Is ozone pre-conditioning effect linked to Nrf2/EpRE activation pathway in vivo? A preliminary result.

The present preliminary study has been focused on verifying whether ozone preconditioning may be linked to Nrf2/EpRE (nuclear factor erythroid 2/electrophile-responsive element) activation pathway in vivo. Healthy volunteers received a total of three Major Auto-Hemotherapy (MAH) treatments, with treatments administered every second day. The amount of blood used for each subject was standardized to the value obtained multiplying the subject׳s body weight by 1.3 in order to ensure the same ozone concentrations for each subject. A parallel group (n=50) age and gender matched was used as reference for the experimental variables related to the oxidative stress parameters. Levels of Nrf2 and oxidative stress index were measured throughout the study. Levels of Nrf2 (P<0.01) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were found to increase immediately after ozone/oxygen exposure (35µg/ml, prior to reinfusion). This effect was still detected (P<0.05) in total circulating PBMC when measured 30min following reinfusion. After a series of 3 MAH, Nrf2 returned back to the basal level. At the end of the experiment the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were increased (P<0.05). These data demonstrate for the first time in vivo the activation of the Nrf2 pathway by a low dose of ozone and the promotion of the feedback mechanism that induces the synthesis of proteins which collectively favors cell survival.

An evaluation and adjustment method for natural proximal contacts of crowns using diamond dental strips: a case report.

The best way to adjust proximal contacts of newly fabricated indirect restorations has been a long-standing unresolved issue in dentistry. Excessively tight contacts cause incomplete seating of indirect restorations and intrusion of adjacent teeth, which leads to patient discomfort, hypersensitivity, and recurrent dental caries at the crown margins. When seating indirect restorations, interproximal relief should be restored as it exists in natural dentition. This article presents an innovative method of crown seating using diamond strips. This simple, consistent, method makes it easier for clinicians to provide comfortable and long-lasting restorations with minimal time and effort. Laboratory technicians utilize diamond strips to provide properly fitting indirect restorations that require minimal adjustment upon clinical delivery. Diamond strips also allow for accurate determination of heavier proximal contacts, allowing dentists to adjust the proximal contact properly in the patients' mouths. Clinically, restoring natural proximal contacts is a critical factor to the success of indirect restorations. Using this method standardizes proper proximal contact adjustments of laboratory-fabricated indirect restorations between dental labs and dental offices. The method also helps to limit or eliminate the lingering proximal contact issue between clinicians and laboratory technicians.