Evaluation of mechanical, optical, and fluoride-releasing properties of a translucent bulk fill glass hybrid restorative dental material.

OBJECTIVE: Measure and compare the mechanical properties, translucency, and fluoride-releasing capabilities of EQUIA Forte HT against Fuji IX GP and ChemFil Rock. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten specimens of each material were fabricated for compressive strength (CS), flexural strength (FS), and surface hardness analysis at 24 h and 7 days. The L*a*b* values were measured against a black-and-white background using a spectrophotometer to analyze the translucency parameter (TP). Fluoride release was recorded after 2 months of immersion in distilled water. The mean data was analyzed by 1- and 2-way ANOVA (α = 0.5). RESULTS: EQUIA Forte HT showed higher CS, surface hardness, and FS values (p < 0.05) compared with Fuji IX GIC, while no significant difference was found in FS values between EQUIA Forte HT and Chemfil Rock (p > 0.05). The EQUIA Forte HT exhibited significantly higher translucency in comparison to both ChemFil Rock (p < 0.001) and Fuji IX GICs (p < 0.05). An increase (p > 0.05) of fluoride release was observed for EQUIA Forte HT. CONCLUSION: The EQUIA Forte HT Glass-ionomer cements (GIC) offers enhanced translucency, improved strength, and enhanced fluoride-releasing properties compared to the traditionally used Fuji IX GIC and ChemFil Rock GICs. This material might have a wide range of clinical applications due to its improved strength and optical properties. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Glass-ionomer dental restorative materials possess unique advantageous characteristics. However, its poor mechanical and optical properties have typically limited its clinical applications. Efforts to improve these properties have resulted in enhanced GICs. EQUIA Forte HT GIC offers enhanced mechanical and optical properties with potential applications in posterior and anterior restorative procedures.

The Evaluation of Serum Lipids Profile in Patients with Pemphigus Vulgaris: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a chronic autoimmune disease. Dyslipidemia, increased risk of atherosclerosis and higher cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality have been reported in several autoimmune conditions. It has been hypothesised that there might be an association between dyslipidemia and PV. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the serum lipid profile of patients with PV with healthy controls. METHODS: This case-control study was carried out on 113 patients with PV and 100 healthy controls. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides (TG) levels were measured and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were calculated. Chi-squared test and independent Student t-test (or their alternatives) were used for group comparison. RESULTS: The mean age and BMI of patients and controls were 47.7 ± 14.5 and 28 ± 6.2 and, 44.5 ± 18.5 and 25.5 ± 5.1, respectively. Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, non-HDL-C and TG were statistically different between the two groups (P values < 0.001; < 0.001; < 0.001; < 0.001 and 0.021, respectively). However, AIP was not significantly different (P-value = 0.752). CONCLUSION: The serum lipid profile was significantly higher in PV patients compared to healthy controls. Therefore, PV patients may be more prone to develop atherosclerosis and this finding can be important in the overall management of these patients.

Evaluation of the effect of hydro alcoholic extract of cinnamon on herpes simplex virus-1.

BACKGROUND: Long-term treatments of herpes simplex with drugs such as acyclovir, the side effects to such drugs including limited usage during the lactation period, and concerns for the emergence of drug-resistant strains have given rise to a need for new medications with fewer complications. Nowadays, there is an increasing usage of herbal medicines throughout the world due to their higher effectiveness and safety. The present study aims to assess the effects of hydroalcoholic cinnamon extract on herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in culture with vero cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study Hydroalcoholic extract of cinnamon was extracted through percolation. To assess cell survival rates, the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was employed, and the tissue culture infective dose 50 assay was used to quantify the virus. Effects of the extract were evaluated in three stages, including before, during, and after viral inoculation into the culture medium. Two-way ANOVA and Post hoc analysis the test was performed in 1, 0.5, and 0.25 mg/ml concentrations of cinnamon extract in every stage (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Over 50% of the cells survived in the 0.25 mg/ml extract concentration. Results of our viral quantification showed a viral load of 105. The cinnamon extract was able to reduce the viral titer in all concentrations under study. CONCLUSION: Hydroalcoholic extract of cinnamon was effective in reducing the viral titer of HSV-1. This effect could have been caused by prevention of viral attachment to cells; however, further research is required to determine the exact mechanisms at play.

Comparative evaluation of the physical properties of a reinforced glass ionomer dental restorative material.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: While glass ionomer cements have many unique properties and advantages, they still lack favorable mechanical properties. EQUIA Forte Fil is a newly developed glass ionomer cement (GIC) with improved mechanical strength. However, research and data on the physical properties of EQUIA Forte Fil are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the compressive, diametral tensile, and flexural strengths of EQUIA Forte Fil with Fuji IX GP and ChemFil Rock, restorative GICs commonly used in dentistry. Moreover, fluoride-releasing properties and surface hardness of the GICs were also assessed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten disk-shaped specimens of each GIC (EQUIA Forte Fil, Fuji IX GP, and ChemFil Rock) were fabricated for mechanical and surface hardness tests by using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) molds. The specimens were tested after 24 hours and 7 days of immersion in distilled water at 37 °C. By using a mechanical testing machine, the compressive, diametral tensile, and flexural strengths of each GIC were measured. Fluoride-releasing properties were also evaluated (10 specimens per group). A microhardness tester was used to measure the surface hardness. The mean data were analyzed by using 1- and 2-way ANOVA (α=.05). RESULTS: EQUIA Forte Fil glass ionomer cements exhibited significantly greater (P<.05) flexural strength and surface hardness than Fuji IX GIC specimens. However, no significant difference (P>.05) was observed between the compressive and diametral tensile strength of EQUIA Forte Fil and Fuji IX GIC specimens. ChemFil Rock exhibited higher flexural strength than EQUIA Forte Fil (P>.05) but significantly lower compressive strength and microhardness (P<.05). Tested GICs matured after 1 week of immersion in distilled water, demonstrating a significant improvement in their mechanical properties. All the examined glass ionomers exhibited comparable initial fluoride-releasing properties, whereas EQUIA Forte Fil exhibited significantly higher (P<.05) amounts of fluoride release from the bulk of the material after 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: EQUIA Forte Fil is a promising restorative material with superior flexural strength and surface hardness compared with its predecessor, Fuji IX GP, or other commercially available glass ionomers.

Antifungal effect of sesame medicinal herb on Candida Species: original study and mini-review

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal susceptibility patterns of three antifungals, methanolic extracts and N-hexane oil of sesame seeds on C. albicans and C. glabrata, isolated from oral cavity of liver transplant recipients. The results were compared with other reports to develop a mini review as well. Candida species were isolated from liver transplant recipients. To evaluate the antifungal activity of sesame seed oil and methanolic extract, fluconazole, caspofungin and nystatin, the corresponding minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined by CLSI M27-A3 standard method. Minimum fungicidal concentration was also evaluated. The most prevalent species was C. albicans, followed by C. glabrata. Findings indicated sensitivity to antifungal agents and resistance to methanolic extract and N-hexane oil for all C. albicans and C. glabrata isolates. The rate of Candida colonization in the oral cavity of liver transplant recipients was high. Our results revealed that the methanolic and N-hexan extracts of sesame seeds are not effective on C. albicans and C. glabrata species, isolated from the patients. The sesame seed oil pulling and mouthwash cannot effectively cleanse and remove the Candida species in the mouth. Investigation of other medicinal plants or other parts of sesame like leaves and roots are suggested.

Effects of incorporation of nano-fluorapatite particles on microhardness, fluoride releasing properties, and biocompatibility of a conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC).

Present study evaluated effects of addition of Nanoparticles fluorapatite (Nano-FA) on microhardness and fluoride release of a Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC, Fuji IX GP Fast). Forty-eight specimens prepared, divided equally into 4 groups (2 with Nano-FA); after 24 h and one week Vickers microhardness (HV) was measured. Nano-FA specimens were made from addition of nano-FA to Fuji IX powder (glass powder/Nano-FA ratio=20:1 wt/wt, 3.6:1 P/L ratio). At 24 h, mean (95% CI) HV for GIC and Nano-FA GIC were 40.59 (39.51-41.66) and 46.89 (45.95-47.82) kg/mm2, and at one week 44.98 (44.23-45.72), 53.29 (52.58-53.99) kg/mm2, respectively. Findings indicated higher HV in Nano-FA specimens (F=221.088, p<0.001). Twenty-eight days weekly cumulative fluoride release in both groups was not different (p>0.05). MTT assay exhibited no inhibition of cell proliferation or reduction in metabolic activity in experimental [84.0 (3.3)] or control groups [85.1 (4.7)] with no difference between groups (p>0.05). New nano-FA GIC was biocompatible and showed improved surface hardness. Future clinical trials can verify the usefulness of Nano-FA GIC.

Assessment of Anti HSV-1 Activity of Aloe Vera Gel Extract: an In Vitro Study.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is one of the most common and debilitating oral diseases; yet, there is no standard topical treatment to control it. The extract of Aloe vera leaves has been previously reported to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and also antiviral effects. There is no data on anti-Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) activity of Aloe vera gel. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-HSV-1 activity of Aloe vera gel in Vero cell line. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this study, gel extraction and cytotoxicity of various increasing concentrations of Aloe vera gel (0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5%) was evaluated in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) containing 2% fetal bovine serum (FBS). Having been washed with phosphate buffered saline, 50 plaque-forming units (PFU) of HSV-1 was added to each well. After 1 hour of incubation at 37°C, cell monolayers in 24 well plates were exposed to different increasing concentrations of Aloe vera gel. The anti-HSV-1 activity of Aloe vera gel in different concentrations was assessed by plaque reduction assays. Data were analyzed by using One-way ANOVA. RESULTS: The cytotoxicity assay showed that Aloe vera in prearranged concentrations was cell-compatible. The inhibitory effect of various concentrations of Aloe vera was observed one hour after the Vero cell was infected with HSV-1. However, there was no significant difference between two serial concentrations (p> 0.05). One-way ANOVA also revealed no significant difference between the groups. The findings indicated a dose-dependent antiviral effect of Aloe vera. CONCLUSION: The findings showed significant inhibitory effect of 0.2-5% Aloe vera gel on HSV-1 growth in Vero cell line. Therefore, this gel could be a useful topical treatment for oral HSV-1 infections without any significant toxicity.

Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cell (GMSC) Delivery System Based on RGD-Coupled Alginate Hydrogel with Antimicrobial Properties: A Novel Treatment Modality for Peri-Implantitis.

PURPOSE: Peri-implantitis is one of the most common inflammatory complications in dental implantology. Similar to periodontitis, in peri-implantitis, destructive inflammatory changes take place in the tissues surrounding a dental implant. Bacterial flora at the failing implant sites resemble the pathogens in periodontal disease and consist of Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria including Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa). Here we demonstrate the effectiveness of a silver lactate (SL)-containing RGD-coupled alginate hydrogel scaffold as a promising stem cell delivery vehicle with antimicrobial properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) or human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSCs) were encapsulated in SL-loaded alginate hydrogel microspheres. Stem cell viability, proliferation, and osteo-differentiation capacity were analyzed. RESULTS: Our results showed that SL exhibited antimicrobial properties against Aa in a dose-dependent manner, with 0.50 mg/ml showing the greatest antimicrobial properties while still maintaining cell viability. At this concentration, SL-containing alginate hydrogel was able to inhibit Aa growth on the surface of Ti discs and significantly reduce the bacterial load in Aa suspensions. Silver ions were effectively released from the SL-loaded alginate microspheres for up to 2 weeks. Osteogenic differentiation of GMSCs and hBMMSCs encapsulated in the SL-loaded alginate microspheres were confirmed by the intense mineral matrix deposition and high expression of osteogenesis-related genes. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our findings confirm that GMSCs encapsulated in RGD-modified alginate hydrogel containing SL show promise for bone tissue engineering with antimicrobial properties against Aa bacteria in vitro.

Properties of a proline-containing glass ionomer dental cement.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Proline-containing glass ionomers are promising fast-set dental restorative materials with superior mechanical properties; however, little information is available on other physical properties of this type of glass ionomer. PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to synthesize and characterize a polyacrylic acid terpolymer containing proline derivative (PD) and to investigate the physical properties of this glass ionomer cement (GIC) and its cytotoxicity in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A terpolymer of AA (acrylic acid), IA (itaconic acid), and proline derivative (MP) with an 8:1:1 molar ratio was synthesized and characterized. Experimental GIC specimens were made from the synthetized terpolymer with Fuji IX (GC America, Alsip, Ill) commercial glass ionomer powder as recommended by the manufacturer. Specimens were mixed and fabricated at room temperature and were conditioned in distilled water at 37°C for 1 day and 1 week. Vickers hardness was determined with a microhardness tester. The water sorption characteristics and fluoride releasing properties of the specimens were investigated. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the experimental glass ionomer was assessed by evaluating the C2C12 cell metabolism with methyltetrazolium (MTT) assay. Commercial Fuji IX was used as a control for comparison. The data obtained for the experimental GIC (PD) were compared with the control group by using 1- and 2-way ANOVA and the Tukey multiple range test at α=.05. RESULTS: Proline-modified GIC (PD) exhibited significantly higher surface hardness values (Vickers hardness number [VHN] 58 ±6.1) in comparison to Fuji IX GIC (VHN 47 ±5.3) after 1 week of maturation. Statistical analysis of data showed that the water sorption properties of the experimental cement (PD) were significantly greater than those of the control group (P<.05). The experimental GIC showed a significant increase in the amounts of initial fluoride release (P<.05) with continued fluoride release from the bulk of the material. The experimental group showed slightly reduced cell metabolism and cell number in comparison to the control group. However, the results were not statistically different (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: An amino acid-containing GIC had better surface hardness properties than commercial Fuji IX GIC. This formulation of fast-set glass ionomer showed increased water sorption without adversely affecting the amount of fluoride release. Considering its biocompatibility, this material shows promise not only as a dental restorative material but also as a bone cement with low cytotoxicity.

Salivary gland tumors: a clinicopathologic study of 366 cases in southern Iran.

BACKGROUND: Salivary gland tumors (SGT) are one of the most complex human neoplasms, demonstrating variations in their clinicopathological profile related to racial and geographic differences. Few studies with large samples have been reported in Iran. We here investigated a large group of patients in southern Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, all cases of primary epithelial salivary gland tumors, which had been recorded in a 5 years period from 2005-2009, were enrolled. Clinical data such as histopathologic type and site of the lesion as well as patients' age and gender were analyzed. RESULTS: Data of 366 cases of SGTs were recorded. Pleomorphic adenoma (80.2%) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (46.6%) were the most common benign and malignant neoplasms. Male to female ratio (M/F) and the mean age of patients were 1:1.05 and 37.7 for benign tumors while they were 1.2:1 and 50.6 for malignant tumors, respectively. Parotid and minor salivary glands were involved more frequently. CONCLUSIONS: Although the salivary gland tumours encountered were similar in most of their characteristics to those reported in other countries, some differences such as relative frequency and age and gender prevalence were discovered. These findings should help surgeons and pathologists for more accurate diagnosis, management and treatment.

Ultrasonically set novel NVC-containing glass-ionomer cements for applications in restorative dentistry.

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of application of ultrasound on the physical properties of a novel NVC (N-vinylcaprolactam)-containing conventional glass-ionomer cement (GIC). Experimental GIC (EXP) samples were made from the acrylic acid (AA)-itaconic acid (IA)-NVC synthesized terpolymer with Fuji IX powder in a 3.6:1 P/L ratio as recommended by the manufacturer. Specimens were mixed and fabricated at room temperature and were conditioned in distilled water at 37°C for 1 day up to 4 week. Ultrasound (US) was applied 20 s after mixing by placing the dental scaler tip on the top of the cement and applying light hand pressure to ensure the tip remained in contact with cement without causing any deformation. Vickers hardness was determined using a microhardness tester. The working and setting times were determined using a Gillmore needle. Water sorption was also investigated. Commercial Fuji IX was used as control for comparison (CON). The data obtained for the EXP GIC set through conventional set (CS) and ultrasonically set (US) were compared with the CON group, using one-way ANOVA and the Tukey multiple range test at α = 0.05. Not only ultrasonic (US) application accelerated the curing process of both EXP cement and CON group but also improved the surface hardness of all the specimens. US set samples showed significantly lower water sorption values (P < 0.05) due to improved acid-base reaction within the GIC matrix and accelerated maturation process. According to the statistical analysis of data, significant increase was observed in the surface hardness properties of CS and US specimens both in EXP samples and the CON groups. It was concluded that it is possible to command set GICs by the application of ultrasound, leading to GICs with enhanced physical and handling properties. US application might be a potential way to broaden the clinical applications of conventional GICs in restorative dentistry for procedures such as class V cavity restorations.

Effects of N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) containing polyelectrolytes on surface properties of conventional glass-ionomer cements (GIC).

It has been found that polyacids containing an N-vinylpyrrolidinone (NVP) comonomer produces a glass inomer cement with improved mechanical and handling properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of NVP modified polyelectrolytes on the surface properties and shear bond strength to dentin of glass ionomer cements. Poly(acrylic acid (AA)-co-itaconic acid (IA)-co-N-vinylpyrrolidone) was synthesized by free radical polymerization. The terpolymer was characterized using (1)H NMR, FTIR spectroscopy and viscometry for solution properties. The synthesized polymers were used in glass ionomer cement formulations (Fuji II commercial GIC). Surface properties (wettability) of modified cements were studied by water contact angle measurements as a function of time. Work of adhesion values of different surfaces was also determined. The effect of NVP modified polyacid, on bond strength of glass-ionomer cement to dentin was also investigated. The mean data obtained from contact angle and bonding strength measurements were subjected to one- and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at alpha=0.05. Results showed that NVP modified glass ionomer cements showed significantly lower contact angles (theta=47 degrees) and higher work of adhesion (WA=59.4 erg/cm(2)) in comparison to commercially available Fuji II GIC (theta=60 degrees and WA=50.3 erg/cm(2), respectively). The wettability of dentin surfaces conditioned with NVP containing terpolymer was higher (theta=21 degrees, WA=74.2 erg/cm(2)) than dentin conditioned with Fuji conditioner (theta=30 degrees, WA=69 erg/cm(2)). The experimental cement also showed higher but not statistically significant values for shear bond strength to dentin (7.8 MPa), when compared to control group (7.3 MPa). It was concluded that NVP containing polyelectrolytes are better dentin conditioners than the commercially available dentin conditioner (Fuji Cavity Conditioner, GC). NVP containing terpolymers can enhance the surface properties of GICs and also increase their bond strength to the dentin.

Evaluation of oral mucosa epithelium in type II diabetic patients by an exfoliative cytology method.

Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disease that causes chronic hyperglycemia and disturbances in carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. Although diabetes can cause considerable cellular changes, this field has attracted little research. We therefore decided to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative changes in oral epithelial cells using an exfoliative cytology method. In 30 control individuals and 30 patients with type II diabetes, smears were obtained from two distinct oral sites: the buccal mucosa and tongue dorsum. The oral smears were stained using Papanicolaou solution. Quantitative and qualitative changes were evaluated in each slide. For this purpose, 50 clearly defined cells in each slide were microscopically evaluated, and photographs were subjected to computerized morphometric analysis. Cytoplasmic and nuclear areas in the diabetic group were significantly higher than in the control group. The cytoplasmic/nuclear ratio was lower in the control group. At both smear sites, the proportion of cells with nuclear changes was higher in the diabetic group. Diabetes mellitus can cause alterations in the oral epithelium that are detectable with this exfoliative cytology method. The method may be viable in evaluating this disease.

Effects of incorporation of hydroxyapatite and fluoroapatite nanobioceramics into conventional glass ionomer cements (GIC).

Hydroxyapatite (HA) has excellent biological behavior, and its composition and crystal structure are similar to the apatite in the human dental structure and skeletal system; a number of researchers have attempted to evaluate the effect of the addition of HA powders to restorative dental materials. In this study, nanohydroxy and fluoroapatite were synthesized using an ethanol based sol-gel technique. The synthesized nanoceramic particles were incorporated into commercial glass ionomer powder (Fuji II GC) and were characterized using Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Compressive, diametral tensile and biaxial flexural strengths of the modified glass ionomer cements were evaluated. The effect of nanohydroxyapatite and fluoroapatite on the bond strength of glass ionomer cement to dentin was also investigated. Results showed that after 1 and 7 days of setting, the nanohydroxyapatite/fluoroapatite added cements exhibited higher compressive strength (177-179MPa), higher diametral tensile strength (19-20MPa) and higher biaxial flexural strength (26-28MPa) as compared with the control group (160MPa in CS, 14MPa in DTS and 18MPa in biaxial flexural strength). The experimental cements also exhibited higher bond strength to dentin after 7 and 30 days of storage in distilled water. It was concluded that glass ionomer cements containing nanobioceramics are promising restorative dental materials with both improved mechanical properties and improved bond strength to dentin.