Optimization of Sodium Iodide-Based Root Filling Material for Clinical Applications: Enhancing Physicochemical Properties.

Premature loss of root canal-treated primary teeth has long been a concern in dentistry. To address this, researchers developed a sodium iodide-based root canal-filling material as an alternative to traditional iodoform-based materials. The goal of this study was to improve the physicochemical properties of the sodium iodide-based material to meet clinical use standards. To resolve high solubility issues in the initial formulation, researchers adjusted component ratios and added new ingredients, resulting in a new paste called L5. This study compared L5 with L0 (identical composition minus lanolin) and Vitapex as controls, conducting physicochemical and antibacterial tests. Results showed that L5 met all ISO 6876 standards, demonstrated easier injection and irrigation properties than Vitapex, and exhibited comparable antibacterial efficacy to Vitapex, which is currently used clinically. The researchers conclude that if biological stability is further verified, L5 could potentially be presented as a new option for root canal-filling materials in primary teeth.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis triggered by relapsing polychondritis: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, life-threatening disorder caused by abnormal histiocytes and T cell activation. In adults, it is predominantly associated with infections, cancers, and autoimmune diseases. Relapsing polychondritis (RP), another rare disease, is diagnosed based on symptoms without specific tests, featuring cartilage inflammation characterized by swelling, redness, and pain, rarely inducing HLH. CASE SUMMARY: A 74-year-old woman visited the emergency room with a fever of 38.6 °C. Blood tests, cultures, and imaging were performed to evaluate fever. Results showed increased fluorescent antinuclear antibody levels and mild cytopenia, with no other specific findings. Imaging revealed lymph node enlargement was observed; however, biopsy results were inconclusive. Upon re-evaluation of the physical exam, inflammatory signs suggestive of RP were observed in the ears and nose, prompting a tissue biopsy for confirmation. Simultaneously, persistent fever accompanied by cytopenia prompted a bone marrow examination, revealing hemophagocytic cells. After finding no significant results in blood culture, viral markers, and tissue examination of enlarged lymph nodes, HLH was diagnosed by RP. Treatment involved methylprednisolone followed by azathioprine. After two months, bone marrow examination confirmed resolution of hemophagocytosis, with normalization of hyperferritinemia and pancytopenia. CONCLUSION: Thorough physical examination enabled diagnosis and treatment of HLH triggered by RP in patients presenting with fever of unknown origin.

Surface Models of the Four Chambers in Young Adult Hearts with Average Volumes Measured by Artificial Intelligence Tools / Modelos de Superficie de las Cuatro Cámaras en Corazones de Adultos Jóvenes con Volúmenes Promedio Medidos Mediante Herramientas de Inteligencia Artificial

SUMMARY: The average volumes of normal heart chambers in computed tomography (CT) are used not only as clinical criterions for heart disease diagnosis, but also as references in cardiology. With the development of artificial intelligence (AI), numerous CT data can be analyzed and segmented automatically. This study aimed to determine the average volumes of the four chambers in healthy adult hearts and present surface models with the average volume. Coronary CT angiographs of 508 Korean individuals (330 men and 178 women, 20 - 39 years old) were obtained. An automatic segmentation module for 3D Slicer was developed using machine learning in Anatomage KoreaTM. Using the module, the four chambers and heart valves in the CT were segmented and reconstructed into surface models. Surface models of the four chambers of identical hearts in the CT were produced using SimplewareTM. The volumes of structures were measured using Sim4life Light and statistically analyzed. After determining the average volumes of the four chambers, surface models of the average volumes were constructed. In both software measurements, the atrial volumes of females increased with age, and the ventricular volumes of males decreased significantly with age. The atrial and ventricular volumes of Simpleware were larger and smaller than those of Anatomage, respectively, because of errors in the Simpleware. Regarding the volume measurement, our module developed in this study was more accurate than the Simpleware. The average volume and three-dimensional models used in this study can be used not only for clinical purposes, but also for educational or industrial purposes.

Los volúmenes medios de las cámaras cardíacas normales en la tomografía computarizada (TC) se utilizan no sólo como criterios clínicos para el diagnóstico de enfermedades cardíacas, sino también como referencia en cardiología. Con el desarrollo de la inteligencia artificial (IA), numerosos datos de TC se pueden analizar y segmentar automáticamente. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar los volúmenes promedio de las cuatro cámaras en corazones adultos sanos y presentar modelos de superficie con el volumen promedio. Se obtuvieron angiografías coronarias por TC de 508 individuos coreanos (330 hombres y 178 mujeres, de 20 a 39 años). Se desarrolló un módulo de segmentación automática para 3D Slicer utilizando aprendizaje automático en Anatomage KoreaTM. Utilizando el módulo, las cuatro cámaras y valvas cardíacas de la TC se segmentaron y reconstruyeron en modelos de superficie. Se produjeron modelos de superficie de las cuatro cámaras de corazones idénticos en la TC utilizando SimplewareTM. Los volúmenes de las estructuras se midieron utilizando Sim4life Light y se analizaron estadísticamente. Después de determinar los volúmenes promedio de las cuatro cámaras, se construyeron modelos de superficie de los volúmenes promedio. En ambas mediciones de software, los volúmenes atriales de las mujeres aumentaron con la edad y los volúmenes ventriculares de los hombres disminuyeron significativamente con la edad. Los volúmenes atrial y ventricular de Simpleware eran mayores y menores que los de Anatomage, respectivamente, debido a errores en Simpleware. En cuanto a la medición de volumen, nuestro módulo desarrollado en este estudio fue más preciso que el Simpleware. Los modelos tridimensionales y de volumen medio utilizados en este estudio se pueden utilizar no solo con fines clínicos, sino también con fines educativos o industriales.

Physicochemical, Biological, and Antibacterial Properties of Four Bioactive Calcium Silicate-Based Cements.

Calcium silicate-based cement (CSC) is a pharmaceutical agent that is widely used in dentistry. This bioactive material is used for vital pulp treatment due to its excellent biocompatibility, sealing ability, and antibacterial activity. Its drawbacks include a long setting time and poor maneuverability. Hence, the clinical properties of CSC have recently been improved to decrease its setting time. Despite the widespread clinical usage of CSC, there is no research comparing recently developed CSCs. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare the physicochemical, biological, and antibacterial properties of four commercial CSCs: two powder-liquid mix types (RetroMTA® [RETM]; Endocem® MTA Zr [ECZR]) and two premixed types (Well-Root™ PT [WRPT]; Endocem® MTA premixed [ECPR]). Each sample was prepared using circular Teflon molds, and tests were conducted after 24 h of setting. The premixed CSCs exhibited a more uniform and less rough surface, higher flowability, and lower film thickness than the powder-liquid mix CSCs. In the pH test, all CSCs showed values between 11.5 and 12.5. In the biological test, cells exposed to ECZR at a concentration of 25% showed greater cell viability, but none of the samples showed a significant difference at low concentration (p > 0.05). Alkaline phosphatase staining revealed that cells exposed to ECZR underwent more odontoblast differentiation than the cells exposed to the other materials; however, no significant difference was observed at a concentration of 12.5% (p > 0.05). In the antibacterial test, the premixed CSCs showed better results than the powder-liquid mix CSCs, and ECPR yielded the best results, followed by WRPT. In conclusion, the premixed CSCs showed improved physical properties, and of the premixed types, ECPR exhibited the highest antibacterial properties. For biological properties, none of these materials showed significant differences at 12.5% dilution. Therefore, ECPR may be a promising material with high antibacterial activity among the four CSCs, but further investigation is needed for clinical situations.

Physicochemical, Pre-Clinical, and Biological Evaluation of Viscosity Optimized Sodium Iodide-Incorporated Paste.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of different viscosities of silicone oil on the physicochemical, pre-clinical usability, and biological properties of a sodium iodide paste. Six different paste groups were created by mixing therapeutic molecules, sodium iodide (D30) and iodoform (I30), with calcium hydroxide and one of the three different viscosities of silicone oil (high (H), medium (M), and low (L)). The study evaluated the performance of these groups, including I30H, I30M, I30L, D30H, D30M, and D30L, using multiple parameters such as flow, film thickness, pH, viscosity, and injectability, with statistical analysis (p < 0.05). Remarkably, the D30L group demonstrated superior outcomes compared to the conventional iodoform counterpart, including a significant reduction in osteoclast formation, as examined through TRAP, c-FOS, NFATc1, and Cathepsin K (p < 0.05). Additionally, mRNA sequencing showed that the I30L group exhibited increased expression of inflammatory genes with upregulated cytokines compared to the D30L group. These findings suggest that the optimized viscosity of the sodium iodide paste (D30L) may lead to clinically favorable outcomes, such as slower root resorption, when used in primary teeth. Overall, the results of this study suggest that the D30L group shows the most satisfactory outcomes, which may be a promising root-filling material that could replace conventional iodoform-based pastes.

Characterization of Physical and Biological Properties of a Caries-Arresting Liquid Containing Copper Doped Bioglass Nanoparticles.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an outstanding dental material for arresting and preventing caries, but some drawbacks, such as high flowability due to low viscosity and cytotoxicity to the pulp, have been reported. To overcome these problems, copper-doped bioactive glass nanoparticles (CuBGns) were combined with SDF. After synthesis, CuBGns were examined by physical analysis and added in SDF at different weight/volume% (SDF@CuBGn). After assessing physical properties (viscosity and flowability) of SDF@CuBGn, physicochemical properties (morphology before and after simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion and ion release) of SDF@CuBGn-applied hydroxyapatite (HA) discs were evaluated. Biological properties were further evaluated by cytotoxicity test to pulp stem cells and antibacterial effect on cariogenic organisms (Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus). Combining CuBGns in SDF increased the viscosity up to 3 times while lowering the flowability. More CuBGns and functional elements in SDF (Ag and F) were deposited on the HA substrate, even after SBF immersion test for 14 days, and they showed higher Cu, Ca, and Si release without changing F and Ag release. Cell viability test suggested lower cytotoxicity in SDF@CuBGn-applied HA, while CuBGns in SDF boosted antibacterial effect against S. aureus, ~27% in diameter of agar diffusion test. In conclusion, the addition of CuBGn to SDF enhances viscosity, Ag and F deposition, and antibacterial effects while reducing cell toxicity, highlighting the role of bioactive CuBGns for regulating physical and biological effects of dental materials.

Improvement of Biological Effects of Root-Filling Materials for Primary Teeth by Incorporating Sodium Iodide.

Therapeutic iodoform (CHI3) is commonly used as a root-filling material for primary teeth; however, the side effects of iodoform-containing materials, including early root resorption, have been reported. To overcome this problem, a water-soluble iodide (NaI)-incorporated root-filling material was developed. Calcium hydroxide, silicone oil, and NaI were incorporated in different weight proportions (30:30:X), and the resulting material was denoted DX (D5~D30), indicating the NaI content. As a control, iodoform instead of NaI was incorporated at a ratio of 30:30:30, and the material was denoted I30. The physicochemical (flow, film thickness, radiopacity, viscosity, water absorption, solubility, and ion releases) and biological (cytotoxicity, TRAP, ARS, and analysis of osteoclastic markers) properties were determined. The amount of iodine, sodium, and calcium ion releases and the pH were higher in D30 than I30, and the highest level of unknown extracted molecules was detected in I30. In the cell viability test, all groups except 100% D30 showed no cytotoxicity. In the 50% nontoxic extract, D30 showed decreased osteoclast formation compared with I30. In summary, NaI-incorporated materials showed adequate physicochemical properties and low osteoclast formation compared to their iodoform-counterpart. Thus, NaI-incorporated materials may be used as a substitute for iodoform-counterparts in root-filling materials after further (pre)clinical investigation.

Investigating the Effects of Conditioned Media from Stem Cells of Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth on Dental Pulp Stem Cells.

Pulp regeneration has recently attracted interest in modern dentistry. However, the success ratio of pulp regeneration is low due to the compromising potential of stem cells, such as their survival, migration, and odontoblastic differentiation. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) have been considered a promising tool for regenerative therapy due to their ability to secrete multiple factors that are essential for tissue regeneration, which is achieved by minimally invasive procedures with fewer ethical or legal concerns than those of other procedures. The aim of this study is to investigate the potency of SHED-derived conditioned media (SHED CM) on dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), a major type of mesenchymal stem cells for dental pulp regeneration. Our results show the promotive efficiency of SHED CM on the proliferation, survival rate, and migration of DPSCs in a dose-dependent manner. Upregulation of odontoblast/osteogenic-related marker genes, such as ALP, DSPP, DMP1, OCN, and RUNX2, and enhanced mineral deposition of impaired DPSCs are also observed in the presence of SHED CM. The analysis of SHED CM found that a variety of cytokines and growth factors have positive effects on cell proliferation, migration, anti-apoptosis, and odontoblast/osteogenic differentiation. These findings suggest that SHED CM could provide some benefits to DPSCs in pulp regeneration.

Pupil-Involving Oculomotor Nerve Palsy Following Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy.

Ocular complications of adenotonsillectomy are rare. The authors describe a 6-year-old boy who developed mydrasis and limitations of supraduction and infraduction after adenotonsillectomy. This was attributed to the hemorrhagic compression of the nerve in the cavernous sinus. This is the first report of pupil-involving oculomotor nerve palsy following adenotonsillectomy. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2019;56:e76-e78.].

Rescheduling Behavioral Subunits of a Fixed Action Pattern by Genetic Manipulation of Peptidergic Signaling.

The ecdysis behavioral sequence in insects is a classic fixed action pattern (FAP) initiated by hormonal signaling. Ecdysis triggering hormones (ETHs) release the FAP through direct actions on the CNS. Here we present evidence implicating two groups of central ETH receptor (ETHR) neurons in scheduling the first two steps of the FAP: kinin (aka drosokinin, leucokinin) neurons regulate pre-ecdysis behavior and CAMB neurons (CCAP, AstCC, MIP, and Bursicon) initiate the switch to ecdysis behavior. Ablation of kinin neurons or altering levels of ETH receptor (ETHR) expression in these neurons modifies timing and intensity of pre-ecdysis behavior. Cell ablation or ETHR knockdown in CAMB neurons delays the switch to ecdysis, whereas overexpression of ETHR or expression of pertussis toxin in these neurons accelerates timing of the switch. Calcium dynamics in kinin neurons are temporally aligned with pre-ecdysis behavior, whereas activity of CAMB neurons coincides with the switch from pre-ecdysis to ecdysis behavior. Activation of CCAP or CAMB neurons through temperature-sensitive TRPM8 gating is sufficient to trigger ecdysis behavior. Our findings demonstrate that kinin and CAMB neurons are direct targets of ETH and play critical roles in scheduling successive behavioral steps in the ecdysis FAP. Moreover, temporal organization of the FAP is likely a function of ETH receptor density in target neurons.

Effect of Dual-task Rehabilitative Training on Cognitive and Motor Function of Stroke Patients.

[Purpose] To determine the effect of dual-task training with cognitive tasks on cognitive and walking ability after stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty patients diagnosed with stroke participated in this study. All participants were receiving a traditional rehabilitation program 5 days a week. Dual-task and single-task training were additionally performed for 4 weeks, 3 days a week. The Stroop test, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), and Figure-of-8 Walk Test (F8WT) were used to measure cognitive and walking abilities and were evaluated 3 times (before and after training and at the 2-week follow-up). [Results] Dual-task training improved cognitive and walking abilities, and dual-task training subjects' performance was better than single-task training subjects' performance. In addition, these training benefits were maintained for 2 weeks. [Conclusion] Dual-task training improves cognitive and walking abilities of patients with stroke.