R.T. Lopes

Quantitative analysis of metals in soil using X-ray fluorescence☆

Abstract Using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis with an X-ray tube filtered with Ti, it was possible to determine the concentration at ppm level of several elements (K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ga, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Y and Pb) in soil treated with organic compounds of urban garbage. It was possible to observe a significant increase in the contents of K, Ca, Zn, Rb, Sr, Zr and Pb in the soil treated in comparison with the soil control.

Metal concentrations, fluxes, inventories and chronologies in sediments from Sepetiba and Ribeira Bays: a comparative study.

Three sediment cores were sampled at Sepetiba Bay and four cores at Ribeira Bay, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Sediment accumulation rates and chronologies were obtained from (210)Pb activity-depth profiles. Sediment accumulation rates in Ribera Bay ranged from 1.2 mm y(-1) in the inner bay to 2.6 mm y(-1) close to its entrance. In Sepetiba Bay two sediment accumulation rates were observed: a lower rate of 0.35 cm y(-1) before the 1960s and 0.76 cm y(-1) since then. The cause of this change is due to the construction of the Santa Cecília impoundment (1955) that brings water from the Paraíba do Sul Basin into the Guandu River, which increased its flow from the original 20 m(3)s(-1) to 160 m(3)s(-1). Concentration of 44 elements was obtained by ICP-MS after total dissolution of samples from two selected cores. The relative differences between the concentrations of crustal elements, such as Al, Fe and Ti are only about 20% (p<0.05). Cd and Zn are 15 and four times larger in Sepetiba Bay than in Ribeira Bay, respectively. Other major and minor elements show lower statistically significant differences. The enrichment factors and metal inventories show that Sepetiba Bay can be considered polluted with Bi, Cd, Cr, Cu, Sb and Zn. Particularly, Cd and Zn present concentrations three and four times higher than the Brazilian existing limits.

Lack of Causal Relationship between Dentinal Microcracks and Root Canal Preparation with Reciprocation Systems

INTRODUCTION This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of dentinal microcracks observed after root canal preparation with 2 reciprocating and a conventional full-sequence rotary system using micro-computed tomographic analysis. METHODS Thirty mesial roots of mandibular molars presenting a type II Vertucci canal configuration were scanned at an isotropic resolution of 14.16 μm. The sample was randomly assigned to 3 experimental groups (n = 10) according to the system used for the root canal preparation: group A-Reciproc (VDW, Munich, Germany), group B-WaveOne (Dentsply Maillefer, Baillagues, Switzerland), and group C-BioRaCe (FKG Dentaire, La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland). Second and third scans were taken after the root canals were prepared with instruments sizes 25 and 40, respectively. Then, pre- and postoperative cross-section images of the roots (N = 65,340) were screened to identify the presence of dentinal defects. RESULTS Dentinal microcracks were observed in 8.72% (n = 5697), 11.01% (n = 7197), and 7.91% (n = 5169) of the cross-sections from groups A (Reciproc), B (WaveOne), and C (BioRaCe), respectively. All dentinal defects identified in the postoperative cross-sections were also observed in the corresponding preoperative images. CONCLUSIONS No causal relationship between dentinal microcrack formation and canal preparation procedures with Reciproc, WaveOne, and BioRaCe systems was observed.

Computed tomography in the fatigue test analysis of an asphaltic mixture

Abstract This work applies the computerized tomography technique to the study of an asphaltic mixture. It was required to detect and follow the evolution of a crack, when this mixture was submitted to fatigue tests. The fatigue tests to produce stresses were done in a diametral compression equipment of repeated loading. The trajectory of a crack is influenced by original voids in the specimen; it may be noted that troughs exist in all tomographic images at the same positions and, as these could be due to voids, with a sufficient sequence of applied loads they would be transformed into a small crack that would increase in size, causing the collapse of the specimen. It was possible to detect and follow the evolution of a crack as the 900 blows were applied to the phantom. It was also noted that the crack begins to appear in the central region of the specimen and is propagated in the direction of the applied load.

Micro-computed Tomographic Assessment on the Effect of ProTaper Next and Twisted File Adaptive Systems on Dentinal Cracks.

INTRODUCTION The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of dentinal microcracks observed after root canal preparation with ProTaper Next (PTN; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and Twisted File Adaptive (TFA; SybronEndo, Orange, CA) systems through micro-computed tomographic analysis. METHODS Twenty moderately curved mesial roots of mandibular molars presenting a type II Vertucci canal configuration were randomly assigned to 2 experimental groups (n = 10) according to the system used for the root canal preparation: PTN or TFA systems. The specimens were scanned through high-resolution micro-computed tomographic imaging before and after root canal preparation. Afterward, pre- and postoperative cross-sectional images of the mesial roots (N = 25,820) were screened to identify the presence of dentinal defects. RESULTS Dentinal microcracks were observed in 38.72% (n = 5150) and 30.27% (n = 3790) of the cross-sectional images in the PTN and TFA groups, respectively. All dentinal defects identified in the postoperative scans were already present in the corresponding preoperative images. CONCLUSIONS Root canal preparation with PTN and TFA systems did not induce the formation of new dentinal microcracks.

Accumulated hard tissue debris produced during reciprocating and rotary nickel-titanium canal preparation.

INTRODUCTION This study compared the amount of hard tissue debris produced after different apical enlargement with single-file reciprocating systems (WaveOne [Dentsply Maillefer, Baillaigues, Switzerland] and Reciproc [VDW, Munich, Germany]) and a conventional multifile rotary system (BioRaCe [FKG Dentaire, La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland]) using micro-computed tomographic imaging. METHODS Thirty moderately curved mesial roots of mandibular molars presenting 2 independent root canals were selected and scanned at an isotropic resolution of 14.16 μm. The sample was assigned to 3 groups (n = 10) with respect to the root length and degree of curvature of the mesial root according to the system used for the root canal preparation: Reciproc, WaveOne, and BioRaCe. Second and third scans were taken after the root canals were prepared up to ISO sizes 25 and 40, respectively. The matched images of the mesial canals, before and after preparation, were examined from the furcation level to the apex to evaluate the amount of hard tissue debris (%). Data were statistically compared using a general linear model for repeated-measures with a significance level set at 5%. RESULTS Instrumentation systems per se did not influence the amount of hard tissue accumulation (P > .05), whereas a significant reduction in the percentage of hard tissue debris was observed after sequential enlargement in all groups (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS None of the systems yielded root canals completely free from packed hard tissue debris. The increased final apical size resulted in significantly less debris accumulation for both reciprocating and rotary systems.

Assessing accumulated hard-tissue debris using micro-computed tomography and free software for image processing and analysis.

INTRODUCTION The accumulation of debris occurs after root canal preparation procedures specifically in fins, isthmus, irregularities, and ramifications. The aim of this study was to present a step-by-step description of a new method used to longitudinally identify, measure, and 3-dimensionally map the accumulation of hard-tissue debris inside the root canal after biomechanical preparation using free software for image processing and analysis. METHODS Three mandibular molars presenting the mesial root with a large isthmus width and a type II Vertuccis canal configuration were selected and scanned. The specimens were assigned to 1 of 3 experimental approaches: (1) 5.25% sodium hypochlorite + 17% EDTA, (2) bidistilled water, and (3) no irrigation. After root canal preparation, high-resolution scans of the teeth were accomplished, and free software packages were used to register and quantify the amount of accumulated hard-tissue debris in either canal space or isthmus areas. RESULTS Canal preparation without irrigation resulted in 34.6% of its volume filled with hard-tissue debris, whereas the use of bidistilled water or NaOCl followed by EDTA showed a reduction in the percentage volume of debris to 16% and 11.3%, respectively. The closer the distance to the isthmus area was the larger the amount of accumulated debris regardless of the irrigating protocol used. CONCLUSIONS Through the present method, it was possible to calculate the volume of hard-tissue debris in the isthmuses and in the root canal space. Free-software packages used for image reconstruction, registering, and analysis have shown to be promising for end-user application.

X-ray diffraction microtomography using synchrotron radiation

Abstract The X-ray diffraction computed tomography technique is based on the interference phenomena of the coherent scatter. For low-momentum transfer, it is most probable that the scattering interaction will be coherent. A selective discrimination of a given element in a scanned specimen can be realized by fixing the Bragg angle which produces an interference peak and then, to carry out the computed tomography in the standard mode. The image reconstructed exalts the presence of this element with respect to other ones in a sample. This work reports the feasibility of a non-destructive synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction imaging technique. This research was performed at the X-ray Diffraction beam line of the National Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS) in Brazil. The coherent scattering properties of different tissue and bone substitute materials were evaluated. Furthermore, diffraction patterns of some polycrystalline solids were studied due to industrial and environmental human exposure to these metals. The obtained diffraction patterns form the basis of a selective tomography technique. Preliminary images are presented.

Evaluation of marginal and internal fit of ceramic and metallic crown copings using x-ray microtomography (micro-CT) technology

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Prosthetic crown fit to the walls of the tooth preparation may vary depending on the material used for crown fabrication. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare the marginal and internal fit of crown copings fabricated from 3 different materials. MATERIAL AND METHODS The selected materials were zirconia (ZirkonZahn system, group Y-TZP), lithium disilicate (IPS e.max Press system, group LSZ), and nickel-chromium alloy (lost-wax casting, group NiCr). Five specimens of each material were seated on standard dies. An x-ray microtomography (micro-CT) device was used to obtain volumetric reconstructions of each specimen. Points for fit measurement were located in Adobe Photoshop, and measurements were obtained in the CTAn SkyScan software environment. Marginal fit was measured at 4 points and internal fit at 9 points in each coping. Mean measurements from the 3 groups were compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA) at the 5% significance level, and between-group differences were assessed with the Tukey range test. RESULTS The nickel-chromium alloy exhibited the best marginal fit overall, comparable with zirconia and significantly different from lithium disilicate. Lithium disilicate exhibited the lowest mean values for internal fit, similar to zirconia and significantly different from the nickel-chrome alloy. CONCLUSIONS The marginal and internal fit parameters of the 3 tested materials were within clinically acceptable range.

Performance of dose calibrators in Brazilian hospitals for activity measurements.

In order to obtain information on the accuracy of activity measurements in Brazilian hospitals, several intercomparison exercises have been organized since 1998. The first exercise consisted of two intercomparison runs of 131I and 99mTc and had the participation of 21 hospitals localized in Rio de Janeiro city and surroundings. The second, with 131I (47 hospitals) and 123I (12 hospitals), had the participation of hospitals localized in the whole country. The results were analyzed under the statistical point of view and conformity to the norms of Regulatory Authority. These results have shown that such exercises are necessary to improve the quality of the measurements and to identify those instruments that are producing incorrect values.