2023 Brazilian Society of Rheumatology guidelines for the treatment of systemic sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare chronic autoimmune disease with heterogeneous manifestations. In the last decade, several clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate new treatment options for SSc. The purpose of this work is to update the recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology in light of the new evidence available for the pharmacological management of SSc. METHODS: A systematic review including randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for predefined questions that were elaborated according to the Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes (PICO) strategy was conducted. The rating of the available evidence was performed according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. To become a recommendation, at least 75% agreement of the voting panel was needed. RESULTS: Six recommendations were elaborated regarding the pharmacological treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon, the treatment (healing) and prevention of digital ulcers, skin involvement, interstitial lung disease (ILD) and gastrointestinal involvement in SSc patients based on results available from RCTs. New drugs, such as rituximab, were included as therapeutic options for skin involvement, and rituximab, tocilizumab and nintedanib were included as therapeutic options for ILD. Recommendations for the pharmacological treatment of scleroderma renal crisis and musculoskeletal involvement were elaborated based on the expert opinion of the voting panel, as no placebo-controlled RCTs were found. CONCLUSION: These guidelines updated and incorporated new treatment options for the management of SSc based on evidence from the literature and expert opinion regarding SSc, providing support for decision-making in clinical practice.

Evaluation of bond strength in customizing fiber post using translucent resins photoactivated by different light-emitting diodes.

Aims: The objective of the study was to evaluate two translucent resin composite systems for customizing light-polymerized fiber posts with light-emitting diode (LED) curing units regarding adhesion using conventional cement at 24 h and 6 months. Settings and Design: This was an experimental in vitro study. Methods: Forty roots were prepared and divided into four groups (n = 10): ZV-Z350 resin and LED Valo; ZR-Z350 resin and LED Radii-Cal; OV-Opallis resin and LED Valo; and OR-Opallis resin and LED Radii-Cal. The fiber post was customized and cemented with conventional resin cement and was photoactivated by two different sources. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were subjected to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests (P = 0.05). The data regarding the pattern of adhesive failures were described in terms of the frequency of occurrence in each third of the postspace. Results: Both at 24 h and 6 months, bond strength among groups was similar, regardless of the analyzed postspace 3rd (P > 0.05). Adhesive failure Type 4 was the most frequent in all thirds. Conclusions: Customizing the fiber post with Z350 and Opallis has the same effect on bond strength and adhesive failure pattern, regardless of the LED curing units used for photopolymerization.

Influence of residues from bioceramic sealer on the bond interface with universal adhesive in different application modes.

This study evaluated the effect on adhesive layer thickness, bond strength, and adhesive failure pattern of the application of universal adhesive (Scotchbond Universal) using either manual or rotary brush in dentin previously impregnated with bioceramic sealer (Sealer Plus BC) using a manual brush, at 24 h and 1 year. Eighty-eight bovine crowns were divided into four groups (n = 22) according to the intervention: (i) use of bioceramic sealer and adhesive application using manual brush, (ii) use of bioceramic sealer and adhesive application using rotary brush, (iii) use of resin sealer and adhesive application using manual brush, and (iv) use of resin sealer and adhesive application using rotary brush. Subsequently, specimens were restored with a composite resin (Filtek Z-250). Adhesive layer thickness was evaluated using confocal microscopy. Bond strength was assessed using the microtensile bond strength test, and adhesive failure pattern was evaluated under a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA/Tukey tests. Specimens where a rotary brush had been used exhibited lower adhesive layer thickness. Specimens treated with resin sealer and using a manual brush showed lower bond strength values and a higher occurrence of adhesive failures at 24 h and 1 year than specimens treated with bioceramic sealer and using rotary brush for adhesive application.

Quality of sleep in individuals with systemic sclerosis and its correlation with functional disability and quality of life: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the quality of sleep in individuals with systemic sclerosis and its correlation with the quality of life and disability. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, carried out in a tertiary service of a university hospital. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of systemic sclerosis according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism 2013 or the preliminary criteria of the American College of Rheumatology 1980, age ≥ 18 years; regularly monitored at the outpatient clinic of rheumatology. Clinical and demographic data of the patients were obtained through a structured interview and evaluation of the medical records. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire, daytime sleepiness using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, quality of life using 12-item short-form health survey, and disability using the scleroderma health assessment questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients with systemic sclerosis were included, with 92% female, mean age 48.9 years, mean disease duration 8.9 years, and 60% limited cutaneous form. Most systemic sclerosis patients (84%) have poor sleep quality and 20% have excessive daytime sleepiness. There was a significant negative correlation between Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the physical and mental components of the 12-item short-form health survey (r=-0.42, p=0.003 and r=-0.43, p=0.002, respectively) and a positive correlation with the scleroderma health assessment questionnaire (r=0.52, p=<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study showed that poor sleep quality is a very common finding among systemic sclerosis patients, and it negatively affects both the quality of life and the degree of disability. Sleep quality is an unmet need in patients with systemic sclerosis Poor sleep quality is very common in patients with systemic sclerosis Poor sleep quality correlated with worse quality of life and greater disability.

Evaluation of different mechanical cleaning protocols associated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite in the removal of residues from the post space.

Aims: This study evaluated the effectiveness of different mechanical protocols using rotary brush (RB), ultrasonic tip, and oscillatory system (OS) associated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in the removal of residues and dentin permeability in the cervical and apical segments of the post space. Settings and Design: Experimental in vitro study. Methods: Forty roots from human first molars were prepared and divided into four groups according to the cleaning protocols: Control (CO), NaOCl 2.5% conventional irrigation with a syringe; RB associated with NaOCl 2.5%; ultrasonic tip (US) associated with NaOCl 2.5%; OS associated with NaOCl 2.5%. Statistical Analysis Used: The persistence of residues was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and data submitted to Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests, and dentin permeability evaluated by confocal microscopy and date submitted to ANOVA one-way and Tukey's tests (P = 0.05). Results: There were no differences in residue cleaning among the CO, RB, US, and OS groups, regardless of the analyzed root segment (P > 0.05). When comparing groups, dentin permeability in the CO group was significantly lower in the cervical segment (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The OS group promoted the highest permeability value in the apical segment. RB, US, and OS are similar in removing residues from the post space. However, OS results in higher dentin permeability in the apical segment.

Ultrasound assessment of diaphragm and quadriceps muscles and its relationship with handgrip and respiratory muscle strength in patients with systemic sclerosis: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Muscle dysfunction may cause disability and reduce the quality of life of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) when compared to healthy individuals. However, the literature on the topic is scarce and uses several criteria for assessing muscle dysfunction in this population. OBJECTIVES: To compare diaphragm and quadriceps muscle thickness, diaphragm mobility, and handgrip strength between patients with SSc and healthy individuals. METHOD: This cross-sectional study included 16 patients with SSc and 16 self-reported healthy individuals matched for age. We assessed quadriceps and diaphragm thickness and diaphragmatic mobility (ultrasound), handgrip strength (hand-held dynamometer), and respiratory muscle strength (manovacuometer). Patients also responded to the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: Patients with SSc presented lower quadriceps thickness (p < 0.0001), diaphragmatic mobility (p = 0.01), handgrip (p < 0.0001), and respiratory muscle strength (p < 0.0001) than healthy individuals. A moderate positive correlation was observed between handgrip strength and quadriceps thickness in patients with SSc (rho = 0.576; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SSc presented reduced quadriceps thickness, diaphragmatic mobility, handgrip, and respiratory muscle strength when compared to healthy individuals Also, handgrip strength was correlated with quadriceps thickness in patients with SSc, suggesting that loss of muscle mass accompanies loss of peripheral muscle strength group of patients. Key Points • SSc patients presented reduced quadriceps thickness and diaphragmatic mobility • SSc patients have reduced handgrip and respiratory muscle strength • Lower handgrip muscle strength correlated with lower quadriceps thickness.

PPARγ partial agonist LPSF/GQ-16 prevents dermal and pulmonary fibrosis in HOCl-induced systemic sclerosis (SSc) and modulates cytokine production in PBMC of SSc patients.

Thiazolidinediones (TZD) are synthetic molecules that have a range of biological effects, including antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory, and they may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for systemic sclerosis (SSc). The aim of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory and antifibrotic properties of LPSF/GQ-16, a TZD derivative, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from SSc patients and in a murine model of SSc HOCl-induced. The PBMC of 20 SSc patients were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and treated with LPSF/GQ-16 for 48 h, later cytokines in the culture supernatants were quantified by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or cytometric bead array (CBA). Experimental SSc was induced by intradermal injections of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) for 6 weeks. HOCl-induced SSc mice received daily treatment with LPSF/GQ-16 (30 mg/kg) through intraperitoneal injections during the same period. Immunological parameters were evaluated by flow cytometry and ELISA, and dermal and pulmonary fibrosis were evaluated by RT-qPCR, hydroxyproline dosage and histopathological analysis. In PBMC cultures, it was possible to observe that LPSF/GQ-16 modulated the secretion of cytokines IL-2 (p < 0.001), IL-4 (p < 0.001), IL-6 (p < 0.001), IL-17A (p = 0.006), TNF (p < 0.001) and IFN-γ (p < 0.001). In addition, treatment with LPSF/GQ-16 in HOCl-induced SSc mice promoted a significant reduction in dermal thickening (p < 0.001), in the accumulation of collagen in the skin (p < 0.001), down-regulated the expression of fibrosis markers in the skin (Col1a1, α-Sma and Tgfß1, p < 0.001 for all) and lungs (Il4 and Il13, p < 0.001 for both), as well as reduced activation of CD4 + T cells (p < 0.001), B cells (p < 0.001) and M2 macrophages (p < 0.001). In conclusion, LPSF/GQ-16 showed immunomodulatory and antifibrotic properties, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of this molecule for SSc.

Effects of alpha-tocopherol antioxidant on fracture strength and adhesion of endodontically treated teeth restored after dental bleaching.

This study evaluated the effect of different concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in gel form on fracture strength, hybrid layer formation, and microtensile bond strength of endodontically treated teeth bleached with 40% hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ). Sixty bovine incisors were randomized into one of six groups (n = 10 incisors per group) defined by the interventions carried out after endodontic treatment. In the control group, no additional intervention was carried out, while all teeth in the five intervention groups were bleached with 40% H2 O2 and subsequently treated with alpha-tocopherol at concentrations of 15% (15AT), 20% (20AT), or 25% (25AT), with 10% sodium ascorbate (10SA), or with nothing (40HP). Fracture strength was evaluated in a mechanical testing machine, hybrid layer formation was assessed using scanning electron microscopy, and bond strength was determined using microtensile bond-strength testing. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests. No statistically significant difference regarding fracture strength was observed among groups. Hybrid layer formation was greater in the 15AT group than in groups 40HP and 10SA. Teeth in groups 15AT, 20AT, and 25AT demonstrated higher bond strength than teeth in groups 40HP and 10SA. Alpha-tocopherol, preferably at 15%, effectively reverses the deleterious effects, of bleaching, on hybrid layer formation and bond strength to dentin.

Quality of sleep in individuals with systemic sclerosis and its correlation with functional disability and quality of life: a cross-sectional study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the quality of sleep in individuals with systemic sclerosis and its correlation with the quality of life and disability. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, carried out in a tertiary service of a university hospital. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of systemic sclerosis according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism 2013 or the preliminary criteria of the American College of Rheumatology 1980, age ≥ 18 years; regularly monitored at the outpatient clinic of rheumatology. Clinical and demographic data of the patients were obtained through a structured interview and evaluation of the medical records. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire, daytime sleepiness using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, quality of life using 12-item short-form health survey, and disability using the scleroderma health assessment questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients with systemic sclerosis were included, with 92% female, mean age 48.9 years, mean disease duration 8.9 years, and 60% limited cutaneous form. Most systemic sclerosis patients (84%) have poor sleep quality and 20% have excessive daytime sleepiness. There was a significant negative correlation between Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the physical and mental components of the 12-item short-form health survey (r=-0.42, p=0.003 and r=-0.43, p=0.002, respectively) and a positive correlation with the scleroderma health assessment questionnaire (r=0.52, p=<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study showed that poor sleep quality is a very common finding among systemic sclerosis patients, and it negatively affects both the quality of life and the degree of disability.

Fracture resistance and bonding performance after antioxidants pre-treatment in non-vital and bleached teeth.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of antioxidant solutions on fracture strength and bonding performance in non-vital and bleached (38% hydrogen peroxide) teeth. One hundred and eighty dentin specimens were obtained, 60 for each test: fracture strength, hybrid layer thickness, and bond strength. The groups (n=10) were randomly composed according to post-bleaching protocol: REST - restoration, without bleaching; BL - bleaching + restoration; SA - bleaching, 10% sodium ascorbate solution, and restoration; AT - bleaching, 10% α-tocopherol solution, and restoration; CRAN - bleaching, 5% cranberry solution, and restoration; CAP - bleaching, 0.0025% capsaicin solution, and restoration. Data were analyzed with ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, and Qui-Square tests (α=0.05). The highest fracture strength values were observed in REST (1508.96 ±148.15 N), without significant difference for the bleached groups (p>0.05), regardless of the antioxidant use. The hybrid layer thickness in the group that was not subjected to bleaching (REST) was significantly higher than in any other group. The bond strength in the bleached and antioxidants-treated groups (SA, AT, CRAN, CAP) has no differences with the bleached group without antioxidants (BL). Adhesive failures were predominant in the groups that did not receive the antioxidant application. In conclusion, the evaluated antioxidants did not show an effect on the fracture strength, hybrid layer thickness, or bond strength of dentin bleached after endodontic treatment. The application of 10% sodium ascorbate, 10% alpha-tocopherol, 5% cranberry, or 0.0025% capsaicin solutions is not an effective step and should not be considered for the restorative protocols after non-vital bleaching.

CLINICAL-THERAPEUTICAL MANAGEMENT OF EXPOSED PULP USING BIOACTIVE MATERIALS: TWO CASE REPORTS

Aims: This article present alternatives of bioactive materials use for direct pulp capping in immature teeth and for apexogenesis.Case report: Two case reports with the application of bioactive cementsare presented here: one in a tooth with pulp exposure and another with deep carious lesion, pulp exposure and open apex.Results: In both cases, the treatment was performed in one visit and a favorable clinical and radiographic follow-up was achieved.Conclusion: The use of bioactive materials ledto the formation of a dentin bridge and healing process in the pulp tissue exposure, without the need for conventional endodontic treatment

Fracture resistance and bonding performance after antioxidants pre-treatment in non-vital and bleached teeth

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of antioxidant solutions on fracture strength and bonding performance in non-vital and bleached (38% hydrogen peroxide) teeth. One hundred and eighty dentin specimens were obtained, 60 for each test: fracture strength, hybrid layer thickness, and bond strength. The groups (n=10) were randomly composed according to post-bleaching protocol: REST - restoration, without bleaching; BL - bleaching + restoration; SA - bleaching, 10% sodium ascorbate solution, and restoration; AT - bleaching, 10% α-tocopherol solution, and restoration; CRAN - bleaching, 5% cranberry solution, and restoration; CAP - bleaching, 0.0025% capsaicin solution, and restoration. Data were analyzed with ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, and Qui-Square tests (α=0.05). The highest fracture strength values were observed in REST (1508.96 ±148.15 N), without significant difference for the bleached groups (p>0.05), regardless of the antioxidant use. The hybrid layer thickness in the group that was not subjected to bleaching (REST) was significantly higher than in any other group. The bond strength in the bleached and antioxidants-treated groups (SA, AT, CRAN, CAP) has no differences with the bleached group without antioxidants (BL). Adhesive failures were predominant in the groups that did not receive the antioxidant application. In conclusion, the evaluated antioxidants did not show an effect on the fracture strength, hybrid layer thickness, or bond strength of dentin bleached after endodontic treatment. The application of 10% sodium ascorbate, 10% alpha-tocopherol, 5% cranberry, or 0.0025% capsaicin solutions is not an effective step and should not be considered for the restorative protocols after non-vital bleaching.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de soluções antioxidantes na resistência à fratura e resistência de união em dentes tratados endodonticamente e clareados (38% de peróxido de hidrogênio). Cento e oitenta espécimes de dentina foram obtidos, 60 para cada teste: resistência à fratura, espessura da camada híbrida e resistência de união. Os grupos (n=10) foram compostos aleatoriamente de acordo com o protocolo pós-clareamento: REST - restauração, sem clareamento; BL - clareamento + restauração; SA - clareamento, solução de ascorbato de sódio a 10% e restauração; AT - clareamento, solução de α-tocoferol a 10% e restauração; CRAN - clareamento, solução de cranberry a 5% e restauração; CAP - clareamento, solução de capsaicina 0,0025% e restauração. Os dados foram analisados ​​com os testes ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn e Qui-Quadrado (α=0,05). Os maiores valores de resistência à fratura foram observados em REST (1508,96 ±148,15 N), sem diferença significativa para os grupos clareados (p>0,05), independente do uso de antioxidantes. A espessura da camada híbrida no grupo que não foi submetido ao clareamento (REST) foi significativamente maior do que em qualquer outro grupo. A resistência de união nos grupos clareado e tratado com antioxidantes (SA, AT, CRAN, CAP) não apresentou diferenças com o grupo branqueado sem antioxidantes (BL). As falhas adesivas foram predominantes nos grupos que não receberam a aplicação do antioxidante. Em conclusão, os antioxidantes avaliados não mostraram efeito sobre a resistência à fratura, espessura da camada híbrida ou resistência de união à dentina clareada após tratamento endodôntico. A aplicação de soluções de ascorbato de sódio 10%, alfa-tocoferol 10%, cranberry 5% ou capsaicina 0,0025% não é uma etapa eficaz e não deve ser considerada para os protocolos restauradores após clareamento não vital.

Effect of antioxidants after post-space irrigation on the adhesive interface of glass fiber post cementation.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects of antioxidants, 10% sodium ascorbate (SA) or 20% alpha-tocopherol (AT), after post-space irrigation with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite +17% EDTA (SH) or 1% peracetic acid (PA) on the adhesive interface after glass fiber post cementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty bovine roots were endodontically treated. After preparation, the post-space was irrigated with SH or PA followed or not by the use of antioxidants (SA or AT) (n = 10). Push-out bond strength test, failure mode, and dentin penetrability analysis using confocal laser microscope were performed in the cervical, middle, and apical thirds. Data from bond strength and dentinal penetrability were evaluated by one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: SH showed the lowest bond strength regardless of the third (p < 0.05). In apical third, mixed failure was the most incident in all groups. Only in the cervical third of the post-space, SH-AT provided the greatest tag extension of the cementation system into dentin (p < 0.05). However, in the middle and apical thirds, SH-AT, SH-SA, and PA-SA provided the largest tag extensions (p < 0.05), but similar to each other (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of antioxidants only favored bond strength when SH was used and dentin penetrability of the adhesive and conventional resin cementation, regardless of the solution used to irrigate the post-space. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of antioxidants (10% sodium ascorbate and 20% alpha-tocopherol) after post-space irrigation with sodium hypochlorite appears to increase the bond strength favoring the glass fiber post-cementation.

COVID-19 was not associated or trigger disease activity in spondylarthritis patients: ReumaCoV-Brasil cross-sectional data.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the disease activity before and after COVID-19 and risk factors associated with outcomes, including hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation (MV) and death in patients with spondylarthritis (SpA). METHODS: ReumaCoV Brazil is a multicenter prospective cohort of immune-mediated rheumatic diseases (IMRD) patients with COVID-19 (case group), compared to a control group of IMRD patients without COVID-19. SpA patients enrolled were grouped as axial SpA (axSpA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and enteropathic arthritis, according to usual classification criteria. RESULTS: 353 SpA patients were included, of whom 229 (64.9%) were axSpA, 118 (33.4%) PsA and 6 enteropathic arthritis (1.7%). No significant difference was observed in disease activity before the study inclusion comparing cases and controls, as well no worsening of disease activity after COVID-19. The risk factors associated with hospitalization were age over 60 years (OR = 3.71; 95% CI 1.62-8.47, p = 0.001); one or more comorbidities (OR = 2.28; 95% CI 1.02-5.08, p = 0.001) and leflunomide treatment (OR = 4.46; 95% CI 1.33-24.9, p = 0.008). Not having comorbidities (OR = 0.11; 95% CI 0.02-0.50, p = 0.001) played a protective role for hospitalization. In multivariate analysis, leflunomide treatment (OR = 8.69; CI = 95% 1.41-53.64; p = 0.023) was associated with hospitalization; teleconsultation (OR = 0.14; CI = 95% 0.03-0.71; p = 0.01) and no comorbidities (OR = 0.14; CI = 95% 0.02-0.76; p = 0.02) remained at final model as protective factor. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed no association between pre-COVID disease activity or that SARS-CoV-2 infection could trigger disease activity in patients with SpA. Teleconsultation and no comorbidities were associated with a lower hospitalization risk. Leflunomide remained significantly associated with higher risk of hospitalization after multiple adjustments.

Bonding effects of cleaning protocols and time-point of acid etching on dentin impregnated with endodontic sealer.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the bonding effects of cleaning protocols on dentin impregnated with endodontic sealer residues using ethanol (E) or xylol (X). The effects of dentin acid etching immediately (I) or 7 days (P) after cleaning were also evaluated. For bonding to dentin, universal adhesive (Scotchbond Universal; 3M ESPE) was used. The persistence of sealer residues, hybrid layer formation and microshear bond strength were the performed analysis. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty bovine dentin specimens were allocated into 4 groups (n = 10): G1 (E+I); G2 (X+I); G3 (E+P); and G4 (X+P). The persistence of sealer residues was evaluated by SEM. Confocal laser scanning microscopy images were taken to measure the formed hybrid layer using the Image J program. For microshear bond strength, 4 resin composite cylinders were placed over the dentin after the cleaning protocols. ANOVA followed by Tukey test and Kruskal-Wallis followed by Dunn test were used for parametric and non-parametric data, respectively (α = 5%). Results: G2 and G4 groups showed a lower persistence of residues (p < 0.05) and thicker hybrid layer than the other groups (p < 0.05). No bond strength differences among all groups were observed (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Dentin cleaning using xylol, regardless of the time-point of acid etching, provided lower persistence of residues over the surface and thicker hybrid layer. However, the bond strength of the universal adhesive system in etch-and-rinse strategy was not influenced by the cleaning protocols or time-point of acid etching.

Clinical performance of 6% hydrogen peroxide containing TiO2N nanoparticles activated by LED in varying wavelengths-a randomized clinical trial.

This randomized, controlled, and double-blinded clinical trial evaluated the clinical performance of dental bleaching performed with 6% hydrogen peroxide containing TiO2-N nanoparticles exposed to blue and violet activation lights. Forty volunteers, selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were randomly distributed into four experimental groups (n = 10): 35% hydrogen peroxide (PH35)-control; 6% hydrogen peroxide (PH6) containing TiO2-N nanoparticles without light activation; PH6 activated with a blue LED (PH6A); and PH6 activated with a violet LED (PH6V). The three bleaching sessions consisted of 3 consecutive 16-min applications of the bleaching agent described for each group. The groups receiving LED activation were exposed to light intermittently every 1 min, with a total exposure time of 8 min in each application. Efficacy was determined by the color variation in the upper central incisors and canines, using reflectance spectroscopy analysis performed by a calibrated evaluator (ICC = 0.83). Tooth sensitivity was characterized according to the presence and intensity (SI) self-recorded in specific forms. The group treated with PH6V was as effective as the control group (PH35), whereas the groups PH6A and PH6 showed lower efficacy. Regardless of the activation, all groups treated with 6% hydrogen peroxide were less likely to cause sensitivity compared to the control group (PH35). The use pf PH6 activated by LED violet resulted in an effective and safe clinical protocol for in-office dental bleaching.Trial registration number: RBR-8pbydg; registration date: 08/29/2017.

Joint mobilization and therapeutic exercises in the hands of patients with systemic sclerosis: A preliminary randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of Maitland's joint mobilization and therapeutic exercises on the functionality of the hands in patients with systemic sclerosis. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Tertiary university hospital. SUBJECTS: Twenty-four patients diagnosed with systemic sclerosis according to ACR/EULAR 2013 criteria; age ⩾18 years and Cochin Hand Functional Scale (COCHIN) score ⩾10. They were randomized to physical therapy group (n = 12) or control group (n = 12). INTERVENTIONS: The physical therapy group received joint mobilization and undertook therapeutic exercises, twice a week, for 12 weeks, and received a booklet with information about the disease. The control group only received the booklet about the disease. MAIN MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was functionality of the hands (COCHIN). The secondary outcomes measures were disability (SHAQ), pain (visual analogic scale), range of motion (HAMIS and Delta finger-to-palm), grip strength (JAMAR dynamometer), and quality of life (SF12). RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were female, with a mean age of 47.4 ± 11.1 years and 18 had limited cutaneous form. The physical therapy group showed a decrease of 11.33 points in the COCHIN in comparison with the control group (P = 0.09). There was a significant increase in range of motion by HAMIS (3.00 ± 1.48 vs 5.42 ± 2.64, P = 0.008), reduction in pain VAS (3.42 ± 2.78 vs 7.75 ± 2.53, P < 0.001), and increase in the physical component of SF12 (38.51 ± 9.60 vs 32.65 ± 9.10, P = 0.038). CONCLUSION: Maitland's joint mobilization and therapeutic exercises improved the functionality of the hands, reduced pain in the hands and wrists, increased range of motion, and improved quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Effect of the several epoxy resin-based sealer compositions on adhesion interface in radicular dentin after calcium hydroxide intracanal medication removal.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effects of several epoxy resin-based sealer compositions (AHP, AH Plus; ADS, Adseal; SPL, Sealer Plus) on bond strength and intratubular dentin penetration of the endodontic obturation, in root canal previously treated with calcium hydroxide intracanal medication (CH) and removed by continuous ultrasonic irrigation (CUI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-five maxillary canines were prepared up to F5 (ProTaper system), filled with CH, coronally sealed, and stored at 37ºC. After 1 week, CH was removed using 2.5% sodium hypochlorite energized by CUI. The specimens were randomly distributed in three groups (n=15) and root canal obturated, according to epoxy-based resin sealer composition (AHP, ADS or SPL). The roots were transversally sectioned in cervical, middle, and apical thirds. In each radicular third, push out bond strength using universal machine and intratubular dentin using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and Image J Program were evaluated. Bond strength and intratubular dentin penetration were statistically evaluated by ANOVA one-way and Tukey tests and Kruskal Wallis test, respectively (α = 0.05). RESULTS: In middle and apical thirds, AHP showed higher bond strength values (p<0.05), and ADS and SPL were similar each other (p>0.05). All epoxy resin-based sealers presented similar intratubular dentin penetration, independently of the radicular thirds (p>0.05). Cohesive and mixed failures were predominant in the cervical thirds. In the middle and apical thirds, AHP showed more cohesive type failures, while ADS and SPL showed more adhesive-type failures. CONCLUSIONS: AHP has the highest bond strength in middle and apical radicular thirds, after calcium hydroxide intracanal medication removal using continuous ultrasonic irrigation, although intratubular dentin infiltration being similar among epoxy resin-based sealer with several chemical composition. Key words:Continuous ultrasonic irrigation, endodontic sealers, epoxy resin-based sealers, root canal obturation.

Effect of fixed orthodontic appliances on self-assessment and diagnosis of halitosis in undergraduate dental students.

BACKGROUND: The effects of fixed orthodontic therapy on the occurrence of halitosis are not yet fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of fixed orthodontic appliances on self-assessment and diagnosis of halitosis in undergraduate dental students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two undergraduate dental students were included in this cross-sectional study. Two groups (n = 31 per group) were composed of participants with (study group) or without (control group) fixed orthodontic appliance. Halitosis self-assessment and clinical diagnosis were assessed using a visual analogic scale (VAS) and sulfur volatile compounds (SVCs) assessment, respectively. The subjective (VAS) and objective (SVC) malodor assessments were classified in absence, light, moderate, or severe malodor. Chi-square Pearson test and Spearman's correlation were applied for data analysis, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The use of fixed orthodontic appliances had no effect on self-assessment (P = 0.490) or clinical diagnosis (P = 0.610) of halitosis. Self-assessment was not significantly associated with the diagnosis of halitosis regardless the use of fixed orthodontic appliance (P ≥ 0.737). Male participants showed higher diagnosis of halitosis (P = 0.007). SVC measurements showed the absence of halitosis in 51.6% and 58.1% of participants with or without orthodontic appliances, respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of fixed orthodontic appliances affected the self-assessment of halitosis but no SVC measurements. It was not verified a correlation between subjective and objective methods to diagnose halitosis in dental students.