Silver(I) complexes of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazones and triphenylphosphine: structural, cytotoxicity, and apoptotic studies.

Novel silver(i) complexes of the type [AgCl(PPh3)2(L)] {PPh3 = triphenylphosphine; L = VTSC = 3-methoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (1); VMTSC = 3-methoxy-4-[2-(morpholine-1-yl)ethoxy]benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (2); VPTSC = 3-methoxy-4-[2-(piperidine-1-yl)ethoxy]benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (3)} were synthesized and fully characterized by spectroscopic techniques. The molecular structures of complexes 2 and 3 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1-3 exhibited appreciable cytotoxic activity against human tumor cells (lung A549, breast MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) with IC50 values in 48 h of incubation ranging from 5.6 to 18 µM. Cellular uptake studies showed that complexes 1-3 were efficiently internalized after 3 hours of treatment in MDA-MB-231 cells. The effects of complex 1 on the cell morphology, cell cycle, induction of apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production have been evaluated in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells MDA-MB-231. Our results showed that complex 1 induced typical morphological alterations of cell death, an increase in cells at the sub-G1 phase, apoptosis, and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Furthermore, DNA binding studies evidenced that 1 can bind to ct-DNA and does so without modifying the B-structure of the DNA, but that the binding is weak compared to that of Hoechst 33258.

Cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of ternary silver(i) complexes bearing 2-formylpyridine thiosemicarbazones and 1,10-phenanthroline.

New silver(i) compounds containing 2-formylpyridine-N(4)-R-thiosemicarbazones and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques (IR and NMR), elemental analysis, ESI-MS and molar conductance measurements. In these complexes, both phen and thiosemicarbazone ligands are coordinated in a chelating bidentate fashion. Compounds 1-3 not only showed good in vitro antiproliferative activity against human lung (A549) and breast tumor cells (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7), with IC50 values ranging from 1.49 to 20.90 µM, but were also demonstrated to be less toxic towards human breast non-tumor cells (MCF-10A). Cellular uptake studies indicated that compounds 1-3 were taken up by the MDA-MB-231 cells in 6 hours. Cell death assays in the MDA-MB-231 cells were conducted with compound 1 aiming to evaluate its effects on cell morphology, induction of apoptosis, the cell cycle, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). Compound 1 caused morphological changes, such as cell shrinkage and rounding, increased the sub-G1 phase population, and induced apoptotic cell death, ROS formation and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). DNA binding results revealed that 1 interacted with the ct-DNA minor groove. Complexes 1-3 also exhibited good in vitro activity against M. tuberculosis H37Rv, with MIC values ranging from 3.37 to 4.65 µM.

Plasmacytoid myoepithelioma of minor salivary glands: report of case with emphasis in the immunohistochemical findings.

Myoepithelioma is a rare benign tumor of the salivary glands and is usually seen in the parotid gland and the minor salivary glands. It was once considered to be a type of pleomorphic adenoma (PA), but myoepitheliomas are today believed to be relatively aggressive tumors. Myoepitheliomas are most common in young adults between the ages of 30 and 50 and there are very few cases reported in individuals less than 18 years of age. We report a case of myoepithelioma located in the hard palate in a 15-year-old Brazilian male. The tumor was composed of plasmacytoid myoepithelial cells. An analysis of the immunohistochemical profile of the tumor cells showed positivity for vimentin, S-100 protein, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), but not for smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and cytokeratin 14 (CK14). We report this case because of the rarity of this tumor, especially in adolescents. We also discuss the histological parameters of the differential diagnosis of this tumor as well as its immunohistochemical profile.

Effect of resin luting film thickness on fracture resistance of a ceramic cemented to dentin.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of ceramic plates cemented to dentin as a function of the resin cement film thickness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ceramic plates (1 and 2 mm thicknesses) were cemented to bovine dentin using resin composite cement. The film thicknesses used were approximately 100, 200, and 300 microm. Noncemented ceramic plates were used as control. Fracture loads (N) were obtained by compressing a steel indenter in the center of the ceramic plates. ANOVA and Tukey tests (alpha= 0.05) were used for each ceramic thickness to compare fracture loads among resin cement films used. RESULTS: Mean fracture load (N) for 1-mm ceramic plates were: control-26 (7); 100 microm-743 (150); 200 microm-865 (105); 300 microm-982 (226). Test groups were significantly different from the control group; there was a statistical difference in fracture load between groups with 100 and 300 microm film thicknesses ( p < 0.01). Mean fracture load for 2-mm ceramic plates were: control-214 (111); 100 microm-1096 (341); 200 microm-1067 (226); 300 microm-1351 (269). Tested groups were also significantly different from the control group ( p < 0.01). No statistical difference was shown among different film thicknesses. CONCLUSIONS: Unluted specimens presented significantly lower fracture resistance than luted specimens. Higher cement film thickness resulted in increased fracture resistance for the 1-mm ceramic plates. Film thickness did not influence the fracture resistance of 2-mm porcelain plates.

Influence of light-curing sources on polymerization reaction kinetics of a restorative system.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of using a variety of commercial light-curing units on polymerization of a dentin-bonding agent (Adper Single Bond) and of a resin composite (Filtek Z250). METHODS: Infrared (IR) spectra were obtained kinetically at one scan/second at 2 cm(-1) resolution for a period of 5 minutes and were analyzed for: maximum conversion rate (%/s), time into exposure when maximum rate occurred (seconds), conversion at maximum rate (%), and total conversion (%) at 300 seconds by comparison of aliphatic-to-aromatic absorption IR peak ratios, before and after polymerization. Light units used were: QTH 540 mW/cm2 (XL3000); LED 750 mW/cm2 (Elipar FreeLight 2); PAC 2,130 mW/cm2 (ARC II). Exposure followed manufacturers' recommendations: dentin bonding agent for 10 seconds, RC for 20 seconds (QTH), and 10 seconds (LED and PAC). Polymerization kinetics was evaluated at the bottom surface (2.5 mm thick) for the resin composite and as a thin film for the dentin bonding agent on the diamond surface of an attenuated total reflectance accessory in the IR spectrometer. Values (n = 5) were compared using ANOVA and Tukey's pairwise post-hoc test: pre-set alpha 0.05. RESULTS: PAC produced the highest total conversion and conversion rate for the resin composite (P < 0.05). Total conversion was lower for dentin bonding adhesive using PAC than with LED or QTH (P < 0.05). LED provided the highest proportion of conversion at the maximum rate with respect to conversion at 300 seconds for both materials. QTH demonstrated the lowest maximum rate value that occurred at a longer time into exposure (P < 0.05). Polymerization kinetic parameters varied greatly between the restorative materials as well as among light-curing unit types when compared to values observed when using a QTH light as control.

The role of matrix metalloproteinases in the oral environment.

This review focuses specifically on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their role in physiological and pathological extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and degradation processes in the oral environment. A group of enzymes capable of degrading almost all ECM proteins, MMPs contribute to both normal and pathological tissue remodeling. The expression of different MMPs may be upregulated in pathological conditions such as inflammation and tumor invasion. The balance between activated MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) controls the extent of ECM remodeling. Prior to mineralization, MMPs may participate in the organization of enamel and dentin organic matrix, or they may regulate mineralization by controlling the proteoglycan turnover. There is evidence indicating that MMPs could be involved in the etiology of enamel fluorosis and amelogenesis imperfecta. They seem to play a part in dentinal caries progression, since they have a crucial role in dentin collagen breakdown in caries lesions. MMPs have been identified in pulpal and periapical inflammation and are strongly correlated with periodontal diseases, since they are the major players in collagen breakdown during periodontal tissue destruction. The use of MMP inhibitors could help the prevention and treatment of many MMP-related oral diseases.

A new technique for assessing hybrid layer interfacial micromorphology and integrity: two-photon laser microscopy.

PURPOSE: This study describes a two-photon laser fluorescence microscopy technique developed to evaluate the interfacial micromorphology of the hybrid layer in bonded restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Micropermeability of the hybrid layer was characterized by means of simultaneously contrasting a dye-containing adhesive with a differently colored dye placed into the pulp chamber and allowed to diffuse toward the different-colored hybrid layer. A fluorescent red dye (rhodamine B) was incorporated into a commercial dentin bonding agent. Class I preparations (margins in enamel) were made on extracted human third molars. The teeth were restored using conventional methods: bonding agent, composite, finishing, and polishing. An aqueous solution of a yellow/green dye (fluorescein) was then placed into the pulp chamber for 3 h, allowing time to diffuse toward the different-colored bonded interface. The teeth were then embedded, sectioned, and microscopically analyzed using two-photon laser microscopy at 40X magnification. RESULTS: Subsurface fluorescent imaging using this technique enabled interfacial micromorphology to be characterized at submicrometer resolution and provided high-contrast images. The quality of surrounding structures and potential presence of gaps were also precisely assessed. CONCLUSION: Two-photon laser microscopy provided high quality, high-resolution images of the bonded interface and surrounding areas, allowing accurate qualitative and quantitative analysis of the structure and integrity of the hybrid layer.

Factors affecting use of fluorescent agents in identification of resin-based polymers.

PURPOSE: The present study is a compilation of methodologies developed in order to evaluate the effects of addition of a fluorescent agent, rhodamine B, to resin-based materials. The intent of the work was to develop a systematic methodology that accounts for variables not shown to be of concern in past testing, but may significantly affect interpretation of the resulting images and material properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different methodologies were specifically developed to evaluate factors affecting the use of the fluorescent agent rhodamine B in the identification of resin-based materials. The influence of dye concentration was evaluated with respect to adhesive polymerization reaction kinetics and bond strength of the resin into which the dye is added. The pH of the dye-solvent solution was also considered. Additionally, the mass and percentage of rhodamine B leached into different media over time was determined. RESULTS: It was demonstrated that a specific dye must be used with caution, and the concentration of a fluorescent agent is important with respect to both the conversion and bond strength of the resin to which the dye is added. An alcohol-based dye solution also produced an extremely high amount of dye leaching from polymerized specimens. The adhesive pH was not altered. CONCLUSION: The standardized methodology developed here to analyze restoration interfaces using a fluorescent dye can lessen the impact of variables when interpreting results.

Bond strength of resin-based restorations polymerized with different light-curing sources.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of different light-curing units on microtensile bond strength of resin composite restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardized Class I preparations (6.0 x 4.5 mm, 2.5 mm deep) were made in extracted human third molars after abrading the cusps. Resin was inserted in bulk using a 3M ESPE restorative system [Adper Single Bond (DBA)/ Filtek Z250 (RC)]. Both materials were polymerized using different light-curing units: QTH at 540 mW/cm(2) (XL 3000, 3M ESPE); LED at 750 mW/cm(2) (Elipar FreeLight2, 3M ESPE); PAC at 2130 mW/cm(2) (Arc Light II, Air Techniques). Nine different light combinations were developed to polymerize both DBA and RC: QTH/QTH; QTH/LED; QTH/PAC; LED/LED; LED/QTH; LED/PAC; PAC/PAC; PAC/QTH; PAC/LED. Restored teeth were stored in distilled water for 24 h at 37 degrees C and then sectioned, yielding stick-shaped specimens with a bonded area of approximately 0.9 mm(2). Specimens were assessed in a testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The results were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test at a pre-set alpha = 0.05. RESULTS: The combinations PAC/QTH and QTH/QTH presented the highest bond strength values, and LED/QTH the lowest (p < 0.05). Significantly lower values were observed in combinations when the LED light was used to polymerize DBA compared to QTH and PAC lights, irrespective of the light source used to polymerize RC (p < 0.05). Same light combinations presented similar bond strength values. CONCLUSIONS: Different light sources influence restoration bond strength. Bond strength is more dependent on the light source used for DBA than for curing RC.

Use of fluorescent compounds in assessing bonded resin-based restorations: a literature review.

OBJECTIVES: This work reviews fundamental concepts involved with fluorescent imaging in the dental materials field. DATA: Fluorescent dyes have been widely used: incorporated into adhesive system components, placed in the pulp chamber and allowed to diffuse toward the restorative interface, as well as used as a visible tracer in microleakage tests. CONCLUSIONS: Although use of fluorescent imaging has substantially contributed to the existing knowledge base, there is no standardized methodology used, and as a result, interpretation of study results as well as comparison of results among studies remains questionable.

Efficacy of composite surface sealers in sealing cavosurface marginal gaps.

OBJECTIVES: The ability of commercially available composite surface sealers to penetrate and seal a controlled gap formed in all-enamel margin, Class V in vitro resin composite restorations in human bicuspids was examined. METHODS: A fluorescent red dye (Rhodamine B) was incorporated to a variety of commercially available composite surface sealers. The teeth were restored using acid etching, a dentin bonding agent, and a photo-activated microfilled composite, finished, polished, and sealed. The teeth were thermocycled and then immersed in an aqueous solution of a green fluorescent dye (Dextran-Fluorescein) to evaluate the sealing ability and penetration of surface sealers into the controlled gaps formed at unbonded margins. Teeth were embedded, sectioned, and images recorded using confocal microscopy. RESULTS: All sealers leaked, and use of a dentin-bonding agent to seal the gap performed better than the commercial sealing products. CONCLUSIONS: Commercial surface sealers evaluated were not able to totally seal controlled-size cavosurface gaps, and sealer penetration into the controlled gap varied greatly. Composite restorative procedures should be performed to obtain ideal marginal sealing, minimizing the need for composite surface sealers, which were found to not totally seal an exposed cavosurface margin. Use of a dentin-bonding agent may provide better sealing than commercial products developed specifically for this purpose.

Effect of desensitizing agents on the hydraulic conductance of human dentin subjected to different surface pre-treatments--an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the variation of fluid filtration across dentin treated with different formulations of potassium oxalate gels and one gel of acidified sodium fluorophosphate, under five different pre-conditioned dentin surfaces. METHODS: The methodology used for the measurement of hydraulic conductance of dentin in the present study was based on the model suggested by Pashley, Stewart and Galloway [Arch Oral Biol 29 (1984)379]. Two hundred dentin discs 1 mm in thickness, obtained from human extracted third molars, were divided into 20 groups of ten specimens each. The groups corresponded to the following experimental materials: 3% potassium oxalate gel-pH 4; 6% potassium oxalate gel-pH 4; 3% potassium oxalate gel-pH 2.5 and 1.23% fluoride gel (APF gel)-pH 3.6-3.9, applied to dentin under the following surface conditions: air-dried, blot-dried, wet, EDTA air-dried; EDTA blot-dried. General MANOVA and post-hoc Duncan tests were performed on the data. RESULTS: Regardless of surface pre-treatment the 3% potassium oxalate gel-pH 2.5 produced the greatest reduction in dentinal filtration (p<0.05) even after citric acid challenge. In general, air-drying the dentin was the best surface pre-treatment (p<0.05). The interaction between the material and surface pre-treatment showed values of hydraulic conductance similar for most of the combinations, but the 3% potassium oxalate gel-pH 2.5 under wet conditions produced the largest reduction in hydraulic conductance. The APF gel produced the smallest reduction in hydraulic conductance when compared with the other materials, regardless of surface pre-treatment. SIGNIFICANCE: the potassium oxalate gels studied in this investigation have a great potential for tubule occlusion and, consequently, should be effective treatments of dentinal hypersensitivity, regardless of dentin wetness.

Reconstruction of anterior teeth using an aesthetic post-and-core and all-ceramic material.

Ceramic post-and-core systems offer biocompatibility, aesthetics, reinforcement of the remnant root, and prosthesis retention. Aesthetic posts-and-cores contribute to the optical properties of the overlying restorations when metal-free crowns are used. This article illustrates the use of these materials to provide strength and aesthetics during the restoration of endodontically treated teeth. The case presentation detailed herein demonstrates the rehabilitation of anterior dentition following substantial structural loss and exhibits the biomechanical treatment of these structures using contemporary restorative materials.

Avaliação de Danos de Percevejos e de Desfolhadores em Genótipos de Soja de Ciclos Precoce, Semiprecoce e Médio / Evaluation of Damage in Soybean Genotypes of Three Maturity Groups Caused by Stink Bugs and Defoliators

The damage of stinkbugs and defoliators in soybean genotypes was evaluated, under field conditions, at Tarumã and Ribeirão Preto, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Three experiments, one for each of three maturity group, were carried out, in the 1997/98 and 1998/99 seasons. In Tarumã, infestations of Diabrotica speciosa (Germar) and Cerotoma sp. occurred in both seasons and Anticarsia gemmatalis Hubn. in the second; in Ribeirão Preto, this caterpillar occurred only in the second year. Only in the first year in Tarumã, stinkbug infestations [predominantly Piezodorus guildinii (West.)], fluctuated above the economic injury level (EIL); in Ribeirão Preto, the stinkbug infestations did not exceed the EIL. Defoliaton damage was estimated by the percentage of eaten leaf area (PAFC). Percentage of foliar retention (PRF) and yield were used to evaluate the stinkbug damage. Considering both years and both locations, among the early maturing genotypes (110 days), 'IAC-22' showed susceptibility to defoliators while 'IAC-17' confirmed its resistance to this group of pests as well as to stinkbugs. Among the genotypes of 120-day maturity group, IAC 93-3379 could be distinguished for the high yield, showing stability by this criteria. IAC 93-3275 and IAC 93-3237 presented low yield and high PAFC and PRF, mainly in Tarumã. Regarding the genotypes of 135-day maturity group, susceptibility to stinkbugs was observed in 'IAC Holambra-Stwart', 'IAC PL-1' and IAC 87-2048; however, this line showed high yield under low infestation. Also, IAC 78-2318, IAC 93-1789 and IAC 93-1796 presented the lowest PRF, indicating to be less susceptible to this disorder.

Avaliaram-se os danos causados por percevejos e por desfolhadores em genótipos de soja de ciclos precoce, semiprecoce e médio, em experimentos de campo instalados em Tarumã e Ribeirão Preto, SP, em 1997/98 e 1998/99. Em Tarumã, ocorreram os crisomelídeos Diabrotica speciosa (Germar) e Cerotoma sp. nos dois anos e Anticarsia gemmatalis Hubn. no segundo; em Ribeirão Preto, apenas no segundo ano ocorreu a lagarta. Com relação a percevejos, somente no primeiro ano em Tarumã as infestações [predominância de Piezodorus guildinii (West.)] flutuaram acima do nível de dano econômico; em Ribeirão Preto, essas infestações foram baixas. Os danos de desfolhadores foram avaliados pela estimativa da porcentagem de área foliar cortada e os de percevejos pela estimativa da porcentagem de retenção foliar e pela produtividade. Considerando-se os dois anos e as duas localidades, no grupo precoce, 'IAC-22' exibiu suscetibilidade a desfolhadores enquanto 'IAC-17' confirmou sua resistência a esse grupo de pragas e também a percevejos. Dentre o germoplasma de ciclo semiprecoce, a linhagem IAC 93-3379 destacou-se pela maior produtividade, demonstrando estabilidade para esse critério. As linhagens IAC 93-3275 e IAC 93-3237 apresentaram baixa produtividade e altos índices de desfolha e de retenção foliar, principalmente em Tarumã. Nos genótipos de ciclo médio, verificou-se suscetibilidade aos percevejos em 'IAC Holambra-Stwart', 'IAC PL-1' e IAC 87-2048, embora esta linhagem seja produtiva em condições de baixa infestação. Ainda neste grupo, as linhagens IAC 78-2318, IAC 93-1789 e IAC 93-1796 apresentaram os menores índices de retenção foliar, indicando serem pouco suscetíveis a essa anomalia.

Evaluation of compatibility between different types of adhesives and dual-cured resin cement.

PURPOSE: The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the bonding compatibility between different adhesives and a dual-cured resin cement, using a conventional tensile bond test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The adhesives used were: Prime & Bond (PB) (Dentsply) (PB), Scotchbond Multi Purpose (SB) (3M), and the activator Self Cure (SC) (Dentsply). The dual-curing resin cement used was Enforce (EF) (Dentsply). Six groups with five specimens in each were tested: G1: EF/PB/EF (light cured); G2: EF/SB/EF (light cured); G3: EF/PB+SC/EF (light cured); G4: EF/PB+SC/EF (only chemically cured); G5: EF/EF (light cured); G6: EF/EF (only chemically cured). The resin cement was applied in two stainless steel molds with a cone-shaped perforation measuring 4 mm in diameter and 1 mm in thickness, and the adhesive was applied between them. Ten minutes after specimens were cured, the tensile strength was measured in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. RESULTS: The mean values (MPa) +/- SD obtained in each experimental group were: G1: 1.4 +/- 0.2; G2: 1.3 +/- 0.2; G3: 1.2 +/- 0.4; G4: 0.8 +/- 0.2; G5: 1.2 +/- 0.1; G6: 0.7 +/- 0.1. The results were statistically evaluated using nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (p < or = 0.05). Statistically significant differences among groups were found only between G1 and G4, and G1 and G6. CONCLUSION: There was no incompatibility among the different adhesives used with dual-cured resin cement. The lowest tensile bond strength values occurred in the absence of photoactivation.