Bioresilience to Mercury Chloride of the Brine Shrimp Artemia Salina after Treatment with Homeopathic Mercurius Corrosivus.

INTRODUCTION: Finding solutions to mitigate the impact of pollution on living systems is a matter of great interest. Homeopathic preparations of toxic substances have been described in the literature as attenuation factors for intoxication. Herein, an experimental study using Artemia salina and mercury chloride was developed as a model to identify aspects related to bioresilience. AIMS: The aim of the study was to describe the effects of homeopathic Mercurius corrosivus (MC) on Artemia salina cysts hatching and on mercury bioavailability. METHODS: Artemia salina cysts were exposed to 5.0 µg/mL of mercury chloride during the hatching phase. MC potencies (6cH, 30cH, and 200cH) were prepared in sterile purified water and poured into artificial sea water. Different controls were used (non-challenged cysts and challenged cysts treated with water, succussed water, and Ethilicum 1cH). Four series of nine experiments were performed to evaluate the percentage of cyst hatching. Soluble total mercury (THg) levels and precipitated mercury content were also evaluated. Solvatochromic dyes were used to check for eventual physicochemical markers of MC biological activity. RESULTS: Significant delay (p < 0.0001) in cyst hatching was observed only after treatment with MC 30cH, compared with controls. This result was associated with an increase of THg concentration in water (p = 0.0018) and of chlorine/oxygen ratio (p < 0.0001) in suspended micraggregates, suggesting changes in mercury bioavailability. A specific interaction of MC 30cH with the solvatochromic dye ET33 (p = 0.0017) was found. CONCLUSION: Changes in hatching rate and possible changes in Hg bioavailability are postulated as protective effects of MC 30cH on Artemia salina, by improving its natural bioresilience processes.

Characterization of Antimonium crudum Activity Using Solvatochromic Dyes.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism by which highly diluted and agitated solutions have their effect is still unknown, but the development in recent years of new methods identifying changes in water and solute dipole moments is providing insights into potential modes of action. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the current study was to compare the biological effects of Antimonium crudum (AC) previously obtained by our group and already described in the literature with now measurable physico-chemical effects on solvatochromic dyes. METHODS: Different dilutions of AC and succussed water have been characterized with respect to their effect on the visible spectra of the solvatochromic dyes methylene violet (MV), a pyridinium phenolate (ET33), and a dimethylamino naphthalenone (BDN) compared with in-vitro action against Leishmania amazonensis-infected macrophages. RESULTS: Dye responses varied according to the dye used and the level of AC dilution and results were found to corroborate previously published in-vivo and in-vitro effects of AC. In addition, a very significant enhancement in the absorbance increase of MV was seen using the supernatant from AC 200cH-treated cells (15%; p < 0.0001) over that seen with AC 200cH itself (4%; p = 0.034), suggesting the amplification of ultra-high dilution effects by biological systems. Furthermore, supernatants from AC-treated cells increased the range of dilutions of AC that were capable of producing effects on the spectra of MV. The effect of AC dilutions on dye ET33 was eliminated by a weak electric current passed through potency solutions. CONCLUSION: The data confirm a correspondence between the biological effects of dilutions of AC in-vitro and physico-chemical effects on solvatochromic dyes as measured by changes in their visible spectra. Results also indicate high dilutions of AC are sensitive to exposure to electric currents and biological systems.

Biological Actions, Electrical Conductance and Silicon-Containing Microparticles of Arsenicum Album Prepared in Plastic and Glass Vials.

INTRODUCTION: According to the "silica hypothesis" formulated to explain homeopathy, the information of starting materials would be transferred to cells by silica nanoparticles detached from the glassware walls by serial dilution and agitation through epitaxy. We compared the biological activity, electrical current and silicon microparticle content (by means of scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) of high dilutions (HDs) of arsenic prepared in plastic and glass vials to investigate the role of silica in their biological effects in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Co-cultures of macrophages and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) were treated with different HDs of arsenic prepared in plastic and glass vials. Macrophage morphology, phagocytosis index, nitric oxide (NO), and cytokine production were evaluated. RESULTS: Measurable amounts of silicon microparticles were detected only in the HDs prepared in glass vials, but ultra-centrifugation eliminated them. Specific and non-specific results were observed. Non-specific pro-inflammatory effects were seen in all dilutions prepared in plastic vials, including elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, NO and macrophage phagocytic index. Only the 200th centesimal dilution of arsenic produced specific decrease in interleukin-6 production in macrophages, and it was independent of the vial type or the presence of microparticles of silica in the medicine samples. The nature of the vials had an impact on the electric flow in the respective fluids. CONCLUSION: The non-specific, pro-inflammatory effects might be attributed to organic residuals detached from the vials' plastic walls during manipulation. Instead, specific silica-independent effects of the homeopathic medicine can be attributed to the decrease of interleukin-6 after treatment with the 200th centesimal dilution of arsenic.

Esthetic treatment of gingival hyperpigmentation with Nd:YAG laser or scalpel technique: a 6-month RCT of patient and professional assessment.

This double-masked, randomized controlled trial with a split-mouth design aimed to compare patient- and professional-centered outcomes using different therapeutic approaches-neodymium-yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser or scalpel technique-for gingival depigmentation. Patients presenting bilateral melanin gingival hyperpigmentation and who requested cosmetic therapy were recruited. Contralateral quadrants were randomly assigned to receive Nd:YAG laser (settings: 6 W, 60 mJ/pulse, and 100 Hz) or scalpel technique. Patient morbidity experienced at intratherapy and during the first postoperative week was evaluated. In addition, after 6 months, the cosmetic results achieved for the different therapeutic approaches were evaluated by patients and professionals. The chair time of each technique was also calculated. Patient-oriented outcomes concerning intratherapy morbidity did not demonstrate any differences between groups (p > 0.05), although a higher extent of discomfort/pain was experienced in the side treated by the scalpel technique compared to the Nd:YAG laser procedure during the first posttherapy week (p < 0.05). Regarding to cosmetic outcomes, no differences between techniques were observed for patient and professionals (p > 0.05). Significantly higher chair time was required for the scalpel technique than for the Nd:YAG laser therapy (p < 0.05). The Nd:YAG laser or the scalpel technique may be successfully used for the treatment of melanin gingival hyperpigmentation. However, the use of the Nd:YAG laser has presented advantages in terms of less discomfort/pain during the posttherapy period and a reduction of treatment chair time.

Influence of the hydration state on the ultrashort laser ablation of dental hard tissues.

Since about 40 years, laser-based surgical tools have been used in medicine and dentistry to improve clinical protocols. In dentistry, femtosecond lasers have been claimed to be a potential ablation tool. It would, however, be good to perform a more fundamental investigation to understand ablation interaction mechanisms and possible side effects, depending on different specific components of the target tissue. The goal of this study is to show the changes of ablation characteristics in the femtosecond regime at different levels of structural water within dental hard tissues. Thirty human teeth samples were split into three hydration groups and subdivided into dentin and enamel groups (n = 5). The specimens were irradiated using a 70-fs Ti:sapphire laser (with a 1-kHz repetition rate and a 801-nm wavelength output). Ablation was performed using five different power levels and three exposure times. The results clearly show an inversely proportional dependence of the ablation threshold to the hydration level of the tissues. A known mathematical model was adapted in order to include the influence of the changes on the relative fractional composition of dental hard tissues. This analysis was consistent with the experimental results regarding the ablation threshold. High thermal and mechanical damages were observed as a high repetition rate had been applied. Macroscopic images and scanning electron microscopy images were used to preliminarily analyze both the thermal and mechanical damage thresholds, and their variations according to the hydration level present. By manipulating the hydration states, the modifications in the proportions of the molecules that build dental hard tissues clearly shift, and therefore, the characteristics of a plasma-induced ablation change.

Effect of chlorhexidine on the 18-month clinical performance of two adhesives.

PURPOSE: This study tested the hypothesis that 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) does not affect the 18-month clinical performance of two dentin adhesives, XP Bond (XPB) and XENO V (XEN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 noncarious cervical lesions (NCCL) were selected and assigned to 4 groups: (1) XPB; (2) CHX prior to the application of XPB; (3) XEN; (4) CHX prior to the application of XEN. A hybrid composite resin, Esthet•X, was used for all restorations. Restorations were evaluated blindly at 6 and 18 months by two evaluators using the University of North Carolina (UNC)-modified USPHS criteria. Statistical analyses included the Mann Whitney and McNemar nonparametric tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: At 6 months, 91 (75.2%) restorations were evaluated, while 92 (76.7%) restorations were evaluated at 18 months. The 6-month/18-month overall retention rates (%) were 100/100 for XPB, 96.0/95.0 for CHX+XPB, 100/91.3 for XEN, and 100/95.8 for CHX+XEN with no statistical difference between any pair of groups at each recall. Sensitivity to air improved significantly for groups XPB, XEN, and CHX+XEN from pre-operative conditions to 1 week after insertion, to 6 and to 18 months after inserting. For group CHX+XPB, there was a statistically significant difference only between pre-operative conditions and 1 week after insertion. Marginal adaptation deteriorated for all groups, but no statistically significant differences were found. All other criteria remained statistically similar. CONCLUSION: The application of CHX prior to the dentin adhesive did not influence the 6-month/18-month clinical performance of the two adhesives.

Two-year clinical evaluation of self-etching adhesives in posterior restorations.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the 2-year clinical performance of three self-etching adhesives and one etch-and-rinse adhesive (control) in posterior composite restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Upon approval by the Institutional Review Board, 121 restorations were inserted in 38 subjects. The adhesives were applied as per manufacturers' instructions. Preparations were restored with a nanofilled composite resin (Filtek Supreme, 3M ESPE) and evaluated at baseline, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Statistical analyses included the McNemar and the Mann-Whitney non-parametric tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: At 2 years, 91 out of 121 restorations were evaluated using the USPHS modified criteria. The number of alpha ratings decreased significantly from baseline to 2 years for Adper Prompt L-Pop, Clearfil S3 Bond, and iBond in the categories color match, marginal staining, and marginal adaptation. For One-Step Plus, only marginal staining was significantly worse at 2 years than at baseline. Postoperative sensitivity to air improved significantly for One-Step Plus at 2 years, but this improvement was already detected at 1 year. When the 2-year evaluation criteria were pooled by pairs of adhesives, One-Step Plus resulted in a significantly greater number of alfa ratings for marginal adaptation than the other three adhesives. On the other hand, iBond resulted in a significantly lower number of alfa ratings than any of the other 3 adhesives for color match and marginal staining. Adper Prompt L-Pop, Clearfil S3 Bond, and One-Step Plus resulted in a statistically similar number of alfa ratings for marginal staining and color match. There were no significant differences in any of the evaluation criteria between Clearfil S3 Bond and Adper Prompt L-Pop. CONCLUSION: Only One-Step Plus, the etch-and-rinse adhesive, resulted in good marginal adaptation at 2 years. One of the self-etching adhesives, iBond, resulted in unacceptable clinical performance.

Randomized clinical trial of four adhesion strategies: A 42 month study.

CONTEXT: The adhesives clinical effectiveness has been extensively reported for noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs). However, there is a lack of information about the adhesive systems strategies and their effect on NCCL restoration longevity. AIMS: This study aims to evaluate a 42-month performance of four dentin adhesive systems used for the restorative treatment of NCCLs. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: NCCLs were randomly divided into four groups: (1) Scotchbond multi-purpose (MP); 2: Single bond plus (SB); 3: Scotchbond SE (SE); and 4: Easy bond (EB). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: NCCLs (125) were randomly distributed: (1) MP; (2) SB; (3) SE; and (4) EB and were restored with a nanofilled resin-composite, evaluated along 18-36-42 months. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Kruskal-Wallis test: Comparison among the adhesive systems in each period. Friedman analysis: Comparison along the periods. Kaplan-Meier: Survival analysis. RESULTS: Baseline and 42-month retention (RET) rates (%) were 100/100 for MP; 100/94.74 for SB; 100/87.5 for SE; and 100/100 for EB. The cumulative failure percentage was 9.52% for MP, 9.52% SB, 15.8% SE, and 10% EB. Restorations survival was not dependent on the used adhesive type. Marginal adaptation (MA) was similar to each group, but EB presented noticeable marginal deterioration. Wear was noticed in the 3-step etch-and-rinse (MP) restorations evaluated after 42 months. For the EB, baseline and 18-month wear evaluation were statistically similar. After 36 and 42 months, wear was also similar for EB. CONCLUSIONS: Adhesive systems showed similar performance within most important adhesive bonding efficiency achievement parameters: RET, MA, interfacial staining, recurrent caries, and postoperative sensitivity evaluated during 42 months.

On the understanding of zinc-oxide eugenol cement use prior to etch-rinse bonding strategies.

CONTEXT: Zinc-oxide eugenol (ZOE) is frequently used due to its satisfactory biological response, sedative effect on the pulp, and easy removal. However, literature is very controversial about the influence of the temporary cement-containing eugenol on the bond strength properties. AIMS: This study aims to clarify the literature controversy by evaluating the bond strength of ZOE or ZOE-free applied before bonding procedures and the 7-day resting period after the first session. SETTINGS AND DESIGNS: Twelve recently extracted third molars were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1: Control (without treatment), Group 2: Temp-Bond NE; Group 3: Temp-Bond. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: After temporary restorations, the teeth were immersed in distilled water and stored for 7 days at 37°C. The temporary cement was mechanically removed, and prophylaxis was performed. The adhesive procedures were performed, and a 6-mm-high composite resin block was built. The teeth were immediately stored at 100% relative humidity at 37°C for 24 hours. Specimens with 0.7 (±0.2) mm2 of cross-sectional area were obtained and subjected to a microtensile bond strength (µTBS) test at 1 mm/min until failure. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: ZOE or ZOE-free cement did not interfere in the µTBS between resin composite and dentine when used with a two-step-etch-rinse adhesive material, considering 7 days of resting period after the first session, by the ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The authors recommend the removal of the temporary cementation at least seven days after the first session and suggest that the clinicians follow-up further studies to use the cement in case its removal is recommended within a longer period.

Antibacterial effects and cytotoxicity of an adhesive containing low concentration of silver nanoparticles.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the antibacterial effects, cytotoxicity and microtensile bond strength of an adhesive containing low concentrations of silver nanoparticles (NAg). METHODS: Various concentrations of NAg (50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 ppm) were incorporated into the primer of the Scotchbond Multi-Purpose adhesive system (SBMP). Antibacterial activity was examined using a broth microdilution assay to determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), agar diffusion assay and the MTT assay was used to examine the biofilm metabolic activity (S. mutans). The Microtensile Bond Test (µTBS) was performed after 24 h, followed by 6-months storage in distilled water. Cytotoxicity was assessed with an MTT reduction assay in human dental pulp stem cells viability after exposure to Nag-conditioned culture media during 0, 24, 48, and 72 h. The results were statistically analyzed (α ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: MIC was found between NAg 25 and 50 ppm MBC was determined at 50 ppm of NAg. Bacterial activity inhibition was higher than control in all NAg groups compared to control in agar diffusion assay. Biofilm inhibition was statistically higher in 250 ppm NAg than control. All NAg groups and SBMP presented similar cytotoxicity in each period. Adhesives with NAg 200 and 250 ppm and SBMP (control) presented the highest µTBS values, similar to that of SBMP control, in both instances (24 h and 6 months) (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The commercial primer containing NAg 250 ppm showed both antibacterial effect and reliable bond strength with no cytotoxicity increase. The addition of NAg to primers seems promising for the improvement of conventional dental adhesives efficacy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The addition of low concentrations of NAg (250 ppm) to primers were effective to improve antibacterial effect preserving the bond strength and the biocompatibility of the commercial product. NAg/primer association could protect the tooth-adhesive interface increasing dental restoration longevity.

Density and diameter of dentinal tubules in etched and non-etched bovine dentine examined by scanning electron microscopy.

Bovine teeth have been widely used in studies focusing adhesion to dentine over the last years. However, little is known about main structural aspects of bovine dentine, especially regarding density and diameter of its tubules. Thirty bovine incisors were randomly divided into two groups. In group I, teeth were cross-sectioned at three depths: outer, middle and inner. The dentinal surfaces were etched with 35% phosphoric acid for 90s. In group II, the teeth were fractured at the same three depths. All the specimens were processed and examined in a Jeol 6100 SEM. Fifteen micrographs from each depth were obtained for the two groups at a magnification of 2500x. To determine the diameter of the dentinal tubules, the LEICA Q500 MC software was used. All the results were statistically processed in the EXCEL software. The dentinal tubules were wider at the outer regions (GI: 5.21+/-0.64microm; GII: 2.30+/-0.09microm) than that at the inner regions (GI: 2.71+/-0.72microm; GII: 1.77+/-0.06microm). Tubular density was higher at the inner regions (50310+/-11178tubules/mm(2)) than that at the outer regions (18772+/-2951tubules/mm(2)). In addition, the peritubular dentine was wider at the outer depth than at the inner one. Our results showed that bovine dentine possesses some structural aspects different from those previously reported for human dentine, mainly related to the diameter of dentinal tubules and to the thickness of peritubular dentine at the several depths.

One-year clinical performance of self-etch adhesives in posterior restorations.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the 1-year clinical performance of three self-etching adhesives (Adper Prompt L-Pop, Clearfil S3 Bond, iBond) in posterior composite restorations using one etch&rinse adhesive (One-Step Plus) as control. METHODS: Upon approval by the Institutional Review Board, 121 restorations were inserted in 38 subjects. The adhesives were applied as per manufacturers' instructions. Preparations were restored with a nanofilled resin composite (Filtek Supreme) and evaluated at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year. Statistical analyses included the Chi-square distribution with the McNemar non-parametric test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: At 1 year, 111 restorations in 35 subjects were evaluated using the USPHS modified criteria. No significant changes were observed for the etch&rinse adhesive One-Step Plus. At 1 year the number of Alfa ratings decreased significantly for Clearfil S3 Bond and for iBond in the categories color match, marginal staining, and marginal adaptation. For Adper Prompt L-Pop, marginal adaptation at 1 year was significantly worse than at baseline. Postoperative sensitivity to air improved significantly for Adper Prompt L-Pop, Clearfil S3 Bond, and iBond. When the evaluation criteria were paired at 1 year, iBond resulted in a significantly lower number of Alfa ratings than any of the other adhesives for color match, marginal staining, and marginal adaptation. One-Step Plus resulted in a greater number of Alfa ratings for marginal adaptation than either Adper Prompt L-Pop or Clearfil S3 Bond. Marginal adaptation was significantly better for Clearfil S3 Bond than for Adper Prompt L-Pop. The post-operative sensitivity measured at 1 year for Adper Prompt L-Pop was statistically better than that for One-Step Plus.

Mercury chloride toxicity attenuation of the Brine Shrimp Artemia Salinaafter treatment with Mercurius corrosivusas isotherapic

Isotherapics preparedfromtoxic substances have been described as attenuation factors for heavy metal intoxicationin aquatic animals. Herein, Artemia salinaand mercury chloride were usedas a model to identify treatment-related bioresilience. The aim was to describe the effects of Mercurius corrosivus(MC) in different potencies on Artemia salinacyst hatching and on mercury bioavailability. Artemia salinacysts were exposed to 5.0 µg/mL of mercury chloride during the hatching phase. MC6cH, 30cH, and 200cHwere prepared and poured into artificial seawater. Different controls were used (nonchallenged cysts and challenged cysts treated with water, succussed water, and Ethilicum 1cH). Four series of nine experiments were performed for4 weeks to evaluate the percentage of cyst hatchingconsidering all moon phases. Soluble total mercury (THg) levels and precipitated mercury content were also evaluated. Solvatochromic dyes were used to check for eventual physicochemical markers of MCbiological activity. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with mixed modelswas used for evaluating the effect of different treatments andthe simultaneous influence of the moon phases on the cystshatching rate, at both observation times (24 and 48 hours).When necessary, outliers were removed, using the Tukeycriterion.Thelevel of significance αwas set at 5%. Significant delay (p<0.0001) in cyst hatching was observed after treatment with MC30cH, compared with the controls. An increase inTHg concentration in seawater (p<0.0018) and of chlorine/oxygen ratio (p<0.0001) in suspended micro-aggregateswas also seen, with possiblerelation with mercury bioavailability. Specific interaction of MC30cH with the solvatochromic dye ET33 (p<0.0017) was found. The other observed potencies of Mercurius corrosivus6 and 200 cH were not significant in relation to the observed groups.The results werepostulated as being protective effects of MC30cH on Artemia salina, by improving its bioresilience.

Clinical performance of a self-etching adhesive at 18 months.

PURPOSE: To test the null hypothesis that beveling and/or etching enamel would not affect the 18-month clinical performance of the self-etching adhesive Clearfil SE Bond (CSEB) in noncarious cervical lesions (NCCL). METHODS: With Institutional Review Board approval, 34 patients were enrolled in this study. A total of 120 NCCL was selected and assigned to four groups: (1) CSEB was applied without any cavity preparation; (2) CSEB was applied after beveling enamel; (3) CSEB was applied after etching enamel for 15 seconds with 35% phosphoric acid; (4) CSEB was applied after beveling and etching enamel. A microfilled composite resin was used for all restorations. RESULTS: At 6 months after initial placement, 120 restorations (a 100% recall rate) were evaluated. At 18 months, 87 restorations (a 72.5% recall rate) were available for evaluation. A survival rate of 100% was measured for all groups at both 6 and 18 months. Sensitivity to air decreased significantly only for Group 3 (no bevel+acid etch) from baseline to 18 months without statistical changes from 6 months to 18 months. None of the other parameters resulted in significant differences for any of the four groups. However, when data were pooled, both the overall marginal discoloration and the overall marginal adaptation were significantly worse at 18 months than at baseline, while sensitivity to air decreased significantly from baseline to 18 months. The 18-month survival rate of the self-etching adhesive Clearfil SE Bond was not improved by enamel bevel or by enamel etching. Both overall marginal adaptation and overall marginal discoloration were worse at 18 months than at baseline. .

The effect of adhesive and flowable composite on postoperative sensitivity: 2-week results.

OBJECTIVE: To measure 2-week postoperative sensitivity in Class II composite restorations placed with a self-etching adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond) or a total-etch adhesive (Prime&Bond NT) with or without a flowable composite as cervical increment. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Upon approval by the University of Guarulhos Committee on Human Subjects, 100 restorations were inserted in 46 patients who required Class II restorations in their molars and premolars. Enamel and dentin walls were conditioned with a self-etching primer (for Clearfil SE Bond) or etched with 34% phosphoric acid (for Prime&Bond NT). A 1- to 2-mm-thick increment of a flowable composite (Filtek Flow) was used in the proximal box in 50% of the restorations of each adhesive. Preparations were restored with a packable composite (Surefil). The restorations were evaluated preoperatively and 2 weeks postoperatively for sensitivity to cold, air, and masticatory forces using a visual analog scale. Marginal integrity of the accessible margins was also evaluated. Statistical analysis used a mixed linear model with subject as a random effect. RESULTS: Ninety-eight teeth from 44 subjects were observed at 2 weeks. The type of adhesive and use of flowable composite had no significant effects or interaction for any of the four outcomes of interest, ie, change from baseline to 2 weeks in sensitivity and response time for the cold or air stimulus. For the air stimulus, the overall average change from baseline was not significant for either sensitivity or response time. For the cold stimulus, the overall average change from baseline was significant for both sensitivity and response time. No case of sensitivity to masticatory forces was observed. CONCLUSION: No differences in postoperative sensitivity were observed between a self-etch adhesive and a total-etch adhesive at 2 weeks. The use of flowable composite did not decrease postoperative sensitivity.

Influence of acid etching and enamel beveling on the 6-month clinical performance of a self-etch dentin adhesive.

This study tested the hypothesis that beveling and/or etching enamel does not affect the 6-month clinical performance of the self-etch adhesive Clearfil SE Bond in class V noncarious lesions. With Institutional Review Board approval, 34 patients were enrolled in this study. A total of 120 noncarious cervical lesions were selected and assigned to 4 groups: (1) Clearfil SE Bond was applied without any cavity preparation; (2) After the enamel was beveled, Clearfil SE Bond was applied; (3) After the enamel was etched for 15 seconds with 35% phosphoric acid, Clearfil SE Bond was applied; (4) After the enamel was beveled and etched with 35% phosphoric acid for 15 seconds, Clearfil SE Bond was applied. A microfilled composite resin was used for all restorations. Six months after initial placement, 120 restorations (a 100% recall rate) were re-evaluated. Retention rates at 6 months were 100% for all groups. Sensitivity to air improved from baseline to 6 months, but the overall difference was not statistically significant. The 6-month retention rate of the self etch dentin adhesive system Clearfil SE Bond was not improved by enamel beveling or by enamel etching. For the self-etch material Clearfil SE Bond, instrumentation or etching of enamel may not be critical for its clinical performance at 6 months.

The influence of Brazilian plant extracts on Streptococcus mutans biofilm.

UNLABELLED: Nineteen plant extracts obtained from plants from the Brazilian Amazon showed activity against planktonic Streptococcus mutans, an important bacterium involved in the first steps of biofilm formation and the subsequent initiation of several oral diseases. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to verify whether plant extracts that showed activity against planktonic S. mutans could prevent the organization of or even disrupt a single-species biofilm made by the same bacteria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Plant extracts were tested on a single-bacteria biofilm prepared using the Zürich method. Each plant extract was tested at a concentration 5 times higher than its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Discs of hydroxyapatite were submersed overnight in brain-heart infusion broth enriched with saccharose 5%, which provided sufficient time for biofilm formation. The discs were then submersed in extract solutions for one minute, three times per day, for two subsequent days. The discs were then washed with saline three times, at ten seconds each, after each treatment. Supports were allowed to remain in the enriched medium for one additional night. At the end of the process, the bacteria were removed from the discs by vortexing and were counted. RESULTS: Only two of 19 plant extracts showed activity in the present assay: EB1779, obtained from Dioscorea altissima, and EB1673, obtained from Annona hypoglauca. Although the antibacterial activity of the plant extracts was first observed against planktonic S. mutans, influence over biofilm formation was not necessarily observed in the biofilm model. The present results motivate us to find new natural products to be used in dentistry.

The influence of Brazilian plant extracts on Streptococcus mutans biofilm

Nineteen plant extracts obtained from plants from the Brazilian Amazon showed activity against planktonic Streptococcus mutans, an important bacterium involved in the first steps of biofilm formation and the subsequent initiation of several oral diseases. Objective: Our goal was to verify whether plant extracts that showed activity against planktonic S. mutans could prevent the organization of or even disrupt a single-species biofilm made by the same bacteria. Material and Methods: Plant extracts were tested on a single-bacteria biofilm prepared using the Zürich method. Each plant extract was tested at a concentration 5 times higher than its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Discs of hydroxyapatite were submersed overnight in brain-heart infusion broth enriched with saccharose 5%, which provided sufficient time for biofilm formation. The discs were then submersed in extract solutions for one minute, three times per day, for two subsequent days. The discs were then washed with saline three times, at ten seconds each, after each treatment. Supports were allowed to remain in the enriched medium for one additional night. At the end of the process, the bacteria were removed from the discs by vortexing and were counted. Results: Only two of 19 plant extracts showed activity in the present assay: EB1779, obtained from Dioscorea altissima, and EB1673, obtained from Annona hypoglauca. Although the antibacterial activity of the plant extracts was first observed against planktonic S. mutans, influence over biofilm formation was not necessarily observed in the biofilm model. The present results motivate us to find new natural products to be used in dentistry. .

Rugosidade superficial de resina composta submetida a diferentes tratamentos de superfície - estudo in vitro / Superficial roughness of composite resin submitted to different surface treatments - an in vitro study

The objective was to evaluate the superficial roughness of a composite resin submitted to different surface treatments, in vitro. Thirty specimens were made with P60TM packable composite resin (3M ESPE), 6 mm thick and 3 mm in diameter. The samples were stored in distilled water for 7 days at 37 ºC and randomly assigned to two test groups. The baseline superficial roughness was determined with a profilometer. Fifteen specimens of each material were subjected to the following finishing and polishing procedures: Group I: multi-fluted burs/aluminum oxide disks (Diamond ProTM, FGM); Group II: multi-fluted burs/rubber tips (Enhance/PogoTM, Dent-sply). Time was limited to 20s per instrument. Following these procedures, it was accomplished a new reading and storage. Then the samples were polished with felt disks with diamond paste (Diamond ExcelTM, FGM), for 20s, and a surface sealant was applied (Biscover, BIS-CO). After all these procedures, the final roughness was determined. Statistical analysis was performed with RM ANOVA and Tukey´s tests (5%). Significant effects were found with both the polishing systems and the sealant (presence or absence). The polishing with Diamond Pro caused the greatest roughness on all composites (p < 0.05). After the application of Biscover the composite surfaces were smoother. This difference was significant for the group polished with Diamond Pro and not sig-nificant for the group polished with EnhanceTM/Pogo. It was concluded that the application of a surface sealant following polishing with aluminum oxide disks or abrasive rubbers results in a surface with smoothness superior to that obtained with these polishing devices alone.

Resistência à flexão de cimentos resinosos / Flexural strength of resin cements

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a propriedade mecânica de resistência à flexão de quatro cimentos resinosos duais: Enforce F, Variolink II, Bistite II DC e Panavia F. Para tanto, foram confeccionados 40 corpos-de-prova (n=10) de 9mm x 1mm x 1mm, através de uma matriz metálica. O cimento resinoso foi levado à matriz em incremento único até o total preenchimento da matriz. Após a fotopolimerização, os espécimes foram armazenados em água destilada a 37ºC por 24h. Em seguida, em cada grupo foi realizado o ensaio mecânico de resistência à flexão de 3 pontos, com uma célula de carga de 50 Kgf, a uma velocidade de 0,5 mm/min. Os resultados foram registrados em MPa, e analisados estatisticamente pelo método de análise de variância e pelo teste de Tukey (5%). Foi observado que os cimentos Bistite II DC e Panavia F apresentaram médias de resistência à flexão significantemente maiores do que os cimentos Variolink II e Enforce F.