Ortho-silicic acid enhances osteogenesis of osteoblasts through the upregulation of miR-130b which directly targets PTEN.

AIMS: Osteoporosis is considered a common skeletal disease. Ortho-silicic acid has been found to enhance the osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts. However, the molecular mechanism of osteogenesis induced by ortho-silicic acid is still undefined totally. MicroRNAs (miRs) play a key role in osteogenesis of osteoblasts. This study investigated the role of miR-130b in promoting osteogenesis induced by ortho-silicic acid. MAIN METHODS AND KEY FINDINGS: In this study, we found ortho-silicic acid enhanced osteogenesis of osteoblasts in vitro and promoted preventing and treating osteoporosis in vivo. Furthermore, the expression of miR-130b increased under application of ortho-silicic acid. In vitro, experiments demonstrated miR-130b overexpression or inhibition significantly promoted or suppressed osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts under application of ortho-silicic acid, respectively. Consistently, downregulation of miR-130b in ovariectomy (OVX) rats dropped off the beneficial effect of ortho-silicic acid against bone loss. Mechanistically, we identified phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on human chromosome 10 (PTEN) as the direct target of miR-130b during osteogenesis induced by ortho-silicic acid. SIGNIFICANCE: In conclusion, our findings reveal that ortho-silicic acid promotes the osteogenesis of osteoblasts mediated by the miR-130b/PTEN signaling axis, which identifies a new target to prevent and treat osteoporosis.

Evaluation of the efficacy of a commercially available regimen vs brushing alone on established plaque and gingivitis on adolescents: Study protocol for a randomized, controlled, blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Dental biofilm accumulation and poor personal oral hygiene are known major risk factors for gingivitis and halitosis. However, it is not clear how studies compare the effectiveness of hygiene regimens, associated with outcomes centered on patients. METHODS: A randomized, blind, controlled clinical trial involving 58 participants aged from 12 to 17 years, who search the Department of Pediatric Dentistry of Universidade Metropolitana de Santos, will be conducted. Immediately, the volunteers will be inserted into Group 1 (commercially available hygiene regimen) or Group 2 (tooth brushing alone). In Group 1, participants will receive Colgate Total 12 toothpastes, Plax mouthwashes and Colgate Ultrasoft toothbrushes, while Group 2 will use Colgate Cavity Protection toothpastes and Colgate Ultrasoft toothbrushes. The interventions will be conducted in the periods of 1, 3, and 6 months after the baseline, when the evaluations will also be performed. Biofilm and halitosis indexes will be evaluated. Data regarding discomfort, satisfaction and the socioeconomic/individual characteristics will also be computed. DISCUSSION: Although toothbrushing has shown positive effects in decreasing biofilm and in gingival health, there is no comparison in the literature of different brushing regimens with halitosis measurement in adolescents. In addition, the effectiveness of these protocols would be confirmed from the acceptability of the volunteers.

Randomised clinical trial: the effectiveness of Gaviscon Advance vs non-alginate antacid in suppression of acid pocket and post-prandial reflux in obese individuals after late-night supper.

BACKGROUND: Late-night supper increases the risk of postprandial reflux from the acid pocket especially in obesity. An alginate-based, raft-forming medication may be useful for obese patients with GERD. AIMS: To compare the efficacy of Gaviscon Advance (Reckitt Benckiser, UK) and a non-alginate antacid in post-supper suppression of the acid pocket and post-prandial reflux among obese participants. METHODS: Participants underwent 48 h wireless and probe-based pH-metry recording of the acid pocket and lower oesophagus, respectively, and were randomised to single post-supper (10 pm) dose of either Gaviscon Advance or a non-alginate antacid on the second night. Primary outcomes were suppression of median pH of acid pocket and lower oesophagus, measured every 10-minutes post-supper for 1 h. Secondary outcomes were suppression of % time pH < 4 at lower oesophagus and improvement in frequency and visual analogue score (VAS) of regurgitation. RESULTS: Of the 81 screened participants, 55 were excluded and 26 (mean age 33.5 years, males 77.8% and BMI 32.8 kg/m2 ) were randomised to Gaviscon Advance (n = 13) or antacid (n = 13). Median pH of the acid pocket but not the lower oesophagus was suppressed with Gaviscon Advance vs antacid (all P < 0.04) Gaviscon Advance but not antacid significantly reduced in % time pH < 4, symptom frequency and VAS on day 2 vs day 1 (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Among obese individuals, Gaviscon Advance was superior to a non-alginate antacid in post-supper suppression of the acid pocket. (Clinical trial registration unique identifier: NCT03516188).

A Histologic Perspective on Electrical and Thermal Burn-Injured Human Skin.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze specific spectroscopic (FT-Raman) and thermal (limiting oxygen index) aspects of skin samples exposed to electrical injury compared with thermal injury. METHODS: An observational case-control study was conducted at the Dr Stanislaw Sakiel Center for Burns Treatment in Siemianowice, Silesia, Poland. A scanning electron microscope was used to diagnose and illustrate the topography of skin samples from electrical and thermal burns and the morphologic effects on damaged versus undamaged skin surfaces. In particular, researchers attempted to detect spectroscopic and thermal changes at the molecular level, namely, specific biomarkers of tissue degeneration and their regeneration under the influence of the applied modifiers (antioxidants and orthosilicic acid solutions). RESULTS: Modification with L-ascorbic acid and hydrogel of orthosilicic acid caused an increase in the intensity of the amide I Raman peaks, whereas modification with sodium ascorbate and orthosilicic acid resulted in the separation of the band protein side chains (1,440-1,448 cm), which is a part of tissue regeneration. The best result was obtained when the skin was treated with 7% orthosilicic acid (limiting oxygen index, 26%). CONCLUSIONS: Antioxidant treatment may be advantageous in minimizing injury in patients with thermal burns but not always in electrical burns.

Two placebo-controlled crossover studies in healthy subjects to evaluate gastric acid neutralization by an alginate-antacid formulation (Gaviscon Double Action).

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the intragastric acid neutralization activity of a combined alginate-antacid formulation. SIGNIFICANCE: Published studies have investigated the reflux-suppressing alginate component of Gaviscon Double Action (Gaviscon DA; RB, UK) but intragastric acid neutralization activity of the antacid component has not been evaluated in vivo. METHODS: Intragastric pH monitoring, using a custom-made 10-electrode catheter, was evaluated in a two-part exploratory study in healthy subjects; Part I (n = 6) tested suitability of the catheter using antacid tablets (Rennie; Bayer, Germany); Part II (n = 12) evaluated gastric acid neutralization activity of Gaviscon DA liquid (20 ml) versus placebo in fasted subjects using a randomized, open-label, crossover design. The primary endpoint was the percentage of time that intragastric pH ≥4 was measured during 30 min post-treatment. A confirmatory study of identical design was subsequently conducted (n = 20). RESULTS: Monitoring pH using the multielectrode catheter was a viable approach, directly detecting changes in intragastric pH following a single dose of antacid tablets. In the exploratory study, the percentage of time that pH ≥4 during 30 minutes post-treatment was 46.8% with Gaviscon DA liquid versus 4.7% with placebo (p = 0.0004). These findings were supported by the confirmatory study, where pH ≥4 was recorded 50.8% of the time with Gaviscon DA versus 3.5% with placebo (p = 0.0051). In this study, Gaviscon DA was safe and well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: These studies demonstrate the effective acid neutralizing capacity of Gaviscon DA versus placebo in healthy, fasted subjects. This adds to the evidence base for the combination of alginates and antacids.

Fluoride activity of antibacterial ammonium hexafluorosilicate solution for the prevention of dentin caries.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the acid resistance of various antibacterial ammonium hexafluorosilicate (SiF) solutions. METHODS: Antibacterial SiF solutions were prepared with the addition of chlorhexidine (CHX), cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), isopropyl methylphenol (IPMP), or epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Hydroxyapatite pellets were treated with SiF solution with or without antibacterial agents for 3 minutes. The demineralized depth of hydroxyapatite pellets after SiF treatment was measured using a surface roughness analyzer. RESULTS: SiF+CPC solution showed equivalent acid resistance to SiF and AgF treatment. In contrast, the original acid resistance activity of SiF solution was diminished by the addition of other antibacterial agents (CHX, IPMP and EGCG). SiF with the addition of CPC was the most effective for reducing the demineralized depth, showing the same levels as those of SiF and AgF. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The addition of CPC to the SiF solution did not reduce its fluoride activity, indicating that it may be useful for the prevention of dental caries. SiF with added antibacterial agents may have the potential to prevent dental caries.

Effect of alginate in patients with GERD hiatal hernia matters.

Alginate-based formulations are frequently used as add-on proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy to help control of heartburn and regurgitation. There are limited data regarding the mechanisms and effects of alginate-based formulations. We aimed to evaluate the effects of the sodium alginate intake and its likely temporal relations on intraesophageal reflux events by MII-pH in patients with and without hiatal hernia (HH). Fifty GERD patients (18 with HH, 32 without HH) with heartburn or regurgitation once a week or more common were included. After combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH-metry (MII-pH) had been performed, all patients were asked to eat the same standard meal (double cheeseburger, 1 banana, 100 g regular yoghurt, and 200 mL water with total energy value of 744 kcal: 37.6% of carbohydrates, 21.2% of proteins, and 41.2% of lipids) during two consecutive days. On separate random two consecutive days, all patients took 10 mL of sodium alginate (GA; Gaviscon Advance; Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare, Hull, UK) or 10 mL of water, 30 minutes after the refluxogenic meal. After eating refluxogenic meal, patients were examined ½ hour for basal conditions, 1 hour in upright, and 1 hour in supine positions. Alginate significantly decreased acid reflux after intake at the first hour in comparison to water in patients with HH (6.1 vs. 13.7, P = 0.004) and without HH (3.5 vs. 5.5, P = 0.001). Weakly acid reflux were increased at the first hour in patients with HH (3.4 vs. 1.3, P = 0.019) and without HH (1.7 vs. 5, P = 0.02) compared to water. There was no distinctive effect of alginate on the height of proximal migration of reflux events in patients with HH and without HH. Alginate decreases acid reflux events within a limited time period, especially at the first hour both in patients with and without HH. Alginate has no effect on the height of reflux events along the esophagus both in patients with and without HH.

A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA) in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: In a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 211 patients with knee OA (Kellgren and Lawrence grade II or III) and moderate to moderately severe pain were randomly allocated to ch-OSA or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in the WOMAC pain subscale from baseline to week 12. Secondary outcomes were changes from baseline to week 12 in WOMAC total, WOMAC stiffness, WOMAC physical function, Subject Global Assessment and levels of cartilage degradation biomarkers C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type II (CTX-II) and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). Pre-specified subgroup analyses included the effect of gender. RESULTS: A total of 166 (120 women, 46 men) patients were included in the analysis (87 and 79 in the ch-OSA and placebo group, respectively). In the total study population, no differences were observed between the two treatment groups for the different outcomes but significant treatment x gender interactions were found. In men taking ch-OSA, a significant improvement in WOMAC total, WOMAC stiffness and WOMAC physical function as well as a lower increase in biomarker levels of cartilage degradation was observed, but not in women. The change in WOMAC pain showed a similar positive trend in men taking ch-OSA. CONCLUSION: After 12 weeks of treatment, no effect was found of ch-OSA in the total study population on clinical parameters and biomarkers, but a gender interaction was observed. In men, ch-OSA was found effective in reducing symptoms of knee OA, which was associated with a slight but significant reduction of biomarkers that are related to cartilage degradation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered retrospectively: ISRCTN88583133 . Registration date: 2015-10-07.

The effect of a triclosan/copolymer/fluoride toothpaste on plaque formation, gingivitis, and dentin hypersensitivity: A single-blinded randomized clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: The daily removal of supragingival dental plaque is a key factor in the prevention of gingivitis. The aim of the study was to compare the gingival health benefits of a triclosan/copolymer/fluoride toothpaste (Colgate Total, a fluoride toothpaste containing an antiseptic) to a commercially available toothpaste containing 0.243% sodium fluoride in a silica base (Colgate Herbal, a conventional fluoride toothpaste with herbal extracts). METHOD AND MATERIALS: A total of 50 patients with gingivitis and at least one sensitive tooth were included. The subjects were randomly stratified into two groups: Colgate Total toothpaste, and Colgate Herbal toothpaste. After a 4-week pre-experimental phase, baseline Plaque Index (Quigley-Hein Index) (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were assessed. The PI, GI, GBI, and VAS were reexamined at weeks 4, 12, and 24 after the baseline. RESULTS: Fifty subjects complied with the protocol and completed the study. The conventional fluoride toothpaste with herbal extracts group and the fluoride toothpaste containing an antiseptic group exhibited significant reductions in PI, GI, GBI, and VAS over time. The amount of reduction after 6 months of the treatment was higher in the Total group compared to Herbal group (1.82 vs 1.39, P = .015 for PI; 0.67 vs 0.37, P < .005 for GI; and 56.64% vs 34.26%, P < .005 for GBI). No significant difference was seen for VAS. CONCLUSION: Twice daily brushing with a toothpaste containing 0.3% triclosan and polyvinyl methyl ether and maleic acid copolymer provides a more effective level of plaque control and gingival health with no effect on decreasing dentin hypersensitivity compared to conventional fluoride toothpaste. Toothpastes containing triclosan/copolymer, in addition to fluoride, result in a higher reduction in plaque, gingival inflammation, and gingival bleeding when compared with fluoride toothpastes without triclosan/copolymer.

Use of silicon for skin and hair care: an approach of chemical forms available and efficacy.

Silicon is the second most abundant element on Earth, and the third most abundant trace element in human body. It is present in water, plant and animal sources. On the skin, it is suggested that silicon is important for optimal collagen synthesis and activation of hydroxylating enzymes, improving skin strength and elasticity. Regarding hair benefits, it was suggested that a higher silicon content in the hair results in a lower rate of hair loss and increased brightness. For these beneficial effects, there is growing interest in scientific studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of using dietary supplements containing silicon. Its use aims at increasing blood levels of this element and improving the skin and its annexes appearance. There are different forms of silicon supplements available and the most important consideration to be made in order to select the best option is related to safety and bioavailability. Silicon supplements are widely used, though there is wide variation in silicon bioavailability, ranging from values below 1% up to values close to 50%, depending on the chemical form. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the scientific literature related to the different chemical forms of silicon supplements available and the limitations and recent progress in this field. According to reported studies, among the different chemical forms available, the orthosilicic acid (OSA) presents the higher bioavailability, whereas the others forms have absorption inversely proportional to the degree of polymerization. However, clinical studies evaluating safety and efficacy are still lacking.

Use of silicon for skin and hair care: an approach of chemical forms available and efficacy

Abstract Silicon is the second most abundant element on Earth, and the third most abundant trace element in human body. It is present in water, plant and animal sources. On the skin, it is suggested that silicon is important for optimal collagen synthesis and activation of hydroxylating enzymes, improving skin strength and elasticity. Regarding hair benefits, it was suggested that a higher silicon content in the hair results in a lower rate of hair loss and increased brightness. For these beneficial effects, there is growing interest in scientific studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of using dietary supplements containing silicon. Its use aims at increasing blood levels of this element and improving the skin and its annexes appearance. There are different forms of silicon supplements available and the most important consideration to be made in order to select the best option is related to safety and bioavailability. Silicon supplements are widely used, though there is wide variation in silicon bioavailability, ranging from values below 1% up to values close to 50%, depending on the chemical form. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the scientific literature related to the different chemical forms of silicon supplements available and the limitations and recent progress in this field. According to reported studies, among the different chemical forms available, the orthosilicic acid (OSA) presents the higher bioavailability, whereas the others forms have absorption inversely proportional to the degree of polymerization. However, clinical studies evaluating safety and efficacy are still lacking.

Randomised clinical trial: alginate (Gaviscon Advance) vs. placebo as add-on therapy in reflux patients with inadequate response to a once daily proton pump inhibitor.

BACKGROUND: Many reflux patients remain symptomatic on a standard dose of proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Alginates decrease the number of reflux events by forming a raft on top of the stomach content and thus offer a supplemental mechanism of action to acid suppression. AIM: To assess the efficacy of an alginate (Gaviscon Advance, Reckitt Benckiser, Slough, UK) on reflux symptoms in patients with persistent symptoms despite once daily PPI. METHODS: This was a multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled, 7-day double-blind trial preceded by a 7-day run-in period. Reflux symptoms were assessed using the Heartburn Reflux Dyspepsia Questionnaire (HRDQ). Based on symptom score during run-in, eligible patients were randomised to Gaviscon Advance 10 mL four times a day or placebo in addition to a once daily PPI. The primary endpoint was change in HRDQ score post-treatment compared to baseline. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-six patients were randomised. Change in HRDQ reflux score was significantly greater for Gaviscon Advance (mean: -5.0, s.d.: 4.7) than for placebo (mean: -3.5, s.d.: 5.5) with an LS mean difference of 1.6 [95% CI -3.1 to -0.1], P = 0.03. A decrease in the mean (s.d.) number of nights with symptoms was observed from 3.6 (2.8) to 3.0 (3.0) in the placebo group and from 3.9 (2.8) to 2.2 (2.7) for the Gaviscon Advance group. This reduction was significantly greater in the Gaviscon Advance group than in the placebo group [LS mean difference = -0.9, 95% CI (-1.6 to -0.2), P < 0.01]. CONCLUSION: In patients with residual reflux symptoms despite PPI treatment, adding an alginate offers additional decrease in the burden of reflux symptoms (EudraCT/IND Number: 2011-005486-21).

Rinsing with antacid suspension reduces hydrochloric acid-induced erosion.

OBJECTIVE: Mouthrinsing with antacids, following erosive episodes, have been suggested as a preventative strategy to minimize tooth surface loss due to their neutralizing effect. The purpose of this in situ study was to evaluate the effect of an antacid suspension containing sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate in controlling simulated erosion of enamel of intrinsic origin. DESIGN: The experimental units were 48 slabs (3×3×2mm) of bovine enamel, randomly divided among 12 volunteers who wore palatal appliances with two enamel slabs. One of them was exposed extra-orally twice a day to 25mL of a hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution (0.01M, pH 2) for 2min. There were two independent phases, lasting 5 days each. In the first phase, according to a random scheme, half of the participants rinsed with 10mL of antacid suspension (Gaviscon(®), Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare Ltd.), while the remainder was rinsed with deionized water, for 1min. For the second phase, new slabs were inserted and participants switched to the treatment not received in the first stage. Therefore, the groups were as follows: (a) erosive challenge with HCl+antacid suspension; (b) erosive challenge with HCl+deionized water (DIW); (c) no erosive challenge+antacid suspension; (d) no erosive challenge+DIW. Specimens were assessed in terms of surface loss using optical profilometry and Knoop microhardness. The data were analyzed using repeated measures two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's tests. RESULTS: Compared to DIW rinses, surface loss of enamel was significantly lower when using an antacid rinse following erosive challenges (p=0.015). The Knoop microhardness of the enamel was significantly higher when the antacid rinse was used (p=0.026). CONCLUSIONS: The antacid suspension containing sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate, rinsed after erosive challenges of intrinsic origin, reduced enamel surface loss.

Gaviscon and domperidon responsive apnea episodes associated with gastro-esophageal reflux disease in twins.

BACKGROUND: The possible pathophysiology of the relationship between gastro-esophageal reflux disease and apnea of prematurity has been widely investigated. Various physiological protective reflex responses provide a plausible biological link between gastro-esophageal reflux and apnea of prematurity. It is uncertain whether or not there is a causal relationship between the two diseases. PATIENT'S FINDINGS: Twins were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit due to feeding problems. Physical examination was normal except for reticulated, blueviolet skin changes. Short apneic attacks occurred on the first day in twin 1 and on the second day in twin 2, and these were initially treated by stimulation and increased ambient O2 concentration. Then, we conducted methylxanthine and continuous positive airway pressure treatment. Laboratory and radiological analysis were normal. As gastro-esophageal reflux disease was thought to be the causes of the treatment-refractory apnea, therapy with gaviscon and domperidon was begun for both cases. Apneic attacks did not recur after gaviscon and domperidon therapy. CONCLUSION: Pharmacological therapy for gastro-esophageal reflux disease has not definitively been shown to be effective in improving symptoms and hence, should be reserved especially for infants with treatment refractory apnea episodes suspected as being gastro-esophageal reflux in premature infants.

Randomised clinical trial: the clinical efficacy and safety of an alginate-antacid (Gaviscon Double Action) versus placebo, for decreasing upper gastrointestinal symptoms in symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in China.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of large-scale studies evaluating the clinical benefit of the Gaviscon Double Action (DA) alginate-antacid formulation for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. AIM: Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled parallel-group study to evaluate efficacy and safety of Gaviscon DA in reducing heartburn, regurgitation and dyspepsia symptoms in individuals with mild-to-moderate GERD in China. METHODS: Participants with symptomatic GERD (n = 1107) were randomised to receive Gaviscon DA or placebo (two tablets four times daily) for seven consecutive days. The primary endpoint compared the change in Reflux Disease Questionnaire (RDQ) score for the GERD (heartburn + regurgitation) dimension between Gaviscon DA and placebo. Secondary endpoints compared the change in RDQ scores for individual heartburn, regurgitation and dyspepsia dimensions, overall treatment evaluation (OTE) scores and incidence of adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: Mean RDQ GERD scores: 2.51 for Gaviscon DA and 2.50 for placebo at baseline; 1.25 for Gaviscon DA and 1.46 for placebo post treatment. Gaviscon DA was statistically superior to placebo in reducing GERD and dyspepsia RDQ scores [least-squares mean (LSM) difference: GERD -0.21, P < 0.0001; dyspepsia -0.18, P = 0.0004], despite a substantial placebo response. The Gaviscon DA group reported more favourable overall treatment responses than the placebo group across all OTE categories (P < 0.0001). Superior relief of GERD symptoms was observed both in those with non-erosive and those with erosive reflux disease (LSM difference -0.14 [P = 0.038] and -0.29 [P < 0.0001] respectively). Incidence of AEs was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Gaviscon DA tablets provide effective and safe reduction in acid reflux and dyspepsia symptoms in Chinese individuals with mild-to-moderate GERD. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01869491.

Acceleration of bone-defect repair by using A-W MGC loaded with BMP2 and triple point-mutant HIF1α-expressing BMSCs.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study is to explore the effects of A-W MGC (apatite-wollastonite magnetic bioactive glass-ceramic) loaded with BMP2 (bone morphogenetic protein 2)- and HIF1α(mu) (hypoxia-inducible factor 1 mutation)-expressing BMSCs (bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells) on the bone defect repair. METHODS: (1) BMSCs were infected with viral solution containing BMP2 and HIF1α(mu) with the best MOI (multiplicity of infection). The efficiency was observed via hrGFP (human renilla reniformis green fluorescent protein). (2) The cells were divided into five groups (A-E), and ALP (alkaline phosphatase) activity was measured. (3) BMP2 and HIF1α (hypoxia-inducible factor 1α) protein were measured. (4) A-W MGC was loaded with BMSCs that contain the genes and implanted into the bone defect model. The animals were sacrificed 8 and 12 weeks later. (5) The healing was measured with X-ray, histology, and biomechanics. RESULTS: (1) BMSCs in A-D showed high transfection efficiency. (2) ALP in A and B was higher than the others (p = 0.041 or 0.038); A was higher than B (p = 0.038); (3) BMP2 in A and B was higher than the others (p = 0.014). HIF1α in A and C was higher than the others (p = 0.020). (4) 8 and 12 weeks after, an X-ray indicated that bone defect was nearly fully repaired in A and C. (5) 12 weeks after, the bone remodeling was complete in A and C. (6) The flexural strength in A and C was stronger than the others (p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: Engineered A-W MGC with BMP2 and HIF1α(mu)-expressing BMSCs exhibits comparable therapeutic effects of bone-defect repair as an autologous bone graft.

Effect of theobromine-containing toothpaste on dentin tubule occlusion in situ.

OBJECTIVES: Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is treated by either occlusion of dentin tubules or nerve desensitization. This in situ study compared dentin tubules occlusion by theobromine-containing dentifrices with (Theodent-classic-F®, TCF) and without (Theodent-classic®, TC) fluoride with 1,500 ppm fluoride toothpaste, Colgate®-Regular (Fluoride) and Novamin®-containing toothpaste, Sensodyne®-5000-Nupro (Novamin®). METHODS: Each subject wore four intraoral appliances bearing dentin blocks while using one of four test dentifrices (n = 20/dentifrice) twice daily for 7 days. The four appliances were removed successively after 1, 2, 3, and 7 days. Treated blocks and their control (untreated) blocks were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Effects were compared statistically (ANOVA/Tukey's) based on percentage of surface area covered by deposited precipitate layer (%DPL) and percentage of fully open (%FOT), partially occluded (%POT), and completely occluded (%COT) tubules in each block calculated relative to the number of tubules in their control blocks. RESULTS: SEM observation indicated an increased %COT and %DPL over time. After 1 and 2 days, %COT was comparable with TC and TCF, and significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared with Novamin® and Fluoride. Following 3 and 7 days, %COT was comparable among TC, TCF, and Novamin®, but remained significantly lower in Fluoride. At any time, %DPL was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in TC, TCF, and Novamin® compared with Fluoride. CONCLUSIONS: Theobromine-containing toothpastes with and without fluoride have equal potential in occluding dentin tubules within a shorter time period than Novamin®-containing toothpaste; however, the three demonstrated equal potential after 1 week, but not the fluoride toothpaste. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Theobromine-containing toothpaste promoted dentin tubule occlusion thus shows potential to relief DH.

Comparison of effectiveness of abrasive and enzymatic action of whitening toothpastes in removal of extrinsic stains - a clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of abrasive component (perlite/calcium carbonate) and enzymatic component (papain and bromelain) of whitening toothpaste in removal of extrinsic stains. METHODS: This study is a randomized, triple blind and parallel group study in which 90 subjects aged 18-40 years were included. At baseline, stains scores were assessed by Macpherson's modification of Lobene Stain Index and subjects were randomly assigned to two groups with 45 subjects in each. Group 1 used whitening toothpaste with enzymatic action and group 2 with abrasive action. After 1 month, stain scores were assessed for the effectiveness of the two toothpastes and 2 months later to check the stain prevention efficacy. Wilcoxson's test was used to compare between baseline 1 and 2 months stain scores, and Mann-Witney U-test was applied for intragroup comparison. RESULTS: The mean baseline total stain score for the subjects allocated to the enzymatic toothpaste was 37.24 ± 2.11 which reduced to 30.77 ± 2.48 in 1 month, and for the abrasive paste, total stain reduced from 35.08 ± 2.96 to 32.89 ± 1.95. The reductions in total stain scores with both the pastes were significant compared with baseline stain scores (at 1 month Group 1, P = 0.0233 and Group 2, P = 0.0324; at 2 months, Group 1 P = 0.0356). Both the toothpastes proved to be equally good in removal of extrinsic stains; however, the enzymatic paste showed better results as compared to abrasive toothpaste. CONCLUSION: Whitening toothpaste with abrasive action and enzymatic action are equally effective in removal of extrinsic stains; however, whitening toothpaste with abrasive action needs to be used with caution.