Histological and histomorphometric study of human palatal mucosa: Implications for connective tissue graft harvesting.

AIMS: To analyse the histological structure and histomorphometric characteristics of human hard palatal mucosa in order to determine the donor site of choice for connective tissue grafts from a histological point of view. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Palatal mucosa samples from six cadaver heads were harvested at four sites: incisal, premolar, molar and tuberosity. Histological and immunohistochemical techniques were performed, as was histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: In the current study, we found that the density and size of cells were higher in the superficial papillary layer, whereas the thickness of the collagen bundles increased in the reticular layer. Excluding the epithelium, the mean percentage of lamina propria (LP) and submucosa (SM) was 37% and 63%, respectively (p < .001). LP thickness showed similar values in the incisal, premolar and molar regions, and a significantly greater thickness in tuberosity (p < .001). The thickness of SM increased from incisal to premolar and molar, disappearing in the tuberosity (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: As dense connective tissue of LP is the tissue of choice for connective tissue grafts, the best donor site from a histological point of view is tuberosity because it is composed only of a thick LP without the presence of a loose submucosal layer.

A human rights-based approach to non-communicable diseases: mandating front-of-package warning labels.

Across the globe, the consumption of energy-dense and nutrient-poor foods and beverages has escalated rates of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs), driven by deceptive marketing tactics from the food and beverage industry. The international community has increasingly recognized the need to provide consumers with accurate health information on food and beverage products as part of their right to health. In July 2020, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the right to health released a powerful Statement calling for the adoption of front-of-package warning labeling to tackle NCDs. Just a few weeks after the Statement's release, the Pan American Health Organization published a report highlighting the relevance of front-of-package labeling as a policy tool for the prevention of NCDs in the Americas, demonstrating further support to this regulatory intervention.In this piece, we explain why front-of-package warning labeling should be part of a comprehensive strategy to promote healthier lives, delving into the human-rights aspects of front-of-package labels. In particular, we explore the role the food and beverage industry play in increasing the consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages, and the relevance of scientific evidence free from conflicts of interest to adequately protect the right to health and health-related rights.

Periodontal response to a tricalcium silicate material or resin composite placed in close contact to the supracrestal tissue attachment: a histomorphometric comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: Subgingival dental restorations and periodontal health have been studied for many years; however, there is a low histological evidence on the behavior of new materials in the supracrestal tissue attachment. The aim of this study is to analyze the periodontal response when a tricalcium silicate material (TSM) or composite margin restorations is placed to 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm from the bone crest with a histomorphometric analysis in dogs. METHODS: Nine mongrel dogs were used in this study: four dogs (8 canine teeth) for TSM group, 4 dogs (8 canine teeth) for composite group, and 1 dog (2 canine teeth) with cavities without restorations. Cavity preparation of 2×2×1 mm was created on the buccal aspect of the canines at 0.5 and 1.5 mm of the crestal bone. Cavities were restored with composite and TSM or were left unrestored as control. After 12 weeks of healing, the dogs were euthanized and blocks containing the tooth and soft tissues were processed. RESULTS: In all the specimens, the junction epithelium was stablished apical to the tooth preparations. A shorter distance to the bone (0.5 cavity) implies greater apical periodontal migration regardless of the material used. In the TSM groups, the connective tissue height and the distance between bone level and apical margin preparation were greater than those in the composite groups, while the epithelium height was less. However, there were no statistically significant differences comparing TSM and composite groups at either 0.5 mm or 1.5 mm (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Histologic analysis did not show periodontal reattachment to TSM or composite. In both cases, bone crest migrates apically. For that reason, it is recommended to perform composite restorations at the subgingival level whenever the distance to the bone crest is at least 2 mm. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Both composite and TSM do not achieve reinsertion of the connective tissue in the biological width.

Correction to: The use of clays for chlorhexidine controlled release as a new perspective for longer durability of dentin adhesion.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

The use of clays for chlorhexidine controlled release as a new perspective for longer durability of dentin adhesion.

The adhesive systems have the function to establish the connection between the restorative material and dental tissue, therefore it is of fundamental importance, because failures in the adhesive interface can reduce the life of a dental restoration. This study investigated the possibility of using the adhesive layer as a chlorhexidine modified release system evaluating their impact on the properties of these systems as well as evaluating the impact of these systems on immediate and post-aging dentin adhesion. Were used a matrix with BisGMA, UDMA, HEMA and TEGDMA copolymer and clay particles (Dellite 67G); associated with a chlorhexidine and a camphorquinone photoinitiator system. The properties of these systems were evaluated by the XRD, FTIR spectrophotometer, flexural strength, elasticity modulus, drug release, enzymatic inhibition and dentin adhesion resistance. The presence of the clay can raise the mechanical properties of the adhesive systems engendering a more resistant hybrid layer and led to a more sustained release of chlorhexidine in the systems, allowing a longer effective period of MMP-2 inhibition. The hypothesis that the addition of clays as release modulators could increase the effectiveness of these drugs in inhibiting the dentin's MPPs and consequently enhancing the adhesive durability was confirmed. These results indicate that the controlled release of chlorhexidine is able to reduce the process of loss of adhesion presenting itself as a promising system to increase the longevity of dental restorations.

Behavioural aspects of patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) that affect their dental management.

Dental treatment in patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) can be complicated due to the presence of behavioral alterations. In this group, there are no specific behavioral profiles that allow dentist to anticipate the attitude that a patient will show during a visit. Thus, behavioral attitudes have been described that vary from total permissiveness and collaboration during even bloody procedures, to the absolute impossibility in conducting a simple oral examination. There is no effective behavioral management technique for all ASD patients. Prior information, such as the type of ASD or the presence of certain concurrent pathologies can help predict the patient's likely behavior. Therefore, gathering all the information in a preliminary interview with the parents/guardians of the patient is recommended. Knowing these factors will allow individualized behavioral management strategies to be designed and facilitates the planning of dental treatment.

Analytical methods for amatoxins: A comprehensive review.

Amatoxins are toxic bicyclic octapeptides found in certain wild mushroom species, particularly Amanita phalloides. These mushrooms contain predominantly α- and ß-amanitin, which can lead to severe health risks for humans and animals if ingested. Rapid and accurate identification of these toxins in mushroom and biological samples is crucial for diagnosing and treating mushroom poisoning. Analytical methods for the determination of amatoxins are critical to ensure food safety and prompt medical treatment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the research literature on the determination of amatoxins in clinical specimens, biological and mushroom samples. We discuss the physicochemical properties of toxins, highlighting their influence on the choice of the analytical method and the importance of sample preparation, particularly solid-phase extraction with cartridges. Chromatographic methods are emphasised with a focus on liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry as one of the most relevant analytical method for the determination of amatoxins in complex matrices. Furthermore, current trends and future perspectives in amatoxin detection are also suggested.

Nuclear and Cytoplasmic hTERT, Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes, and Telomere Elongation Leukocytes Are Independent Factors in the Response to Neoadjuvant Treatment in HER2-Enriched Breast Cancer.

HER2-enriched tumors are responsible for 20% of breast tumors and have high rates of immune infiltrates in the tumor stroma that respond favorably to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In the context of tumors, telomeres control cell death and prevent tumor cells from replicating discontinuously, leading to their immortalization. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, hTERT expression, hTERT promoter mutation, and leukocyte telomere length in HER2-enriched breast tumors. A total of 103 cases were evaluated, 19 with pathologic complete response. The TILs percentage was above ≥10 in 44 cases (43%) and significantly present in patients ≥50 years of age. hTERT staining positivity was mostly nuclear, significantly present in the non-pCR group, and associated with a lower survival rate. Leukocyte telomeres were elongated for HER2-enriched tumors, and in multivariate analysis, shortening was associated with an increased risk of death. Overall, our results show that the nuclear and cytoplasmic presence of hTERT may indicate a worse prognosis and that leukocyte telomere elongation is a protective factor.

The in vitro effect of solutions with or without sugar in dental bleaching.

The interaction of bleaching technique (in-office or at-home) and solutions (deionized distilled water with and without sugar, red wine with and without sugar, coffee with and without sugar) on the effectiveness of in vitro dental bleaching was evaluated. Hydrogen peroxide (HP) 37.5% gel was used for in-office bleaching, 3 applications of 8 min each, 3 sessions with an interval of 7 days. At-home bleaching was performed with 10% Carbamide peroxide (CP), 2 h/day, for 30 days. The enamel vestibular surfaces (n = 72) were subjected daily to test solutions for 45 min, washed with distilled water for 5 min and stored in artificial saliva. The enamel color analysis was performed with a spectrophotometer through color variation (ΔE) and luminosity variation (ΔL). Roughness analysis was performed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Enamel composition was determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS). The results were submitted to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for ΔE, ΔL and EDS and two-way for AFM. For ΔE and ΔL there was no statistically significant difference. An increase in roughness was observed on the surface when exposed to a sugar-water solution for at-home bleaching and a lower concentration of Ca and P in the deionized water solution with sugar. Solutions containing or not sugar did not influence the bleaching potential, however the presence of sugar in the water solution increased the surface roughness with CP.

Restricting Unhealthy Food and Beverage Advertising in Brazil: Challenges and Opportunities.

In Brazil, the normative landscape around advertising is complex, not the least because of limitations inherent to dispute resolution mechanisms. Focusing on unhealthy food and beverages, this case study identifies some challenges and opportunities around advertising restrictions, including in relation to freedom of speech.

Amanitins in Wild Mushrooms: The Development of HPLC-UV-EC and HPLC-DAD-MS Methods for Food Safety Purposes.

Mushroom poisoning remains a serious food safety and health concern in some parts of the world due to its morbidity and mortality. Identification of mushroom toxins at an early stage of suspected intoxication is crucial for a rapid therapeutic decision. In this study, a new extraction method was developed to determine α- and ß-amanitin in mushroom samples collected from central Portugal. High-performance liquid chromatography with in-line ultraviolet and electrochemical detection was implemented to improve the specificity of the method. The method was fully validated for linearity (0.5-20.0 µg·mL-1), sensitivity, recovery, and precision based on a matrix-matched calibration method. The limit of detection was 55 µg mL-1 (UV) and 62 µg mL-1 (EC) for α-amanitin and 64 µg mL-1 (UV) and 24 µg mL-1 (EC) for ß-amanitin. Intra- and inter-day precision differences were less than 13%, and the recovery ratios ranged from 89% to 117%. The developed method was successfully applied to fourteen Amanita species (A. sp.) and compared with five edible mushroom samples after extraction with Oasis® PRIME HLB cartridges without the conditioning and equilibration step. The results revealed that the A. phalloides mushrooms present the highest content of α- and ß-amanitin, which is in line with the HPLC-DAD-MS. In sum, the developed analytical method could benefit food safety assessment and contribute to food-health security, as it is rapid, simple, sensitive, accurate, and selectively detects α- and ß-amanitin in any mushroom samples.

Where Is Nano Today and Where Is It Headed? A Review of Nanomedicine and the Dilemma of Nanotoxicology.

Worldwide nanotechnology development and application have fueled many scientific advances, but technophilic expectations and technophobic demands must be counterbalanced in parallel. Some of the burning issues today are the following: (1) Where is nano today? (2) How good are the communication and investment networks between academia/research and governments? (3) Is there any spotlight application for nanotechnology? Nanomedicine is a particular arm of nanotechnology within the healthcare landscape, focused on diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of emerging (such as coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19) and contemporary (including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer) diseases. However, it may only represent the bright side of the coin. In fact, in the recent past, the concept of nanotoxicology has emerged to address the dark shadows of nanomedicine. The nanomedicine field requires more nanotoxicological studies to identify undesirable effects and guarantee safety. Here, we provide an overall perspective on nanomedicine and nanotoxicology as central pieces of the giant puzzle of nanotechnology. First, the impact of nanotechnology on education and research is highlighted, followed by market trends and scientific output tendencies. In the next section, the nanomedicine and nanotoxicology dilemma is addressed through the interplay of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo models with the support of omics and microfluidic approaches. Lastly, a reflection on the regulatory issues and clinical trials is provided. Finally, some conclusions and future perspectives are proposed for a clearer and safer translation of nanomedicines from the bench to the bedside.

Influence of brushing with natural dentifrices on color change: In vitro study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate in vitro the influence of daily brushing with the use of natural toothpastes on the color change of enamel in bovine teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four dentifrices were used, one conventional Colgate Total 12 - Clean Mint (G1), and three natural, Contented Toothpaste with Organic and Natural Ingredients (G2); Dental Toothpaste (G3) and Aliv-Gaia Toothpaste (G4). Eighty bovine teeth were distributed in four experimental groups with 20 teeth each (n = 20). The buccal enamel surface of the teeth was subjected to brushing, with the related dentifrices of each group, for 2.13 seconds three times a day, with an electric brush Oral B 5000 Professional Care. Before and after brushing, color measurement tests with a spectrophotometer were performed. The color variation was calculated using the formula ΔE = [(ΔL *) 2+ (Δa *) 2+ (Δb *)2] 1/2. The results obtained were tabulated and submitted to the Kruskal Wallis non-parametric test. RESULTS: The color change (ΔE) observed was 7.551 and p-value equal to 0.056, determining that there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. However, qualitative tests showed the clearing of all experimental groups, G3 with the greatest change, followed by G2, G1 and G4. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluated dentifrices were not able to promote color change. Key words:Dental enamel, plant extracts, saliva, artificial, dentifrices.

Influence of the volume of restorative material on the concentration of stresses in the restorative interface.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the microtensile strength in the adhesive interface depending on the volume of the composite resin used to restore class I cavities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-eight human third molars received a standardized class I cavity preparation and they were separated into six experimental groups: G1 - single-bottle adhesive system; G2 - bonding system with load; G3 - single-bottle adhesive associated with low-viscosity composite resin; G4 - loaded adhesive associated with low-viscosity composite; G5 - resin-modified glass ionomer associated with single-bottle adhesive; and G6 - resin-modified glass ionomer associated with loaded adhesive. All cavities were restored with a universal restorative composite. After completing the restorations, the samples were stored for seven days in a stove (37°C) and the microtensile bond strength was evaluated by producing slices and applying axial loading in an Instron universal testing machine at a speed of 0.5 mm/min. The thickness of the intermediate layer formed on the cavity floor to verify the relationship between the volume of restorative composite and the concentration of stresses in the buccal wall. With the data obtained in the microtensile strength test, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed entirely at random. RESULTS: Duncan's test showed that group 4 (Filtek Flow/Optibond Solo Plus) obtained the highest mean of microtensile strength with no statistically significant difference to groups 3 (Filtek Flow/Single Bond), 5 (Vitremer/Single Bond), and 6 (Vitremer/Optibond Solo Plus). It also showed a statistically significant difference to groups 2 (Optibond Solo Plus) and 1 (Single Bond), with no statistical difference between the other groups studied. CONCLUSIONS: The highest mean of microtensile strength was obtained when the volume of the restorative material decreased through the interposition between the material and the adhesive system of a base with low elasticity modulus. Key words:Adhesion, microtensile, composite resin.

Assessment of anthropogenic sources of water pollution using multivariate statistical techniques: a case study of the Alqueva's reservoir, Portugal.

Multivariate statistical techniques were applied to evaluate spatial/temporal variations, and to interpret water quality data set obtained at Alqueva reservoir (south of Portugal). The water quality was monitored at nine different sites, along the water line, over a period of 18 months (from January 2006 to May 2007) using 26 water quality parameters. The cluster analysis allowed the formation of five different similarity groups between sampling sites, reflecting differences on the water quality at different locations of the Alqueva reservoir system. The PCA/FA identified six varifactors, which were responsible for 64% of total variance in water quality data set. The principal parameters, which explained the variability of quality water, were total phosphorus, oxidability, iron, parameters that at high concentrations indicate pollution from anthropogenic sources, and herbicides indicative of an intensive agricultural activity. The spatial analysis showed that the water quality was worse in the north of the reservoir.

Effect of alternative solvent evaporation techniques on mechanical properties of primer-adhesive mixtures.

This study evaluated the influence of the mode and time of solvent evaporation on the tensile strength (TS), flexural strength (FS) and elastic modulus (EM) of two adhesive systems: Scotchbond Multipurpose (SBMP) and Clearfil SE (CSEB). For this purpose, rectangular samples (2x1x7 mm) were prepared with 10 µL of primer and the solvents were evaporated with air spray at (23±1) ºC, (40±1) ºC and negative control (without spray). For each temperature, the times of 5, 20, 30, and 60 seconds were investigated. The statistical results showed that evaporation at 40±1ºC resulted in better EM for the two adhesives tested and all the evaporation times evaluated. However, there were no significant differences between the times and modes of evaporation for TS. The results of this study indicate that evaporation at a temperature of (40±1) °C could improve the elastic modulus of both adhesives tested, regardless of the evaporating time.

Este estudo avaliou a influência do modo e do tempo de evaporação do solvente na resistência à tração (RT), resistência à flexão (RF) e módulo de elasticidade (MR) de dois sistemas adesivos: Scotchbond Multipurpose (SBMP) e Clearfil SE (CSEB). Para isso, amostras retangulares (2x1x7 mm) foram preparadas com 10 µL de primer e os solventes foram evaporados com aerossol a (23±1) ºC, (40±1) ºC e controle negativo (sem aerossol). Para cada temperatura, foram avaliados os tempos de 5, 20, 30 e 60 segundos. Os resultados estatísticos mostraram que a evaporação a (40±1) ºC resultou em melhor MR para os dois adesivos testados e todos os tempos de evaporação avaliados. No entanto, não houve diferenças significativas entre os tempos e modos de evaporação na RT. Os resultados deste estudo indicam que a evaporação a uma temperatura de (40±1) °C poderia melhorar o módulo de elasticidade de ambos os adesivos testados, independentemente do tempo de evaporação.

Osseointegrated implants as orthodontic anchorage and restorative abutments in the treatment of partially edentulous adult patients.

One of the main limitations of orthodontic treatment in partially edentulous patients is the lack of anchorage to obtain desirable tooth movement. Coordination between the orthodontist, periodontist, and restorative practitioner is essential when planning treatment for these patients. Implants can be used not only in the definitive prosthetic solution but can also be of great benefit as stable abutments during orthodontic therapy. For ideal results, it is essential to establish an orthodontically favorable position for an implant and, more importantly, the best position for an adequate restoration following orthodontic treatment. The aim of this article is to demonstrate the use of implants in orthodontic movement to provide easier and more predictable restorative treatment.

Effects of desensitizing dentifrices on the reduction of pain sensitivity caused by in-office dental whitening: a double-blind controlled clinical study.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to clinically evaluate the influence of desensitizing dentifrices applied through a plastic tray on reducing the pain sensitivity and color variation caused by in-office dental whitening and to evaluate differences among such dentifrices through a controlled double-blind clinical study. Materials and methods: A prospective study was conducted with 48 individuals between 18 and 30 years without gender distinction. For the dental whitening, 35% hydrogen peroxide was used in three clinical sessions. After each whitening session, the volunteers used a plastic tray containing one of the dentifrices (sucralose- S, sodium fluoride - SF, arginine and calcium carbonate - ACC, and 5% potassium nitrate - PN) for 4 hrs during the night. The evaluation of the sensitivity associated with the use of the plastic tray in each whitening session was performed using the analog numerical scale with scores from 0 to 10. The color variation (ΔE) was determined with a spectrophotometer. The pain sensitivity data were submitted to the multivariate analysis of variance with repeated measurements and a Lambda Wilks test (p<0.05). To analyze the color variation, a one-way ANOVA was applied (p<0.05). Results: The ACC and 5% NP groups showed a reduction in sensitivity in relation to the other groups (p<0.05). There was a reduction in sensitivity after placement of the tray with dentifrice. The color evaluation associated with the dentifrice showed no difference (p=0.9186). Conclusion: The use of desensitizing dentifrices with ACC or 5% NP in a plastic tray was effective for the reduction of pain sensitivity, and the use of a desensitizing dentifrice did not decrease the effectiveness of whitening.

Desensitizing Agent Previously Applied During In-Office Bleaching: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract Objective: To compare the clinical effect of two desensitizing agents used before the application of a bleaching gel based on 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP). Material and Methods: 30 patients were selected, and two desensitizing agents with different mechanisms of action were applied: Fluorine Neutral 2% (FN), which acts by blocking dentinal canaliculi while Potassium Nitrate 5% with 2% Sodium Fluoride (PN/SF) that acts in nerve transmission and blockade. Desensitizers were used before the application of 35% HP. For whitening, three clinical sessions were performed, with an interval of seven days, with three applications of the bleaching gel for 15 minutes, totaling 45 minutes/session. Tooth sensitivity (TS) was assessed with the numerical analog scale, and a spectrophotometer was used to obtain the color variation (ΔE). ΔE were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey test (p<0.05), and TS data were submitted to a two-way ANOVA analysis. Results: For sensitivity experience, the Tukey test indicated differences between PN/SF and the placebo I, but there was no statistically significant difference between FN and the placebo II. The TS was lower when the desensitizing gel was used during the bleaching procedure compared to after treatment, regardless of the desensitizing agents. Conclusion: PN/SF before in-office tooth bleaching can reduce TS intensity, and the use of desensitizing gel before bleaching did not affect the bleaching efficacy.

Acute and chronic effects of testosterone and 4-hydroxyandrostenedione to the crustacean Daphnia magna.

Steroid compounds have been globally detected in surface waters. The ecological impacts of these biologically active chemicals are largely unknown. Toxicity of testosterone and 4-hydroxyandrostenedione was assessed for the freshwater cladoceran Daphnia magna. Acute toxicity tests showed that 6.20 mg L(-1) of testosterone, the highest concentration tested, did not have effect on the daphnids, whereas 4-hydroxyandrostenedione had an EC(50) of 4.26 mg L(-1). Chronic toxicity tests were carried out using survival, body length, fecundity, and fertility as endpoints. Long-term testosterone exposure reduced D. magna fecundity and fertility at concentrations ranging from 0.31 to 2.48 mg L(-1). The significant decrease in fecundity was associated with an increase in aborted eggs. Long-term 4-hydroxyandrostenedione exposure at 0.84 mg L(-1) increased the mortality of the neonates. The chronic toxicity effects were observed at concentrations higher than the measured environmental concentrations of these compounds. Nevertheless, the reproductive impairment of the daphnids is likely to occur at environmental levels as an ultimate response to long-term exposure.