Mineral trioxide aggregate and Portland cement promote biomineralization in vivo.

Introduction: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Portland cement have been shown to be bioactive because of their ability to produce biologically compatible carbonated apatite. This study analyzed the interaction of MTA and white Portland cement with dentin in vivo.

Methods: Seventy-two human dentin tubes were filled with MTA Branco, MTA BIO, and white Portland cement + 20% bismuth oxide (PC1) or PC1 + 10% of calcium chloride (PC2) and implanted subcutaneously in 18 rats at 4 sites from the dorsal area.

Lower cortisol levels in children with asthma exposed to recurrent maternal distress from birth.

Background: Existing evidence supports associations between exposure to maternal distress and the development of childhood asthma, between exposure to maternal distress and an increased cortisol response in children, and between childhood asthma and an attenuated cortisol response.

Objective: To investigate the association between children's cortisol levels and the combined predictors of exposure to maternal distress and childhood asthma.

Methods: Serum cortisol levels were examined at age 7 to 10 years in relation to asthma status and exposure to maternal distress in a representative sample of children (n = 503) born in 1995.

Effects of haloperidol and melatonin on the in situ activity of nigrostriatal tyrosine hydroxylase in male Syrian hamsters.

Haloperidol, an antipsychotic drug, was tested for its effects on the in situ activity of nigrostriatal and hypothalamic tyrosine hydroxylase, in control male Syrian hamsters and in those receiving a high daily dose of melatonin. After receiving daily ip injections (1.25 mg/kg ip) of haloperidol for 21 days, the animals were sacrificed and brain tissue collected for analysis of dopamine and metabolites by HPLC with electrochemical detection.