Implications of imidazolines and imidazoline receptors role at the vascular level

There are both post- and pre-synaptic vascular imidazoline (IM) binding sites. The importance of direct IM actions and that of peripheral imidazoline receptors (IRs) are shadowed by the central effects of IMs and by their interaction with alpha 2 adrenoceptors. Since the discovery of clonidine the many studies on IMs have been focused on their hypotensive effect, with rilmenidine and moxonidine as representative drugs. Formerly called IM preferring alpha 2 or IM/guanidium sites, the IRs (idazoxan-sensitive) are the plasmalemmal I1 (clonidine-sensitive) and the various I2 (one structure identified as MAO). I1 signaling includes activation of phosphatidylcholine-selective phospholipase C and inhibition of some ligand-gated channels. Inhibitory IRs on postganglionic sympathetic terminals, are not alpha 2, H3, I1 or I2. Some IMs directly affect CaL, while others inhibit K+ efflux. Clonidine-displacing substances including agmatine are endogenous ligands at IRs and alpha 2 and may participate in arterial pressure control. Beside few speculations, the roles of vascular IRs are largely unknown.     

The luteolytic action of prostaglandin F2-alpha analogues in guinea pig's ovary

The role of prostaglandin at the level of the female genital system is multiple; they are involved in ovulation, luteolysis, contractility of the tube muscles, contraction of the gravid uterus, dilatation of the cervix. The synthetic analogous of the prostaglandin F2 alpha are utilized in a large area of treatments, for multiple purposes. The study was made on 2 lots with 10 non pregnant female guinea pig: the first lot was the witness lot and didn't receive any substance. The second lot received 100 micrograms/kg/day Isopropyl ester PGF2 alpha. The prostaglandin analogous produces vasodilating effects on the ovary blood vessels and luteolytic effects with the destruction of the ovarian follicles.     

Flexural strength,biocompatibility, and antimicrobial activity of a polymethyl methacrylate denture resin enhanced with graphene and silver nanoparticles

Clinical Oral Investigations - The study evaluates the effect of adding graphene-Ag nanoparticles (G-AgNp) to a PMMA auto-polymerizing resin, with focus on antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity,...     

Influence of inorganic filler content on the radiopacity of dental resin cements

Digital radiography was used to measure the radiopacity of 18 resin cements to determine the influence of inorganic filler content on radiopacity. Four disk specimens (n=4) of each light-curing cement were digitally radiographed alongside an aluminum step wedge using an intraoral sensor (XIOS Plus, Sirona, Germany), and their mean gray value measured. Percentage of filler by weight was determined using an analytical combustion furnace. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). All materials were more radiopaque than dentin and 12 materials were more radiopaque than enamel. Filler percentage ranged between 17.36 to 53.56 vol% and radiopacity between 1.02 to 3.40 mm Al. There were no statistically significant differences in inorganic filler percentage and radiopacity among the different shades of the same material (p>0.05), but the highest radiopacity was measured for the material which contained a higher percentage of filler.     

The apoptosis of the rat and mouse testicular cells could be induced by synthetic analogous of the prostaglandin F2 alpha?

Numerous actions of the synthetic analogous of the prostaglandins were used in human and veterinary therapy. The action of these analogous (even, initially the prostaglandins were put in evidence in the seminal plasma) on the male reproductive system are little known. This is the reason for our study, which tried to emphasize the effects of analogous of the prostaglandin F2 alpha on the apoptosis of the rat and mouse testicular cells. Optic active Cloprostenol and Cloprostenol Isopropyl ester, in a dose of 100 micrograms/kg/day induces significant histopathologic modifications in the testis of rats and mice. These changes are evident after 14 days of treatment, but especially after 28 days of treatment.     

New and Recovered Temporary Anchorage Devices,In Vitro Assessment of Structural and Surface Properties

The orthodontic miniscrew (TADs) is a device that is fixed into bone in the short term for the purpose of enhancing orthodontic anchorage. The aim of our study was to investigate the structural and surface properties of recovered TADs after orthodontic treatment, and compare them to new TADs. TADs (n = 15) from the same manufacturer (Absoanchor; Dentos, Daegu, Korea) were assessed; n = 10 were recovered from patients after orthodontic treatment and n = 5 were new. We performed electrochemical investigations, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and microbiological analysis. Qualitative analysis on general electrochemical polarization revealed that the TADs retrieved from the patients provided much lower current densities in the passivity zone, and the oxidative processes taking place on their surface were of lower intensity. The surface morphologies of the tips of the retrieved mini-implants showed less sharp tips and smooth surfaces. Defects in the form of pores or cracks could be identified in both evaluated TAD groups. All retrieved TADs showed signs of biological materials (SEM analysis) and contamination on their surfaces. In conclusion, these results can assist orthodontists in comprehending the complexities of TAD behavior with respect to their design and structure.