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The metabolism of 3 alpha,7 alpha-dihydroxy-25,26-bishomo-5 beta-cholane-26-sulfonate (bishomoCDC-sul), the sulfonate analogue of bishomochenodeoxycholic acid, and its effect on biliary bile acid composition were studied during chronic administration in the hamster. After oral administration of radiolabeled bishomoCDC-sul, more than 80% of the radioactivity was excreted into the feces within 7 days, both as the unchanged sulfonate (38.5%) and two more polar metabolites (50.0% and 11.5%). The half time of the fecal excretion was 1.6 days. In gallbladder bile, the unchanged sulfonate and its major metabolite accounted for 19.1% and 19.8% of total bile acids, respectively. In another experiment, hamsters were fed bishomoCDC-sul with antibiotics to evaluate the site of biotransformation. Even when the number of intestinal microorganisms was greatly reduced, the same three metabolites were found in the feces: bishomoCDC-sul (44.0%) and the two polar metabolites (30.8% and 25.1%). The major metabolite was isolated from feces of the hamsters fed bishomoCDC-sul without antibiotics. Its chemical structure was identified by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as the 15 alpha-hydroxylated derivative, namely sodium 3 alpha,7 alpha,15 alpha-trihydroxy-25,26-bishomo-5 beta-cholane-26-sulfonate. These results indicate that after oral administration, the sulfonate analogue of bishomochenodeoxycholic acid underwent enterohepatic circulation like a natural bile acid and was transformed, in part, into the 15 alpha-hydroxylated derivative and another more polar metabolite in the liver of hamsters. There was no evidence that bishomoCDC-sul was dehydroxylated to a lithocholic acid analogue during enterohepatic cycling.

Male golden Syrian hamsters from Sasco form cholesterol gallstones when fed a lithogenic diet; in contrast, female hamsters are resistant to stones when fed the identical diet. Upon addition of the synthetic androgen, methyl-testosterone, to the diet, the incidence of cholesterol gallstones in female hamsters increased from 0% to 40% after 3 weeks and from 0% to 86% after 6 weeks. Cholesterol cholelithiasis remained high in the males. Biliary cholesterol and phospholipid levels were elevated in the females fed the hormone and approached those of the males. The cholesterol saturation of bile in the females increased from 36% to 75% after 3 weeks and from 54% to 109% after 6 weeks. In addition, an appreciable proportion of the cholesterol in the bile of female hamsters was now present in the form of vesicles. The bile acid composition was significantly altered by methyltestosterone even though the total bile acid concentration did not change; the bile acid composition of the female hamsters approached that of the males. The glycine to taurine ratio of the bile acids was drastically reduced by methyltestosterone in the females and to a lesser extent in males. In summary, in female hamsters the addition of methyltestosterone to the lithogenic diet induced cholesterol gallstones, elevated total biliary phospholipid and cholesterol, altered the bile acid composition, and changed the distribution of cholesterol from micelles to vesicles. The data obtained so far do not enable us to define the precise mechanism of action of methyltestosterone.

The metabolism of beta-muricholic acid was investigated in the prairie dog and the hamster. Intravenous infusion into bile fistula hamsters showed that beta-muricholic acid was extracted by the liver and secreted into the bile (> 85% in 1 h). Hepatic extraction of this compound and cholic acid in the prairie dog was not as rapid as in the hamster. In the bile of the prairie dog, most (93%) of the administered beta-muricholic acid was present as the taurine conjugate. In the hamster, 28% of infused beta-muricholic acid was secreted in unconjugated form, 43% as the taurine conjugate, and 22% as the glycine conjugate. In both species, the administered compound underwent little biotransformation. After intraduodenal injection of [6 alpha-3H]-labeled beta-muricholic acid into bile fistula hamsters, the bile acid was rapidly secreted into the bile; more than 80% of the administered radioactivity was recovered in 3 h. In the prairie dog, biliary recovery after intraduodenal administration of either beta-muricholic acid (43% in 3 h) or cholic acid (22% in 3 h) was slower than in the hamster. After intragastric administration, more than 80% of beta-muricholic acid was recovered unchanged in feces of both animal species.

The hepatic metabolism and the choleretic effect of homochenodeoxycholic acid, the CzI homologue of chenodeoxy- cholic acid, were investigated in the hamster. After intravenous administration of SH-labeled homochenodeoxycholic acid into biliary fistula hamsters, more than 80% of the radioactivity was recovered in bile in 4 h. A relatively small proportion of homo- chenodeoxycholic acid was present in bile as the taurine (22%) or glycine (4%) conjugate. However, more than 70% of the ad- ministered compound was biotransformed into Czs bile acids. The major CZ3 metabolites in bile were norchenodeoxycholic acid (17%), tauronorchenodeoxycholic acid (33%), and a tri- hydroxy norbile acid (identified as 3a ,5@,7a-trihydroxy-24-nor- 5/3-cholan-23-oic acid, 19%). Small amounts (

The prevention of cholesterol gallstone formation by three bile acid analogs, sodium 3 alpha,7 alpha-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholane-24- sulfonate, sodium 3 alpha,7 beta-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholane-24-sulfonate and sodium 3 alpha,6 alpha-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholane-24-sulfonate, was examined in a hamster model of cholesterol cholelithiasis. Sodium taurochenodeoxycholate, sodium tauroursodeoxycholate and sodium taurohyodeoxycholate were studied simultaneously for comparison. Gallstones and cholesterol crystals were induced in 14 of 15 hamsters fed a bile acid-free, semipurified lithogenic diet containing 0.3% cholesterol and 4% butterfat for 6 wk. The addition of 0.1% sodium taurochenodeoxycholate and sodium tauroursodeoxycholate to the lithogenic diet had little effect on the formation of gallstones or biliary cholesterol crystals. In contrast, sodium 3 alpha,7 alpha-hydroxy-5 beta-cholane-24- sulfonate and sodium 3 alpha,7 beta-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholane-24-sulfonate, when fed at the same dose, prevented cholesterol gallstone formation significantly. Sodium taurohyodeoxycholate and sodium 3 alpha,6 alpha-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholane- 24-sulfonate inhibited cholesterol gallstone formation effectively. The cholesterol saturation index of bile was greater than 1.00 in all groups, with the exception of the group fed sodium 3 alpha,7 alpha-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholane-24-sulfonate. Liver and serum cholesterol levels tended to be lower in most of the groups that were fed bile acids. This effect was most pronounced in the animals receiving sodium taurohyodeoxycholate. At the end of the experiment, the administered sulfonate analogs were detected in gallbladder bile.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Background The second best conduit for coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is unclear. We sought to determine if the use of a second arterial conduit, the radial artery (RA), would improve long-term survival after CABG using the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) and saphenous vein (SV). Methods We compared the 14-year outcomes in propensity-matched patients undergoing isolated, primary CABG using the LITA, RA, and SV versus CABG using the LITA and only SV. In all, 826 patients from each group had similar propensity-matched demographics and multiple variables. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality obtained using the Social Security Death Index. Results Perioperative outcomes including in hospital mortality (0.1% for the RA patients and 0.2% for the SV patients) were similar. Kaplan-Meier survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 98.3%, 93.9%, and 83.1% for the RA group versus 97.2%, 88.7%, and 74.3% for the SV group (log rank, p = 0.0011). Cox proportional hazards models showed a lower all-cause mortality in the RA group (hazard ratio 0.72, confidence interval: 0.56 to 0.92, p = 0.0084). Ten-year survivals showed a 52% increased mortality for the SV patients (25.7%) versus the RA patients (16.9%; p = 0.0011). For symptomatic patients, RA patency was 80.7%, which was not different than the LITA patency rate of 86.4% but was superior to the SV patency rate of 46.7% (p Conclusions Using the LITA, SV, and a RA conduit for CABG results in significantly improved long-term survival compared with using the LITA and SV. The use of two arterial conduits offers a clear and lasting survival advantage, likely due to the improved patency of RA grafts. We conclude that RA conduits should be more widely utilized during CABG.

This report describes the chemical synthesis of a new bile acid analogue, namely, sodium 3 alpha, 7 alpha-dihydroxy-25-homo-5 beta-cholane-25-sulfonate from homochenodeoxycholic acid. The structure of the new compound was assigned by proton magnetic resonance and infrared spectrometry. Its metabolism was studied in the hamster in comparison with sodium 3 alpha, 7 alpha-dihydroxy-24-nor-5 beta-cholane-23-sulfonate and sodium taurochenodeoxycholate. After intraduodenal administration of the 3H-labeled analogues into bile fistula hamsters, both sulfonates were absorbed from the intestine and nearly 80% of the radioactivity was secreted into bile within 8 h. Intra-ileal administration revealed that these compounds resembled taurochenodeoxycholate in that they were much more rapidly absorbed from the ileum than from the proximal small intestine: more than 85% of the radioactivity was recovered in bile within 1 h. After intravenous infusion the sulfonates were efficiently extracted by the liver at rates similar to that of sodium taurochenodeoxycholate. Chromatographic analysis of the bile showed that, regardless of the route of administration, most (> 95%) of the sulfonates were not biotransformed and they became major biliary bile acids. Sodium 3 alpha, 7 alpha-dihydroxy-25-homo-5 beta-cholane-25-sulfonate and, to a lesser extent, sodium 3 alpha, 7 alpha-dihydroxy-24-nor-5 beta-cholane-23-sulfonate induced cholestasis at infusion rates at which sodium taurochenodeoxycholate produced choleresis.

A new bile acid analogue, 3 alpha,7 alpha-dihydroxy-7 beta-methyl-24-nor-5 beta-cholan-23-oic acid (7-Me-norCDCA) was synthesized from the methyl ester of norursodeoxycholic acid, and its hepatic biotransformation was defined in the hamster. To synthesize 7-Me-norCDCA, the 3 alpha-hydroxyl group of methyl norursodeoxycholate was protected as the hemisuccinate, and the 7 beta-hydroxyl group was oxidized with CrO3 to form the 7-ketone. A Grigard reaction with methyl magnesium iodide followed by alkaline hydrolysis gave 7-Me-norCDCA (greater than 70% yield). The structure of the new compound was confirmed by proton magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. After intraduodenal administration of the 14C-labeled compound into the anesthetized biliary fistula hamster, it was rapidly and efficiently secreted into the bile; 80% of radioactivity was recovered in 2 h. After intravenous infusion, the compound was efficiently extracted by the liver and secreted into the bile (greater than 75% in 3 h). Most (93%) of the biliary radioactivity was present in biotransformation products. The major biotransformation product (48.7 +/- 6.0%) was a new compound, assigned the structure of 3 alpha,5 beta,7 alpha- trihydroxy-7 beta-methyl-24-nor-5 beta-cholan-23-oic acid (5 beta-hydroxy-7- Me-norCDCA). In addition, conjugates of 7-Me-norCDCA with taurine (13.7 +/- 5.0%), sulfate (10.3 +/- 3.0%), or glucuronide (5.1 +/- 1.7%) were formed. 7-Me-norCDCA was strongly choleretic in the hamster; during its intravenous infusion, bile flow increased 2 to 3 times above the basal level, and the calculated choleretic activity of the compound (and its metabolic products) was much greater than that of many natural bile acids, indicating that the compound induced hypercholeresis. It is concluded that the biotransformation and physiological properties of 7-Me-norCDCA closely resemble those of norCDCA. Based on previous studies, the major biological effect of the 7-methyl group in 7-Me-norCDCA is to prevent its bacterial 7-dehydroxylation in the distal intestine.

The effect of dietary administration of four different amino acid (N-acyl) conjugates of ursodeoxycholic acid on biliary bile acid composition, liver tests and hepatic morphology by light microscopy was examined in the rabbit. Each group of four to five rabbits received a chow diet supplemented with a single conjugate of ursodeoxycholic acid ursodeoxycholylglycine, ursodeoxycholyl-sarcosine, ursodeoxycholyltaurine or ursodeoxycholyl-N-methyltaurine for 3 wks at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day; a control group received chow alone. After 3 wks of feeding, animals receiving ursodeoxycholyl-glycine or ursodeoxycholyl-taurine had hepatotoxicity associated with abnormal liver tests. Lithocholic acid made up 11% ± 2.7% of biliary bile acids in the ursodeoxycholyl-glycine and 10% ± 2.2% in the ursodeoxycholyl-taurine group. In contrast, animals receiving ursodeoxycholyl-sarcosine or ursodeoxycholyl-N-methyltaurine had neither hepatotoxicity nor abnormal liver tests and the proportion of lithocholic acid in biliary bile acids increased much less. Complementary studies showed that ursodeoxycholyl-sarcosine and ursodeoxycholyl-N-methyltaurine were not biotransformed during hepatic transport and were resistant to deconjugation and dehydroxylation in the rabbit. These experiments indicate that the N-methyl amino acid conjugates of ursodeoxycholic acid are nontoxic in the rabbit and resist deconjugation and dehydroxylation. Such resistance decreases formation of lithocholic acid in the colon, thus reducing its accumulation and consequent induction of hepatotoxicity.(HEPATOLOGY 1990;11:989-996.).

The Plasma Theory and Simulation Group (PTSG) is collaborating with LLNL in order to model the edge region of a tokamak plasma and its interaction with the diverter plate. In the overall framework of the project, MHD will be used to model the bulk plasma. Near the edge, the MHD model will interface with the gyrokinetic code UEDGE developed at LLNL. Since the UEDGE model approximations may not be accurate within a few cyclotron radii of the diverter plate, the UEDGE code will interface with a collisional PIC-hybrid code developed by the PTSG under this project. The PTSG PIC code will include a self-consistent potential with kinetic or fixed hydrogen ions. The sputtering profile of the plate, under development at LLNL, will be used as input to the PIC code in order to correctly model the kinetic behavior of sputtered carbon. These carbon products will interact with hydrogen according to known chemistry cross-sections. While some kinetic electrons may be used to model the fast tail of the distribution function (if necessary), the bulk of the electron population will be modeled as being in thermal equilibrium using the Boltzmann relation, resulting in a significant improvement in code speed. Coulomb collisions maymore » also be considered. The Boltzmann model has been implemented with various features in three of the PTSG codes: XPDP1 and OOPD1 (both 1d-3v), and OOPIC (2d-3v), according to the methodology of Cartwright [1]. When the model is fully implemented, it will include fluid interaction with the boundaries, energy conservation through the temperature term, and take into account collisions with the Boltzmann species. A more rigorous convergence analysis has been developed than is outlined in [1]; boundary effects are included explicitly in a formulation valid in arbitrary coordinate systems. In OOPD1, the Boltzmann model is included in an object-oriented manner as part of a general fluid model framework. The basic Boltzmann solver has been implemented and shown to give self-consistent results. The details and results were described in detail in a talk presented at LLNL (updated slides attached). Currently, the output of the three codes is being compared for a test case of a current-driven DC discharge. Computational speed-up and accuracy will be compared between PIC and the Boltzmann-PIC hybrid. A framework for general binary and three-body collisions is being developed for OOPD1. Given known cross-sections or reaction rates, this will function as a chemistry model for the code. The framework may then be imported into OOPIC.« less

This study calculated the flexural strength for six reinforced restorative materials and demonstrated that flexural strength values can be determined simply by using physical parameters (diametral tensile strength and Young's modulus values) that are easily determined experimentally. A one-way ANOVA analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the two reinforced glass ionomers and the four composite resin materials, with the composite resin being stronger than the glass ionomers.

The evolution of endodontic treatments has included the introduction of rotary crown-down nickel-titanium instrumentation and the use of thermoplasticized gutta percha to obturate canals. Although these techniques have provided dentists with solutions to problems encountered with earlier generation endodontic procedures, they have also presented deficiencies that are now receiving some critical review. As a result, a systematic technique has been developed that provides a simplified approach for root canal instrumentation and predictable obturation. This article reviews the aspects of earlier endodontic techniques and provides the step-by-step clinical protocol involved with simplified endodontic techniques.

Artificial cores replace missing tooth structure and contribute to the retention and stability of the subsequent restoration. The post is the anchoring mechanism for the core, which supports the final restoration. Stability of the post and core is the most important factor concerning the long-term success of the post-and-core restoration. The amount of insertional and functional stresses produced and distributed by a post are also associated with retention. An optimal way of maximizing retention, minimizing insertional stresses, and distributing functional stresses may be through the use of a multi-tiered parallel threaded split-shanked post.

Retention was compared of an active post system (Flexi-Flange), a metal passive prefabicated post system (ParaPost), a passive prefabricated burnout post system (ExactaCast) with and without grooved dentin walls, and a zirconium oxide ceramic post design (Cerapost). The Flexi-Flange with Flexi-Flow Natural cement obtained the highest retentive value of 270.4 lb. The Cerapost cemented with Universal Cement had the lowest retention value of 23.4 lb. The ExactaCast with grooved dentin walls was significantly stronger than the ExactaCast without grooving, the ParaPost, and the Cerapost. The two ExactaCast groups and the ParaPost group had higher retention than the Cerapost group.

There are few studies on the retention of core build-up materials to prefabricated post head designs, especially for a new ceramic post design.This in vitro study compared the retention of 2 types of core build-up materials (Ti-Core titanium-reinforced composite and a GC Miracle Mix silver-reinforced glass ionomer) supported by 3 post head designs (Flexi-Post, AccessPost, and Cerapost dowel). For all test groups, heads of the posts were placed into the core material at a 90-degree angle to the surface. Test specimens (unloaded) were then placed into a special jig and retention test was performed using an 810 MTS testing machine.This study consisted of 6 groups with 10 specimens per group. A 3 x 2 factorial design was used to test for statistical significance and results were considered significant when P.05.Results of the retention test were as follows: group 1, Flexi-Post/Ti-Core 220.0 lb (982.1 N), group 2, AccessPost/Ti-Core 212.7 lb (949.6 N), group 3, Cerapost/Ti-Core 41. 8 lb (186.6 N), group 4, Flexi-Post/Miracle Mix 43.4 lb (193.8 N), group 5, AccessPost/Miracle Mix 61.6 lb (275 N), and group 6, Cerapost/Miracle Mix 7.5 lb (33.5 N). Results of the ANOVA revealed a highly significant difference between posts and cores (P.0001).Post head designs of the stainless steel AccessPost and Flexi-Post dowels offers greater retention then the smooth ceramic head design of the Cerapost dowel. In addition, the composite core material (Ti-Core) offers greater retentive strength values than the glass ionomer material (Miracle Mix).

Using a simplified step-back sequence, which consists of traditional .02 tapered stainless-steel hand reamers, the No. 2 peeso reamer, and four manual nickel-titanium instruments, a dentist can easily, safely, and economically create a continuously tapered canal shape. This article discusses the complete coating of canal walls with EZ-Fill epoxy-resin sealer, which is delivered with a bidirectional spiral; and total obturation with a single gutta percha point, which is matched closely to the tapered shape. The results of this system are compared with other techniques.

Background Current literature documents use of the radial artery (RA) for myocardial revascularization only as an alternative conduit in cases where the saphenous veins have been previously harvested or are unsuitable for use. Large-scale routine clinical use of the RA as the conduit of choice has not been reported. Methods This prospective study evaluated the harvest of the RA from 933 patients and the subsequent use of the conduit as a preferred coronary artery bypass graft second only to the left internal thoracic artery in 930 of these patients. Results Unilateral RA harvest was performed in 786 patients and 147 patients had bilateral RA harvest. A total of 1080 RAs were harvested; 214 (19.8%) originated from the dominant forearm. There was a mean of 3.30+/-0.93 grafts per patient of which 2.43+/-0.83 were arterial grafts. The mean number of RA grafts was 1.43+/-0.53. Operative mortality was 2.3% with none due to the RA graft(s). There was no ischemia nor motor dysfunction in the operated hands. Thirty-two (3.4%) patients experienced transient thenar dysesthesia that resolved in 1 day to 6 weeks. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that routine total or near total arterial myocardial revascularization may be achieved safely and effectively with the use of one or both RAs in conjunction with the internal thoracic artery.

The purpose of this study was to measure the amount of formaldehyde released from three types of endodontic sealing cement (AH-Plus, EZ-Fill, and AH-26). Formaldehyde release was analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography, which could detect as low as 0.25 ppm. The data was tabulated after two runs. The two paste system of AH-Plus endodontic sealing cement had the least amount of formaldehyde release (0.00039%, 3.9 ppm). This was followed by EZ-Fill (0.054%, 540 ppm) endodontic cement and AH-26 (0.1347%, 1347 ppm) endodontic cement which yielded the greatest formaldehyde release. Both of these cements (EZ-Fill and AH-26 endodontic filling cements) are based on a powder-liquid mix. The relative minute amounts of formaldehyde released by the endodontic cements studied (AH-Plus and EZ-Fill) warrant their use as endodontic sealing cements.

A sequence of steps constituting an innovative way of cleansing, shaping and obturating a root canal system is described. The advantages of this sequence over other instrumentation and obturation techniques are discussed.

This study evaluated the apical leakage for three endodontic systems: (1) lateral condensation with Essential Dental System's epoxy adhesive: (2) Thermafil with Thermaseal adhesive; and (3) EZ-Fill Bi-directional spiral with EDS' epoxy adhesive. Five groups of 10 recently extracted single-rooted human teeth were used. Results showed that lateral condensation, and the EDS' EZ-Fill Bi-directional, and Thermafil techniques did not differ from each other, but differed from the no treatment group and the instrumented-unfilled group. In the current study, the EZ-Fill Bi-directional technique produced a tighter apical seal than either lateral condensation or Thermafil obturation techniques, but they all were not significantly different. EZ-Fill Bi-directional is a faster and more economical alternative to lateral condensation and Thermafil obturation.

Canals shaped to wider tapers, specifically .06 mm and .08 mm, have traditionally been associated with thermoplastic fills. However, the canals shaped to .06 mm and .08 mm tapers correlate very closely to the shape of fine-medium and medium gutta-percha points, respectively. Combining the placement of these single-point fills with the patented EZ-Fill bi-directional spiral for well-controlled placement of the EZ-Fill epoxy resin sealer gives the dentist the ability to simplify the obturation procedure with results that are at least equal to those achieved with lateral condensation and thermoplastic techniques.

The purpose of this study was to record the fluoride released measured in parts per million of four fluoride composite resins for five years.Four fluoridated composites were separated into four groups. Two composite resins with high viscosity were core materials, Ti-Core with titanium (group 1) and Ti-Core Natural (group 2) and the other two resins studied were low viscosity post cements Flexi-Flow cement with titanium (group 3) and Flexi-Flow Natural (group 4). The fluoride release was studied under four experimental conditions. Three replications were studied in each condition. Fluoride release was measured for 260 weeks (5 years).A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the average weekly release followed by a Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) pairwise multiple comparison test. All results were considered statistically significant if p0.05.The ANOVA analysis released a significant statistical interaction between group and week (p0.0001). Further analysis showed that the average weekly release for Ti-Core with titanium did not differ from Ti-Core Natural, and that Ti-Core with titanium and Ti-Core Natural differed from both Flexi-Flow Natural and Flexi-Flow with titanium, which were not different from one another.Ti-Core with titanium (Group 1) and Ti-Core Natural (Group 2) released a greater amount of fluoride than Flexi-Flow with titanium (Group 3) and Flexi-Flow Natural (Group 4). The fluoride released from these fluoridated resin composites are similar to reported ranges of other fluoride releasing dental restoration materials.

Restoration of the endodontically treated tooth is a common occurrence in everyday dental practice. Unfortunately, clinical posthole preparation seems to be a random technique. Even for a prefabricated post supplied with matching drills, the task is often difficult or not straightforward. Some questions inevitably arise. How long should the posthole be? How wide should the canal be prepared? How can the proper width be maintained so that the prefabricated post does not strip in the canal and lose its retention? If it is decided to use a cast post, what is the best posthole preparation to maximize retention? Is there an easy way to avoid perforating the root while preparing the canal for the post? Clinically, how can the posthole be prepared quickly, easily, and predictably every time? These key questions must be addressed when preparing the posthole.

The surgical microscope, today used almost exclusively by endodontists, will eventually be used by general dentists as well. This will give them the ability to perform a myriad of tasks and achieve superior results.

This study examined the effect of castration and dietary hormonal supplementation on cholesterol cholelithiasis in male hamsters. Animals fed a standard lithogenic diet developed cholesterol gallstones (17%) after 6 wk, while castrated hamsters did not form any stones. Addition of a synthetic androgen, methyltestosterone, to the lithogenic diet induced cholelithiasis in castrated animals (50%). The biles of normal and castrated-hormone supplemented hamsters had cholesterol saturation indices of 1.0 and 1.1, respectively, while the bile of the castrated animals remained unsaturated (0.6). The ratio of cholic acid/chenodeoxycholic acid in bile increased after castration, but returned to normal levels following hormonal supplementation. Biliary cholesterol carriers were separated by ultracentrifugation. Animals in the stone-forming groups (normal and castrated-hormone treated) had a significant proportion of their biliary cholesterol in vesicles (44 and 46%, respectively); castrated hamsters had less cholesterol in vesicle form (9%). The molar ratio of cholesterol/phospholipid in vesicles was reduced after castration (0.93 vs. 0.42) and increased by hormonal supplementation (1.89). In conclusion, when compared to normal male hamsters fed a standard lithogenic diet, castration reduced the cholesterol saturation of bile, lowered the vesicular/micellar ratio in bile, and inhibited cholesterol cholelithiasis. Dietary androgen supplementation increased the lithogenicity of bile, resulting in stone formation in castrated animals.

Dietary fat has been found to alter the incidence of cholesterol gallstones in hamsters: butterfat intensifies while safflower oil reduces lithiasis. WE not report how dietary fat affects bile flow and biliary lipid secretion in this model. Male hamsters were fed one of three experimental diets: a control diet (containing 0.3% cholesterol); control diet + 4.0% butterfat; or control diet + 4.0% safflower oil. After three weeks, bile samples were collected via an external biliary fistula. The endogenous bile acid pool was depleted for 120 min followed by increasing rates of taurocholate infusion for 160 min. Basal secretion of biliary lipids was measured during the bile acid depletion period. Basal bile flow and bile acid output were not significantly different in the three groups. Dietary butterfat increased basal cholesterol output compared to the control diet (0.037 vs. 0.025 mumol/min.kg, respectively); safflower oil did not change cholesterol output (0.027 mumol/min.kg). Hamsters fed butterfat or safflower oil secreted more phospholipid (0.171 and 0.178 mumol/min.kg, respectively) than controls (0.131 mumol/min.kg). The cholesterol/phospholipid output ratio of the butterfat group was higher than the safflower oil group (0.220 vs. 0.153, respectively). Effects of dietary fat on several relationships between file flow and biliary lipid secretion were analyzed by linear regression using the data for the entire bile collection period (bile acid depletion and taurocholate infusion). Butterfat and safflower oil did not change either bile acid dependent or bile acid independent bile flow. Hamsters fed butterfat had a higher linkage coefficient (slope) of cholesterol vs. bile acid output than the safflower oil group (0.023 vs. 0.009, respectively). The linkage coefficient of phospholipid vs. bile acid output of the butterfat group was higher than the controls (0.278 vs. 0.185, respectively). In summary, butterfat induced a high cholesterol and phospholipid secretion with a high cholesterol/phospholipid output ratio; safflower oil induced a high phospholipid secretion with a low cholesterol/phospholipid output ratio. Butterfat and safflower oil have different effects on biliary lipid secretion. These differences in biliary lipid secretion may explain, in part, how butterfat and safflower oil differ in affecting gallstone formation in hamsters.

This study compared the fractural strength measured on a 45 degree angle for three combination cast post systems (Parapost, ExactaCast and Luminex 2000). A force applied at a 45 degree angle on the bench was used to simulate the clinical situation. Many similar studies are found in literature. The experiment was divided into three groups made up of 10 samples each. Castings were fabricated in semi-precious metal from: Parapost burnout post / Duralay patterns (group 1), ExactaCast / a new butyl methacrylate acrylic (AccuSet) patterns (group 2) and Luminex 2000 / Lumin-X light cured gel patterns (group 3). The fractural strength [tests] were performed using a MTS testing machine and failure was measure in pounds. Statistical analysis including a student's test were performed to ensure complete significance between groups. The ExactaCast system had the highest mean (283.9 pounds), while the Luminex 2000 system had the lowest (255.1 pounds). There was no statistical difference in the fractural strength for all three groups studied. It seemed that the fractural strength of tooth structure represents the highest level of failure obtained regarding this experimental test constraint.

The reason for a post and core preparation is to provide an anchoring system for a final restoration to the tooth root. This experiment was divided into two groups with the following systems; ExactaCast and Parapost. Casts for these systems were fabricated in photoelastic plastic and cemented with zinc phosphate cement. These photoelastic blocks were placed in a special jig on a universal testing machine. The experiment compared the photoelastic stresses generated for these two systems in two different stress modes; vertically at 30 pounds and obliquely (at a 26 degree angle) at 20 and 30 pounds. Specimens were then photographed after cementation in the unloaded and loaded states. Minimal stresses were observed for the ExactaCast in the unloaded state, while symmetric, even patterns of stresses concentrated coronally were present in the loaded vertical and oblique states. Minimal stresses were observed for the Parapost in the unloaded state, while asymmetric, uneven patterns of stresses concentrated apically were present in the loaded vertical and oblique states. The presence of the multiple tiered system for the Exacta-Cast clearly directs stresses in a symmetric pattern, while the single tiered Parapost system directs stresses in asymmetrical pattern. The symmetric even stresses for the ExactaCast are more favorable than the asymmetric, uneven stresses for the Parapost.

Advantages of a new post design, Flexi-Flange are described. It incorporates a split-shank parallel threaded post with a flange that seats into an occlusal countersunk dentine space. This case report describes placement of three Flexi-Flange posts in a first bicuspid, canine and central incisor. The Flexi-Flange system was designed to offer high retention of the post in the root, superior distribution of stresses on insertion and under function, and long-term resistance to metal fatigue.

A review of 10 years of literature on prefabricated threaded and passive post systems is presented along with recent literature supporting the validity of the split-shanked threaded post design, Flexi-Post. It is important to note that a split-shanked threaded post is altogether different from a solid-shanked threaded post. The research discussed in this article confirms the high retention of the Flexi-Post and dispels the notion that high retention must be accompanied by high stress.

Four fluoridated composite resins were described and separated into four groups. Two composite resins were high viscosity core materials Ti-Core (Group 1) and Ti-Core Natural (Group 2) and two were low viscosity core materials Flexi-Flow Cement with titanium (Group 3) and Flexi-Flow Natural (Group 4).This study recorded the fluoride release measured in parts per million in deionized water for each of four fluoridated composite resins for one year.Repeated measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA) was computed to separately analyze interval release and cumulative release over time and between groups. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (P0.0001) was selected to compare average weekly release between the four groups. The student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) test revealed that the mean weekly release was similar for both Flexi-Flow Natural and Flexi-Flow with titanium.The Ti-Core systems of groups 1 and 2 were both different from the Flexi-Flow systems and different from each other. Ti-Core with titanium Group 1 yielded the greatest fluoride release over a 52-week period, followed closely by Ti-Core Natural of Group 2. The fluoride released for these systems in Groups 1-4 was similar to the ranges reported in other fluoridated dental cements and composite resins.

The retention of a post into the root is critical for the successful restoration of an endodontically treated tooth. A total of 80 Access Posts (Nos. 0, 1, 2, and 3) comprising eight groups were cemented in root canals with two different luting agents, Flexi-Flow cem with titanium and zinc phosphate cement.Removal of these Access Posts was then performed with the corresponding retreatment drills.None of the samples for the No. 0 Access Posts were removed by extraction with the retreatment drills. None of the samples for the No. 1 Access Posts cemented with zinc phosphate were removed by extraction with the retreatment drills. All these posts were removed by hand with a hemostat, after breakage of the cement seal. 60% (group 3) and 40% (group 7) of the samples for the No. 2 Access Posts were removed by extraction with the corresponding retreatment drills. 80% (group 4) and 70% (group 8) of samples for the No. 3 Access Posts were removed by extraction with the corresponding retreatment drills. On an average removal of each Access Post Nos. 0 and 1 took between 1 and 2 minutes. On an average removal of each Access Post (Nos. 2 and 3) took between 2 and 3 minutes.No root fractures were observed for any sample with either technique. This was confirmed by visual and radiographic analysis.

The distribution of cholesterol among its carriers was studied in the bile of male and female hamsters. Sasco hamsters (Sasco Inc., Omaha, NE) were fed a semipurified diet with 0.0% cholesterol and 4% butterfat (group 1, males; group 4, females); a semipurified diet with 0.3% cholesterol and 1.2% plamitic acid (group 2, males; group 5, females); and a semipirified diet with 0.3% cholesterol and 4% safflower oil (group 3, males; group 6, females). At the end of six weeks, gallstones were found only in male hamsters receiving both cholesterol and dietary fat (fatty acid) (incidence of cholesterol stones: 90% in group 2; 22% in group 3). The biliary cholesterol carriers were separated and isolated from the bile of the hamsters by gel filtration chromatography, using the method of Pattinson [Pattinson, N.R., Willis, K.E., and Frampton, C.M. (1991)J. Lipid Res. 32, 205–214]. In those male hamsters that formed cholesterol gallstones, significant amounts of cholesterol were present in the void volume which contained large cholesterol phospholipid vesicles (void volume vesicles) (23% in group 2 and 15% in group 3). Smaller cholesterol/phospholipid vesicles were eluted next (fractions 30–45) and contained 15% of biliary cholesterol in group 2 and 21% in group 3. The remainder of the cholesterol was associated with mixed cholesterol/phospholipid/bile salt micelles. The cholesterol/phospholipid ratio was larger in both the void volume vesicles and small vesicles (2.40 and 1.48 in group 2; 2.56 and 1.33 in group 3, respectively) compared to the micelles (about 0.3 in groups 2 and 3). In contrast, the bile of the female hasmters contained few vesicles (3% small vesciles in group 5) and the cholesterol/phospholipid ratio of these vesicles was lower (0.94). Hamsters fed cholesterol-free diets (groups 1 and 4) had no biliary cholesterol/phospholipid vesilces; and cholesterol was present in micelles. The results suggest that both the gender and the diet of the hamsters affected the distribution of biliary cholesterol between vesicles and micelles. The development of cholelithiasis in this animal model appears to depend on the rapid nucleation of cholesterol-rich phospholipid vesicles in bile.

A new denture product, Denture Shield is described. This product was designed to aid denture wearers. It results in sealing the external surfaces of denture which provides comfort, cleansability and reduces odour while the denture is under function in the mouth. A trial was conducted in which 133 persons were recruited for a four week study. Each participant was well-informed about the product benefits. A total of 71 participants completed the study. The majority of the responses were positive (62 positive responds, representing 87.3% positive). Positive responses included: improved cleansability, food not sticking to the denture, reduced odour, better fitting dentures and more denture comfort. This product is intended as an additional treatment to current denture regimen and seems to provide improved characteristics for denture wearers.