Effect of S. mutans biofilm on the hybrid ceramic-resin cement bond strength assessed by different methods

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the biofilm effect on the hybrid ceramic-resin cement bond strength (BS) by comparing two methods. Methods: Teeth were distributed into groups (n=5), according to the resin cement (Maxcem Elite-(MC) or NX3 Nexus-(NX)) and degradation method (24h or 7 days in distilled water; 7 or 30 days incubated with biofilm and 30 days in sterile media). Treated surfaces of Vita Enamic blocks (5x6x7mm) were luted to treated or no treated dentin surfaces and light-cured. After 24h, beams were obtained (1x1x10mm) and stored accordingly. The flexural bond strength (FBS) was assessed by four-point bending test. Additional beams were obtained from new teeth (n=5), stored for 24h or 7 days in distilled water, and submitted to a microtensile bond strength (µTBS) assay. Failure modes were determined by scanning electron microscopy (100X). The flexure strength of the cements (n=10) was assessed by a four-point bending test. Data were analyzed by 1 and 2-ways ANOVA, and Tukey's test (α=0.05). Results: There was no significant difference between the degradation methods for the FBS groups. For the µTBS, the significant difference was as follows: NX 7days > NX 24h > MC 7days = MC 24h. Failure mode was mainly adhesive and mixed, but with an increase of cohesive within cement and pre-failures for the MC groups assessed by µTBS. NX had better performance than MC, regardless of the method. Conclusions: The biofilm had no effect on the materials BS and FBS test was a useful method to evaluate BS of materials with poor performance

Cognitive screening and depressive symptoms in hypertensive and diabetic women

Abstract Aim: The objective of this study was to compare the global cognitive function and depressive symptoms in hypertensive and/or diabetic middle-aged and elderly women (52-76 years old). Methods: Sixteen participants with hypertension (HT) and 12 with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (HT+DM) were included; sociodemographic data, anthropometric measurements, and blood pressure were analyzed, and questionnaires for cognitive screening (Mini-Mental State Examination - MMSE) and depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale - GDS-30) were administered. For statistical analysis, independent Student's t-test, chi-square test (dichotomous variables), and the Mann-Whitney test (ordinal variables) were used and p < 0.05 was adopted. Results: Results indicate that there were no significant differences pertaining to depressive symptoms (HT = 7.4 ± 5.5; HT+DM = 10.2 ± 4.6 points; p = 0.1658) and global cognitive function (HT = 22.3 ± 4.2; HT+DM = 21.0 ± 3.2 points; p = 0.4015) between hypertensive women and hypertensive and diabetic women, contradicting the hypothesis that the presence of two comorbidities would intensify cognitive impairment and mental health. However, clinically relevant cognitive decline (HT = 63%; HT+DM = 75%; χ2 = 0.4834) and depressive symptoms (HT = 38%; HT+DM = 33%; χ2 = 0.8199) were found in both groups. Conclusion: It has been shown that the presence of two comorbidities: type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension, does not intensify cognitive impairment and mental health when compared to hypertension alone in middle-aged and elderly women.

Physical Interactions With Bacteria and Protozoan Parasites Establish the Scavenger Receptor SSC4D as a Broad-Spectrum Pattern Recognition Receptor.

Since the pioneering discoveries, by the Nobel laureates Jules Hoffmann and Bruce Beutler, that Toll and Toll-like receptors can sense pathogenic microorganisms and initiate, in vertebrates and invertebrates, innate immune responses against microbial infections, many other families of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) have been described. One of such receptor clusters is composed by, if not all, at least several members of the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) superfamily. Many SRCR proteins are plasma membrane receptors of immune cells; however, a small subset consists of secreted receptors that are therefore in circulation. We here describe the first characterization of biological and functional roles of the circulating human protein SSC4D, one of the least scrutinized members of the family. Within leukocyte populations, SSC4D was found to be expressed by monocytes/macrophages, neutrophils, and B cells, but its production was particularly evident in epithelial cells of several organs and tissues, namely, in the kidney, thyroid, lung, placenta, intestinal tract, and liver. Similar to other SRCR proteins, SSC4D shows the capacity of physically binding to different species of bacteria, and this opsonization can increase the phagocytic capacity of monocytes. Importantly, we have uncovered the capacity of SSC4D of binding to several protozoan parasites, a singular feature seldom described for PRRs in general and here demonstrated for the first time for an SRCR family member. Overall, our study is pioneer in assigning a PRR role to SSC4D.

Antimicrobial potential of resin matrices loaded with coffee compounds.

This study evaluated the biological behavior of the coffee compounds Trigonelline (T), chlorogenic acid (C), and nicotinic acid (N), correlating with their release from a resin matrix. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans UA159, and cytotoxicity was assessed by methyl tetrazolium salt on OD-21 cells. Resin matrices (bisphenol A-glycidyl-dimethacrylate/triethylene glycol-dimethacrylate 70/30 wt%, camphorquinone/ethyl 4-dimethyl aminobenzoate 0.5/1 wt%) were doped with coffee compounds in different concentrations (10/20/30/40/50 wt%), performing 15 groups (T10-T50, C10-C50, N10-N50), and a control group with no coffee compound. Degree of conversion (DC%) was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Antimicrobial properties were evaluated by bioluminescence (Luciferase assay). The release from loaded matrices was analyzed over time (24 hr, 6, 14, 21 and 28 days), using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Data were submitted to ANOVA/Tukey's test (α = 0.05). MIC for T and C was 6 mg/ml, and 4 mg/ml for N. None of them were cytotoxic. Only T50 and C50 showed lower DC% than control (α < 0.05). Some groups (T30/T40/T50/C40/C50/N50) were strongly antimicrobial, reducing bacterial activity approximately five times compared to control (α < 0.05). For T30, T40, T50, C40, and C50, the HPLC showed a release above or closer to MIC values mainly in 24 hr, but for N50, up to 28 days. In conclusion, the coffee compounds presented antimicrobial activity, depending on their concentration when added in resin matrices, being found a correlation with their release.

Effect of biofilm exposure on marginal integrity of composite restorations.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of bacterial exposure on the marginal integrity of dentin-resin interfaces for composites with and without bioactive glass (BAG). METHODS: Cavity preparations of 5 mm width and 1.5 mm depth were machined into dentin disks by means of a computer controlled milling system. After applying the bonding agent, cavity preparations (n=3-5) were restored by incremental technique with experimental resin composites (50:50 BisGMA/TEGDMA: 72wt% filler) with different filler compositions: control - 67 wt% silanated strontium glass and 5wt% aerosol-silica filler and BAG - 57 wt% silanated strontium glass and 15 wt% BAG-65 wt% silica. Samples were then stored in sterile Todd-Hewitt media or co-incubated with Streptococcus mutans (UA 159), at 37°C, 5% CO2 for 1-2 weeks. For samples co-incubated with a living biofilm, a luciferase assay was performed in order to assess its viability. Surfaces were impressed before and after each storage condition and replicas examined in a scanning electron microscope. Using image analysis software (Image J), the discontinuous margins percentage (%DM) was quantitatively assessed. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (α= 0.05). RESULTS: Gap size ranged between 7-23 µm. The bacterial exposure significantly increased the %DM in both groups predominantly due to the formation of new gap regions. There was no difference between control and BAG composites regarding %DM and the biofilm viability. Bacterial exposure promoted degradation of composite restoration marginal integrity, with no difference between composites with and without BAG. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The samples incubated with living biofilm had a higher gap percentage in the margins, confirming the negative effect of cariogenic bacteria on margin degradation. The parameters defined for such synergy can help to understand the multi-factorial aspect of marginal discontinuity and therefore, predict the behavior of composite restorations subjected to the challenging oral environment.

Efeito da suplementação de lactobacillus spp. no tratamento e prevenção de candidíase vulvovaginal e vaginose bacteriana / Effect of supplementation of lactobacillus spp. in the treatment and prevention of vulovo-vagandal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis

Este artigo de revisão avaliou os benefícios do uso dos Lactobacillus spp. no tratamento das vulvovaginites, utilizando artigos experimentais com humanos entre 2005 e 2015, através da suplementação de Lactobacillus spp. via oral e intravaginal. Verificou-se que os Lactobacillus spp. têm a capacidade de restaurar a microbiota vaginal e, quando combinados com o tratamento convencional das vulvovaginites, apresentam melhores resultados na redução de recorrências das infecções e dos sintomas, aumentando a competência imunológica do hospedeiro. Além disso, podem ser utilizados por um longo período sem efeitos secundários prejudiciais, diferentemente da terapia padrão, representando uma opção otimista de tratamento alternativo.

This review article evaluated the benefits of the use of Lactobacillus spp. in vulvovaginitis treatment, using experimental articles with humans between 2005 and 2015, through the Lactobacillus spp. Supplementation oral and intravaginal. It was found that Lactobacillus spp. have the ability to restore the vaginal microbiota and, when combined with vulvovaginitis conventional treatment, show better results in the reduction of recurrence of infection and symptoms, increasing the immunocompetence of the host. Futhermore, Lactobacillus spp. can be used for a long period without harmful side effects, unlike the standard therapy, representing an option optimistic alternative treatment.

Specialists' perception and opinion about self-medication of patients with temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain / Percepção e opinião de especialistas sobre a automedicação realizada por pacientes com disfunções temporomandibulares e dor orofacial

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Temporomandibular disorders are considered the primary cause of chronic orofacial pain. Many patients consider self-medication a fast and adequate means to solve the pain problem and do not look for professional assistance. In spite of the considerable clinical implication of self-medication for temporomandibular disorders, the subject is poorly discussed in the literature. This study aimed at evaluating, by means of focus group, the opinion and perception of temporomandibular disorders/orofacial pain specialists about self-medication associated to temporomandibular disorders. METHODS: Focal group is a qualitative methodology technique which, by means of participants interaction, aims at collecting data as from a discussion focused on specific topics. By means of speech, subjects freely express their knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and perceptions contributing to deepen the knowledge about a core subject. Participated in the study five temporomandibular disorders/orofacial pain specialists and a moderator who led the discussion. The following topics were addressed: temporomandibular disorders, orofacial pain, used drugs, opinions/ attitudes with regard to self-medication, assistance/management of temporomandibular disorders. Speeches were recorded in audio and video for further data analysis. RESULTS: Self-medication associated to temporomandibular disorders was pointed by specialists as extremely frequent and noxious to the disease, being highlighted excessive analgesic consumption and more frequent self-medication for muscular presentations. CONCLUSION: The clinical impact of self-medication to treat temporomandibular disorders was emphasized, highlighting the influence of the practice in worsening and even chronicity of the disorder.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: As disfunções temporomandibulares são consideradas a principal causa de dor crônica na região orofacial. Muitos pacientes consideram a automedicação um meio rápido e suficiente para resolver o problema da dor e não procuram um profissional. Apesar da considerável implicação clínica da prática da automedicação em disfunções temporomandibulares, o assunto é pouco discutido na literatura da área. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar por meio da técnica do grupo focal, a opinião e percepção de especialistas em disfunções temporomandibulares/dor orofacial sobre a automedicação associada às disfunções temporomandibulares. MÉTODOS: O grupo focal é uma técnica de metodologia qualitativa que, por meio da interação entre participantes, objetiva colher dados a partir de uma discussão focada em tópicos específicos. Por intermédio da fala, os sujeitos expressam seus conhecimentos, crenças, atitudes e percepções de forma livre, contribuindo para o entendimento aprofundado a respeito de um tema central. Participaram da dinâmica cinco especialistas em disfunções temporomandibulares/dor orofacial e um moderador que conduziu a discussão. Os seguintes tópicos foram abordados: disfunções temporomandibulares, dor orofacial, fármacos utilizados, opinião/atitudes com relação à automedicação, atendimento/tratamento das disfunções temporomandibulares. As falas foram registradas através da gravação de áudio e vídeo para que posteriormente pudesse ser feita a análise dos dados. RESULTADOS: A automedicação associada às disfunções temporomandibulares foi apontada pelos especialistas como extremamente frequente e prejudicial ao quadro, sendo destacado o consumo excessivo de analgésicos e maior ocorrência da prática nos quadros musculares. CONCLUSÃO: Enfatizou-se o impacto clínico da automedicação no tratamento das disfunções temporomandibulares, destacando-se a influência da prática no agravamento e até mesmo na cronificação do distúrbio.

Stability of orange oil/water nanoemulsions prepared by the PIT method.

This article reports the preparation and characterization of orange oil/water nanoemulsions stabilized by commercial nonionic surfactants based on ethoxylated lauryl ether (Ultrol line), by the phase inversion temperature (PIT) method. The orange oil/surfactant/water dispersions were prepared at different HLB values, by varying the concentrations of the surfactants as well as the concentration of the oil phase. The stability of the o/w nanoemulsions and the size distribution of the dispersed particles in these systems in general depended on the concentration of the oil phase used: the emulsions prepared with an oil phase of 14 wt% had smaller droplet size in the dispersed phase than the emulsions prepared in the presence of oil phases of 20 and 30 wt%. The nanoemulsions prepared with pure surfactants were more stable in the presence of Ultrol L60, but the surfactants' cloud point had a strong influence on the stability of the emulsions formed when this was very near room temperature. Because of this, we prepared systems containing mixtures of surfactants. Among these systems, the most stable nanoemulsions were those prepared with a Ultrol L100/Ultrol L20 mixture with HLB of 12.40. This behavior can be attributed to the complete solubilization in mixed micelles of the more hydrophobic surfactant.

Tratamento do endometrioma ovariano: opções, resultados e conseqüências / Treatment of ovarian endometriomas: options, results and consequences

O endometrioma é uma forma de apresentação localizada da endometriose, afetando principalmente os ovários. O diagnóstico é sugerido pela história clínica da paciente e por estudos ultrasonográficos. O risco de malignização é baixo. As opções de tratamento incluem conduta expectante, terapia medicamentosa ou cirúrgica. O tratamento tem como objetivo o alívio da dismenorréia, da dor pélvica e/ou restabelecimento da fertilidade. O tratamento medicamentoso é geralmente feito usando o GnRH. As técnicas cirúrgicas mais usadas são a cistectomia e a vaporização. A excisão dos endometriomas ovarianos está associada a uma redução significante da reserva ovariana. A recorrência é mais freqüente nas técnicas que conservam a pseudocápsula. O endometrioma influi negativamente nos resultados da FIV, porém não de maneira significante