Efeito protetor de enxaguatórios com diferentes fluoretos utilizados previamente aos desafios erosivos/abrasivos em esmalte e dentina / Protective effect of solutions with different fluorides used previously to erosive/abrasive challenges in enamel and dentin

Aim: To evaluate the protection offered by commercial mouthwashes containing sodium fluoride or stannous chloride associated with sodium fluoride to enamel and dentin, prior to erosive and abrasive cycling. Materials and Methods: Enamel and dentin samples were obtained from bovine incisors and subdivided into 3 groups (n=10), according to the fluoridated ingredient tested: FS (sodium fluoride - NaF (225 ppm)); FE (tin fluoride - NaF + SnCl2 (800 ppm Sn2+)); control (distilled water). The samples were submitted to an erosive/abrasive cycle with immersion in citric acid (lemon soda for 5 min, 4×/day, 5 days, with remineralization intervals in artificial saliva for 60 min). Abrasion was carried out with an electric brush (200 g/force) after the first and last cycles, 2x/day, and immediately afterward immersed in the tested solutions. Structure loss was obtained by optical profilometry. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and multiple comparison for each substrate separately. Results: For enamel there was a difference between the groups (p = 0.027), with the FS showing less loss of structure compared to the control 2.02 (±0.48). The FE group showed similar loss to the control and FS 2.32 (±0.58)ab. For dentin there was a difference between the groups (p = 0.011), with FE showing less loss of structure compared to the other groups, 0.82 (25% - 0.34; 75% - 0.95). Discussion: The protection of fluorides in erosive/abrasive challenges depends on the type and dental substrate. Conclusion: Mouthwash with sodium fluoride prior to erosive/abrasive challenges caused less loss of enamel surface, while for dentin, sodium fluoride associated with stannous chloride caused less loss of structure.

Objetivo: Avaliar a proteção oferecida por soluções para bochecho de fluoreto de sódio ou cloreto de estanho associado ao fluoreto de sódio ao esmalte e à dentina, previamente à ciclagem erosiva e abrasiva. Materiais e Métodos: Amostras de esmalte e dentina foram obtidas a partir de incisivos bovinos e subdivididas em 3 grupos (n=10), de acordo com o princípio ativo fluoretado testado: FS (fluoreto de sódio - NaF (225 ppm)); FE (fluoreto de estanho - NaF + SnCl2 (800 ppm Sn2+)); controle (água destilada). As amostras foram submetidas a um ciclo erosivo/abrasivo com imersão em ácido cítrico (refrigerante de limão por 5 min, 4×/dia, 5 dias, com intervalos de remineralização em saliva artificial por 60 min). A abrasão foi realizada com escova elétrica (200 g/força) após o primeiro e o último ciclos, 2×/dia, e logo em seguida imersos nas soluções testadas. A perda de estrutura foi obtida por perfilometria óptica. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e comparação múltipla para cada substrato separadamente. Resultados: Para esmalte houve diferença entre os grupos (p = 0,027), tendo o FS apresentados menor perda de estrutura comparado ao controle 2,02 (±0,48). O grupo FE apresentou perda similar ao controle e ao FS 2,32 (±0,58)ab. Para dentina houve diferença entre os grupos (p = 0,011), sendo que o FE apresentou menor perda de estrutura comparado aos demais grupos 0,82 (25% - 0,34; 75% - 0,95). Discussão: A proteção dos fluoretos em desafios erosivos/abrasivos depende do tipo e do substrato dental. Conclusão: O bochecho com fluoreto de sódio previamente aos desafios erosivos/abrasivos apresentou menor perda de superfície em esmalte, enquanto para dentina o fluoreto de sódio associado ao cloreto de estanho apresentou menor perda de estrutura.

Prospective Phase II Trial of Montelukast to Treat Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Investigation into Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome Pathogenesis.

Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is a severe manifestation of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Montelukast interrupts cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT) activity and may diminish the activation and homing of cells to bronchioles and subsequent fibrosis. We performed a prospective phase II trial to test whether montelukast altered lung decline for patients with BOS after HCT. In this single-arm, open-label, multi-institutional study, the primary endpoints were stability or improvement (<15% decline) in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and a <1-point decline in the slope of FEV1 after 6 months of treatment. Secondary endpoints included symptom and functional responses and immune correlates investigating the role of leukotrienes in BOS progression. The study enrolled 25 patients with moderate to severe lung disease after 3 months of stable cGVHD therapy. Montelukast was well tolerated, and no patient required escalation of BOS-directed therapy. At the primary endpoint, all 23 evaluable patients met the criteria for treatment success using FEV1% predicted, and all but 1 patient had stable or improved FEV1 slope. In those with a >5% improvement in FEV1, clinically meaningful improvements were seen in the Lee scores of breathing, energy, and mood. Improvements in the Human Activity Profile and 6-minute-walk test were observed in those with a <5% decline in FEV1. Overall survival was 87% at 2 years. Immune correlates showed elevated leukotriene receptor levels on blood eosinophils and monocytes versus healthy controls, elevated urine leukotrienes in 45% of the cohort, and CysLT receptors in bronchoalveolar lavage subsets and a predominance of Th2 cells, all pretreatment. These data suggest that montelukast may safely halt the progression of BOS after HCT, and that leukotrienes may play a role in the biology of BOS.

Protection of calcium silicate/sodium phosphate/fluoride toothpaste with serum on enamel and dentin erosive wear.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a toothpaste containing calcium silicate/sodium phosphate/fluoride associated or not to the boost serum (BS) against erosive tooth wear (ETW) on enamel and dentin. METHODOLOGY: Bovine enamel and dentin specimens were subjected to an erosion-abrasion cycling model (1% citric acid - pH 3.6 -2 min / artificial saliva - 60 min, 4×/day, 5 days). Toothbrushing was performed for 15 s (2 min exposed to slurry), 2×/day, with the toothpastes (n=10): control without fluoride (Weleda), Arg/Ca/MFP (Colgate Pro-Relief), Si/PO4/MFP (Regenerate-Unilever), and Si/PO4/MFP/BS (Si/PO4/MFP with dual BS - Advanced Enamel Serum-Unilever). The effect of treatments on the eroded tissues was assessed by surface microhardness in the first day, and surface loss (SL) resulting from ETW was evaluated by profilometry (µm) after three and five days. Additional dentin specimens (n=5/group) were subjected to 20,000 brushing cycles to verify the abrasivity of the toothpastes. Data were subjected to ANOVA and correlation tests (5%). RESULTS: For enamel, no difference in microhardness was observed among the treated groups, and similar SL was obtained after 5 days. For dentin, Si/PO4/MFP/BS resulted in higher microhardness values, but none of the groups presented significantly lower SL than the control. There was no significant correlation between SL and abrasiveness. CONCLUSION: The calcium silicate/sodium phosphate toothpaste and serum increased microhardness of eroded dentin, but they did not significantly reduce enamel and dentin loss compared to the non-fluoride control toothpaste. The abrasiveness of the toothpastes could not predict their effect on ETW.

Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Outcomes Related to Human Papillomavirus Disease in GATA2 Deficiency.

GATA2 deficiency is a bone marrow failure syndrome effectively treated with hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), which also addresses the predisposition to many infections (prominently mycobacterial). However, many GATA2-deficient persons who come to HCT also have prevalent and refractory human papilloma virus disease (HPVD), which can be a precursor to cancer. We analyzed 75 HCT recipients for the presence of HPVD to identify patient characteristics and transplantation results that influence HPVD outcomes. We assessed the impact of cellular recovery and iatrogenic post-transplantation immunosuppression, as per protocol (PP) or intensified/prolonged (IP) graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis or treatment, on the persistence or resolution of HPVD. Our experience with 75 HCT recipients showed a prevalence of 49% with anogenital HPVD, which was either a contributing or primary factor in the decision to proceed to HCT. Of 24 recipients with sufficient follow-up, 13 had resolution of HPVD, including 8 with IP and 5 with PP. Eleven recipients had persistent HPVD, including 5 with IP and 6 with PP immunosuppression. No plausible cellular recovery group (natural killer cells or T cells) showed a significant difference in HPV outcomes. One recipient died of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, presumably of anogenital origin, at 33 months post-transplantation after prolonged immunosuppression for chronic GVHD. Individual cases demonstrate the need for continued aggressive monitoring, especially in the context of disease prevalent at transplantation or prior malignancy. HCT proved curative in many cases in which HPVD was refractory and recurrent prior to transplantation, supporting a recommendation that HPVD should be considered an indication rather than contraindication to HCT, but post-transplantation monitoring should be prolonged with a high level of vigilance for new or recurrent HPVD.

Protection of calcium silicate/sodium phosphate/fluoride toothpaste with serum on enamel and dentin erosive wear

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of a toothpaste containing calcium silicate/sodium phosphate/fluoride associated or not to the boost serum (BS) against erosive tooth wear (ETW) on enamel and dentin. Methodology Bovine enamel and dentin specimens were subjected to an erosion-abrasion cycling model (1% citric acid - pH 3.6 -2 min / artificial saliva - 60 min, 4×/day, 5 days). Toothbrushing was performed for 15 s (2 min exposed to slurry), 2×/day, with the toothpastes (n=10): control without fluoride (Weleda), Arg/Ca/MFP (Colgate Pro-Relief), Si/PO4/MFP (Regenerate-Unilever), and Si/PO4/MFP/BS (Si/PO4/MFP with dual BS - Advanced Enamel Serum-Unilever). The effect of treatments on the eroded tissues was assessed by surface microhardness in the first day, and surface loss (SL) resulting from ETW was evaluated by profilometry (μm) after three and five days. Additional dentin specimens (n=5/group) were subjected to 20,000 brushing cycles to verify the abrasivity of the toothpastes. Data were subjected to ANOVA and correlation tests (5%). Results For enamel, no difference in microhardness was observed among the treated groups, and similar SL was obtained after 5 days. For dentin, Si/PO4/MFP/BS resulted in higher microhardness values, but none of the groups presented significantly lower SL than the control. There was no significant correlation between SL and abrasiveness. Conclusion The calcium silicate/sodium phosphate toothpaste and serum increased microhardness of eroded dentin, but they did not significantly reduce enamel and dentin loss compared to the non-fluoride control toothpaste. The abrasiveness of the toothpastes could not predict their effect on ETW.

Enhancing the Anti-Erosive Properties of Fluoride and Stannous with the Polymer Carbopol.

This in vitro study investigated whether Carbopol 980 polymer could potentiate the anti-erosive effect of solutions containing sodium fluoride (F) and sodium fluoride associated with stannous chloride (FS). The dissolution of hydroxyapatite treated with the experimental solutions (F [500 ppm F-], F + Carbopol [0.1%], FS [500 ppm F- + 800 ppm Sn2+], FS + Carbopol) was evaluated. Deionized water was the negative control, and a commercial mouth rinse (AmF/NaF/SnCl2; 500 ppm F + 800 ppm Sn2+; Elmex® Erosion Protection) was the positive control. The solutions were also evaluated in an erosion-rehardening protocol, with two treatments per day, using bovine enamel specimens (n = 15) and human saliva. The acid challenge was performed using 0.3% citric acid (pH 2.6) for 2 min. Microhardness was measured at different times: baseline, after the first erosive challenge, after treatment, and after the second erosive challenge. Based on microhardness values, the demineralization, rehardening, and protective potentials were calculated. The alkali-soluble fluoride on enamel surfaces was also measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05). Groups treated with FS + Carbopol showed the lowest hydroxyapatite dissolution and the highest rehardening and protective potentials. The measurement of alkali-soluble fluoride on enamel surfaces was also higher in the FS + Carbopol group. Carbopol was able to significantly increase the protective effect of the fluoridated solutions in addition to optimizing the adsorption of fluoride on the enamel surface.

A Panoply of Rheumatological Manifestations in Patients with GATA2 Deficiency.

PURPOSE: To characterize rheumatological manifestations of GATA2 deficiency. METHODS: Single-center, retrospective review of 157 patients with GATA2 deficiency. Disease course, laboratory results, and imaging findings were extracted. In-person rheumatological assessments were performed on selected, available patients. A literature search of four databases was conducted to identify additional cases. RESULTS: Rheumatological findings were identified in 28 patients, out of 157 cases reviewed (17.8%). Twenty-two of those patients (78.6%) reported symptom onset prior to or in conjunction with the molecular diagnosis of GATA2 deficiency. Notable rheumatological manifestations included: piezogenic pedal papules (PPP), joint hyperextensibility, early onset osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and seronegative erosive rheumatoid arthritis. In peripheral blood of patients with rheumatological manifestations and GATA2 deficiency, CD4+ CD3+ helper T cells and naïve CD3+ CD4+ CD62L+ CD45RA+ helper T cell subpopulation fractions were significantly lower, while CD8+ cytotoxic T cell fractions were significantly higher, compared to those without rheumatological manifestations and with GATA2 deficiency. No changes in CD19, CD3, or NK populations were observed. CONCLUSION: GATA2 deficiency is associated with a broad spectrum of rheumatological disease manifestations. Low total helper T lymphocyte proportions and low naïve helper T cell proportions are associated with those most at risk of overt rheumatological manifestations. Further, PPP and joint hyperextensibility may explain some of the nonimmunologically-mediated joint problems encountered in patients with GATA2 deficiency. This catalogue suggests that rheumatological manifestations and immune dysregulation are relatively common in GATA2 deficiency.

Randomized in situ trial on the efficacy of Carbopol in enhancing fluoride / stannous anti-erosive properties.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if the bioadhesive polymer (Carbopol 980) could potentiate the protective effect of sodium fluoride with stannous chloride (FS) solution on the control of enamel erosive wear. METHODS: Cylindrical bovine enamel specimens were polished and randomly allocated into three groups (n = 60): FS (500 ppm F- +800 ppm Sn2+ - positive control), FS + Carbopol (0.1% Carbopol), and ultrapure water (negative control). A randomized double-blind cross-over in situ model with three phases was used. In each phase, volunteers (n = 15) used a palatal appliance containing 4 specimens: two were submitted to an erosion model (2 h of pellicle formation; immersion in 1% citric acid, pH 2.3, for 5 min, 4x/day; 1 h intervals of saliva exposure; and treatment with the test solutions for 1 min, 2x/day). Besides erosion, the other two specimens were also subjected to abrasion (2x/day, 15 s) with active electric toothbrush, before the treatment with the solutions. After 5 days, enamel surface loss (µm) was evaluated by profilometry. Data were analyzed by two-way RM-ANOVA and Tukey tests (5%). RESULTS: There were significant differences for both challenge and treatment factors. Erosion/abrasion challenge resulted in significantly higher enamel loss than erosion only (p < 0.05). The surface loss values for the erosion/remineralization model were (means ±â€¯SL): C = 14.7 ±â€¯5.8b; FS = 9.0 ±â€¯7.5ab; FS + Carbopol = 5.9 ±â€¯3.8a; and for erosion/abrasion: C = 26.6 ±â€¯10.1c; FS = 15.0 ±â€¯8.8b; FS + Carbopol = 12.3 ±â€¯7.9ab. CONCLUSION: The association of Carbopol to the FS solution significantly protected the enamel against erosive wear, but it was not significantly superior to FS only. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Under highly erosive and abrasive conditions, rinsing with solutions containing sodium fluoride plus stannous chloride, associated or not with the Carbopol polymer, is an effective approach to control enamel erosive wear.

A 2-year clinical evaluation of direct and semi-direct resin composite restorations in non-carious cervical lesions: a randomized clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 2-year success of resin composite restorations in non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) using the direct or semi-direct techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty volunteers presenting with at least two NCCLs were included. Each participant received one restoration using the direct technique and the other using the semi-direct technique, totaling 60 restorations. Time for completing the treatment was computed. Assessments at baseline, 7 days, and 6, 12, and 24 months were performed using the modified United States Public Health Service criteria. Descriptive analysis was reported as a percentage of successful treatments. For inferential analysis, the Student t test was used to evaluate the differences between extension, depth, and time. The chi-square/Fisher tests were used to compare treatment success after each period (α = 0.05). The results were evaluated by using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: Differences were detected regarding mean ± standard deviation time, in which direct and semi-direct procedures were accomplished in 21.8 (± 14.5) and 35.3 (± 19.9) min, respectively. Of the 60 restorations placed, 7 failed in the direct group while 8 failed in the semi-direct group up to 2 years. No differences were detected between restorative protocols. The cumulative survival was 88.5% and 88.4% for the direct technique and semi-direct techniques after 24 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: The tested restorative protocols present similar results for NCCLs within the studied periods. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The semi-direct technique exhibited clinical performance similar to direct technique for NCCL, demonstrating an alternative for restorations of these lesions.

GATA2 Deficiency: Early Identification for Improved Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Patients with GATA2 deficiency present with nontuberculous mycobacterial infections, severe viral infections (particularly refractory human papillomavirus disease), lymphedema, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and acute myeloid leukemia. Patients with GATA2 deficiency who undergo allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation prior to the development of life-threatening infections or cytogenetic abnormalities may have optimal clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to determine ways in which oncology nurses can identify GATA2 deficiency in patients early and optimize treatment decisions. METHODS: A case study is presented of a 33-year-old man with recurrent infections and MDS and his two sons, all of whom were found to have the same GATA2 mutation. FINDINGS: Oncology nurses play an important role in early detection and identification by interviewing patients and obtaining a complete and thorough family history.

Influence of Surfactants and Fluoride against Enamel Erosion.

This study investigated the effect of surfactants associated with sodium fluoride (NaF) on enamel erosion prevention, using an erosion-remineralization in vitro model. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), polysorbate 20 (P20), and cocoamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) were tested, at concentrations of 1.0 and 1.5%, and associated or not with NaF (275 ppm). The control groups were distilled water and the NaF solution. Bovine enamel samples (n = 12) were prepared and submitted to a 5-day cycling model: acid challenge (0.3% citric acid, pH 2.6, 4×/day), human saliva (2 h, 4×/day), and the treatment solutions (2 min, 2×/day). The protective potential of the agents against initial erosion was assessed by microhardness and the surface loss by profilometry. Enamel surface wettability was determined by goniometry, protein adsorption was measured by spectroscopy (FTIR), and the KOH-soluble fluoride was quantified. Goniometry showed that SLS and CAPB increased enamel wettability. No differences were found among the surfactants regarding protein adsorption. Microhardness showed that SLS reduced NaF protection. P20 (1 and 1.5%) and CAPB 1.5% presented a protective effect, but lower than the NaF solution. Profilometry showed that CAPB protected enamel, but no agent associated with NaF promoted a higher protection than the NaF solution alone. KOH-soluble fluoride analysis showed that all surfactants reduced the fluoride adsorption on the enamel surface. Therefore, the surfactants tested (except for P20) changed the enamel surface energy. The SLS decreased the protective potential of NaF on initial erosion, but no tested agent interfered with the protective effect of NaF on enamel erosive wear.

Imaging of subclinical haemopoiesis after stem-cell transplantation in patients with haematological malignancies: a prospective pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Haemopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) eradicates host haemopoiesis before venous infusion of haemopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The pathway to cellular recovery has been difficult to study in human beings because of risks associated with interventions during aplasia. We investigated whether 18F-fluorothymidine (18F-FLT) imaging was safe during allogenic HSCT and allowed visualisation of early cellular proliferation and detection of patterns of cellular engraftment after HSCT. METHODS: Eligible patients were aged 18-55 years, had high-risk haematological malignancies. All patients underwent myeloablation followed by HSCT. The imaging primary endpoint was detection of early subclinical engraftment after HSCT with 18F-FLT PET or CT. Imaging was done 1 day before and 5 or 9, and 28 days, and 1 year after HSCT. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01338987. FINDINGS: Between April 1, 2014, and Dec 31, 2015, 23 patients were enrolled and assessable for toxic effects after completing accrual. 18F-FLT was not associated with any adverse events or delayed engraftment. 18F-FLT imaging objectively identified subclinical bone-marrow recovery within 5 days of HSC infusion, which was up to 20 days before engraftment became clinically evident. Quantitatively, 18F-FLT intensity differed significantly between myeloablative infusion before HSCT and subclinical HSC recovery (p=0·00031). 18F-FLT biodistribution over time revealed a previously unknown path of cellular recovery of haemopoiesis in vivo that mirrored fetal ontogeny. INTERPRETATION: 18F-FLT allowed quantification and tracking of subclinical bone-marrow repopulation in human beings and revealed new insights into the biology of HSC recovery after HSCT. FUNDING: National Institutes of Health, Ben's Run/Ben's Gift, Albert and Elizabeth Tucker Foundation, Mex Frates Leukemia Fund, Jones Family fund, and Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research.

Predictors for Permanent Discontinuation of Systemic Immunosuppression in Severely Affected Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease Patients.

Predicting the duration of systemic therapy in patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is of critical clinical importance when counseling patients and for treatment planning. cGVHD characteristics associated with this outcome have not been studied in severely affected patients. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) cGVHD scoring provides a standardized set of organ severity measures that could represent clinically useful and reproducible predictive characteristics. We analyzed 227 previously treated patients most with moderate (n = 54) or severe (n = 170) cGVHD defined by NIH criteria who were prospectively enrolled in a natural history protocol (NCT00092235). Patients received a median of 4 prior systemic therapy regimens and were seen at the NIH for a single time-point visit and were then monitored for survival and ability to discontinue cGVHD systemic therapy. With a median follow-up of 71.1 months, the cumulative incidence of systemic therapy discontinuation was 9.5% (95% confidence interval, 6.0% to 13.9%) at 2 years and 27.7% (95% confidence interval, 20.9% to 34.8%) by 5 years after the initial visit. Factors associated with a higher incidence of immunosuppression discontinuation included lower NIH global severity (P = .019) and lung (P = .030) scores and less extensive deep sclerosis (<37% body surface area, P = .024). Lower patient- and clinician-reported 0 to 10 severity NIH scores and noncyclosporine prophylaxis regimens were also associated with higher incidence of immunosuppression discontinuation (P <.05). In conclusion, we found low success rates for immune suppression discontinuation in previously treated patients who were severely affected with cGVHD. NIH scoring and clinical measures provide new standardized disease-specific tools to predict discontinuation of systemic therapy.

Effect of Lining Materials on Shear Bond Strength for Composite Restorations In Vitro.

This study evaluated the influence of liner agents placed under resin composite restorations on shear bond strength (SBS) to dentin. A total of 40 extracted bovine incisors were used. Enamel surfaces were ground to expose a flat dentin area of 7 mm in diameter. Teeth were divided into four groups according to tested liners: Group 1 (control) used no liner; Group 2 used a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement liner (Vitrebond Plus, 3M ESPE); Group 3 used a light-activated calcium hydroxide resin liner (Ultra-Blend Plus, Ultradent); and Group 4 used a polyacrylic acid surface treatment + conventional glass-ionomer cement liner (Vidrion F, SSWhite). All groups were subjected to bonding procedures with Single Bond (3M ESPE) and 4-mm-thick buildups of resin composite were fabricated. Artificial aging was performed, and the specimens were submitted to mechanical shear testing. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences among liners (P = .00). Group 4 showed the highest SBS. Group 1 showed significantly higher mean SBS compared with Group 3. Results showed that SBS is improved when using polyacrylic acid surface treatment + conventional glass-ionomer cement and decreased when using light-activated calcium hydroxide when compared with no liner. Polyacrylic acid surface treatment + conventional glass-ionomer cement as a liner placed under adhesion surface can improve the shear bond strength between dentin and resin, while light-activated calcium hydroxide resin should be used restrictedly in very deep cavities, because they may reduce the bond strength of the restoration submitted to masticatory forces and temperature changes in the oral environment.

Achalasia in a Patient Undergoing Hematologic Stem Cell Transplant After Exposure to Tacrolimus.

Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are effective agents used for prevention of graft-vs-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant or for organ rejection in solid-organ transplant. However, CNIs have a wide range of adverse effects that may necessitate changing to another CNI or immunosuppressive agent. We report a case of acute myeloid leukemia in which achalasia developed after exposure to tacrolimus, as revealed by esophagram results. The patient's symptoms and signs were ameliorated after a change to cyclosporine. This case is the first in the literature to reveal achalasia associated with tacrolimus. Achalasia should be part of a differential diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal symptoms in patients undergoing transplant, and changing to another CNI may be a useful therapeutic intervention.

Influence of bioadhesive polymers on the protective effect of fluoride against erosion.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated if the incorporation of the bioadhesive polymers Carbopol 980, Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and Aristoflex AVC in a fluoridated solution (NaF-900ppm) would increase the solution's protective effect against enamel erosion. METHODS: Enamel specimens were submitted to a 5-day de-remineralization cycling model, consisting of 2min immersions in 0.3% citric acid (6x/day), 1min treatments with the polymers (associated or not with fluoride), and 60min storage in artificial saliva. Ultrapure water was used as the negative control and a 900ppm fluoride solution as positive control. The initial Knoop microhardness (KHN1) was used to randomize the samples into groups. Another two microhardness assessments were performed after the first (KHN2) and second (KHN3) acid immersions, to determine initial erosion in the first day. The formula: %KHNalt=[(KHN3-KHN2)/KHN2]*100 was used to define the protective effect of the treatments. After the 5-day cycling, surface loss (SL, in µm) was evaluated with profilometry. Data were analyzed with 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: For %KHNalt, the polymers alone did not reduce enamel demineralization when compared to the negative control, but Carbopol associated with NaF significantly improved its protective effect. The profilometric analysis showed that Carbopol, associated or not with NaF, exhibited the lowest SL, while CMC and Aristoflex did not exhibit a protective effect, nor were they able to improve the protection of NaF. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that Carbopol enhanced NaF's protection against initial erosion. Carbopol alone or associated with NaF was able to reduce SL after several erosive challenges. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Carbopol by itself was able to reduce the erosive wear magnitude to the same extent as the sodium fluoride, therefore, is a promising agent to prevent or control enamel erosion.

Adhesive Systems as an Alternative Material for Color Masking of White Spot Lesions: Do They Work?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the color masking effect of infiltration treatment of artificial white spot lesions (AWSL) using a dedicated resin in comparison to different adhesive systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Enamel/dentin specimens were obtained from bovine incisors and baseline color was assessed using a reflectance spectrophotometer, according to the CIE L*a*b* system. AWSL were produced using a buffered acid solution and a new color evaluation was performed. The specimens were divided into 8 groups: control: artificial saliva changed daily for 7 days; IC: infiltrating resin Icon; EC: EquiaCoat; FU: Futurabond U; SBU: Single Bond U; SBMP: Scotchbond MP; OB: OptibondFL; BF: Bioforty. After the treatments, the color was evaluated again and the values for the parameters ΔL (change in lightness), Δa (change in chroma), Δb (change in hue), and ΔE (general color difference) were calculated in relation to baseline. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests. RESULTS: After treatment, ANOVA showed significant differences for all parameters (p = 0.001). Tukey's test showed the greatest lightness reduction (ΔL) for the IC group, followed by EC, FU, and SBU. The SBMP, OB, and BF groups were similar to the control. For Δb values, all groups showed differences in relation to the control, with no differences between them. In relation to ΔE, all groups showed differences in relation to the control (ΔE = 5.24), with no significant differences between them. ΔE values after application of all resinous materials were lower than the threshold of 3.7, indicating effective color masking. CONCLUSIONS: The Icon infiltrant produced a greater lightness reduction of white lesions (ΔL). For general color difference (ΔE), all the resinous materials tested were able to color mask artificial AWSL.