a new combined ear sensor device measuring pulse oximetry and transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension.

Methods: Validation studies were done by comparing the results of the combined sensor with arterial blood gas measurements. In an observational part, monitoring data were obtained from 25 patients undergoing colonoscopy, sedated with midazolam and alfentanil and from 8 patients without sedation.

Development of degradable polyesterurethanes for medical applications: in vitro and in vivo evaluations.

To evaluate the biocompatibility of a newly developed degradable class of polyesterurethanes and their possible use as biomaterials, we investigated the cell and tissue interactions with these polymers using a small number of chemical base entities. The polymers were prepared by chain extension with diisocyanates of PHB/HV-diol and either PCL-diol or Diorez, another aliphatic polyester-diol. Regardless of the chemical composition of the four tested polyesterurethanes used as substrates, no morphological difference was observed either in the macrophages (macrophage cell line J774) or in the fibroblasts (fibroblast cell line 3T3) cultured on the polymers.

In vivo evaluation of occlusal wear of two experimental composites versus amalgam.

Two experimental inhomogeneous microfilled composites with spherical prepolymerized particles and an interpenetrating network (IPN), which provides a stable bond between prepolymerized spheres and the matrix (B-21 and B-51), and amalgam were used for Class II MOD fillings in mandibular molars. After 3 and 6 months of clinical use, wear of the material was measured with a replica technique and a modified surface roughness test. The failure mode was analysed with SEM photographs also using a replica technique.

Surface roughness and marginal behaviour of experimental and commercial composites: an in vitro study.

Three experimental inhomogeneous microfilled composites (IMC) containing spherical prepolymerized particles with an interpenetrating network (IPN) were compared with the reference materials Estic MF, Adaptic and the amalgam Dispersalloy in vitro. With surface roughness tests, different polishing procedures were investigated. In addition an SEM analysis of the margins of Class I fillings using a replica technique was performed.