Effect of an elastomeric urethane monomer on BisGMA-free resin composites containing different co-initiators.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical, chemical, optical, and adhesive properties of BisGMA-free experimental resin composites containing Exothane-24-an elastomeric urethane monomer-and different co-initiators. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A blend of urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA), extended dimethacrylate urethane (PEG 400), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), and camphorquinone was prepared. Two different co-initiators-dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) or 4-N alcohol, N-dimethylamine phenylethyl (DMPOH)-were added to the blend. Exothane-24 monomer was added to the blend for each co-initiator and four groups were established as follows: DMAEMA; DMAEMA + Exothane; DMPOH; and DMPOH + Exothane. Specimens were photo-activated using a multi-wave LED light-curing unit (VALO; 954 mW/cm2 of irradiance). Mechanical (ultimate tensile strength, flexural strength, flexural modulus and hardness), chemical (degree of conversion, hardness reduction, water sorption and solubility), optical (color change), and adhesive (microtensile bond strength) properties were analyzed. Data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The resin composite containing DMPOH and Exothane-24 showed similar or superior performance to those of the other experimental composites for mechanical and chemical properties, except for flexural strength. It also showed less color change and greater micro-tensile bond strength. CONCLUSIONS: Among the combinations tested, the BisGMA-free resin composite containing Exothane-24 combined with the DMPOH co-initiator showed the best mechanical, chemical, optical, and adhesive properties. Clinical relevance Exothane-24 monomer and DMPOH co-initiator could be useful in the formulation of BisGMA-free resin composites in order to minimize exposure to BPA.

Cytotoxicity and effects of curcumin and cinnamaldehyde hybrids on biofilms of oral pathogens.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and effect of curcumin-cinnamaldehyde hybrids (CCHs) on the biofilm of oral pathogens. Of the 18 hybrids tested, nine had an inhibitory effect on at least one of the bacterial species tested, with minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations ranging from 9 to 625 µg ml-1. CCH 7 promoted a potent inhibitory effect against all the bacterial species tested and better compatibility than chlorhexidine (CHX). CCH 7 also presented a similar or improved effect over that of CHX, causing a reduction in bacterial metabolism and viability in single and dual-species biofilms. CCH 7 reduced by 86% and 34% the viability of multispecies biofilms formed by collection and clinical strains. It can be concluded that CCH 7 was cytocompatible at the minimal inhibitory concentration, presented anti-biofilm action against oral pathogens, and could act as an antimicrobial agent for application in endodontics.

Is it possible for a simultaneous biomodification during acid etching on naturally caries-affected dentin bonding?

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the ability of modified phosphoric acids containing chlorhexidine (CHX) or grape seed extract (GSE) for promoting simultaneous biomodification during acid etching on bonding properties in caries-affected dentin (CAD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two human molars (8 with sound dentin [SD] and 24 naturally CAD) were selected for the study. The SD and CAD were initially exposed, then randomized and etched according to the following groups: (1) SD (SD-CT) and CAD (CAD-CT) both with 37% phosphoric acid, (2) CAD with 2% CHX containing 37% phosphoric acid (CAD-CHX), and (3) CAD with 2% GSE containing 10% phosphoric acid (CAD-GSE). The bonding procedure and composite build-ups were performed after acid etching. Subsequently, they were sectioned in resin-dentin specimens. The specimens were submitted for chemical profiling by micro-Raman, microtensile bond strength (µTBS), failure mode with chemical characterization by FEG/SEM-EDX, and in situ zymography by CLSM. The data from µTBS and CLSM were statistically analyzed (1-way ANOVA and Tukey's test; α = 0.05). RESULTS: The highest µTBS results were shown for SD-CT in comparison with all CAD groups (p < 0.001), and the lowest for CAD-CT and CAD-CHX (p < 0.001). The etching with CHX did not increase the µTBS for CAD when compared with CT (p = 0.52). However, the etching with GSE improved significantly the µTBS for CAD when compared with CT and CHX (p < 0.001). The chemical profile detected chemical and structural changes in collagen peaks for CAD-CT, which were not detected when the CAD was etched by modified acids. Also, the poorest hybridization ability was detected in CAD for CT, which was significantly improved with modified acids, especially the GSE, as evaluated by chemical profile and failure mode. A significant reduction of MMP activity on CAD was promoted by modified acids in comparison with CT (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The GSE-containing acid was able to promote biomodification during the acid etching, increasing the bonding properties and reducing the activity of the MMPs within the hybrid layer. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of GSE-containing phosphoric acid can be a promising alternative to improve the bonding performance on caries-affected dentin, since it is capable of biomodifying the dentin during the acid etching, without adding any extra step in bonding procedures.

Resin composite adhesion to dentin using different curing lights and adhesive systems applied under electric current.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of electric current application on the resin composite-tooth bond strength and hybrid layer of three adhesive systems light-cured by two light-curing units (LCUs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human molar teeth were distributed into 12 groups (n=6). Three adhesive systems were used: two-step etch-and-rinse (SB2; Adper Single Bond 2, 3M ESPE); two-step self-etch (CSE; Clearfil SE Bond, Kuraray); and one-step self-etch (SBU; Single Bond Universal, 3M ESPE) applied with (50µA) and without (control; conventional application) electric current, and light-cured with different LCUs. Resin composite blocks (Filtek Z350XT, 3M ESPE) were produced and cut into sticks (~1mm2) for microtensile bond strength (µTBS). Fracture patterns were analyzed on stereomicroscope and classified as cohesive-dentin, cohesive-resin, adhesive, or mixed. Specimens were prepared for scanning electron microscope observation. The hybrid layer analysis was carried out using a confocal laser scanning microscopy (n=2). Data were submitted to three-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test (α=0.05). RESULTS: The electric current increased the µTBS for all adhesive systems light-cured with single-emission peak and multiple-emission peak LCUs. Both LCUs presented similar µTBS values. CSE applied under electric current showed the highest µTBS mean values. The adhesive failure pattern was more frequently observed in all groups. The electric current formed long resin tags for all adhesive systems. CONCLUSIONS: The adhesive systems applied under electric current increased the bond strength using single-emission peak and multiple-emission peak LCUs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Electric current at 50µA applied throughout the dentin is a safe mode and results in better impregnation of the adhesive systems.

Simplified ethanol wet-bonding technique: an alternative strategy for resin-dentin bonding in root canals.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the simplified ethanol wet-bonding technique on luting of posts to intraradicular dentin. The effect was assessed by push-out bond strength testing and confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis. Thirty endodontically treated roots were distributed into 3 groups (n = 10): water wet-bonding; stepwise ethanol wet-bonding; and simplified ethanol wet-bonding. After cementation of the posts, the roots were sectioned. Specimens were stored for 24 hours or 1 year before they were stressed to failure. Specimens from each group were processed for microscopic analysis. Data were analyzed using a 2-way analysis of variance and the Tukey test (α = 0.05). Statistically significant differences in push-out bond strength values were observed between the technique groups (P < 0.001) and between the storage periods (P = 0.009). The bond strength results in the group bonded using the simplified ethanol wet-dehydration approach did not differ from those in the group bonded using the stepwise ethanol technique at either storage time interval (P > 0.05). From 24 hours to 1 year, there was a similar decrease in bond strength for specimens prepared with the simplified and stepwise techniques. The microscopic results confirmed that ethanol wet-bonding technique improved the quality of the interface. The simplified ethanol wet-dehydration protocol achieved bond strengths and stability over time that were similar to those obtained with the stepwise ethanol technique and may be considered an alternative strategy to accomplish resin cement-root dentin bonding.

Effect of Composite Polymerization Stress and Placement Technique on Dentin Micropermeability of Class I Restorations.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of polymerization stress and insertion technique on dentin micropermeability of composites placed under pulpal pressure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One high-viscosity conventional (HC; Filtek Supreme Ultra; 3M Oral), one low-viscosity conventional (LC; Filtek Supreme Ultra Flowable; 3M Oral), one high-viscosity bulk fill (HBF; Filtek Bulk Fill Restorative; 3M Oral), and one low-viscosity bulk fill (LBF; Filtek Bulk Fill Flowable; 3M Oral) composite were evaluated. Polymerization stress was measured with materials bonded to acrylic rods in a universal testing machine (n = 5). Class I preparations were made in extracted molars, in which tooth roots were removed and the pulpal chambers cleaned. Preparations were coupled to a hydraulic device to simulate pulpal pressure during composite placement (n = 5). Conventional composites were placed in two horizontal increments, while bulk fill materials were placed in one, single increment. Fluid flow rate (µl/min) and dentin micropermeability (%) were monitored. The restoration interface was observed under confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS: LC and LBF presented statistically significant higher polymerization stress than HC and HBF. Fluid flow rate and dentin micropermeability did not differ among the groups. However, different patterns of fluid infiltration and interface integrity were observed. HC and HBF presented well-sealed surrounding margins with small gaps along the pulpal wall, while HBF demonstrated more cracks in the adhesive layer. LC and LBF restorations had larger gaps along all bonded interfaces. CONCLUSION: No difference in polymerization stress was found when conventional and bulk fill composites with similar viscosities were compared. Neither polymerization stress or placement technique demonstrated a significant effect on dentin micropermeability. The incremental placement technique using a conventional, high-viscosity composite exhibited qualitatively better marginal integrity.

KR-12-a5 is a non-cytotoxic agent with potent antimicrobial effects against oral pathogens.

This study evaluated the cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of analogs of cationic peptides against microorganisms associated with endodontic infections. L-929 fibroblasts were exposed to LL-37, KR-12-a5 and hBD-3-1CV and chlorhexidine (CHX, control), and cell metabolism was evaluated with MTT. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimal bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) of the peptides and CHX were determined against oral pathogens associated with endodontic infections. Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mutans biofilms were cultivated in bovine dentin blocks, exposed to different concentrations of the most efficient antimicrobial peptide and analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. CHX and peptides affected the metabolism of L-929 at concentrations > 31.25 and 500 µg ml-1, respectively. Among the peptides, KR-12-a5 inhibited growth of both the microorganisms tested with the lowest MIC/MBC/MFC values. In addition, KR-12-a5 significantly reduced E. faecalis and S. mutans biofilms inside dentin tubules. In conclusion, KR-12-a5 is a non-cytotoxic agent with potent antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity against oral pathogens associated with endodontic infections.

Adhesion Evaluation of Dentin Sealing, Micropermeability, and Bond Strength of Current HEMA-free Adhesives to Dentin.

PURPOSE: To evaluate dentin sealing (DS), micropermeability (MP), and dentin bond strength (BS) of HEMA-free adhesives after 24 h and one year of artificial saliva storage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two HEMA-free (G-ænial Bond and BeautiBond) and All-Bond 3 (the bottle of resin is HEMA-free) adhesives were tested. Adper Single Bond 2, a HEMA-containing adhesive, served as the control. All adhesives were applied according to the manufacturers' instructions and teeth were prepared for DS (n = 5), MP (n = 5), and BS testing (n = 10). DS under a pulpal pressure of 10 psi was performed at 4 time points (when smear layer was present, after EDTA treatment, after adhesive application, and after 1 year). MP was assessed using pulpal pressure of a 20-cm aqueous dye-solution column and confocal laser scanning microscopy. DS, MP, and BS were performed after 24 h or one-year storage. BS and DS data were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA, the Tukey-Kramer test (for BS) and Tukey's post-hoc test (for DS) (a = 0.05). A qualitative MP assessment was performed by comparing the accumulation of yellow dye within the resin-dentin interface. RESULTS: Adper Single Bond 2 and All-Bond 3 completely sealed the dentin at 24 h and one year. G-ænial Bond showed statistically significant DS reduction of approximately 15% after one year. BeautiBond showed no DS reduction after one year. The resin-dentin interface created using Adper Single Bond 2 and GA showed dye accumulation primarily after one year. The mean BS of All-Bond 3 was statistically significantly higher than that of other adhesives, while G-ænial Bond and BeautiBond showed statistically significantly lower mean bond strengths than did Adper Single Bond 2 and All-Bond 3. After one-year storage, the mean BS was statistically significantly lower only for G-ænial Bond. CONCLUSION: DS, MP, and BS were not influenced by the absence of HEMA in the tested adhesives.

Self-Etching Enamel Bonding Using Acidic Functional Monomers with Different-length Carbon Chains and Hydrophilicity.

PURPOSE: To compare the enamel bonding performace of two commercial and three experimental two-step self-etch adhesives containing acidic functional monomers with different carbon-spacer length and hydrophilicity. The contact angle was also assessed to evaluate the wettability of each tested material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty extracted human molars were sectioned into four parts (buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal) and divided into 5 groups, according to the adhesives used: Clearfil SE Bond (CSE), AdheSE (ADSE), 10-MDP (15 mol% 10-methacryloyldecylphosphate), CAP-P (15 mol% caprolactone phosphate), and MTEP (15 mol% methacryloyltetraethylene phosphate). Enamel specimens were bonded with each adhesive and submitted to microshear bond strength (µSBS) testing after 24 h. The adhesives were applied onto additional enamel specimens without light curing to assess contact angle. Then the etching pattern was analyzed using SEM and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The µSBS and contact angle data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: 10-MDP showed the highest µSBS of the tested groups (p < 0.05), followed by CAP-P and CSE (p < 0.05). MTEP and ADSE exhibited the lowest µSBS (p < 0.05), but the difference between them was not significant. 10-MDP, CSE, and CAP-P exhibited lower contact angles (p < 0.05) than did ADSE and MTEP. The SEM and CLSM analyses showed that 10-MDP and CSE had the most pronounced etching patterns and deepest adhesive penetration. ADSE and MTEP exhibited weak etching ability and adhesive penetration, while CAP-P produced moderate etching and intermediate penetration. CONCLUSIONS: The length and hydrophilicity of the functional monomer spacer chain tested in this study influenced the enamel bonding performance. Functional monomers with longer chains and more hydrophobic properties, such as 10-MDP and CAP-P, may interact better with enamel and achieve higher enamel bond strength.

Immediate and 6-month Bond Strengths of Different Adhesives in the Oral Environment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of three adhesives to dentin after 1 week and 6 months in an oral environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Class I cavities were prepared in the third molars of 30 patients and randomized into 3 groups according to the following adhesives: Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (SM), Clearfil Protect Bond (CF), and Scotchbond Universal (UN). These molars were then subdivided into two groups according to the exposure time in the oral environment: one week (1W) and 6 months (6M). After the exposure time, the teeth were extracted, cut into beams, and submitted to the µTBS test. The data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test and two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc test with a significance level of 5%, and fracture modes were analyzed. RESULTS: The bond strengths in MPa (mean ± SD) were SM-1W: 39.5 ± 7.9; SM-6M: 29.7 ± 1.8; CF-1W: 30.5 ± 1.4; CF-6M: 28.6 ± 4.1; UN-1W: 30.6 ± 3.2; and UN-6M: 26.7 ± 2.0. The SM-1W group exhibited significantly increased µTBS compared with the other groups. After 6 months in the oral environment, a significant reduction of µTBS was only observed for the SM group, whereas similar bond strengths were observed for the other groups. SM-1W exhibited a predominance of mixed fractures, whereas the other groups showed a predominance of adhesive fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The adhesives which were applied in the self-etching mode maintained bond strength after six months in the oral environment. A reduction of µTBS was only observed for the three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive.

Cytotoxicity and the effect of cationic peptide fragments against cariogenic bacteria under planktonic and biofilm conditions.

This study evaluated the cytotoxicity and effect of fragments derived from three oral cationic peptides (CP): LL-37, D6-17 and D1-23 against cariogenic bacteria under planktonic and biofilm conditions. For cytotoxicity analysis, two epithelial cell lines were used. The minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimal bactericidal concentration were determined for the CP fragments and the control (chlorhexidine-CHX) against cariogenic bacteria. The fractional inhibitory concentration was obtained for the combinations of CP fragments on Streptococcus mutans. Biofilm assays were conducted with the best antimicrobial CP fragment against S. mutans. The results indicated that D6-17 was not cytotoxic. D1-23, LL-37 and CHX were not cytotoxic in low concentrations. D1-23 presented the best bactericidal activity against S. mutans, S. mitis and S. salivarius. Combinations of CP fragments did not show a synergic effect. D1-23 presented a higher activity against S. mutans biofilm than CHX. It was concluded that D1-23 showed a substantial effect against cariogenic bacteria and low cytotoxicity.

Influence of 3-month Simulated Pulpal Pressure on the Microtensile Bond Strength of Simplified Resin Luting Systems.

PURPOSE: To assess the influence of simulated pulpal pressure (SPP) on the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of four simplified luting strategies to indirect composite restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dentin disks from 40 human molars were prepared and treated with 4 different techniques: (1) SB+ARC: two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive + conventional dual-curing resin cement (Adper Single Bond 2 + RelyX ARC, 3M ESPE); (2) ED+PAN: self-etching primer + conventional dual-curing resin cement (ED Primer + Panavia F2.0, Kuraray Medical); (3) S3+PAN: one-step self-etching adhesive (Clearfil S3, Kuraray) + Panavia F2.0; (4) U200: self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200, 3M ESPE). Pre-made indirect composite restorations (Filtek Z100, 3M ESPE) were luted onto the specimens. The luted specimens were cut into resin-dentin beams and the µTBS was tested after two different aging regimes: water storage at 37°C for one week (control) or three months under 20 cm H2O simulated pulpal pressure (SPP). The µTBS data was analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: SB+ARC showed significantly higher µTBS after both aging regimes (p < 0.001). The statistically significantly lowest µTBS was measured for control S3+PAN and U200 after 3 months SPP (p < 0.001). S3+PAN was the only group not negatively affected by SPP (p = 0.699). CONCLUSIONS: Two-step etch-and-rinse adhesives associated with dual-curing conventional resin cements may achieve the highest µTBS, even after 3 months of SPP. The one-step self-etching adhesive along with the dualcuring conventional resin cement was able to maintain bond stability.

Development of nanobiosilicate, tricalcium phosphate and chlorhexidine materials for biomineralization with crystallographic similarity to hydroxyapatite and biomodified collagen.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work is to test experimental cements, doped with a silicate based bioactive nanoparticle (NanoBiosilicate). Methods, we synthesized a glass nanoparticle by Sol-Gel Stöber method, used to be incorporated in a dental material for endodontic uses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assess the mineralizing properties and biocompatibility. Besides the crystallography characterization of the resultant new crystals. Results, After analysis, and comparison with commercial materials, the material tested was similar in mechanical properties required by ISO, The ion release was effective after 2 hr. of setting and the novel material was cell compatible accepted by ISO. RESULTS: We found new formed Calcium Phosphate peaks in the spectroscopic analysis (FTIR), remarkably the crystals formed were comparable to hydroxyapatite when analyzed with a Selected Area Electron Diffractometer, with rings of 2.84 Å for 002, and the 2.77 Å is also visible for 210. The 6.83 Å and 6.88 Å, for respective 222 and 004. The incorporation of Chlorhexidine was not detrimental for this property, Significance, the features mentioned represented a progress in biomineralization field that was associated to an improved mineral structure formation with increased crystallographic similarity to natural hydroxyapatite. When chlorhexidine was added a favorable biomodification of the remaining collagen in dentinal walls and antimicrobial activity potential were also observed.

Syzygium aromaticum essential oil and its major constituents: Assessment of activity against Candida spp. and toxicity.

Syzigium aromaticum essential oil (EO), eugenol, and ß-caryophyllene were evaluated regarding antifungal, antibiofilm, and in vitro toxicity. Additionally, in vivo toxicity of EO was observed. Anti-Candida activity was assessed through broth microdilution assay for all compounds. Time-kill assay (0, 1, 10, 30 min, 1, 2, and 4 h) was used to determine the influence of EO and eugenol on Candida Growth kinetics. Thereafter, both compounds were evaluated regarding their capacity to act on a biofilm formation and on mature biofilm, based on CFU/ml/g of dry weight. Cell Titer Blue Viability Assay was used for in vitro cytotoxicity, using oral epithelial cells (TR146) and human monocytes (THP-1). Lastly, Galleria mellonella model defined the EO in vivo acute toxicity. All compounds, except ß-cariofilene (MIC > 8000 µg/ml), presented antifungal activity against Candida strains (MIC 500-1000 µg/ml). The growth kinetics of Candida was affected by the EO (5xMIC 30 min onward; 10xMIC 10 min onward) and eugenol (5xMIC 10 min onward; 10xMIC 1 min onward). Fungal viability was also affected by 5xMIC and 10xMIC of both compounds during biofilm formation and upon mature biofilms. LD50 was defined for TR146 and THP1 cells at, respectively, 59.37 and 79.54 µg/ml for the EO and 55.35 and 84.16 µg/ml for eugenol. No sign of toxicity was seen in vivo up to 10mg/ml (20 x MIC) for the EO. S. aromaticum and eugenol presented antifungal and antibiofilm activity, with action on cell growth kinetics. In vivo acute toxicity showed a safe parameter for the EO up to 10 mg/ml.

BAFF neutralization impairs the autoantibody-mediated clearance of dead adipocytes and aggravates obesity-induced insulin resistance.

B cell-activating factor (BAFF) is a critical TNF-family cytokine that regulates homeostasis and peripheral tolerance of B2 cells. BAFF overproduction promotes autoantibody generation and autoimmune diseases. During obesity, BAFF is predominantly produced by white adipose tissue (WAT), and IgG autoantibodies against adipocytes are identified in the WAT of obese humans. However, it remains to be determined if the autoantibodies formed during obesity affect WAT remodeling and systemic insulin resistance. Here, we show that IgG autoantibodies are generated in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice that bind to apoptotic adipocytes and promote their phagocytosis by macrophages. Next, using murine models of obesity in which the gonadal WAT undergoes remodeling, we found that BAFF neutralization depleted IgG autoantibodies, increased the number of dead adipocytes, and exacerbated WAT inflammation and insulin resistance. RNA sequencing of the stromal vascular fraction from the WAT revealed decreased expression of immunoglobulin light-chain and heavy-chain variable genes suggesting a decreased repertoire of B cells after BAFF neutralization. Further, the B cell activation and the phagocytosis pathways were impaired in the WAT of BAFF-neutralized mice. In vitro, plasma IgG fractions from BAFF-neutralized mice reduced the phagocytic clearance of apoptotic adipocytes. Altogether, our study suggests that IgG autoantibodies developed during obesity, at least in part, dampens exacerbated WAT inflammation and systemic insulin resistance.

Monoterpene antifungal activities: evaluating geraniol, citronellal, and linalool on Candida biofilm, host inflammatory responses, and structure-activity relationships.

Introduction: Despite the rising concern with fungal resistance, a myriad of molecules has yet to be explored. Geraniol, linalool, and citronellal are monoterpenes with the same molecular formula (C10H18O), however, neither the effect of these compounds on inflammatory axis induced by Candida spp. nor the antibiofilm Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) have been well-investigated. Herein we analyzed geraniol, linalool and citronellal antifungal activity, cytotoxicity, and distinctive antibiofilm SAR, also the influence of geraniol on Candida spp induced dysregulated inflammatory axis, and in vivo toxicity. Methods: Minimal inhibitory (MIC) and fungicidal (MFC) concentrations against Candida spp were defined, followed by antibiofilm activity (CFU-colony forming unit/mL/g of dry weight). Cytotoxic activity was assessed using human monocytes (THP-1) and oral squamous cell (TR146). Geraniol was selected for further analysis based on antifungal, antibiofilm and cytotoxic results. Geraniol was tested using a dual-chamber co-culture model with TR146 cells infected with C. albicans, and THP-1 cells, used to mimic oral epithelium upon fungal infection. Expression of Candida enzymes (phospholipase-PLB and aspartyl proteases-SAP) and host inflammatory cytokines (interleukins: IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-17, IL-18, IL-10, and Tumor necrosis factor-TNF) were analyzed. Lastly, geraniol in vivo toxicity was assessed using Galleria mellonella. Results: MIC values obtained were 1.25-5 mM/mL for geraniol, 25-100 mM/mL for linalool, and 100-200 mM/mL for citronellal. Geraniol 5 and 50 mM/mL reduced yeast viability during biofilm analysis, only 500 mM/mL of linalool was effective against a 72 h biofilm and no biofilm activity was seen for citronellal. LD50 for TR146 and THP-1 were, respectively: geraniol 5.883 and 8.027 mM/mL; linalool 1.432 and 1.709 mM/mL; and citronellal 0.3006 and 0.1825 mM/mL. Geraniol was able to downregulate expression of fungal enzymes and host pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-18. Finally, safety in vivo parameters were observed up to 20 mM/Kg. Discussion: Despite chemical similarities, geraniol presented better antifungal, antibiofilm activity, and lower cytotoxicity when compared to the other monoterpenes. It also showed low in vivo toxicity and capacity to downregulate the expression of fungal enzymes and host pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, it can be highlighted as a viable option for oral candidiasis treatment.

Influence of different presentation forms of chlorhexidine on contaminated root canals during agitation.

This in vitro study aimed to verify the influence of chlorhexidine (CHX) (gel and solution) in association with different activation protocols on disinfection of root canals contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis. In total, 120 lower premolar roots were selected, contaminated and divided into 12 groups according to irrigation technique and substance. Samples were collected before and after each irrigation technique and analysed for colony-forming units (CFU). Three dentin discs were obtained for quantification of viable intratubular cells by using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). CFU results showed that sonic and ultrasonic were more effective than conventional irrigation. Ultrasonic activation was more effective than sonic for CHX gel (p < 0.05). CLSM showed that either activation was better than conventional in all groups and root canal thirds (p < 0.05). It was concluded that ultrasonic/sonic activation was more effective than conventional techniques and CHX enhanced intratubular dentin decontamination across all irrigation methods.

Tunable Release of Calcium from Chitosan-Coated Bioglass.

Bioglass presents a standard biomaterial for regeneration of hard tissues in orthopedics and dentistry. The notable osteo-inductive properties of bioglass are largely due to the release of calcium ions from it. However, this release is not easily controllable and can often be excessive, especially during the initial interaction of the biomaterial with the surrounding tissues. Consequently, this excessive release can deplete the calcium content of the bioglass, ultimately reducing its overall bioactivity. In this study, we have tested if applying biopolymer chitosan coatings of different thicknesses would be able to mitigate and regulate the calcium ion release from monodisperse bioglass nanoparticles. Calcium release was assessed for four different chitosan coating thicknesses at different time points over the period of 28 days using a fluorescence quencher. Expectedly, chitosan-coated particles released less calcium as the concentration of chitosan in the coating solution increased, presumably due to the increased thickness of the chitosan coating around the bioglass particles. The mechanism of release remained constant for each coating thickness, corresponding to anomalous, non-Fickian diffusion, but the degree of anomalousness increased with the deposition of chitosan. Zeta potential testing showed an expected increase in the positive double layer charge following the deposition of the chitosan coating due to the surface exposure of the amine groups of chitosan. Less intuitively, the zeta potential became less positive as thickness of the chitosan coating increased, attesting to the lower density of the surface charges within thicker coatings than within the thinner ones. Overall, the findings of this study demonstrate that chitosan coating efficiently prevents the early release of calcium from bioglass. This coating procedure also allows for the tuning of the calcium release kinetics by controlling the chitosan concentration in the parent solution.

Effect of Er: YAG laser irradiation with additional low energy on resin-dentin bonding and morphology of bonded interface.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the micro tensile bond strength (µTBS) and the resin-dentin interface on a laser-irradiated dentin surface using two different irradiation methods, with or without additional low-energy irradiation. METHODS: The flat bovine dentin surface was divided into three groups: i). control group (C group, no irradiation), ii) 80 mJ/pulse Er: YAG laser group (80 group), iii) 80 + 30 mJ/pulse Er: YAG laser group (80 + 30 group, with an additional 30 mJ/pulse). After the roughness of the dentin surface was recorded, Clearfil SE Bond 2 or Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc., Tokyo, Japan) was applied. After the µTBS testing, the failure mode was observed. The bonded interface was assessed using Rhodamine-dye incorporated adhesives and observed by optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: The dentin surface showed opened dentinal tubules without a smear layer after irradiation. For both adhesives, the µTBS was significantly higher in 80 + 30 group than in the 80 group (p < 0.05). In the 80 group, the thickness of the adhesive layer was not uniform, and the dentin surface was occasionally in direct contact with the composite resin. The failure mode images showed that most of the fractures in the 80 group were at the sub-surface of irradiated dentin. The adhesive layers of the 80 + 30 groups were homogeneous. CONCLUSIONS: The dentin surface was rough and irregular by 80 mJ irradiation, which might result in an inadequate resin-dentin interface and the weak µTBS. The bonded integrity was mitigated by additional irradiation.

Development and characterization of experimental ZnO cement containing niobophosphate bioactive glass as filling temporary material.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a temporary restorative material based on a zinc oxide matrix containing niobophosphate bioactive glass (NbG) for the caries-affected dentin treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: NbG was added to a ZnO2 matrix in different concentrations (wt%). EDS-SEM, ATR-FTIR and XRD analyses were performed to characterize the cement. Calcium release was evaluated in TRIS solution after 1, 7 and 14 days by colorimetric method (A650). Compressive strengths and setting times were performed to analyze mechanical properties. RESULTS: EDS spectra confirmed the presence of Ca, P and Nb in the groups containing NbG. EDS mapping exhibit the ZnO2 homogeneous distribution, and NbG immersed in this matrix. Peaks suggesting interaction between matrix and NbG were not detected in Ftir spectra. Calcium releasing showed to be time-dependent for experimental groups containing 10, 20, 30 and 40%. The NbG incorporation progressively increased the compressive strength values in the experimental groups. NbG incorporation seemed to influence the ZnO2 matrix early setting reaction. No statistical difference was observed in the final setting time. CONCLUSION: The addition of NbG particles into zinc oxide matrix could work as a mechanical reinforcement. It is suggested that the calcium released by the cement containing at least 10% NbG could induce apatite formation.