Machine vision in the detection of prostate lesions in histologic sections

Post-curing properties of composite materials are influenced by the type of base monomer, activation system, filler content, and also by the type of light source employed. This study examined curing depth of four composite veneering materials polymerized by means of two different high-intensity photo-curing units for the purpose of evaluating the curing performance of the combinations of composite material and photo-curing unit. Two microfilled and two hybrid composite materials designed for prosthetic veneer were assessed. The composite materials were cured using two photo-curing units, one with a xenon light source and one with two metal halide light sources, and exposure periods varied from 20 to 90 s. Curing depth of the materials was determined with a scraping technique described by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 4049). Three-factor analysis of variance revealed that the depth of cure was influenced by the type of composite material as well as by the photo-curing unit, and also by the exposure period (P = 0.0001). A microfilled composite material (Dentacolor) demonstrated the greatest depth of cure (4.69 mm) after 90 s irradiation with a metal halide unit (Hyper LII). Of the two photo-curing units, the metal halide curing unit consistently exhibited greater depth of cure than the xenon curing unit (Dentacolor XS). Longer exposure increased the depth of cure for all combinations.     

Do dental composites always shrink toward the light?

Many of the current light-curing composite restorative techniques are rationalized in compliance with the theory that composite shrinks toward the light. Shrinkage directed toward the margins is believed to be responsible for the observed improved marginal properties. However, the dental literature does not consistently support this theory. Experimental determination of contraction patterns is very difficult. In this study, a finite element technique is used to analyze the direction of composite shrinkage as it cures. The process of polymerization can be characterized by pre- and post-gel phases. The stress developed in a restoration can be relieved quickly by the flow of material still in the pre-gel phase. Residual stresses arise after gelation. Both auto- as well as photo-curing composites were analyzed. In photo-curing composites, the gel-point varies throughout the material with the intensity of the light. Experimentally determined light transmittance data for different materials were used in the simulation. Degree of cure and time-dependent shrinkage properties were also included from experimental measurements. The analysis showed that the shrinkage direction was not significantly affected by the orientation of the incoming curing light, but instead was mostly determined by the bonding of the restoration to the tooth and by the free surfaces. Consequently, differences between the contraction patterns of auto- and photo-cure were minimal. It was concluded that composite does not shrink toward the light, but that the direction is predominantly determined by cavity shape and bond quality. Improved marginal properties should be pursued by the optimization of other factors, such as the polymerization process, the curing procedure, and the bond quality. The direction of shrinkage vectors in response to light position does not seem to be an appropriate criterion for the optimization of marginal quality.     

Serum antibodies to secreted proteins in patients infected with Escherichia coli O157 and other VTEC

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to survey the efficiency of visible light curing units in dental practices across Australia. METHODS: Survey forms were distributed to representatives of 3M Health Care to complete when visiting dentists in their working areas. The information collected included the type and age of the unit, curing times used, history of maintenance, replacement of components, and the light intensity reading. RESULTS: Of the 214 light curing units surveyed, approximately 27% recorded a light intensity of 200 mW cm-2 or less, a level regarded as inadequate to cure a 2-mm thick increment of composite resin. An additional 26% registered an output of between 201 and 399 mW m-2. This level would be considered acceptable with additional curing time; however, 44% of practitioners were curing for 20 s or less. A negative correlation was found between the age of the unit and the intensity recorded. Nearly 50% of respondents had never checked the light output of their unit. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that just over one-half of the light curing units surveyed were not functioning satisfactorily. An obvious reduction in intensity was noted with the older units. There is a substantial lack of awareness among dentists of the need for maintenance and regular checking of the light intensity of these units.     

Temperature rise during polymerization of light-activated resin composites

There has been a steady rise in the use of resin-based composites in the restoration of large posterior cavities. Visible light-activated materials have come to dominate the market for direct posterior composites because of the convenience offered to the operator by their command set nature. Manufacturers have produced more powerful light-activation units in response to concerns over inadequate depth of cure. However, some authors have warned of the danger to the dental pulp induced by excessive heat generated during polymerization. Variables governing heat generation include output intensity of the light-activation unit, quality of light filter, irradiation time, material composition and material surface-light guide exit window distance, residual dentine thickness and cavity dimensions. This in vitro study assessed the relative influence of some of these factors under controlled conditions. The findings suggest that minimum irradiation times should be used when curing bonding agents in unlined cavities where residual dentine thickness is limited and high output intensity light-activation units are employed. Material composition is identified as an important variable in determining the magnitude of the temperature rise.     

粉煤灰漂珠@C3N4复合材料的合成及其光催化性能

制备漂珠@氮化碳（P@C3N4）光催化复合材料，通过利用XRD、SEM、XPS和UV-dis对材料的晶型、形貌和光响应进行表征，考察P@C3N4作为催化剂在可见光下降解亚甲基蓝（MB）与四环素的效果及动力学，对复合材料的重复使用性及降解机理进行探讨。结果表明，C3N4被成功负载在粉煤灰漂珠颗粒上，P@C3N4复合材料具有良好的可见光吸收性能。光照条件下，P@C3N4复合材料可有效提高MB与四环素的降解效果，一级动力学模型可描述污染物的光催化降解过程。P@C3N4光催化剂具有良好的稳定性，空穴和羟基自由基很可能是P@C3N4复合材料在光催化作用过程中起主要作用的活性基团。     

Physical properties of composites cured with conventional light or argon laser

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare diametral tensile strength (DTS), compressive strength (CS) and flexural strength (FS) of a hybrid and a microfill resin composite restorative material polymerized by an argon laser for 10 seconds (AL10) and 20 seconds (AL20) vs. a conventional visible light for 40 seconds (VL40). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five specimens of resin composite, Herculite XRV, shade A-2 and Durafill VS, shade B-2, were made for each set of physical properties tested, for a total of 18 groups and 90 specimens. ANSI/ADA Specification #27 for direct filling resins was used as the protocol for specimen preparation and physical properties testing. An argon laser at approximately 285 mW, 6 mm beam size, power density of approximately 1,000 mW/cm2, and a conventional visible light at approximately 470 mW, 13 mm beam size, power density of approximately 354 mW/cm2, were used to polymerize the composite. Samples were stored in water in light-proof containers at 37 degrees C for at least 7 days and then tested on a Zwick universal testing machine. Mean DTS, CS or FS (MPa) values were calculated for each group. RESULTS: Herculite XRV's physical properties were not significantly affected by light source or exposure time. Light source or exposure time had no significant effect on DTS for Durafill VS. Significantly lower FS was found for Durafill VS, when cured for 10 seconds with the argon laser compared to 20 seconds with the laser or 40 seconds with the conventional light. In addition, significantly lower CS was found for the Durafill VS when polymerized with the laser at 10 seconds compared to the conventional light at 40 seconds.     

不同钛酸四丁酯含量对GO?TiO2复合材料组织结构和性能的影响

以氧化石墨烯和钛酸四丁酯为原料,采用一步水热法制备氧化石墨烯/二氧化钛（GO?TiO₂）复合材料,研究不同钛酸四丁酯含量对GO?TiO₂复合材料组织和性能的影响规律。通过扫描电镜（SEM）、X射线衍射（XRD）、红外光谱（IR）、拉曼光谱（RS）、紫外?可见分光光度计（UV?vis）、热重分析仪（TGA）等对复合材料的微观形貌、物相组成、结构、吸光性和热稳定性进行表征。研究结果表明,随着钛酸四丁酯含量的增加,有利于GO?TiO₂复合材料的均匀分散,提高了GO?TiO₂复合材料的吸光性和热稳定性,但钛酸四丁酯含量过高会使GO?TiO₂复合材料分散性、吸光性和热稳定性下降。当氧化石墨烯质量为320 mg、钛酸四丁酯含量为100 mL时,反应生成的复合材料表面TiO₂分散均匀,缺陷少,D峰与G峰的峰强比（I_D/I_G）值为0.91,氧化石墨烯和二氧化钛复合程度高,复合材料中的TiO₂吸收边缘红移至可见光范围内,并且在440~800 nm可见光范围内的吸收峰明显增强,防腐防污能力增强,复合材料在800 ℃热稳定性相比于氧化石墨烯提高了84.89%。      

Isoenzymes of the cytochrome P450 system: an accident or a physiologically significant concept?

The purpose of this study was to compare the Vickers Hardness (HV) of composite resin which was light-cured by 3 different light guides, either through or without a transparent polyester matrix band. The 3 light guides, standard Demetron (SG), Turbo Tip (TT) and a standard Demetron, with obvious accidental damage (DL) were tested with both Model 100 and Cure Rite radiometers. HV tests were done on all samples both immediately and one hour after light-curing. Results were analysed using the Anova and Student t-test. The light intensity readings in mW/cm2 were SG 600 and TT 850 with both radiometers and DL tested 350 and 380. Composite resin surfaces undergo significant surface hardening in the first hour after light-curing. A 350-380 mW/cm2 intensity gives significantly lower HV than 600 + mW/cm2 but 800 mW/cm2 does not produce significantly greater HV than 600 mW/cm2. Curing through a transparent polyester matrix gives marginally greater HV than curing directly. The output of light guides is a significant factor in the surface hardness of cured composite resin.     

Effect of restoration composition, shade, and thickness on the cure of a photoactivated resin cement

PURPOSE: This study investigates the effect of selected properties of a restorative material (type, shade, and thickness) on the cure of a photoactivated resin cement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Disks of ceramic and resin-based restorative materials of two extreme shades were made to provide thicknesses of 0.5 to 3.0 mm in 0.5-mm intervals. Light transmission was measured through various thicknesses and shades of each restorative material type. The effect of light transmission, as influenced by restorative material type, shade, and thickness on resin cement cure was also determined. RESULTS: Thickness and shade of restorative material had the greatest influence on light transmission. For simulated restoration thicknesses 1.5 mm and greater, Dicor (Dentsply International Inc, York, PA) had greater transmission of light than the other materials, regardless of shade. At equal restorative material thickness, light transmission was similar for identical shades of the other three materials. Restoration shade and thickness also had the greatest influence on resin cement cure. Material type, although significant, had only a minor influence. At thicknesses of 1 to 2 mm, Dicor consistently yielded greater resin cement cure values than any other material tested. CONCLUSIONS: When considering the ability of restorative materials to transmit light for curing of photo-activated resin cements, the thickness of the restoration and its shade are much more influential than the choice of restorative material. Dicor provides greater light transmission that results in the ability to photobond restorations of greater thicknesses than the other materials. For restorations greater than 1 mm in thickness, a dual cure or chemical cure resin cement should be used to provide maximal cement properties.     

银掺杂二氧化钛及其光催化性能研究

采用溶胶-凝胶法制备银掺杂二氧化钛光催化剂,通过XRD、SEM、FT-IR、TG-DSC 和UV-Vis等技术对其进行表征.以甲基橙为模拟污染物,考察催化剂的光催化活性,探讨煅烧温度和银掺杂量对光催化效率的影响.实验结果表明：银掺杂二氧化钛提高了二氧化钛在紫外光和可见光下的光催化活性;当Ag掺杂量为1.00%、煅烧温度为450℃、催化剂用量为0.05 g时,银掺杂二氧化钛光催化剂在可见光条件下降解4 h 后,降解率达到92.57%,是纯二氧化钛的4.51倍;紫外光条件下降解2 h达到84.54%,是纯二氧化钛的2.27倍.     

Pulsed blue laser curing of hybrid composite resins

Clinical performance of light-curing composite restorations is greatly influenced by the quality of the curing-light. Currently used photopolymerization units have some important drawbacks, such as decreasing light output with time and distance, which results in a relatively low degree of conversion and shallow depth of cure, particularly of darker shades. Experiments with continuous argon laser polymerization showed overheating of the composite sample, as well as increased shrinkage of the material. In this study a pulsed laser, set at 468 nm (the maximum of the camphorquinone absorption coefficient), with 20-ns pulse duration, repetition rate of 10 Hz and energy of 10 mJ per pulse, was used as a light source. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of polymerization of light and dark shades of three different hybrid composites cured by pulsed laser at the surface and at 3.0 mm depth. The degree of conversion was measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Applying pulsed blue laser, significantly better results were obtained for both shades compared to standard polymerization values. Very weak dependence of the degree of conversion, between the surface measurements and those at 3.0 mm, were observed in the case of pulsed laser polymerization due to the piercing nanopulses and the monochromatic light at 468 nm.     

Fabrication and ultraviolet-shielding properties of silica-coated titania-doped ceria nanoparticles

A series of well-dispersed titania-doped ceria nanoparticles Ce1-xTixO2 were rapidly prepared by a novel salt-assisted solution combustion process using correspondent metal nitrates as oxidizers and ethyl glycol as fuel, and then coated with amorphous silica by seeded polymerization using tetraethyl orthoslicate (TEOS). The as-prepared samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ultraviolet-visible light (UV-Vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The results indicated that compared with the as-prepared pure ceria nanoparticles, the red-shift phenomenon occurred for Ti-doped ceria nanoparticles with Ti incorporation. Meanwhile, the absorption intensity in the UV light region slightly decreased and transmission rate in visible light region was somewhat enhanced. In comparison with the silica-coated CeO2 nanopowders, the silica-coated Ce0.95Ti0.05O2 nanopowders displayed the same absorption intensity in the UV light region, broader UV absorption band and higher transmission rate in visible light region.     

Assessing the effect of extraneous light on photoactivated resin composites

The authors investigated the effect of an operatory light and ambient fluorescent illumination on the curve values of three photoactivated resin composite materials. Infrared spectroscopy was used to evaluate the specimens after they were exposed to an operatory light at a distance of 30 inches for two, five or 10 minutes as well as after a blue-blocker shield was placed between the light source and the composite. The authors also measured cure values after exposing some specimens to 10 minutes of ambient ceiling fluorescent light only. Maximal cure values were determined by conventionally photocuring specimens. After 10 minutes' exposure to the operatory light, specimens were cured at a level from 70 to 80 percent of the maximal cure resulting from conventional light curing. The blue-blocker shield reduced curing to a level equivalent to that of a 10-minute exposure to ambient fluorescent lighting, which was nearly 0 percent.     

The variable response of plaque psoriasis after a single treatment with topical 5-aminolaevulinic acid photodynamic therapy

We have investigated the clinical response of 22 patients with plaque psoriasis to photodynamic therapy using topical application of 5-aminolaevulinic acid followed by a single exposure to broad-band visible radiation. Light doses in the range 2-16 J/cm2 delivered at dose of 10-40 mW/ cm2 resulted in a variable clinical response. Seven (35%) patients showed clearing of psoriasis at some treated sites. The intensity of protoporphyrin IX fluorescence was recorded before, during and after treatment. Pre-illumination fluorescence intensity varied considerably between sites on the same patient and between patients. Protoporphyrin IX fluorescence recovered and persisted after treatment for up to 14 days and became higher than preillumination levels at 25% of sites. The rate of protoporphyrin IX photo-oxidation during treatment was proportional to both initial fluorescence intensity and incident light dose rate and was almost complete after 16 J/cm2. We have defined the photodynamic dose as the product of time-dependent protoporphyrin IX concentration and light dose and demonstrated that only in those patients who showed clearance of psoriasis was there a relationship between photodynamic dose and clinical response. Discomfort ranged from stinging through to burning, was significant in some patients and tended to be more severe with increasing photodynamic dose but was not predictable. Efficacy may improve by achieving consistent protoporphyrin IX levels or by using multiple treatments.     

Photo-Catalyzed Rare Earth Materials with Ability to Translate Free Radicals into Negative Ions

Negativeionsmeansinglegasmoleculeand lightiongroupwithnegativecharges.Thereare manykindsofnegativeionsincludingelectronsand othernegativeionsfromgasmoleculesreactionfor exampleas·O-2.Afteragooddealofobservation andclinicexperiment,amongnegativeions,hydra…     

Observation of ultrastructural changes in cultured retinal pigment epithelium following exposure to blue light

BACKGROUND: The retina can be damaged by light even when levels of energy are well below the threshold for thermal damage, and the experimental damage of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) may be induced more easily by blue light than by longer wavelengths of visible light. The present study demonstrates the ultrastructural damage produced by exposure to blue light in cultured RPE. METHODS: Long-Evans rats were enucleated 8-10 days after birth for primary culture. One week after seeding, the monolayer culture of RPE cells was exposed to a cool blue light (wavelength = 440 +/- 10 nm) for 36 h (12 h/day, 3 days) at 2.0 mW/cm2. Transmission electron microscopy was used to compare the exposed RPE with the control. The entire experiment was repeated 3 times independently. RESULTS: The cytoplasm of the exposed RPE exhibited degenerative changes, such as large whorls of membrane, lamellar whorls and whorled inclusions. CONCLUSION: The RPE cells can be damaged directly by blue light after excluding the possible influence of phagosomes. This primary culture of RPE can also serve as an in vitro model for the study of light damage to the RPE.     

241Am removal by DTPA vs. occurrence of skeletal malignancy

PURPOSE: The distribution of hyaluronan (HA) and the cellular response after photokeratitis induced by different ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths in the rabbit cornea was examined to help understand the mechanism of corneal injury and repair after UV damage. HA is a high molecular weight disaccharide polymer capable of binding considerable amounts of water. It is not normally found in the rabbit corneal stroma. The production of HA represents a generalized corneal response to injury. METHODS: Twenty-four albino rabbit corneas were exposed to 270, 290, and 310 nm of UV radiant energy in 8-nm full wavebands in doses producing biomicroscopically significant keratitis (three corneal thresholds for keratitis (Hc): 0.016 J/cm2 for 270 nm, 0.04 J/cm2 for 290 nm, and 0.14 J/cm2 for 310 nm) and in subkeratitis doses (0.7 Hc: 0.004 J/cm2 for 270 nm, 0.008 J/cm2 for 290 nm, and 0.03 J/cm2 for 310 nm). The rabbits exposed to 270 and 290 nm of UV radiation were sacrificed 3 days after exposure. The rabbits exposed to 310 nm of UV radiation were sacrificed 3, 7, and 14 days after exposure, respectively. The corneal tissue specimens were double stained and examined morphologically and histochemically for HA by light microscopy. RESULTS: Evaluation of corneas exposed to 270 and 290 nm of UV radiant energy in both subkeratitis and keratitis doses and those corneas exposed to 310 nm of radiant energy in subkeratitis dose showed neither stromal changes nor production of HA by corneal cells. Corneas exposed to 310 nm of UV radiant energy in keratitis dose at 3 days after exposure showed disappearance of keratocytes in entire thickness of central cornea. Cells bordering this damaged area were staining for HA. By 7 days after exposure almost the whole damaged area, except one fourth of anterior stroma, was repopulated by new keratocytes staining positive for HA. The corneal structures became normal and HA almost completely disappeared 14 days after exposure. CONCLUSIONS: A keratitis dose of 310 nm of UV light irradiation is needed to cause keratocyte damage. A keratitis dose of the shorter wavelengths does not cause keratocyte cell damage at the light microscopic level. The keratocyte production of HA appears to be a sign of cell readiness to repopulate the damaged stroma devoid of keratocytes.     

Facile fabrication of CeF_3/g-C_3N_4 heterojunction photocatalysts with upconversion properties for enhanced photocatalytic desulfurization performance

Cerium fluoride(CeF_3) semiconductor with upconversion property was constructed on graphite carbonitride(g-C_3 N_4) nanosheets by microwave hydrothermal method.The X-ray diffraction,transmission election microscopy,Fourier transform infrared,and X-ray photoelectron spectra techniques were used to characterize the CeF_3/g-C_3 N_4 nanocomposite.The study shows that CeF_3 has upconversion property and can convert visible light(Vis) and near-infrared light(NIR) into ultraviolet light(UV).Mo reover,CeF_3 and g-C_3 N_4 can form well-defined heterojunction and promote the effective separation of photogenerated electrons and holes.The synergistic effect of the CeF_3/g-C_3 N_4 nanocomposite was evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of dibenzothiophene(DBT).The optimum photocatalyst of CeF_3/g-C_3 N_4(40 wt%) composites exhibit the highest photocatalytic desulfurization rate of the model oil under visible light radiation.     

Lethal consequences of simulated solar radiation on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans in the presence and absence of photosensitizers

The partial destruction of the earth's protective ozone layer has raised concerns about the impact of increased UV radiation on the earth's biological systems. In this study, polychromatic light sources were employed to observe the biological responses of the soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to simulated solar UV. Using various filter combinations, action spectra were constructed that approximated those generated previously with mono-chromatic radiation. In both cases, a mutant strain (rad-3) progressively lost its hypersensitivity as shorter wave-lengths were filtered out. In addition, both wild type and radiation-sensitive (rad) mutants were irradiated with several combinations of filtered light sources in the presence and absence of two exogenous photosensitizers (ethidium bromide and bromodeoxyuridine). Treatment with either of the introduced photosensitizers increased photosensitivity to solar UV. Solar UV also induced a fluence-dependent reduction in fertility in wild-type animals. These experiments extend previous data and substantially expand our understanding of the biological responses of C. elegans to solar radiation.     

Positive pressure ventilation with the laryngeal mask airway in non-paralysed patients: comparison of sevoflurane and propofol maintenance techniques

Photofrin photodynamic therapy (PDT) has recently received FDA approval for the palliative treatment of totally and partially obstructing esophageal malignancies. However, there is a need for new PDT photosensitizers because Photofrin has a number of undesirable features. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of four amine-bearing silicon phthalocyanines--Pc4, Pc10, Pc12 and Pc18--as potential PDT photosensitizers. Equimolar concentrations of these Pc were found to be highly effective at causing the regression of RIF-1 tumors transplanted to C3H/HeN mice. The amount of Pc4 necessary to cause an equivalent amount of tumor regression in this model system was substantially less than the amount of Photofrin. The cutaneous phototoxicity of the silicon Pc photosensitizer was assessed by the utilization of the murine ear-swelling model. When C3H mice were exposed to 167 J/cm2 of polychromatic visible light from a UVB-filtered solar simulator, which emitted UV radiation and visible light above 320 nm, the Pc produced little, if any, cutaneous photosensitivity. These results indicate that Pc4, Pc10, Pc12 and Pc18 are at least as effective as Photofrin in PDT protocols, while at the same time addressing many of the drawbacks of Photofrin.