Novel anti-biofouling bioactive calcium silicate-based cement containing 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine.

Calcium silicate-based cements (CSCs) are commonly used for endodontic procedures; however, their antibacterial effects are limited. The objective of this study was to develop a 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)-incorporated CSC with improved antibacterial properties, while maintaining the original advantageous features of CSC. MPC was incorporated into a commercial CSC (Endocem MTA) at 0 wt% (control), 1.5%, 3.0 wt%, 5.0 wt%, 7.5 wt%, and 10 wt%. The setting time, compressive strength, water sorption, and glycerol contact angle were measured. Protein absorption was measured and bacterial adhesion on the surface was evaluated using Enterococcus faecalis. The bactericidal effect was examined by the disc diffusion test. Mineralization ability was assessed based on calcium ion deposition, as assessed by alizarin red staining, after immersion into Hank's balanced salt solution for 7 days. High concentrations of MPC in CSC (7.5 wt% and 10 wt%) increased the setting time, reduced compressive strength, and reduced wettability. MPC (3 wt%) had greater protein repellent and anti-biofouling effects than those of control and test materials (P < 0.001). However, no bactericidal effect was observed for any control or test materials. There was greater calcium ion deposition on the surface of MPC-supplemented CSC than on the control (P < 0.001). The addition of 3 wt% MPC polymer to CSC confers protein-repellent properties and reduced bacterial attachment, with the potential for improved mineralization.

Effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on cognition and mood in stroke patients: a double-blind, sham-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) affected cognition or mood in poststroke patients. DESIGN: The study was a single-center, prospective, double-blind, sham-controlled preliminary study. Eighteen patients (10 males and 8 females; average age, 62.9 yrs) were enrolled. All participants were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: low-frequency (1 Hz) stimulation, high-frequency (10 Hz) stimulation, and sham stimulation (control). Each patient underwent 10 consecutive treatment sessions (five times per week for 2 wks). A Computerized Neuropsychological Test was used to evaluate cognitive function, the Tower of London test was used to assess executive function, the Modified Barthel Index score was used to assess activity of daily living function, and the Beck Depression Inventory was used to assess mood status. These evaluations were conducted in all patients before and after treatment. RESULTS: Treatment had no significant effect on any cognitive function parameter, including the Tower of London scores, in any of the three groups. In contrast, high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation resulted in significantly lower Beck Depression Inventory scores compared with baseline and compared with the other two groups. The Modified Barthel Index scores significantly increased in all three groups. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data suggest that there was a positive effect on mood, but the study was not powered to detect any measurable effect on cognition.