Cytotoxicity and inflammatory mediators release by macrophages exposed to real seal xt and sealapex xpress

Abstract This study evaluated the cytotoxicity of Sealapex Xpress and Real Seal XT and their effect on macrophage activation. J774.1 macrophages were incubated with Sealapex Xpress and Seal Real XT (0.1, 1.0, and 10 mg/mL) for 24 and 48 h. Cell viability was assessed by the MTT assay and macrophage activation was measured by pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production using ELISA. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-test (a=0.05). Cell viability was not affected with 0.1 or 1.0 mg/mL of extracts of Sealapex Xpress and Real Seal XT at 24 and 48 h (p>0.05), but was significantly lower when cells were exposed to 10 mg/mL of both sealers (p<0.05). Sealapex Xpress inhibited the production of TNF-a, whereas Real Seal XT induced TNF-a secretion at 24 h (p<0.05). IL-6 production was induced by Real Seal XT, but not by Sealapex Xpress (p<0.05). Real Seal XT and Sealapex Xpress induced the secretion of anti-inflammatory IL-10. IL-4 was not detected in any group. In conclusion, both sealers had low toxicity but differentially activated macrophages. Macrophage activation by Sealapex Xpress was characterized by inhibition of TNF-a and induction of IL-10, whereas Real Seal XT induced IL-6 solely.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar in vitro a citotoxicidade dos cimentos endodônticos Sealapex Xpress e Real Seal XT pelo ensaio de MTT e a ativação de macrófagos J774.1. Os cimentos endodônticos Sealapex Xpress e Real Seal XT foram pesados e os extratos foram obtidos a partir da diluição em meio de cultura DMEM por 48 horas (10mg/mL, 1mg/m, e 0,1 mg/mL). A viabilidade celular foi avaliada pelo ensaio MTT e a produção de citocinas (TNF-a, IL-6 e IL-10) foi investigada pelo ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA) em células de linhagem (macrofagos J774.1). Os dados obtidos foram analisados utilizando-se análise de variância de uma via e pós-teste de Tukey (a=0,05). A viabilidade celular após 24 ou 48 horas não foi afetada nas concentrações de 0,1 ou 1 mg/mL dos dois cimentos estudados (p>0,05). Por outro lado, na concentração 10 mg/mL, a viabilidade celular foi significativamente mais baixa (p <0,05). Observou-se que o Sealapex Xpress inibiu a produção de TNF-a, enquanto o Real Seal XT induziu a secreção de TNF-a às 24 h (p<0,05). A produção de IL-6 foi induzida pelo Real Seal XT, mas não pelo Sealapex Xpress (p<0,05). A secreção da citocina anti-inflamatória IL-10 foi induzida tanto pelo Real Seal XT quanto pelo Sealapex Xpress. IL-4 não foi detectada em nenhum grupo. Em conclusão, os dois cimentos obturadores apresentaram baixa toxicidade, mas ativaram os macrófagos de modo distinto. A ativação pelo Sealapex Xpress foi caracterizada pela inibição do TNF-a e indução da IL-10, enquanto o Real Seal XT induziu somente IL-6.

Bond strength of experimental root canal sealers based on mta and butyl ethylene glycol disalicylate

Abstract This study investigated the bond strength of two experimental root canal sealers based on MTA and butyl ethylene glycol disalicylate: MTAe and MTAe-HA. The reference materials used for comparison were AH Plus and MTA Fillapex. Twenty human upper incisors were selected and one 1 mm slice was obtained from the cervical third of each root. On the coronal surface of each slice, four 0.9 mm wide holes were drilled through the dentine. Standardized irrigation was performed and holes were filled with one of the four tested sealers: AH Plus, MTA Fillapex, MTAe, and MTAe-HA. The filled slices were stored in a PBS solution (pH 7.2) for 7 days at 37 °C. A push-out assessment was performed with a 0.7 mm plunger tip. Load was applied at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until sealer displacement. The results were expressed in MPa. The Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to assess the effect of each sealer on the push-out bond strength. Mann-Whitney with Bonferroni correction was used to isolate the differences. The alpha-type error was set at 0.05. Significant differences among medians values obtained by materials were observed (p<0.001). AH Plus displayed the highest value of bond strength (p<0.001). In contrast, MTA Fillapex presented the lowest bond strength among all tested sealers (p<0.001). Experimental sealers showed intermediary bond strength values, with no statistical differences between them (p>0.05). In conclusion, experimental root canal sealers presented suitable bond strength outcomes when compared to MTA Fillapex.

Resumo Esse estudo investigou a resistência de união de dois cimentos endodônticos experimentais à base de MTA e butiletilenoglicol dissalicilato: MTAe e MTAe. Os materiais de referência utilizados para comparação foram os cimentos endodônticos MTA Fillapex e AH Plus. Vinte incisivos superiores humanos foram selecionados e um slice dentinário de 1 mm de espessura foi obtido do terço cervical de cada raiz. Na superfície coronária de cada slice, quatro orifícios com 0,9 mm de diâmetro foram confeccionados através da dentina. Uma irrigação padronizada foi realizada e os orifícios foram preenchidos com um dos quatro cimentos endodônticos avaliados: AH Plus, MTA Fillapex, MTAe, e MTAe-HA. Os slices preenchidos foram armazenados em solução PBS (pH 7,2) durante 7 dias a 37°C. O ensaio de push-out foi realizado por meio de um dispositivo com 0,7 mm de diâmetro. A carga foi aplicada com a velocidade de 0,5 mm/min até a obtenção de deslocamento do material obturador. Os resultados foram expressos em MPa. O teste de Kruskal-Wallis foi aplicado para avaliar o efeito da resistência de união de cada cimento endodôntico. O teste de Mann-Whitney com correção de Bonferroni foi utilizado para isolamento das diferenças. O erro do tipo-alfa foi fixado em 0,05. Diferenças significantes entre os valores de medianas obtidos pelos materiais foram observados (p<0,001). O AH Plus demonstrou os maiores valores de resistência de união (p<0,001). Em contraste, o MTA Fillapex apresentou a menor resistência de união entre todos os cimentos testados (p<0,001). Os cimentos experimentais demonstraram valores intermediários, com ausência de diferenças estatísticas entre si (p>0,05). Em conclusão, os cimentos endodônticos experimentais à base de MTA e butiletilenoglicol dissalicilato apresentaram resultados adequados de resistência de união quando comparados ao MTA Fillapex.

Antiedematogenic activity of the indole derivative N-salicyloyltryptamine in animal models

ABSTRACT The N-salicyloyltryptamine (NST) is an indole derivative compound analogue to the alkaloid N-benzoyltryptamine. In the present study, the antiedematogenic activity of NST was investigated in animal models. Firstly, the acute toxicity for NST was assessed according to the OECD Guideline no. 423. The potential NST-induced antiedematogenic activity was evaluated by carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats, as well as by dextran-, compound 48/80-, histamine-, serotonin-, capsaicine-, and prostaglandin E2-induced paw edema in mice. The effect of NST on compound 48/80-induced ex vivo mast cell degranulation on mice mesenteric bed was investigated. No death or alteration of behavioral parameters was observed after administration of NST (2000 mg/kg, i.p.) during the observation time of 14 days. The NST (100 and 200 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited the carrageenan-induced edema from the 1st to the 5th hour (**p<0.01; ***p<0.001). The edematogenic activity induced by dextran, compound 48/80, histamine, serotonin, capsaicin, and prostaglandin E2 was inhibited by NST (100 mg/kg, i.p.) throughout the observation period (**p<0.01; ***p<0.001). The pretreatment with NST (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg, i.p) attenuates the compound 48/80-induced mast cell degranulation (**p<0.01; ***p<0.001). Thus, the inhibition of both mast cell degranulation and release of endogenous mediators are probably involved in the NST-induced antiedematogenic effect.

In vitro effects of alcohol-containing mouthwashes on human enamel and restorative materials

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effects, including surface morphological characteristics and chemical elemental properties, of different mouthwash formulations on enamel and dental restorative materials, simulating up to 6 months of daily use. Human enamel samples, hydroxyapatite, composite resin, and ceramic surfaces were exposed to 3 different mouthwashes according to label directions — Listerine® Cool Mint®, Listerine® Total Care, and Listerine® Whitening — versus control (hydroalcohol solution) to simulate daily use for up to 6 months. The samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectrophotometry (µ-Fourier transform infrared microscopy), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and color analysis before and after exposure. No relevant changes were observed in the morphological characteristics of the surfaces using SEM techniques. The physical and chemical aspects of the enamel surfaces were evaluated using mid-infrared spectroscopy, and EDX fluorescence was used to evaluate the elemental aspects of each surface. There was no variation in the relative concentrations of calcium and phosphorus in enamel, silicon and barium in composite resin, and silicon and aluminum in the ceramic material before and after treatment. No relevant changes were detected in the biochemical and color properties of any specimen, except with Listerine® Whitening mouthwash, which demonstrated a whitening effect on enamel surfaces. Long-term exposure to low pH, alcohol-containing, and peroxide-containing mouthwash formulations caused no ultra-structural or chemical elemental changes in human enamel or dental restorative materials in vitro.

Specific immediate early gene expression induced by high doses of salicylate in the cochlear nucleus and inferior colliculus of the rat / Expressão específica de genes precoces imediatos induzida por doses elevadas de salicilato no núcleo coclear e colículo inferior de rato

Abstract Introduction: Salicylate at high doses induces tinnitus in humans and experimental animals. However, the mechanisms and loci of action of salicylate in inducing tinnitus are still not well known. The expression of Immediate Early Genes (IEG) is traditionally associated with long-term neuronal modifications but it is still not clear how and where IEGs are activated in animal models of tinnitus. Objectives: Here we investigated the expression of c-fos and Egr-1, two IEGs, in the Dorsal Cochlear Nucleus (DCN), the Inferior Colliculus (IC), and the Posterior Ventral Cochlear Nucleus (pVCN) of rats. Methods: Rats were treated with doses known to induce tinnitus in rats (300 mg/kg i.p. daily, for 3 days), and c-fos and Egr-1 protein expressions were analyzed using western blot and immunocytochemistry. Results: After administration of salicylate, c-fos protein expression increased significantly in the DCN, pVCN and IC when assayed by western blot. Immunohistochemistry staining showed a more intense labeling of c-fos in the DCN, pVCN and IC and a significant increase in c-fos positive nuclei in the pVCN and IC. We did not detect increased Egr-1 expression in any of these areas. Conclusion: Our data show that a high dose of salicylate activates neurons in the DCN, pVCN and IC. The expression of these genes by high doses of salicylate strongly suggests that plastic changes in these areas are involved in the genesis of tinnitus.

Resumo Introdução: Salicilato em doses elevadas induz zumbido nos seres humanos e em animais experimentais. No entanto, os mecanismos e loci de ação do salicilato na indução de zumbido ainda não são bem conhecidos. A expressão dos genes precoces imediatos (GPIs) está tradicionalmente associada a alterações neuronais em longo prazo, mas ainda não está claro como e onde os GPIs são ativados em modelos animais de zumbido. Objetivos: No presente estudo investigamos a expressão de c-fos e Egr-1, dois GPIs, no núcleo coclear dorsal (NCD), colículo inferior (CI) e núcleo coclear ventral posterior (NCVp) de ratos. Métodos: Os ratos foram tratados com doses que, conhecidamente, induzem zumbido em ratos (300 mg/kg IP/dia, por três dias) e as expressões das proteínas c-fos e Egr-1 foram analisadas por meio de Western blot e imunoistoquímica. Resultados: Após a administração de salicilato, a expressão da proteína c-fos aumentou significativamente no NCD, NCVp e CI, quando analisados por Western blot. A coloração imunoistoquímica mostrou uma marcação mais intensa de c-fos no NCD, NCVp e CI e um aumento significativo de núcleos positivos de c-fos no NCVp e CI. Não detectamos aumento da expressão de Egr-1 em qualquer dessas áreas. Conclusão: Nossos dados mostram que uma dose alta de salicilato ativa neurônios no NCD, NCVp e CI. A expressão desses genes por doses altas de salicilato sugere que as alterações plásticas nessas áreas estão envolvidas na gênese do zumbido.

Efficacy and safety of superficial chemical peeling in treatment of active acne vulgaris

Abstract: Acne vulgaris is an extremely common condition affecting the pilosebaceous unit of the skin and characterized by presence of comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, cysts, which might result in permanent scars. Acne vulgaris commonly involve adolescents and young age groups. Active acne vulgaris is usually associated with several complications like hyper or hypopigmentation, scar formation and skin disfigurement. Previous studies have targeted the efficiency and safety of local and systemic agents in the treatment of active acne vulgaris. Superficial chemical peeling is a skin-wounding procedure which might cause some potentially undesirable adverse events. This study was conducted to review the efficacy and safety of superficial chemical peeling in the treatment of active acne vulgaris. It is a structured review of an earlier seven articles meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The clinical assessments were based on pretreatment and post-treatment comparisons and the role of superficial chemical peeling in reduction of papules, pustules and comedones in active acne vulgaris. This study showed that almost all patients tolerated well the chemical peeling procedures despite a mild discomfort, burning, irritation and erythema have been reported; also the incidence of major adverse events was very low and easily manageable. In conclusion, chemical peeling with glycolic acid is a well-tolerated and safe treatment modality in active acne vulgaris while salicylic acid peels is a more convenient for treatment of darker skin patients and it showed significant and earlier improvement than glycolic acid

1, 3, 4-Thiadiazole and 1, 2, 4-triazole-3(4 H )-thione bearing salicylate moiety: synthesis and evaluation as anti- Candida albicans

Abstract Dramatically increased occurrence of both superficial and invasive fungal infections has been observed. Candida albicans appear to be the main etiological agent of invasive fungal infections. The anti-C. albicans activity of thiosemicarbazide, 1,3,4-Thiadiazole, and 1,2,4-triazole-3(4H)-thione compounds (compounds 3-23) were investigated. The MIC values of thiadiazole and triazole derivatives 10-23 were in the range of 0.08-0.17 µmol mL-1, while that of fluconazole was 0.052 µmol mL-1. Compound 11 (5-(2-(4-chlorobenzyloxy)phenyl)-N-allyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amine) and compound 18 (5-(2-(4-chlorobenzyloxy)phenyl)-4-allyl-2H-1,2,4-triazole-3(4H)-thione) were found to be the most active compounds, with MIC values of 0.08 µmol mL-1. The newly synthesized thiadiazole and triazole compounds (compounds 10-23) showed promising anti-Candida activity. The allyl substituent-bearing compounds 11 and 18 exhibited significant anti-Candida albicans activity and showed a binding mode as well as the fluconazole x-ray structure.

Variabilidad de la respuesta plaquetaria a la aspirina / Assessing platelet response to aspirin

Introducción y objetivos: A pesar de que el estudio Antiplatelet Trialists' Collaboration demostró una reducción del 25% de los eventos mayores con el uso de aspirina en enfermos de alto riesgo, un porcentaje de pacientes presentan eventos isquémicos recurrentes. Esto ha llevado a la descripción de la "resistencia a la aspirina" con una tasa muy variable, de 0.4% a 83%. Este estudio evaluó la variabiliad en la función plaquetaria basal, la prevalencia de la resistencia a la aspirina, y la efectividad y reproducibilidad de los estudios de función plaquetaria. Materiales y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio aleatorizado y cruzado de mediciones repetidas, con sujetos saludables de entre 18 y 60 años. Luego de firmar el consentimiento informado, los pacientes fueron distribuidos en forma aleatorizada a recibir aspirina en dosis de 75 mg o 300 mg; fueron evaluados al inicio y luego de cuatro períodos de tres semanas mediante diferentes técnicas: Optical Platelet Aggregation (OPA), PFA-100™, VerifyNow™, y los niveles séricos y urinarios de tromboxano B2 (TXB2). Se obtuvo la aprobación del comité de ética local. El análisis estadístico fue realizado con el programa SPSS17. Resultados: El índice global de resistencia a la aspirina fue variable, entre 2.4% y 63.5% en función de la técnica utilizada. Se demostró una variabilidad interindividual e intraindividual significativa al inicio y con la administración de placebo en las diferentes técnicas. La sensibilidad de los ensayos varió entre 24% (OPA ADP10) y 87.8% (tromboxano sérico), y la especificidad varió entre 81% (PFA-100™) y 97.4% (tromboxano). La selección de "valores de corte" alternativos provocó tasas de prevalencia diferentes de resistencia bioquímica a la aspirina, con un mecanismo de compensación entre la sensibilidad y la especificidad. Conclusiones: La respuesta a la aspirina mostró una marcada variabilidad interensayo, interindividual y temporal. Se requieren varias evaluaciones con diferentes técnicas para diagnosticar en forma confiable la resistencia a la aspirina. La selección de valores discriminativos alternativos debería considerarse al evaluar formalmente esta entidad

Introduction: Despite the 25% reduction in major events with aspirin in high-risk patients reported by the Antiplatelet Trialists' Collaboration, a proportion of patients develop recurrent ischaemic events. This has led to the emergence of 'aspirin resistance' with rates between 0.4% and 83% reported. This study assessed variability in baseline platelet function, prevalence of aspirin resistance, and the performance and reproducibility of platelet function testing methods. Materials and Methods: A repeated-measures randomised crossover study was performed in healthy individuals aged 18-60 years. After informed consent, patients were randomised to aspirin dose (75 mg or 300 mg) and treatment sequence with testing at baseline and after each four 3-week treatment period via Optical Platelet Aggregation (OPA), PFA-100™, VerifyNow™, and serum and urinary thromboxane (TXB2) levels. Local ethical approval was granted. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS17. Results: The overall rate of aspirin resistance varied from 2.4% to 63.5% depending on the assay used. Significant inter- and intra-individual variability existed at baseline and on placebo testing between assays. Assay sensitivities ranged from 24.0% (OPA ADP10) to 87.8% (serum TXB2), and specificities from 81.0% (PFA-100™) to 97.4% (serum TXB2). Selection of alternative "cut-off" values resulted in differing prevalence rates of biochemical aspirin resistance with a trade-off between sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions: Response to aspirin shows marked inter-assay, inter-individual and temporal variability. Testing on multiple occasions using several assays is necessary to reliably diagnose aspirin resistance. Selection of alternative assay "cut-off" values should be considered when formally assessing aspirin response

Antimicrobial and Anti-Adherent in vitro Activity of Tannins Isolated from Anacardium occidentale Linn. (Cashew) on Dental Biolfilm Bacteria

Objective:To evaluate the antimicrobial and ant-adherent in vitro activity of tannins isolated from Anacardium occidentale Linn. (Cashew) on dental biofilm bacteria. Material and Methods:Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, Streptococcus mitis ATCC 903, Streptococcus sanguis ATCC 15300, Streptococcus oralis ATCC 10557, Streptococcus salivarius ATCC 7073 and Lactobacillus casei ATCC 9595 samples were used in this study. The tests were performed by the solid medium dilution method to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of Adherence (MICA) of bacteria to glass was determined in the presence of 5% sucrose. As a positive control, 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate was used. The substances were tested at concentrations of 1:1 (pure solution) up to 1:512. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the SPSS software,version 15.0. Results:Tannins isolated from Anacardium occidentale Linn. (cashew) formed inhibition halos ranging from 11 to 17 mm in diameter and were capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria tested at concentrations of 1:4 (S mutans), 1:16 (S mitis), 1:8 (Ssanguis), 1:4 (S oralis), 1:8 (S salivarius) and 1:2 (L casei). The tannin solution was effective in inhibiting the adherence of microorganisms to glass, and its effect on Streptococcus sanguis (1:512) and Lactobacillus casei (1:512) stood out, showing ant-adherent effect at all concentrations tested. Conclusion:Tannin isolates produced in vitro antimicrobial and ant-adherent activity on dental biofilm-forming bacteria and can be considered as an alternative treatment in infectious processes in clinical dentistry

Drying protocol influence on the bond strength and apical sealing of three different endodontic sealers

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of drying protocols (DP) on the apical sealing (AS) and on the bond strength (BS) of teeth filled with different sealers. The root canals of one hundred and fifty-six roots of maxillary canines were prepared with Reciproc rotary files (R50). The teeth were randomly divided into four groups (n = 39), according to the DP: GI-paper points; GII-70% isopropyl alcohol + aspiration with NaviTip points; GIII-95% ethanol + paper points; GIV-EndoVac + paper points. Each group was divided into subgroups, according to the sealer used: AH Plus, Sealapex and MTA Fillapex, using a single-cone technique. Evaluation of AS and BS was performed with fluid filtration (FF) and push-out (PO) methods, respectively. The PO test consisted of sectioning the roots, and subjecting a single slice from each third to testing and analysis for failure type. The data was submitted to two-way and three-way variance analysis (ANOVA) and Tukey (α = 5%). The AS showed no drying protocol influence. The FF results revealed a statistically significant difference between MTA and Sealapex (p < 0.05) sealers. The BS test values showed that there was no statistical significant difference among the canal thirds (p > 0.05), but that there was such a difference among the sealers (p < 0.05), among the protocols (p < 0.05), and in the interaction between sealers and protocols (p < 0.05). AH Plus revealed the highest BS values among the sealers; the highest BS results for the sealers occurred with the specimens used with isopropyl alcohol, compared with ethanol and EndoVac.

Volume of sealer in the apical region of teeth filled by different techniques: a micro-CT analysis

Abstract The volume of sealer in the apical 1 mm of teeth filled using different techniques was evaluated by micro-commuted tomography (micro-CT). Sixty-four maxillary central incisors were prepared using NiTi rotary instruments. Teeth were randomly distributed into four groups according to root canal sealers (AH Plus, Endofill, Sealapex, and Sealer 26) and subdivided into two subgroups according to the filling techniques (active and passive lateral condensation; n = 8 each). Subsequently, teeth were examined using the 1174 SkyScan micro-CT device. Images were reconstructed using the NRecon software, and the sealer volume (mm3) in the apical region was analyzed using the two-way ANOVA and post-hoc Student-Newman-Keuls test (α = ٠.٠٥). The lowest volume of sealer was observed in teeth filled with Sealapex (0.100 ± 0.009) and Endofill (0.103 ± 0.010). The highest volume was observed in teeth filled with AH Plus (0.112 ± 0.008) and Sealer 26 (0.109 ± 0.018) (p > 0.05). Regarding the filling technique, a lower sealer volume was observed using the active lateral condensation technique compared with that using the passive lateral condensation technique (0.100 ± 0.010 vs. 0.111 ± 0.012) (p < 0.05). Therefore, the lowest volume of sealer was observed in teeth filled with Sealapex and Endofill using the active lateral condensation technique.

Influence of diabetes mellitus on the mineralization ability of two endodontic materials

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of diabetes mellituson tissue response and mineralization ability of Sealapex®and MTA Fillapex® sealers. Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into two groups: diabetic and non-diabetic. The materials were placed in polyethylene tubes and implanted into dorsal connective tissue of rats for 7 and 30 days. Six animals from each group received injection of calcein, alizarin, and oxytetracycline on days 7, 14, and 21, respectively. The animals were killed after 7 and 30 days and specimens were prepared for histologic analysis by staining with hematoxylin and eosin or Von Kossa or left unstained for polarized light or fluorescence microscopy. On day 7, inflammatory reactions were characterized. Moderate inflammatory responses were observed for all groups and on day 30, a mild inflammatory response against MTA Fillapex® and a moderate inflammatory response against Sealapex® were observed. Von Kossa-positive structures were observed in response to both materials and birefringent structures were observed upon polarized light analysis; these had no relation to the diabetic condition (p > 0.05). The fluorescence intensity was unaffected in diabetic rats (p > 0.05). In conclusion, diabetes mellitus did not influence the tissue response or mineralization stimulated by Sealapex® or MTA Fillapex®.

Dissolution of a mineral trioxide aggregate sealer in endodontic solvents compared to conventional sealers

Abstract The aim of this study is to evaluate the solubility of a Mineral Trioxide Aggregate sealer (MTA-Fillapex) compared with five other sealers, calcium hydroxide (Sealapex), resin (Realseal), zinc oxide-eugenol (Tubli-Seal), and two epoxy resins (AH-26 and AH-Plus), in chloroform and eucalyptoil in static and ultrasonic environments. Samples of each sealer were prepared (n = 180) and then divided into 12 groups that were immersed in solvents for 5 and 10 min in static and ultrasonic environments. The mean weight loss was determined, and the values were compared using Student's t-test, One-way ANOVA, and Tukey's HSD post-hoc test (p < 0.05). In chloroform, MTA-Fillapex, AH-26, and Sealapex displayed moderate solubility with no significant difference in dissolution (p = 0.125); however, their dissolution was significantly lower than that of AH-Plus (p < 0.001), which was almost fully dissolved after 10 minutes. Realseal was significantly less soluble than all sealers (p < 0.001). In eucalyptoil, MTA-Fillapex showed low solubility, as all of the sealers did, but Tubli-Seal was significantly more soluble than other sealers (p < 0.001). Using ultrasonic activation resulted in a significantly higher dissolution rate in chloroform for all sealers except MTA-Fillapex after 10 min (p = 0.226). In eucalyptoil, ultrasonic activation significantly increased the dissolution rate of all sealers except MTA-Fillapex after 5 and 10 min, Sealapex at 10 min, and AH-Plus at 5 min (p > 0.05). In conclusion, MTA-Fillapex was not sufficiently dissolved in either solvent. Ultrasonic activation had limited effectiveness on MTA-Fillapex dissolution, whereas it significantly increased the efficiency of solvents in dissolving a number of endodontic sealers.

Biocompatibility and biomineralization assessment of bioceramic-, epoxy-, and calcium hydroxide-based sealers

Abstract Obturation of the root canal system aims to fill empty spaces, promoting hermetic sealing and preventing bacterial activity in periapical tissues. This should provide optimal conditions for repair, stimulating the process of biomineralization. An endodontic sealer should be biocompatible once it is in direct contact with periapical tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rat subcutaneous tissue response to implanted polyethylene tubes filled with Smartpaste Bio, Acroseal, and Sealapex and investigate mineralization ability of these endodontic sealers. Forty Wistar rats were assigned to the three sealers groups and control group, (n = 10 animals/group) and received subcutaneous implants containing the test sealers, and the control group were implanted with empty tubes. After days 7, 15, 30, and 60, animals were euthanized and polyethylene tubes were removed with the surrounding tissues. Inflammatory infiltrate and thickness of the fibrous capsule were histologically evaluated. Mineralization was analyzed by Von Kossa staining and polarized light. Data were tabulated and analyzed via Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's test. All tested materials induced a moderate inflammatory reaction in the initial periods. Smartpaste Bio induced the mildest inflammatory reactions after day 15. No difference was observed among groups after days 30 or 60. Von Kossa-positive staining and birefringent structures observed under polarized light revealed a larger mineralization area in Sealapex-treated animals followed by Smartpaste Bio-treated animals. At the end of the experiment, all tested sealers were found to be biocompatible. All sealers induced biomineralization, except Acroseal, which induced a mild tissue reaction.

Antimicrobial action of calcium hydroxide-based endodontic sealers after setting, against E. faecalis biofilm

Abstract Enterococcus faecalis are gram positive bacteria that can mostly resist endodontic therapy, inducing persistent infection in the root canal system. Endodontic sealers with antimicrobial activity may help eliminate residual microorganisms that survive endodontic treatment. The present study aimed at comparing the antimicrobial activity of Acroseal, Sealapex and AH Plus endodontic sealers in an in vitro biofilm model. Bovine dentin specimens (144) were prepared, and twelve blocks for each sealer and each experimental time point (2, 7 and 14 days) were placed and left in contact with plates containing inoculum of E. faecalis (ATCC 51299), to induce biofilm formation. After 14 days, the samples were transferred to another plate with test sealers and kept at 37°C and 5% CO2 for 2, 7 and 14 days. The specimens without sealers were used as a control for each period. The samples were agitated in a sonicator after each experiment. The suspensions were agitated in a vortex mixer, serially diluted in saline, and triple plated onto m-Enterococcus agar. Colonyforming units were counted, and the data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA, Shapiro-Wilk and Kruskal-Wallis one-way tests (p < 0.05) to determine antimicrobial potential. Sealapex showed significant differences at all the experimental time points, in comparison with all the other groups. AH Plus and Acroseal showed antimicrobial activity only on the 14th experimental day. Neither of the sealers tested were able to completely eliminate the biofilm. Sealapex showed the highest antimicrobial activity in all the experimental periods. The antimicrobial activity of all the sealers analyzed increased over time.

Glycerol Salicylate-based Pulp-Capping Material Containing Portland Cement

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the water sorption, solubility, pH and ability to diffuse into dentin of a glycerol salicylate-based, pulp-capping cement in comparison to a conventional calcium hydroxide-based pulp capping material (Hydcal). An experimental cement was developed containing 60% glycerol salicylate resin, 10% methyl salicylate, 25% calcium hydroxide and 5% Portland cement. Water sorption and solubility were determined based on mass changes in the samples before and after the immersion in distilled water for 7 days. Material discs were stored in distilled water for 24 h, 7 days and 28 days, and a digital pHmeter was used to measure the pH of water. The cement's ability to diffuse into bovine dentin was assessed by Raman spectroscopy. The glycerol salicylate-based cement presented higher water sorption and lower solubility than Hydcal. The pH of water used to store the samples increased for both cements, reaching 12.59±0.06 and 12.54±0.05 after 7 days, for Hydcal and glycerol salicylate-based cements, respectively. Both cements were able to turn alkaline the medium at 24 h and sustain its alkalinity after 28 days. Hydcal exhibited an intense diffusion into dentin up to 40 µm deep, and the glycerol salicylate-based cement penetrated 20 µm. The experimental glycerol salicylate-based cement presents good sorption, solubility, ability to alkalize the surrounding tissues and diffusion into dentin to be used as pulp capping material.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a sorção e solubilidade em água, pH e habilidade de difusão na dentina de um cimento para capeamento pulpar à base de glicerol salicilato e compará-lo a um cimento comercial para capeamento pulpar à base de hidróxido de cálcio (Hydcal). Um cimento experimental contendo 60% de resina de glicerol salicilato, 10% de salicilato de metila, 25% de hidróxido de cálcio e 5% de cimento Portland foi formulado. Sorção e solubilidade em água foram determinadas a partir da alteração na massa de espécimes antes e após a imersão em água destilada por 7 dias. Discos dos cimentos foram armazenados em água destilada por 24h, 7 dias e 28 dias e o pH da água foi aferido após cada período. A habilidade de difundir-se no interior de dentina bovina foi avaliada por espectroscopia Raman. O cimento à base de glicerol salicilato apresentou maior sorção e menor solubilidade em comparação com o Hydcal. O pH da água de armazenamento dos espécimes aumentou para ambos os cimentos, chegando a 12,59±0,06 e 12,54±0,05 após 7 dias, para o Hydcal e o cimento à base de glicerol salicilato, respectivamente. Os cimentos foram capazes de promover a alcalinização do meio após 24h e sustentaram a alcalinidade após 28 dias. Hydcal exibiu intensa difusão na dentina até 40 μm de profundidade e o cimento à base de glicerol salicilato penetrou 20 μm. O cimento experimental à base de glicerol salicilato apresentou adequada sorção, solubilidade, habilidade de alcalinizar o meio e difundir-se no interior da dentina para uso como um material para capeamento pulpar.

Effects of the association of antifungal drugs on the antimicrobial action of endodontic sealers

This in vitro study aimed to determine the susceptibility of oral specimens and ATCC lineages of Candida albicans for five endodontic sealers, which were pure and associated with two antifungal drugs, and to analyze their effect on the physical properties. For this purpose, 30 lineages of C. albicans, collected from the oral cavity of patients assisted at the endodontics clinic of the Universidade Sagrado Coração, were analyzed. Yeasts susceptibility to the sealers was tested by diffusion on agar plates. Physical properties were evaluated according to the ADA specification no. 57. The pure versions of the Sealer 26, AH Plus, Endofill, Fillapex, and Sealapex demonstrated antifungal activity, with Endofill presenting the greatest inhibition zones. All cements, except for Endofill, had their antifungal actions enhanced by addition of ketoconazole and fluconazole (p < 0.05), and the AH Plus presented the best antifungal activity. The addition of antifungal drugs did not interfere with the setting time and flowability of the sealers. It was concluded that the addition of antifungals to endodontic sealers enhanced the antimicrobial action of most cements tested without altering their physical properties.

Applying liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to assess endodontic sealer microleakage

The objective of this study was to describe a new method for the quantitative analysis of a microleakage of endodontic filling materials. Forty extracted single-rooted teeth were randomly divided into three experimental groups. After root canal shaping, the experimental groups were filled using the lateral condensation technique with the Epiphany system (G1), with gutta-percha + Sealapex (G2), and with gutta-percha + AH Plus (G3). Each root was mounted on a modified leakage testing device, and caffeine solution was used as a tracer (2000 ng mL-1, pH 6.0), applied in the coronal direction towards the tooth apex, creating a hydrostatic pressure of 2.55 kPa. Presence of caffeine in the receiving solution was measured after 10, 30, and 60 days, using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). None of the groups presented microleakage at 10 days. At 30 days, G2 and G3 showed similar infiltration patterns (means: 16.0 and 13.9 ng mL-1, respectively), whereas G1 showed significantly higher values (mean: 105.2 ng mL-1). At 60 days, leakage values were 182.6 ng mL-1for G1, 139.0 ng mL-1 for G2, and 53.5 ng mL-1 for G3. AH Plus showed the best sealing ability and HPLC-MS/MS showed high sensitivity and specificity for tracer quantification.

Retocolite ulcerativa não complicada / Ulcerative colitis not complicated

Retocolite ulcerativa inespecífica (RCU) e doença de Crohn (DC) são consideradas as principais doenças inflamatórias intestinais idiopáticas (DIIs). De etiologia ainda desconhecida, evoluem, clinicamente, por surtos recorrentes, intercalando episódios de atividade inflamatória, acompanhados de manifestações digestivas e extradigestivas, com períodos de remissão, ambos imprevisíveis...

Nonspecific ulcerative recolitis (NUC) and Chron's Disease (CD) are considered the mainly idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Etiology unknown, the nonspecific ulcerative recolitis has a clinical proceed, by recurrent outbreaks, episodes of intercalated inflammatory activity, following by digestive and extra digestive symptoms, with period of remission, both of them are unpredictable...