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Biomedical subjects

Nick Silikas

Publications and source records attributed to Nick Silikas.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

A mathematical model for simulating the bone remodeling process under mechanical stimulus.

OBJECTIVES: Among the current mathematical models for bone remodeling, few can consider bone resorption due to overload. The objective of this paper is to develop a new bone remodeling model which can simulate both underload and overload resorptions that often occur in dental implant treatments. METHODS: Based on the traditional model, a new mathematical equation relating the density change rate with mechanical stimulus has been developed. The new equation contains an additional quadratic term which can produce reduction in bone density at high load levels. In addition, to fully exploit the characteristics of this model, a range of different bone remodeling behaviors were studied under the load cases with both constant and varying stress magnitudes. Finally, the model was applied in conjunction with the finite element method to a practical case of dental implant treatment. RESULTS: The FE analysis results showed that bone resorption at the neck of the implant occurred due to occlusal overload but then resorption stopped after some time before reaching the coarse threads. Meanwhile, the density of the bone deeper into the mandible increased slightly due to the additional mechanical stimulus provided by the occlusal load. This phenomenon is observable in some clinical situations. SIGNIFICANCE: The new model can describe the bone overload resorption, a feature which is absent in most of the current models. And by simulating the dental implant treatment using FE method, the ability of the new mathematical model to simulate overload bone resorption has been clearly demonstrated.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

3D-marginal adaptation versus setting shrinkage in light-cured microhybrid resin composites.

PURPOSE: To comparatively evaluate the 3D-marginal adaptation to dentine versus shrinkage strain of two light-cured microhybrid resin composites. METHODS: Dentine cavities (Ø: 2 mm; h: 1 mm; n=2x4) were prepared, filled with a single layer of EsthetX and Premise resin composites, respectively, without any adhesive cavity pre-treatment, and light-cured for 40s at 750 mW/cm2. All the specimens were imaged by computerized X-ray microtomography. Sequential sections (n=11) at 8.09 pixel size were taken at top, middle and bottom sites of each restoration relative to the axial wall and the interfacial micro-void volume fraction (%VF) was calculated. Shrinkage strain (%S) and strain rate (%SR) of the composites were measured by the bonded-disc method (n=4). The results of %VF per material and restoration site were subjected to statistical analysis by 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's test, whereas the results of %S and %SR were analysed by t-test (p=0.05). Regression analysis was performed to determine correlations between %PF and %S, %S(R). RESULTS: The results of %VF at top (t), middle (m) and bottom (b) restoration sites were (%, mean+/-S.D.): EsthetX 0.84+/-0.11 (t), 0.80+/-0.32 (m), 6.74+/-5.12 (b), Premise 0.99+/-0.24 (t), 0.92+/-0.38 (m), 1.72+/-0.97 (b). The results of %S were (%, mean+/-S.D.): EsthetX 2.60+/-0.29, Premise 1.91+/-0.10 and of %SR were (%, mean+/-S.D.): EsthetX 1.47+/-0.04, Premise 1.18+/-0.02. %VF(b) of EsthetX showed the highest values within and between the testing groups (p<0.05). %S and %S(R) values of EsthetX were significantly higher from Premise (p<0.05). Strong positive correlations were documented between %VF(b)-%S (r=0.843) and %VF(b)-%SR (r=0.943). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results confirmed a positive correlation between setting shrinkage and interfacial gap volume at bottom sites of light-cured microhybrid composite restoration due to differential shrinkage. Shrinkage strain rate seems to be a more sensitive factor in determining percentage volume of interfacial porosity at bottom restoration sites.

Analysis of Variance↗

Influence of P/L ratio and peroxide/amine concentrations on shrinkage-strain kinetics during setting of PMMA/MMA biomaterial formulations.

This study investigated the effects on polymerisation shrinkage-strain for two unmodified powder and liquid formulations of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), methyl methacrylate (MMA) dough-type systems, by varying the powder/liquid (P/L) ratio. Furthermore, the shrinkage-strain effects for the 1.0:1.0 P/L ratio of adding additional amounts of amine and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) were studied. The rationale was the continuing importance of bone cements and the renewed interest in acrylic biomaterials, based on MMA and PMMA co-polymers, as used in new fibre-reinforced systems, where low P/L ratios may be important. Shrinkage-strain is directly related to extent of monomer conversion and has intrinsic importance related to interfacial disruption. Shrinkage-strain kinetics were determined using the "bonded disk" method. The first series of experiments studied two unmodified self-curing materials (MEA and PAL), where specimens with different P/L ratios by volume (3.0, 2.5, 2.0, 1.5 and 1.0 to 1.0) were mixed for 60s. In these formulations, final shrinkage-strain values correlated positively with P/L ratios, rather than negatively, as would be expected from fully polymerised material. This highlights a problem of under-polymerisation through deviation from an optimum or recommended P/L ratio. When an additional 1.0% BPO was added in the powder, final shrinkage-strain values correlated negatively rather than positively, with P/L ratio for both products, except at ratio 1.0:1.0. Specimens mixed at 1.0:1.0 P/L ratio, with increasing amounts of BPO and amine resulted in higher final shrinkage-strain values, indicative of more complete polymerisation. Shrinkage-strain and optimum polymerisation are related, but clinically rather antagonist properties with respect to effective biomaterial utilisation and performance. In both design and surgical application of these polymethacrylate formulations, possible adverse effects of changing P/L ratio, producing either excessive shrinkage-strain or under-polymerisation, must be understood and where possible controlled.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Surface characterization of modern resin composites: a multitechnique approach.

PURPOSE: To characterize the surface properties of some modern resin composites employing a series of physicochemical methods. METHODS: Specimens from three microhybrid (Palfique Estellite-PE, Z250 Filtek-ZF, Tetric Ceram-TC) and one nanofilled (Supreme Filtek-SF) conventionally photo-cured resin composites polished with Soflex disks were studied for the following properties: Surface chemical composition and degree of C=C conversion (FTIR), surface energetics (contact angles), surface texture (AFM), surface roughness (AFM, stylus profilometry) and gloss (60 degrees-, 20 degrees-angle specular gloss). RESULTS: Polar and non polar molecular groups were identified in all products including NH and CONH (SF, ZF, TC). SF and ZF demonstrated higher conversion than PE and TC (P< 0.05). No significant differences (P> 0.05) were found in critical surface tension, total work of adhesion and its polar and dispersion components, the latter being the highest in all products. AFM showed the smoothest surface texture in PE. The ranking of Sa, Sq, Ra and Rz roughness parameters was PE ZF>TC, P< 0.05) were more sensitive than 60 degree-angle measurements (PE, SF>TC, P< 0.05) in revealing gloss differences. A positive correlation was found between Sa and Ra and a negative one between Sa and 20 degree-angle gloss.

Adhesiveness↗

Effect of sodium hypochlorite treatment on the molecular composition and morphology of human coronal dentin.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the deproteination potential of 5% aqueous NaOCl solution applied by rubbing action on the molecular composition and morphology of smear-layer covered and acid-etched human coronal dentin surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Paired specimens (n = 4 x 2 per group) of acid-etched (Group A) and smear-layer covered (Group B) human coronal dentin surfaces were sequentially treated with the NaOCl solution for time intervals ranging from 5 s to 120 s and analyzed by reflectance FTIR microspectroscopy and tapping mode atomic force microscopy. The changes in the mineral (v4 P-O stretching vibrations) to matrix (C = O stretching vibrations of amide I) peak area ratios and in the Ra roughness parameter were used to quantify the effect of treatment. Two-way ANOVA and Dunn's tests were used to assess the differences within each group and between groups (a = 0.05). RESULTS: In both groups, NaOCl treatment reduced organic matrix (amide I, II, III peaks), but did not affect carbonates and phosphates. In group A, the rate of deproteination was slow, and reached a peak value after 120 s. Tubule orifices became visible after 40 s of treatment; after 120 s, excessive porosity was detected, with Ra values presenting no statistically significant difference from group B. In group B after 10 s, the extent of deproteination was enhanced, reaching a plateau between 30 s and 60 s, and attaining a maximum after 120 s. Tubule diameter, intertubular porosity, and Ra were increased; intertubular dentin area was reduced. For both groups after 40 s of treatment, the mineral to matrix ratio recorded was similar to smear-layer-free sectioned dentin. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study imply that deproteination of mineralized or acid-etched dentin surfaces within a clinically relevant time frame may provide methods for bonding to dentin alternative to conventional technique-sensitive dentin hybridization.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

Expulsion force, surface pH, and porosity of encapsulated glass-ionomer cements mixed with a Rotomix device.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Rotomix mixing device, used for mixing glass ionomer cements, in comparison with conventional mixing procedures including both hand and amalgamator methods. The properties examined were extrusion force, surface pH (indicating homogeneity), and porosity. The results indicated that the Rotomix device produced cement mixtures without compromising any of the examined properties relative to other mixing methods.

Analysis of Variance↗