[The efficacy of iRoot BP plus in the treatment of adult carious pulp exposure and its impact on pulp blood flow].

PURPOSE: To explore the efficacy of iRoot BP plus in the treatment of adult carious pulp exposure and its impact on pulp blood flow. METHODS: A total of 126 cases of 156 permanent teeth from adult patients with carious pulp exposure who were treated from January 2020 to January 2022 were selected, the patients were divided into experimental group(63 cases with 79 permanent teeth) and control group(63 cases with 77 permanent teeth) by the envelope method. The experimental group was treated with iRoot BP plus, while the control group was treated with mineral trioxide polymer. The differences in treatment effectiveness, operation time, and tooth discoloration between the two groups were observed. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 22.0 software package. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in treatment success rates between the experimental group and the control group at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery(P＞0.05). The operating time for each capsule in the experimental group was (2.53±0.41) min, which was significantly shorter than that in the control group(P＜0.05). The incidence of tooth discoloration in the experimental group at 12 months after surgery was 3.80%, which was significantly lower than that in the control group (P＜0.05). The bite force quotient and masticatory efficiency of the experimental group 12 months after operation were (16.65±1.14) Ibs and (94.45±5.65)%, which were significantly higher than those of the control group(P＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IRoot BP plus has good efficacy in the treatment of adult carious pulp exposure, with advantages such as convenient operation, less tooth discoloration, less inflammatory reactions and stable pulp blood flow after decline.

A Comparative Study of the Effects of Al(OH)3 and AlPO4 Adjuvants on the Production of Neutralizing Antibodies (NAbs) against Bovine parainfluenza Virus Type 3 (BPIV3) in Guinea Pigs.

Aluminum-containing adjuvants are extensively used in inactive human and animal vaccines owing to their favorable immunostimulatory and safe properties. Nonetheless, there is controversy over the effects of different aluminum salts as an adjuvant for the bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV3) vaccine. In order to find a suitable adjuvant, we studied the effects of two adjuvants (i.e., aluminum hydroxide [Al(OH)3] and aluminum potassium sulfate [AlPO4]) on the production of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) for an experimental BPIV3 vaccine. The animals under study (Guinea pigs) were randomly assigned to five groups of experimental vaccines containing Al(OH)3 (AH), AlPO4 (AP), Al(OH)3-AlPO4 mixture (MIX), commercial vaccine (COM), and control (NS). The treatment groups were immunized with two doses of vaccine 21 days apart (on days 0 and 21), and the control group received normal saline under the same conditions. The animals were monitored for 42 days, and blood samples were then taken. The results indicated that all vaccines were able to induce the production of NAbs at levels higher than the minimum protective titer (0.6). An increase in titer was observed throughout the monitoring period. Moreover, an increase in both the level and mean titer of NAbs obtained from the vaccine containing Al(OH)3 adjuvant was significantly higher than in the other studied groups (P≤0.005). The comparison of NAbs titer in other groups did not display a significant difference. Considering the speed of rising and the optimal titer of NAbs production in the experimental vaccine, the Al(OH)3 adjuvant is a suitable candidate for preparing a vaccine against BPIV3 for immunization.

Formulation and Characterization of Microcapsules Encapsulating PC12 Cells as a Prospective Treatment Approach for Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurological disorder, associated with decreased dopamine levels in the brain. The goal of this study was to assess the potential of a regenerative medicine-based cell therapy approach to increase dopamine levels. In this study, we used rat adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells that can produce, store, and secrete dopamine. These cells were microencapsulated in the selectively permeable polymer membrane to protect them from immune responses. For fabrication of the microcapsules, we used a modified Buchi spray dryer B-190 that allows for fast manufacturing of microcapsules and is industrially scalable. Size optimization of the microcapsules was performed by systematically varying key parameters of the spraying device. The short- and long-term stabilities of the microcapsules were assessed. In the in vitro study, the cells were found viable for a period of 30 days. Selective permeability of the microcapsules was confirmed via dopamine release assay and micro BCA protein assay. We found that the microcapsules were permeable to the small molecules including dopamine and were impermeable to the large molecules like BSA. Thus, they can provide the protection to the encapsulated cells from the immune cells. Griess's assay confirmed the non-immunogenicity of the microcapsules. These results demonstrate the effective fabrication of microcapsules encapsulating cells using an industrially scalable device. The microcapsules were stable, and the cells were viable inside the microcapsules and were found to release dopamine. Thus, these microcapsules have the potential to serve as the alternative or complementary treatment approach for PD.

A Reduced Dose Whole Virion Aluminum Adjuvanted Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Is Immunogenic, Safe, and Well Tolerated in Pediatric Patients.

BACKGROUND: Data suggest that pediatric patients might react differently to influenza vaccination, both in terms of immunity and side effects. We have recently shown that using a whole virion vaccine with aluminum phosphate adjuvants, reduced dose vaccines containing 6 µg of viral hemagglutinin (HA) per strain are immunogenic, and well tolerated in adult and elderly patients. Here we show the results of a multicenter clinical trial of pediatric patients, using reduced doses of a new, whole virion, aluminum phosphate adjuvanted vaccine (FluArt, Budapest, Hungary). METHODS: A total of 120 healthy volunteers were included in two age groups (3-11 years, receiving 3 µg of HA per strain, and 12-18 years, receiving 6 µg of HA per strain). We used hemagglutination inhibition testing to assess immunogenicity, based on EMA and FDA licensing criteria, including post/pre-vaccination geometric mean titer ratios, seroconversion and seropositivity rates. Safety and tolerability were assessed using CHMP guidelines. RESULTS: All subjects entered the study and were vaccinated (ITT population). All 120 subjects attended the control visit on Day 21 (PP population). All immunogenicity licensing criteria were met in both age groups for all three vaccine virus strains. No serious adverse events were detected and the vaccine was well tolerated by both age groups. DISCUSSION: Using a whole virion vaccine and aluminum phosphate adjuvants, a reduction in the amount of the viral hemmaglutinin is possible while maintaining immunogenicity, safety and tolerability in pediatric and adolescent patients.

Development and statistical optimization of alginate-Neusilin US2 micro-composite beads to elicit gastric stability and sustained action of hesperidin.

The Alginate-Neusilin US2 micro-composite (MC) beads were fabricated and optimized for oral delivery of hesperidin (HES). A 32 full factorial design encompassing independent variables (factors) such as the concentration of sodium alginate (X1), and Neusilin US2 (X2) and dependant variables (response) such as particle size (Y1), entrapment efficiency (Y2), and swelling degree (Y3). Nine batches were prepared by formulation design employing statistical software JMP 13.2.1. The multiple regression analysis (MLRA) was carried to explore the influence of factor over responses. Further, a prediction profiler was used to trace the optimum concentration of factors based on desirable responses. The optimized beads (OF) were characterized for their morphology and size by motic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In vitro release, kinetic studies were performed in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies revealed better absorption of HES from optimized beads (OF) compared to HES suspension which could be due to the prevention of acidic degradation of HES in the stomach. The estimated shelf life of OF formulation was found to be 3.86 years suggested better stability after fabrication. In a nutshell, the developed micro-composite beads of HES could be a better alternative for promising oral sustained delivery of HES.

The bioavailability of ingested 26Al-labelled aluminium and aluminium compounds in the rat.

The fractional uptake of ingested aluminium and aluminium compounds (aluminium citrate, aluminium nitrate, aluminium chloride, aluminium sulphate, aluminium hydroxide, aluminium oxide, aluminium metal, powdered aluminium pot electrolyte, acidic sodium aluminium phosphate (SALP), basic sodium aluminium phosphate (Kasal), sodium aluminium silicate and FD&C red 40 aluminium lake) from the gastro-intestinal tract of adult female rats was measured. This was determined by comparing retained body burden of 26Al at seven days post-admistration of an i.v. injection of 26Al-labelled aluminium citrate with that retained following the gastric admistration of 26Al-labelled test compounds as either solutions or suspended solid. The calculated percentage uptake of 26Al for all the aluminium solutions was similar: aluminium citrate 0.08%, aluminium chloride 0.05%, aluminium nitrate 0.05% and aluminium sulphate 0.21%. The uptake of 26Al administered as insoluble particulates was lower: 0.03% for aluminium hydroxide; 0.02% for aluminium oxide; 0.04% for powdered pot electrolyte; 0.12% for sodium aluminium silicate; and 0.09% for FD&C red 40 aluminium lake. For aluminium metal, SALP and Kasal the amount of 26Al present in the rats was insufficient to determine uptake and was less than 0.03%. The results produced for aluminium citrate, aluminium hydroxide and aluminium sulphate are close to those published for man.

Recubrimiento directo con agregado trióxido mineral (MTA) comparado con hidróxido de calcio para caries dentinaria profunda en pacientes con dentición permanente / Direct pulp capping using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) versus calcium hydroxide for deep dental caries in permanent dentition

RESUMEN: Introducción: El recubrimiento pulpar directo es un método para tratar la pulpa vital expuesta conservando su vitalidad. Tradicionalmente se ha utilizado el hidróxido de calcio como material de elección para este tratamiento, sin embargo, sus efectos adversos han promovido el desarrollo y utilización de agregado trióxido mineral (MTA), del cual aún existe controversia sobre una mayor efectividad. Métodos: Realizamos una búsqueda en Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante el cribado de múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, analizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un metanálisis y preparamos una tabla de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. Resultados y conclusiones: Identificamos cuatro revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyeron siete estudios primarios, de los cuales, cuatro corresponden a ensayos aleatorizados. Concluimos que el recubrimiento directo con agregado trióxido mineral (MTA) comparado con hidróxido de calcio probablemente aumenta el éxito clínico y que podría aumentar la sobrevida pulpar, pero la certeza de la evidencia es baja.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Direct pulp capping has been suggested as the treatment of exposed vital pulp. Conventionally calcium hydroxide (CH) has been the main biomaterial option for maintaining pulp vitality, but its adverse effects have promoted the development and use of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). However, there is still uncertainty regarding its effectiveness. Methods: We searched in Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. Results and conclusions: We identified four systematic reviews including seven studies overall, of which four were randomized trials. We conclude that direct pulp capping with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) probably improves clinical success rate and may improve pulp survival rate, however, the certainty of the evidence has been assessed as low.

Pulpotomía parcial con agregado de trióxido mineral (MTA) comparado con hidróxido de calcio en caries dentinaria profunda en pacientes con dientes permanentes inmaduros / Partial pulpotomy with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) versus calcium hydroxide in immature permanent teeth with deep caries

RESUMEN: Introducción: La pulpotomía parcial se utiliza para el tratamiento de caries con exposición pulpar en dientes permanentes inmaduros. El agregado de trióxido mineral (MTA) ha sido propuesto como uno de los biomateriales de elección para el tratamiento, pero existe incertidumbre en relación a su efectividad comparado con la del hidróxido de calcio. Métodos: Realizamos una búsqueda en Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante el cribado de múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, analizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un metanálisis y preparamos una tabla de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. Resultados y conclusiones: Encontramos cinco revisiones sistemáticas, que incluyeron tres estudios primarios, de los cuales todos corresponden a ensayos aleatorizados. Concluimos que la pulpotomía parcial con agregado de trióxido mineral (MTA) podría resultar en poca o nula diferencia en la tasa de éxito comparado a la pulpotomía parcial con hidróxido de calcio, pero la certeza de la evidencia es baja.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Partial pulpotomy is the treatment of choice following carious pulp exposure in immature permanent teeth. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been suggested as the biomaterial first option for treatment, but there is still uncertainty regarding its effectiveness compared to calcium hydroxide. Methods: We searched in Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. Results and conclusions: We identified five systematic reviews including three studies overall, of which all were randomized trials. We conclude that partial pulpotomy with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) may make little or no difference to success rate compared to partial pulpotomy with calcium hydroxide, however, the certainty of the evidence has been assessed as low.

Induction of root development and apical closure in permanent mandibular molar with irreversible pulpitis through total pulpotomy with application of mineral trioxide aggregate / Inducción del termino de desarrollo radicular y cierre apical en molar mandibular permanente con pulpitis irreversible a través de pulpotomía total con aplicación de agregado de trióxido mineral

Loss of teeth vitality when root formation is incomplete, results in weaker structures leaving them prone to fractures and unfavourable long-term prognosis. Apexogenesis is currently the treatment of choice in immature teeth and is indicated in vital teeth without pulpal pathologies. The treatment aims to eliminate the causal agent of the damage, and provide the necessary conditions to preserve vitality in the tooth and induce apical root closure. A 6-year-old male patient was treated at the Endodontics Clinic, Universidad de La Frontera upon complaining of acute pain in tooth 30. The tooth presented incomplete root development due to dental caries with pulp exposure and a diagnosis of irreversible symptomatic pulpitis. Total pulpotomy was performed with the application of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and controlled at 1, 4, 6, 7 and 12 months, achieving root development and apical closure in the permanent molar. The result was comparable with studies that support this therapy in teeth with irreversible pulpitis. This work seeks to contribute to the existing evidence on the management of immature permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis to induce root development and apical closure, and maintain pulp vitality.

La pérdida de vitalidad en dientes con formación radicular incompleta trae como resultado el debilitamiento de estos, dejándolos propensos a fracturas con un desfavorable pronóstico a largo plazo. Las terapéuticas actuales de regeneración pulpar en dientes inmaduros estan principalmente indicadas en cuadros de pulpitis irreversible y buscan eliminar el agente causal de daño y brindarle al diente las condiciones y estímulos necesarios para preservar vitalidad e inducir el cierre apical radicular. Un paciente de 6 años de edad y de sexo masculino, acude a la Clínica de Especialidad de Endodoncia de la Universidad de la Frontera, consultando por un dolor agudo en diente 4.6 el cual presentaba un desarrollo radicular incompleto producto de una caries con exposición pulpar con diagnóstico de Pulpitis Irreversible Sintomática. Se realiza una pulpotomia total con aplicación de Mineral Trioxide Aggregate y se controla a los 1, 4, 6 y 7 meses obteniendo un interesante resultado comparable con estudios que avalan dicha terapeutica en dientes con pulpitis irreversible. Este trabajo busca contribuir a la evidencia existente sobre el manejo de dientes permanentes inmaduros con cuadros de pulpitis irreversible para inducir el desarrollo radicular, cierre apical y mantener vitalidad pulpar.

Enhanced oral bioavailability and anti-diabetic activity of canagliflozin through a spray dried lipid based oral delivery: a novel paradigm.

AIM: Canagliflozin (CFZ), a novel SGLT II antagonist, exhibits erratic absorption after oral administration. The current study entails development and evaluation of spray dried lipid based formulation (solid SMEDDS) for enhancing oral bioavailability and anti-diabetic activity of CFZ. METHODS: Solid SMEDDS developed through spray drying containing Neusilin US2 as an adsorbent. The formed solid SMEDDS were characterized for physicochemical and solid state attributes. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were used to confirm the spherical morphology. In vitro dissolution, ex vivo permeability and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies were conducted to determine the release rate, permeation rate and absorption profile of CFZ, respectively. Pharmacodynamic studies were done as per standard protocols. RESULTS: The optimized solid SMEDDS exhibited acceptable practical yield and flow properties and is vouched with enhanced amorphization, nanoparticulate distribution and acceptable drug content. The spherical morphology of solid SMEDDS and reconstituted SMEDDS were confirmed in SEM and TEM, respectively. In vitro dissolution studies revealed multi-fold release behavior in CFZ in various dissolution media, whereas, remarkable permeability was observed in jejunum segment of rat intestine. Pharmacokinetic studies of CFZ in solid SMEDDS demonstrated 2.53 and 1.43 fold enhancement in Cmax and 2.73 and 1.98 fold in AUC 0-24h, as compared to pure API and marketed formulation, respectively. Pharmacological evaluation of solid SMEDDS revealed enhanced anti-diabetic activity of CFZ through predominant SGLT II inhibition in rats, as evident from evaluation of biochemical levels, urinary glucose excretion studies and SGLT II expression analysis. CONCLUSION: The current work describes significant improvement biopharmaceutical properties of CFZ in solid SMEDD formulation. Graphical abstract Graphical Abstract: Enhanced oral bioavailability and anti-diabetic activity of canagliflozin through a spray dried lipid based oral delivery: a novel paradigm.

Immunohistochemistry and gene expression of GLUT1, RUNX2 and MTOR in reparative dentinogenesis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) expression during reparative dentinogenesis after pulpotomy with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) capping. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eight-week-old male Wistar rats were used. Pulp of the upper left first molar was exposed and capped with MTA. The upper right first molar of the same animal was used as a control. After collecting molars at various time points, GLUT1, RUNX2 and mammalian target of rapamycin (MTOR) were examined by immunohistochemistry. mRNA levels of Slc2a1 (encoding GLUT1), Runx2, Nestin and Mtor were determined by real-time PCR. RESULTS: Pulp exhibited progressive formation of reparative dentine lined with GLUT1- and MTOR-immunoreactive odontoblast-like cells at 5 days after pulpotomy. RUNX2 was detected in nuclei of most pulp tissue cells at day 5 after pulpotomy. Double immunofluorescence staining revealed GLUT1 immunoreactivity on odontoblast-like cells positive for Nestin or RUNX2, 5 days after pulpotomy. Slc2a1, Runx2, Nestin and Mtor mRNA levels were significantly upregulated on days 3-5 after pulpotomy. CONCLUSIONS: After rat molar pulpotomy, dental pulp induced formation of reparative dentine with colocalization of GLUT1 and Nestin or RUNX2. Moreover, mRNA levels of Slc2a1, Runx2, Nestin and Mtor were significantly upregulated in pulpotomized dental pulp.

Aluminium in plasma and tissues after intramuscular injection of adjuvanted human vaccines in rats.

Aluminium (Al) toxicokinetics after intramuscular (IM) injection of Al-adjuvanted vaccines is unknown. Since animal data are required for modeling and extrapolation, a rat study was conducted measuring Al in plasma and tissues after IM injection of either plain Al-hydroxide (pAH) or Al-phosphate (pAP) adjuvant (Al dose 1.25 mg), single human doses of three Al-adjuvanted vaccines (V1, V2, and V3; Al doses 0.5-0.82 mg), or vehicle (saline). A significant increase in Al plasma levels compared to controls was observed after pAP (AUC(0-80 d), mean ± SD: 2424 ± 496 vs. 1744 ± 508 µg/L*d). Percentage of Al dose released from injected muscle until day 80 was higher after pAP (66.9%) and AP-adjuvanted V3 (85.5%) than after pAH and AH-adjuvanted V1 (0 and 22.3%, resp.). Estimated absolute Al release was highest for pAP (836.8 µg per rat). Al concentration in humerus bone was increased in all groups, again strongest in the pAP group [3.35 ± 0.39 vs. 0.05 ± 0.06 µg/g wet weight (ww)]. Extrapolated amounts in whole skeleton corresponded to 5-12% of the released Al dose. Very low brain Al concentrations were observed in all groups (adjuvant group means 0.14-0.29 µg/g ww; control 0.13 ± 0.04 µg/g ww). The results demonstrate systemically available Al from marketed vaccines in rats being mainly detectable in bone. Al release appears to be faster from AP- than AH-adjuvants. Dose scaling to human adults suggests that increase of Al in plasma and tissues after single vaccinations will be indistinguishable from baseline levels.

Metal salts with low oral bioavailability and considerable exposures from ubiquitous background: Inorganic aluminum salts as an example for issues in toxicity testing and data interpretation.

Oral administration is the preferred route of exposure for non-volatile chemicals with potential environmental exposures. For metal salts, systemic doses in such toxicity testing are often low due to limited oral bioavailability. Issues arising from the low bioavailability for toxicity testing and risk characterization are illustrated using aluminum (Al) salts as example. Al-cations have an oral bioavailability of below 1% and applicable doses are limited resulting in low systemic doses. Consequently, the low systemic doses are insufficient to induce clear adverse effects that may serve as points of departure for risk characterization.

The safety and immunogenicity of a cell-derived adjuvanted H5N1 vaccine - A phase I randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Development of an efficacious egg-free mock-up H5N1 vaccine is key to our preparedness against pandemic avian flu. METHODS: This is a single-center, randomized, observer-blinded phase I clinical trial evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of an alum-adjuvanted Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK)-derived inactivated whole-virion H5N1 influenza vaccine in healthy adults. Hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) and neutralizing antibody titers were measured using horse and turkey red blood cells (RBCs). RESULTS: Thirty-six adult subjects were randomized to receive two doses of 0.5 mL of the MDCK-derived H5N1 alum-adjuvanted vaccine containing 7.5, 15, or 30 µg of hemagglutinin (HA) 21 days apart. The candidate vaccine was well tolerated and safe across the three dosing groups. The most frequent adverse event was injection site pain (46.5%). Both HAI and neutralizing antibody titers increased after each vaccination in all three dosing groups. The best HAI responses, namely a seroconversion rate of 91.7% and a geometric mean ratio of 9.51 were achieved with the HA dose of 30 µg assayed using horse RBCs at day 42. HAI titers against H5N1 avian influenza virus was significantly higher when measured using horse RBCs compared with turkey RBCs. CONCLUSIONS: This Phase I trial showed the MDCK-derived H5N1 candidate vaccine is safe and immunogenic. The source of RBCs has a significant impact on the measurement of HAI titers (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01675284.).

Immediate restoration after mineral trioxide aggregate pulpotomy with amalgam condensation: an in vitro study.

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) pulpotomy may be an alternative to root canal therapy, with reported success rates as high as 85%. However, little technique-specific information has been reported regarding MTA placement in 1 visit. The purpose of this study was to evaluate different placement methods for MTA and resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) cement before immediate restoration with amalgam. Forty pulpotomized extracted third molars were randomly divided into 4 groups, and moist cotton was used to simulate pulp tissue in all teeth. In group 1, cotton was placed over the entire pulp chamber floor and in each canal orifice, and MTA was placed over the cotton. The procedure for group 2 was the same as that for group 1 except that a layer of RMGI was placed over the MTA. In group 3, cotton was placed in the canal orifices only, a layer of MTA was placed only over the cotton in the orifices, and RMGI was layered over the MTA and pulp chamber floor. The procedure for group 4 was the same as that for group 3 except that RMGI was placed over the MTA but not on the pulpal floor. Each of these procedures was followed by amalgam condensation. After a 7-day setting period, restored teeth were sectioned mesiodistally, photographed, measured, and evaluated for disturbance of the MTA-restoration junction. The study findings showed that the MTA layer was disturbed in 40% of the specimens in group 1, whereas 10%-20% of specimens in groups 2 through 4 demonstrated disturbed MTA. Analysis with a Pearson chi-square test indicated that the difference between group 1 and groups 2 through 4 was statistically significant (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between groups 2, 3, and 4. Group 3, in which MTA was placed over each canal orifice and RMGI was placed over the entire pulpal floor, performed best--only 10% of specimens exhibited deformed MTA. The findings suggest that RMGI may protect initially placed MTA during amalgam condensation.

An assessment of vegetation management practices and burrow fumigation with aluminum phosphide as tools for managing voles within perennial crop fields in California, USA.

Voles (Cricetidae) cause extensive damage to a variety of crops throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere. The removal of vegetation from crop fields at the end of the growing season, combined with a subsequent burrow fumigant application of aluminum phosphide, has the potential to substantially curtail vole activity but has not been thoroughly examined. We set up a study to test the impact of these management tools in perennial globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) fields in Monterey County, CA, during 2010 and 2011, to determine their potential utility as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) program for managing California voles (Microtus californicus). We used both chewing indices and mortality estimates derived via radiotelemetry to assess the efficacy of aboveground vegetation removal and aluminum phosphide applications on vole abundance. We determined the impact of plowing artichoke fields on vole activity as well. Both removal of vegetation and applications of aluminum phosphide substantially reduced vole presence within treated fields. Plowing also reduced vole abundance to the point of little residual activity following treatment. These management practices appear to be effective at eliminating voles from crop fields. Combining these tools with management practices designed to slow down reinvasion by neighboring vole populations (e.g., barriers, repellents, traps) has the potential to substantially reduce farmer reliance on rodenticides for vole management, although rodenticides will still be needed to curtail populations that reestablish within crop fields. Such an IPM approach should substantially benefit both farmers and agro-ecosystems.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of NeoMTA Plus in Primary Molar Pulpotomies.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the success of pulpotomies in primary molars using a new type of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA; NeoMTA Plus) with a conventional MTA (ProRoot MTA) as a pulpotomy medicament in primary molars. Methods: Eighty primary teeth in 28 patients were divided randomly, with 40 teeth in a control group (ProRoot MTA) and 40 teeth in an experimental group (NeoMTA Plus). A standardized pulpotomy technique was performed for each tooth. Clinical and radiographic follow-up examinations were conducted at three, six, and 12 months. Results: At 12 months, the clinical success for ProRoot MTA was 97.4 percent (38 out of 39) and the radiographic success was 94.9 percent (37 out of 39); for NeoMTA Plus, the clinical success was 100 percent (40 out of 40) and the radiographic success was 97.5 percent (39 out of 40). No significant differences were found between the two groups at all follow-up evaluations. Conclusions: NeoMTA Plus showed a high percent success, similar to that of ProRoot MTA. NeoMTA Plus is a potential pulpotomy medicament for primary teeth.

Influence of Pregnancy on the Inflammatory Process Following Direct Pulp Capping: a Preliminary Study in Rats.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory process following direct pulp capping during pregnancy. This experimental study involved 48 maxillary first molars of female Wistar rats. The procedures were performed in pregnant and non-pregnant animals (n =20 each). Direct pulp capping with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and restoration with a light-cured resin composite was performed in half of exposed pulp specimens. In the other half of specimens, light-cured composite was placed directly on the exposed pulp. In the control groups (n=4 each), no intervention was performed. Animals were euthanized at 3 and 7 days. All sections (three per slide) were viewed under an optical microscope. One previously calibrated pathologist performed descriptive analysis and assigned scores for inflammatory response and tissue organization adjacent to the pulp exposure. The Kappa value for intra-examiner variability was 0.91. At 3 days, in animals treated with MTA, inflammatory infiltrate was absent in non-pregnant animals while mild inflammatory infiltrate was observed in some pregnant animals. The inflammatory response ranged from mild to severe in both groups treated with composite alone. At 7 days, the inflammatory response was more intense in pregnant than in non-pregnant animals treated with MTA; while this difference were not evident in animals treated with composite alone. In conclusion, pregnancy may not influence the inflammatory process following direct pulp capping with light-cured resin composite, which was always harmful to the pulp; while the tissue response after the direct pulp with MTA were more favorable in non-pregnant animals.

Pulpotomy with curcumin: Histological comparison with mineral trioxide aggregate in rats.

CONTEXT: It is important to develop new therapeutic materials that have requisite clinical actions, are safe and economical. AIMS: This study aims to histologically evaluate curcumin, an extract of turmeric (Curcuma longa) as a pulpotomy agent in rat molars and to compare it to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Animal study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twelve Wistar-Albino rats were randomly divided into two groups of 6 each. Pulpotomies were performed on caries free maxillary first and second molars on both sides of the arch, with MTA and curcumin (24 teeth each), respectively. Access cavities were sealed with resin-modified glass ionomer cement. Postoperative histological evaluation of pulpotomized teeth in both groups was done at 7, 14, and 30 days under a light microscope (×10). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were evaluated with Freidman's test and Mann-Whitney test at 0.05 level. RESULTS: (a) There was a gradual reduction in inflammatory cell response in both groups across time periods tested (MTA P = 0.074, curcumin P = 0.039). (b) The overall architecture of pulp was maintained better in the curcumin group across all time periods tested (P = 0.368). (c) Dentinal bridge formation was consistently seen across time periods tested in MTA group (P = 0.9094) and was feeble in curcumin group (P = 0.9094) across time periods tested. CONCLUSIONS: Curcumin has been shown to have wound healing properties. It has the potential to be developed into a predictable and cost-effective vital pulp therapy medicament.