Biocompatibility, Biomineralization and Induction of Collagen Maturation with the Use of Calcium Hydroxide and Iodoform Intracanal Dressing.

Biocompatibility and biomineralization of root canal dressings are important requirements for periapical healing. This study evaluated the inflammatory response, biomineralization and tissue repair by collagen fiber maturation in the subcutaneous tissue of rats. Eighteen Wistar rats (n = 6) received subcutaneous implants: calcium hydroxide + propylene glycol [CH+P], calcium hydroxide + propylene glycol + iodoform [CH+P+I], iodoform + carbowax [I+Cwax] and carbowax [Cwax]. Extra empty tubes were used as a control [C]. After 7, 15 and 30 days, the implants were removed with surrounding tissue for staining of hematoxylin-eosin, Von Kossa, picrosirius red and without staining for analysis under polarized light. Results were analyzed via Kruskal-Wallis followed by Dunn testing for nonparametric data and ANOVA followed by a Tukey post hoc test for parametric data (p < 5%). At 7 days, all groups showed a moderate inflammatory reaction and thick fibrous capsule, except the [Cwax] group, with a severe inflammatory infiltrate (p < 0.05). After 15 days, all groups but control had a decrease in inflammatory response. At 30 days, all groups presented a mild reaction and thin fibrous capsule (p > 0.05). Only groups containing calcium hydroxide were found to be positive using Von Kossa staining and polarized light in all periods. At 7 days, all groups showed a higher proportion of immature fibers. At 15 days, the [CH+P] and [Cwax] groups increased their proportion of mature/immature fibers. At 30 days, only the [CH+P] group presented a significant prevalence of mature collagen fibers (p < 0.05). All groups showed biocompatibility, but only groups containing calcium hydroxide induced biomineralization. The addition of iodoform delayed tissue healing.

A Novel Genetic Variant in MBD5 Associated with Severe Epilepsy and Intellectual Disability: Potential Implications on Neural Primary Cilia.

Disruptions in the MBD5 gene have been linked with an array of clinical features such as global developmental delay, intellectual disability, autistic-like symptoms, and seizures, through unclear mechanisms. MBD5 haploinsufficiency has been associated with the disruption of primary cilium-related processes during early cortical development, and this has been reported in many neurodevelopmental disorders. In this study, we describe the clinical history of a 12-year-old child harboring a novel MBD5 rare variant and presenting psychomotor delay and seizures. To investigate the impact of MBD5 haploinsufficiency on neural primary cilia, we established a novel patient-derived cell line and used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to create an isogenic control. The patient-derived neural progenitor cells revealed a decrease in the length of primary cilia and in the total number of ciliated cells. This study paves the way to understanding the impact of MBD5 haploinsufficiency in brain development through its potential impact on neural primary cilia.

Low-Level Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Oral Mucositis Induced by Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Oral mucositis is a common and debilitating side effect induced by stem cell transplantation that is experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. This condition involves inflammation and ulceration of the oral mucosa, leading to pain, difficulty with eating and speaking, and an increased risk of infections. Mucositis not only compromises the quality of life for cancer patients, but also affects treatment outcomes and may necessitate dose reductions or treatment delays. This scientific article provides a comprehensive overview of mucositis. The purpose of this literature review with a meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of laser therapy in treating post-transplant mucositis. Materials and methods: A search of the literature from 3 May 2023 was carried out on three online databases, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Only studies that treated patients with laser therapy were considered; only studies with the placebo-treated control group were considered. Review Manager version 5.2.8 (Cochrane Collaboration) was used for the pooled analysis. We measured the std. mean difference between the two groups (laser and placebo). Results: There were 230 papers included in this review. Two hundred twenty-seven were excluded. Furthermore, a manual search was performed. After the search phase, three articles were considered in the study. The overall effect showed differences in the degree of mucositis in the laser-treated patients compared with the placebo group. The meta-analysis shows a reduction in the degree of mucositis in the patients treated with laser therapy (std. mean difference -1.34 [-1.98; -0.98]; C.I. 95%). Conclusions: The application of laser therapy results in decreased severity of oral mucositis from radiation and chemotherapy. Our study shows that the application of low-level laser therapy in the treatment of transplant mucositis has excellent efficacy in relieving the symptoms and severity of mucositis.

Effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on the reduction of bacteria and virulence factors in teeth with primary endodontic infection.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of supplemental photodynamic therapy for improving the bacterial removal and the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) by conducting a clinical trial. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-four root canals with pulp necrosis and periapical lesion were selected and randomly divided into conventional group using endodontic treatment with chemo-mechanical preparation (CMP) alone (n = 12) and a group using antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) after CMP (n = 12). The samples were collected before and after CMP (conventional group) and after photodynamic therapy (aPDT group). A photosensitizer (0.005% methylene blue) was applied to the root canal for 3 minutes after CMP, whereas aPDT was performed by using a red laser with a power of 30Mw and energy density of 9J/cm2 for 90 s per root canal. Culture technique was performed to determine the bacterial colony forming units. LPS and LTA levels were quantified by using limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. RESULTS: All samples showed growth of viable bacteria on Fastidious Anaerobe Agar (FAA), with an average of 5.19 × 105 CFU/ mL. CMP was effective in decreasing viable bacteria (p < 0.05), whereas there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the samples treated with aPDT compared to those submitted to CMP. LPS and LTA were detected in all initial samples, with mean values of 20.561 EU/mL and 430.91 pg/mL, respectively. Both CMP and aPDT groups significantly decreased the levels of LPS and LTA (p < 0.05), with a statistical difference between the groups regarding aPDT (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Photodynamic therapy as an adjunct to CMP proved to be effective in improving root canal disinfection and reducing the LPS and LTA levels in teeth with primary endodontic infection.

Scaffolds for Dentin-Pulp Complex Regeneration.

Background and Objectives: Regenerative dentistry aims to regenerate the pulp-dentin complex and restore those of its functions that have become compromised by pulp injury and/or inflammation. Scaffold-based techniques are a regeneration strategy that replicate a biological environment by utilizing a suitable scaffold, which is considered crucial for the successful regeneration of dental pulp. The aim of the present review is to address the main characteristics of the different scaffolds, as well as their application in dentin-pulp complex regeneration. Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted by two independent reviewers to answer the research question: What type of scaffolds can be used in dentin-pulp complex regeneration? An electronic search of PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane library databases was undertaken. Keywords including "pulp-dentin regeneration scaffold" and "pulp-dentin complex regeneration" were used. To locate additional reports, reference mining of the identified papers was undertaken. Results: A wide variety of biomaterials is already available for tissue engineering and can be broadly categorized into two groups: (i) natural, and (ii) synthetic, scaffolds. Natural scaffolds often contain bioactive molecules, growth factors, and signaling cues that can positively influence cell behavior. These signaling molecules can promote specific cellular responses, such as cell proliferation and differentiation, crucial for effective tissue regeneration. Synthetic scaffolds offer flexibility in design and can be tailored to meet specific requirements, such as size, shape, and mechanical properties. Moreover, they can be functionalized with bioactive molecules, growth factors, or signaling cues to enhance their biological properties and the manufacturing process can be standardized, ensuring consistent quality for widespread clinical use. Conclusions: There is still a lack of evidence to determine the optimal scaffold composition that meets the specific requirements and complexities needed for effectively promoting dental pulp tissue engineering and achieving successful clinical outcomes.