Effect of Phosphorylated Chitosan on Dentin Erosion: An in vitro Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antierosive effect of phosphorylated chitosan in dentin. Bovine dentin specimens were randomly distributed into the following groups: (1) no treatment (NoTx/negative control), (2) phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS), (3) AmF/NaF/SnCl2 (positive control), (4) 0.5% chitosan solution (Chi), (5) 0.5% neutral phosphorylated (NP)-Chi, and (6) 0.5% alkaline phosphorylated (AP)-Chi. The specimens were submitted to de-remineralization treatment cycles for 5 days: 0.5% citric acid (2 min), remineralizing solution (30 min), and surface treatment according to assigned groups (2 min, 6×/day). The loss of dentin surface was measured by profilometry. Hardness and modulus of elasticity were measured using a nanoindenter equipped with a Berkovich diamond tip. The dentin surface was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The largest loss of dentin was observed in the No Tx and PBS groups (approx. 25 µm). The group treated with AmF/NaF/SnCl2 showed less loss of dentin (67% reduction vs. NoTx and PBS), followed by the groups treated with NP-Chi and AP-Chi (33% reduction), and Chi (18% reduction). Nanohardness and modulus of elasticity were similar in the NoTx and PBS groups, with a small increase in stiffness in all other groups. SEM revealed that the experimental solution of AP-Chi had a favorable effect on maintaining the integrity of collagen fibrils. AmF/NaF/SnCl2 showed a preserved mineralized collagen surface. Further studies are warranted to explore this nontoxic phosphorylated chitosan polymer as an effective agent in the prevention and treatment of dental erosion.

Severe childhood caries associated with iron deficiency anemia: a case report.

This case showed an association between caries and anemia in a 3-year-old boy, whose crowns were destroyed by caries. Tests showed a low hematocrit as well as low levels of hemoglobin, ferritin, and serum iron. Impaired growth and delayed neuropsychomotor development were observed. The child was hospitalized for antibiotic administration, blood transfusion, multiple dental extractions, and iron supplementation. He was discharged after 20 days, when anemia and oral infection were resolved.

HIV-associated salivary gland disease--clinical or imaging diagnosis?

OBJECTIVES: This work aimed at studying the salivary gland disease (SGD) as it relates to associated factors, such as persistent generalised lymphadenopathy (PGL), lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP), clinical and immunological features of AIDS, and salivary flow rate and pH, as well as at exploring the relationship between the clinical diagnosis and the imaging diagnosis by ultrasound (US) examination of the parotid glands. METHODS: Information regarding the observation of parotid gland enlargement, PGL, LIP, and clinical and immunological features of AIDS was gathered from medical records, and a saliva sample for unstimulated salivary flow rate and pH measurement was collected from 142 children aged 3 through 10 years treated at the Department of Infectious Diseases of Joana de Gusmão Children's Hospital, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil. High-resolution ultrasonography was performed in 58 children. Pearson's chi-square test and t-test were used to evaluate the association between the variables. RESULTS: A significant association was found between SGD and LIP. Ultrasound revealed a 50% higher incidence of SGD that was not reported in the patients' records. CONCLUSION: US examination proved to be essential for the correct diagnosis and monitoring of the progression of HIV/SGD.

Effect of endodontic irrigation with 1% sodium hypochlorite and 17% EDTA on primary teeth: a scanning electron microscope analysis.

This study evaluated the efficacy of 2 final irrigation solutions for removal of the smear layer (SL) from root canals of primary teeth, using scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. Thirty primary molars were selected and a single operator instrumented the canals. The initial irrigation was done with a 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution. After the preparation, the roots were randomly divided into 3 groups for final irrigation: Group 1, 1% NaOCl (n = 10); Group 2, 17% EDTA + 1% NaOCl (n = 10); and Group 3, 17% EDTA + saline solution (n = 10). The roots were prepared for SEM analysis (magnification 1000X). The photomicrographs were independently analyzed by 2 investigators with SEM experience, attributing scores to each root third in terms of SL removal. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests revealed that there was no statistical difference between the groups (P = 0.489). However, a statistical difference was found (P < 0.05) in a comparison of root thirds, with the apical third having the worst results. Comparing the thirds within the same group, all canals showed statistical differences between the cervical and apical thirds (P < 0.05). The authors determined that no substance or association of substances were able to completely remove SL.