Degree of Conversion of Metacrylate- and Silorane-based Dental Composites at Various Depths and Using Different Matrix Bands

Introduction:To improve the quality of tooth-colored restorations, various equipment and materials are being used. In this study, we sought to determine the degree of conversion of metacrylate- and silorane-based composites using transparent blue matrix strip at different depths. Materials and Methods: In this experimental-laboratory study, 48 specimens of methacrylate- and silylane-based composites were prepared in pre-made molds in thicknesses of 1, 2 and 3 mm. half of the specimens were cured with transparent polyester strips and the other half with blue strips, and then they were hardened by using a light-curing unit. The degree of conversion was determined by FT-IR. The degree of polymerization was assessed by comparing the IR absorption spectra between monomer and polymer specimens. The data were analyzed by performing Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests in SPSS. Results: The highest degree of conversion pertained to P90 composite with using transparent strip in 1 mm thickness (45.5±1.29), while the lowest degree belonged to Z350 composite with using transparent strip in 3 mm thickness (14.7±1.70). In comparison of the four groups, the silorane-based group with blue strip (41%) had the highest conversion degree, followed by the same composite (silorane) with transparent strip (39.6%). Conversion degrees in these types of materials were much greater than those in metacrylate-based types (21%). Conclusion: In deep restorations with limited access to a light source, the use of silorane-based composites and blue polyester strips enhances the degree of conversion

A survey on anticancer effects of artemisinin, iron, miconazole, and butyric acid on 5637 (bladder cancer) and 4T1 (Breast cancer) cell lines

Context: Anticancer properties of artemisinin and its derivatives have been shown in many experiments. Aims: Addition of butyric acid, miconazole, and iron to this traditional drug has been done in order to enhance its anticancer potency. Materials and Methods: Cell lines 5637 and 4T1, were cultivated and classified into 13 groups of three each. Different doses of artemisinin with constant doses of iron, miconazole and butyric acid, were added to the cultures. At the end of exposure pathological and enzymatic studies were performed. Results: In four groups treated with different doses of artemisinin and iron, dose-dependent changes were observed. These changes included apoptosis and necrosis with dominance of apoptosis. The supernatant lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level was increased in a dose-dependent manner, but there was no significant increase in the cell fraction of malonyldialdehyde (MDA) or LDH. In four other groups, which received miconazole, butyric acid and iron in addition to different doses of artemisinin, necrosis was more prominent than apoptosis, and the MDA level did not show any significant change, but LDH was increased. The groups treated with miconazole showed identical changes, with less severity compared to combination therapy groups. In butyric acid-treated groups, the only detectable changes were, mild cell swelling, few apoptosis, and rare necrosis. Conclusions: A combination therapy with artemisinin can be more effective against cancer cells than monotherapy with that. Butyric acid was not effective on cancer cells. Miconazole deviated the nature of cell death from apoptosis to necrosis and it must be used under caution