Zinc as an essential trace element in the acceleration of matrix vesicles-mediated mineral deposition.

Background: Zinc (Zn) has a potent stimulatory effect on osteoblastic bone formation and an inhibitory effect on osteoclastic bone resorption.

Purpose: The effect of Zn on the function of matrix vesicles (MVs) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Zn on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of osteoblasts and in the initial biological MVs-mediated mineral deposition.

Surface changes of mineral trioxide aggregate after the application of bleaching agents: electron microscopy and an energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the surface structure and chemical composition after applying bleaching agents to completely hardened mineral trioxide aggregate.

Methods: A total of 12 samples of MTA blocks were divided into three groups, two different bleaching agents, and a control group. The surface structure was observed using a scanning electron microscope.

Analysis of arsenic in gray and white mineral trioxide aggregates by using atomic absorption spectrometry.

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the concentration of arsenic (As) released from gray or white mineral trioxide aggregates (MTAs) met the requirement of the International Standards Organization (ISO) for dental cements.

Methods: Sample preparations were carried out according to the ISO methods. After centrifugation of dissolved samples, As (III) concentration in the final supernatant was analyzed by a high-performance atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Synchrotron radiation microbeam X-ray fluorescence analysis of zinc concentration in remineralized enamel in situ.

Objective: Remineralization is an indispensable phenomenon during the natural healing process of enamel decay. The incorporation of zinc (Zn) into enamel crystal could accelerate this remineralization. The present study was designed to investigate the concentration and distribution of Zn in remineralized enamel after gum chewing.

Early gene expression analyzed by a genome microarray and real-time PCR in osteoblasts cultured with a 4-META/MMA-TBB adhesive resin sealer.

Objectives: Adhesive resin sealer systems have been applied in endodontics to seal the root canal system. This study was designed to confirm the mechanism of intracellular molecular events in an in vitro cell culture system with a 4-methacryloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride/methylmethacrylate-tri-n-butyl borane (4-META/MMA-TBB) adhesive resin sealer.

Study Design: The gene expression patterns relating to cell growth and differentiation were examined using a human genome expression microarray and real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses in hard tissue-forming osteoblasts cultured with and without a 4-META/MMA-TBB resin sealer.

Gross extrusion of endodontic obturation materials into the maxillary sinus: a case report.

A gross extrusion of endodontic obturation materials occurred from tooth 3 into the right maxillary sinus. The patient had never been conscious of uncomfortable symptoms, both at tooth 3 or buccal regions. A computed tomographic (CT) scan showed cord-like foreign substances extruded from the apex of the tooth and the hyperplasticity of the sinal mucosa.

Early gene expression analyzed by cDNA microarray and real-time PCR in osteoblasts cultured with chitosan monomer.

Chitosan has a variety of biological activities. Although it has been reported that chitosan promotes osteogenesis in bone lesions, little is known about how it modulates the hard tissue forming cells at the gene level. This study focused on gene expressions in osteoblasts cultured with a super-low concentration of chitosan monomer.

Chitosan monomer promotes tissue regeneration on dental pulp wounds.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the applicability of chitosan monomer (D-glucosamine hydrochloride) as a pulp capping medicament. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out to study the cell metabolism and wound healing mechanisms following the application of chitomonosaccharide. After 3 days of osteoblast culture, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity significantly increased in the chitosan group.

Early gene expression analyzed by cDNA microarray and RT-PCR in osteoblasts cultured with water-soluble and low molecular chitooligosaccharide.

Chitosan has a variety of biological activities. However, little is known about how chitosan modulates the hard tissue forming cells. When we cultured an osteoblastic cell line in alpha-MEM supplemented with 10% FBS and 0.