Physical training mitigates alveolar bone and blood enzymatic antioxidants defense impairment induced by binge ethanol consumption in rats.

We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of physical training as a protective strategy to mitigate alveolar bone damage and blood antioxidant defense caused by ethanol (EtOH) consumption in a binge-drinking pattern. Male Wistar rats aged approximately 90 days were divided into four groups: control, training, EtOH, and training + EtOH. The physical training protocol was conducted on a treadmill for four consecutive weeks, while the animals in the EtOH group were administered EtOH via orogastric gavage for three consecutive days each week, following the binge drink pattern. After the training period, blood and mandibles were collected for plasma oxidative biochemistry analysis, and the alveolar bone was subjected to physicochemical composition analysis, tissue evaluation, and microtomography evaluation. Our results showed that EtOH induced oxidative stress and physical exercise promoted the recovery of antioxidant action. Physical training minimized the damage to the mineral/matrix composition of the alveolar bone due to EtOH consumption and increased the density of osteocytes in the trained group treated with EtOH than in those exposed only to EtOH. Furthermore, physical training reduced damage to the alveolar bone caused by EtOH consumption. Our findings suggest that physical training can serve as an effective strategy to reduce systemic enzymatic oxidative response damage and alleviate alveolar bone damage resulting from alcohol consumption. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore, in addition to physical training, the potential effects of other activities with varying intensities on managing alcohol-induced bone damage.

Physical training attenuates systemic cytokine response and tissue damage triggered by apical periodontitis.

Apical periodontitis (AP) is a condition characterized by inflammatory and infectious components in the tooth canal. AP affects periradicular tissues and has systemic repercussions. Physical exercise is a structured activity that requires cardiorespiratory function, and can modulate the inflammatory profile in pathological conditions. As a result, this study aimed to determine the effects of aerobic physical training (PT) on the alveolar bone with and without AP, and its systemic inflammatory repercussions. AP was induced in the mandibular first molars, and PT was performed on a treadmill for five consecutive days over four weeks, with progressive increases in speed and activity time. Blood samples were collected to determine serum cytokine levels using immunoassays, and alveolar bone samples were collected for histopathological evaluation, lesion volume and microarchitecture assessment using computed microtomography. Animals with AP had increased pro-inflammatory cytokines levels compared to those without AP; however, these levels were attenuated or restored by PT. Compared to the AP group, the AP + PT group had a smaller lesion volume and greater preservation of the bone trabeculae in the remaining alveolar bone surrounding the lesion. In overall, PT minimized the severity of AP proving to be a valid strategy for individuals undergoing endodontic treatment.

In vitro development and optimization of cell-laden injectable bioprinted gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) microgels mineralized on the nanoscale.

Bone defects may occur in different sizes and shapes due to trauma, infections, and cancer resection. Autografts are still considered the primary treatment choice for bone regeneration. However, they are hard to source and often create donor-site morbidity. Injectable microgels have attracted much attention in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to their ability to replace inert implants with a minimally invasive delivery. Here, we developed novel cell-laden bioprinted gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) injectable microgels, with controllable shapes and sizes that can be controllably mineralized on the nanoscale, while stimulating the response of cells embedded within the matrix. The injectable microgels were mineralized using a calcium and phosphate-rich medium that resulted in nanoscale crystalline hydroxyapatite deposition and increased stiffness within the crosslinked matrix of bioprinted GelMA microparticles. Next, we studied the effect of mineralization in osteocytes, a key bone homeostasis regulator. Viability stains showed that osteocytes were maintained at 98% viability after mineralization with elevated expression of sclerostin in mineralized compared to non-mineralized microgels, indicating that mineralization effectively enhances osteocyte maturation. Based on our findings, bioprinted mineralized GelMA microgels appear to be an efficient material to approximate the bone microarchitecture and composition with desirable control of sample injectability and polymerization. These bone-like bioprinted mineralized biomaterials are exciting platforms for potential minimally invasive translational methods in bone regenerative therapies.

Poly(ɛ-caprolactone) and Eudragit E blends modulate the drug release profiles from FDM printlets.

Thermoplastic polymers have been used to produce filaments by hot melt extrusion (HME), which can be applied to obtain 3D printlets by fused deposition modelling (FDM). Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is a low melting point thermoplastic polymer that provides HME filaments with excellent mechanical and printability properties. However, due to the highly hydrophobic properties of PCL, they afford printlets with slow drug release behaviour. We hypothesized that blending a less hydrophobic polymer, the Eudragit E (EudE), with PCL could be an approach to increase the drug release rate from PCL 3D printlets. PCL and EudE were blended at different proportions, 50:50, 60:40, 70:30, and 80:20 (w/w), to produce HME filaments. They were produced with dexamethasone at 5 % (w/w) and were effectively extruded and printable by FDM, except that composed of 50:50 (w/w). Printlets had homogeneous distribution of their components. Their drug release behaviour was dependent on the ratio of the polymeric blends. The highest EudE ratio (60:40 w/w) afforded printlets showing the highest release rate. Therefore, adding up to 40 % (w/w) of EudE to PCL does not impair the mechanical and printability properties of its HME filaments. This innovative approach is proposed here to modulate the drug release behaviour from PCL printlets.

Experimental Composite Resin with Myristyltrimethylammonium Bromide (MYTAB) and Alpha-Tricalcium Phosphate (α-TCP): Antibacterial and Remineralizing Effect.

The aim of this study was to develop an experimental composite resin with the addition of myristyltrimethylammonium bromide (MYTAB) and α -tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) as an antibacterial and remineralizing material. Experimental composite resins composed of 75 wt% Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate (BisGMA) and 25 wt% Triethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) were produced. Some 1 mol% Trimethyl benzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) was used as a photoinitiator, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BTH) was added as a polymerization inhibitor. Silica (1.5 wt%) and barium glass (65 wt%) particles were added as inorganic fillers. For remineralizing and antibacterial effect, α-TCP (10 wt%) and MYTAB (5 wt%) were incorporated into the resin matrix (α-TCP/MYTAB group). A group without the addition of α-TCP/MYTAB was used as a control. Resins were evaluated for their degree of conversion (n = 3) by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The flexural strength (n = 5) was assessed based on ISO 4049:2019 requirements. Microhardness was assessed to calculate softening in solvent (n = 3) after ethanol immersion. The mineral deposition (n = 3) was evaluated after immersion in SBF, while cytotoxicity was tested with HaCaT cells (n = 5). Antimicrobial activity (n = 3) was analyzed against S. mutans. The degree of conversion was not influenced by the antibacterial and remineralizing compounds, and all groups reached values > 60%. The α-TCP/MYTAB addition promoted increased softening of polymers after immersion in ethanol and reduced their flexural strength and the viability of cells in vitro. A reduction in S. mutans viability was observed for the α-TCP/MYTAB group in biofilm formation and planktonic bacteria, with an antibacterial effect > 3log10 for the developed materials. Higher intensity of phosphate compounds on the sample's surface was detected in the α-TCP/MYTAB group. The addition of α-TCP and MYTAB promoted remineralizing and antibacterial effects on the developed resins and may be a strategy for bioactive composites.

3D printed matrix solid forms: Can the drug solubility and dose customisation affect their controlled release behaviour?

The use of 3D printing in pharmaceutics has grown over the last years, along with the number of studies on the impact of the composition of these formulations on their pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical properties. Recently, we reported the combined effect of the infill percentage and the presence of a pore former on the drug release behaviour of 3D printed matrix solid forms prepared by fused deposition modelling. However, there are some open questions about the effect of the drug solubility and the size of these dosage forms on their controlled release properties. Therefore, we produced poly(Ɛ-caprolactone) filaments containing different soluble forms of dexamethasone (free acid, DEX; acetate ester, DEX-A; and phosphate salt, DEX-P), which showed suitable mechanical properties and printability. 3D printed solid forms were produced in two different sizes. The formulations composed of DEX-P released about 50% of drug after 10 h, while those containing DEX or DEX-A released about 9%. The drug release profiles from the 3D printed forms containing the same drug form but with different sizes were almost completely overlapped. Therefore, these 3D printed matrix solid forms can have their drug content customised by adjusting their size, without changing their controlled release behaviour.

Synthesis of silver core-shell nanoparticles and their influence on an experimental resin endodontic sealer: An in vitro analysis.

AIM: To avoid root canal recontamination and endodontic treatment failure, endodontic sealers with antibacterial activity could be an alternative. Silver nanoparticles have antibacterial activity and this study aimed to synthesize Ag@SiO2 nanoparticles, incorporate them into an experimental endodontic resin sealer and evaluate their influence on physicochemical and biological properties. METHODOLOGY: Ag@SiO2 nanoparticles were produced using the sol-gel process, based on the Stöber method. The particles were characterized in terms of their chemical structure by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV-Vis spectral analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, where the particle morphology and diameter were analysed. A dual-cured experimental endodontic resin sealer was formulated using 70 wt% UDMA, 15 wt% GDMA, and 15 wt% BisEMA. The photoinitiators were added separately in two pastes. The Ag@SiO2 nanoparticles were incorporated into the endodontic sealer at the concentrations of 2.5 wt%, 5 wt%, and 10 wt%, and a control group without nanoparticles was also formulated. The endodontic sealers were evaluated for their flow, film thickness, degree of conversion, softening in solvent, radiopacity, cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity immediately and after 9 months in water storage. RESULTS: Silver was detected in the chemical characterization of Ag@SiO2 that presented a spheric regular shape and average 683.51 nm ± 93.58 diameter. Sealers presented adequate flow and film thickness while radiopacity values were below the ones required by ISO 6876. All groups underwent softening after immersion in a solvent. The 10 wt% groups showed a higher loss of subsurface hardness (∆KHN%). No reduction in cell viability was observed. Enterococcus faecalis viability in biofilm was reduced in 10 wt% groups after 24 h and 9 months. CONCLUSION: The addition of 10 wt% Ag@SiO2 reduced E. faecalis viability at immediate and longitudinal analysis while maintaining the physicochemical properties of developed sealers.

Orthodontic resins loaded with niobium silicate particles: Impact of filler concentration on the physicochemical and biological properties.

OBJECTIVES: White spot lesions (WSL) are prevalent in patients using orthodontic appliances. The presence of ion-releasing compounds in the tooth-appliance interface may limit enamel demineralization to control WSL incidence. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the mineral formation on SiNb-containing experimental orthodontic resins and the influence of these fillers on the physicochemical and biological properties of developed materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The SiNb particles were synthesized via the sol-gel route and characterized by their molecular structure and morphology. Photopolymerizable orthodontic resins were produced with a 75 wt% Bis-GMA/25 wt% TEGDMA and 10 wt%, 20 wt%, or 30 wt% addition of SiNb. A control group was formulated without SiNb. These resins were tested for their degree of conversion, softening in solvent, cytotoxicity in fibroblasts, flexural strength, shear bond strength (SBS), and mineral deposition. RESULTS: The addition of 10 wt% of SiNb did not impair the conversion of monomers, cytotoxicity, and flexural strength. All groups with SiNb addition presented similar softening in solvent. The presence of these particles did not affect the bond strength between metallic brackets and enamel, with SBS values ranging from 16.41 to 18.66 MPa. The mineral deposition was observed for all groups. CONCLUSION: The use of niobium silicate as filler particles in resins may be a strategy for the adhesion of orthodontic appliances. The 10 wt% SiNb concentration resulted in a material with suitable physicochemical and biological properties while maintaining the bond strength to tooth enamel and promoting mineral deposition.

Cost-related variables in the public purchase of dental materials for endodontic application: 10-year analysis

Aim: This study analyzed public procurements for different endodontic materials used in the Brazilian public health system and evaluated the variables related to their cost. Methods: A time-series study was performed by screening materials for endodontic application in the public Brazilian Databank of Healthcare Prices from 2010 to 2019. Data were categorized according to material composition and clinical application. The collated variables were used in a multiple linear regression model to predict the impact of unit price in procurement processes. Results: A total of 5,973 procurement processes (1,524,693 items) were evaluated. Calcium hydroxides were found in 79% of the observations (4,669 processes). Prices drop each year by US$1.87 while MTAs and epoxy resins are increasingly purchased at higher prices (US$50.87; US$67.69, respectively). The microregion, the procurement modality, and the type of institution had no influence on unit prices in the adjusted model (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Calcium hydroxide-based materials were the cheapest and most frequently purchased endodontic materials in the public health care system. Novel formulations are being implemented into clinical practice over time and their cost may be a barrier to the broad application of materials such as MTAs, despite their effectiveness

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Alveolar Bone Damage in Experimental Periodontitis in Rats.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) juice is rich in phenolic compounds with high antioxidant capacity. It has been observed that the use of antioxidants may be an additional strategy to nonsurgical periodontal therapy as well as to prevent alveolar bone loss. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of açaí supplementation on experimental periodontitis in rats. Twenty male Rattus norvegicus (Wistar) rats were assigned into control, açaí, experimental periodontitis, and experimental periodontitis with açaí supplementation groups. Periodontitis was induced by placing ligatures around the lower first molars. Animals in the açaí groups received 0.01 mL/g of clarified açaí juice for 14 days by intragastric gavage. At the end of the experimental period, blood was collected to assess the reduced glutathione (GSH), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) levels. Moreover, hemimandibles were analyzed by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) for alveolar bone loss and bone quality. Açaí supplementation increased blood total antioxidant capacity and decreased lipid peroxidation. It also reduced alveolar bone loss when compared to the experimental periodontitis group. Moreover, clarified açaí per se modulated the oxidative biochemistry and bone microstructure. Thus, açaí may be considered a viable alternative for managing periodontal oxidative stress and preventing alveolar bone loss.

Biological Activity of Copaiba in Damage to the Alveolar Bone in a Model of Periodontitis Induced in Rats.

Several studies have investigated the effects of natural products in the treatment of diseases. Traditional Amazonian populations commonly use copaiba due to its well-known anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and healing properties. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of systemic administration of copaiba oleoresin (Copaifera reticulata Ducke) on ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. To do so, 21 adult rats were divided into three groups (n = 7 each): a control group, ligature-induced periodontitis group, and ligature-induced periodontitis group treated with copaiba oleoresin (200 mg/kg/day). The ligature remained from day 0 to 14, and the copaiba oleoresin was administered via oral gavage during the last seven days. On day 14, the animals were euthanized, and mandibles were collected for histopathological evaluation and microcomputed tomography analysis. Our data showed that the administration of copaiba considerably reduced the inflammatory profile. Moreover, copaiba oleoresin limited alveolar bone loss, increased trabecular thickness and bone-to-tissue volume ratio, and decreased the number of trabeculae compared with those of the untreated experimental periodontitis group. Our findings provide pioneering evidence that supports the potential of copaiba oleoresin in reducing periodontitis-induced alveolar bone damage in rats.

Fluoride exposure duringintrauterine and lactation periods promotes changes in the offspring rats' alveolar bone.

The importance of fluoride (F) for oral health is well established in the literature. However, evidence suggests that excessive exposure to this mineral is associated with adverse effects at different life stages and may affect many biological systems, especially mineralized tissues. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of F exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding on the alveolar bone of the offspring since the alveolar bone is one of the supporting components of the dental elements. For this, the progeny rats were divided into three groups: control, 10 mg F/L, and 50 mg F/L for 42 (gestational and lactation periods). Analysis of the quantification of F levels in the alveolar bone by particle-induced gamma emission; Raman spectroscopy to investigate the physicochemical aspects and mineral components; computed microtomography to evaluate the alveolar bone microstructure and analyses were performed to evaluate osteocyte density and collagen quantification using polarized light microscopy. The results showed an increase in F levels in the alveolar bone, promoted changes in the chemical components in the bone of the 50 mg F/L animals (p < 0.001), and had repercussions on the microstructure of the alveolar bone, evidenced in the 10 mg F/L and 50 mg F/L groups (p < 0.001). Furthermore, F was able to modulate the content of organic bone matrix, mainly collagen; thus, this damage possibly reduced the amount of bone tissue and consequently increased the root exposure area of the exposed groups in comparison to a control group (p < 0.001). Our findings reveal that Fcan modulate the physicochemical and microstructural dimensions and reduction of alveolar bone height, increasing the exposed root region of the offspring during the prenatal and postnatal period. These findings suggest that F can modulate alveolar bone mechanical strength and force dissipation functionality.

In-vitro models of biocompatibility testing for restorative dental materials: From 2D cultures to organs on-a-chip.

Dental caries is a biofilm-mediated, diet-modulated, multifactorial and dynamic disease that affects more than 90% of adults in Western countries. The current treatment for decayed tissue is based on using materials to replace the lost enamel or dentin. More than 500 million dental restorations are placed annually worldwide, and materials used for these purposes either directly or indirectly interact with dentin and pulp tissues. The development and understanding of the effects of restorative dental materials are based on different in-vitro and in-vivo tests, which have been evolving with time. In this review, we first discuss the characteristics of the tooth and the dentin-pulp interface that are unique for materials testing. Subsequently, we discuss frequently used in-vitro tests to evaluate the biocompatibility of dental materials commonly used for restorative procedures. Finally, we present our perspective on the future directions for biological research on dental materials using tissue engineering and organs on-a-chip approaches. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Dental caries is still the most prevalent infectious disease globally, requiring more than 500 million restorations to be placed every year. Regrettably, the failure rates of such restorations are still high. Those rates are partially based on the fact that current platforms to test dental materials are somewhat inaccurate in reproducing critical components of the complex oral microenvironment. Thus, there is a collective effort to develop new materials while evolving the platforms to test them. In this context, the present review critically discusses in-vitro models used to evaluate the biocompatibility of restorative dental materials and brings a perspective on future directions for tissue-engineered and organs-on-a-chip platforms for testing new dental materials.

Alkyl trimethyl ammonium bromide for the formulation of antibacterial orthodontic resins.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at formulating antibacterial orthodontic resins containing alkyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (ATAB) and evaluating their physicochemical and biological properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chemical composition and microstructure of ATAB was characterized through FTIR and SEM, respectively. Experimental orthodontic BisGMA/TEGDMA-based resins were formulated, and the ATAB filler was incorporated at 1wt%, 5wt%, and 10wt%, along with colloidal silica (5wt%). The degree of conversion, softening in solvent, and flexural strength of the experimental resins were analyzed. Biological properties were also assessed through cytotoxicity and antibacterial analyses. RESULTS: The incorporation of ATAB, due to the presence of ⎯N+(CH3)3 alkyl groups, had no adverse effect on the degree of conversion of the resins (p > 0.05). The %ΔKHN values at 5wt% and 10wt% were comparable to those of the control group, while the flexural strength was reduced at all concentrations of ATAB. The viability of the gingival fibroblast was reduced with the addition of ATAB (p < 0.05). The viability of biofilm and planktonic bacteria was reduced when ATAB was incorporated at 5wt% and 10wt%. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of ATAB at 5wt% resulted suitable for the formulation of orthodontic resins with the ability to control the biofilm formation and planktonic activity of S.mutans, without jeopardizing some specific physicochemical properties. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: White spot lesions in orthodontic patients may be controlled by preventive treatments. Non-patient-dependent strategies, such as the use of orthodontic resins containing ATAB, may avoid accumulation of bacteria, especially in those areas surrounding orthodontic appliances.

Implementation in restorative treatments in public health: a 10-year analysis of resin composite procurement in Brazil.

This study aims to assess the resin composite purchases in a public health system and understand the variables associated with its cost and with the decision-making process over a period of 10 years. Secondary data collection was performed using the Brazilian Healthcare Prices Database (BDHP) from 2010 to 2019. All conventional and bulk-fill composites were selected. Date of purchase, institution type and location, procurement modality, number of purchased items, manufacture, and unit prices were collected. A multiple linear regression model assessed the influence of price in the procurement variables, while a multinomial logistic regression compared purchase probabilities between the materials. In total, 18,138 observations were collected with 2,129,294 purchased units and a total cost of USD 43,504,260.00. Conventional composites appeared in 98.5% of the procurement process. Nanofilled conventional composites were the most purchased materials, with an increased probability of purchase over time, despite its higher prices. An increase in prices was predicted for bulk-fill materials when compared to conventional ones. The odds of purchasing this category increased by 3.14x for every price increase over the years. Sociodemographic and type of institution influences the prices and the probability of procurement in the healthcare system. Nanofilled and bulk-fill resin are increasingly included in clinical practice. These findings highlight possible modifications to the standard-of-care in restorative treatments and how the translation of knowledge may occur from the development of new materials to the clinical application considering the economic impact of these modifications.

Impact of economic factors and knowledge translation on public procurement for dental adhesive systems.

This study aimed to screen the public procurement for dental adhesives in a public health system and evaluate the variables associated with the type and cost of purchased materials. A time series was conducted with secondary data collated from the Brazilian Databank of Healthcare Prices (BDHP). All public procurements for adhesive systems registered from 2010 to 2019 were collated. The frequency of purchase was described, and a multiple linear regression model was used to assess the influence of unit price on predictor variables. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to describe the influence of selected variables on the probability of purchase for different classes of adhesive systems. A total of 2,752 purchases were analyzed, and the total cost of these materials reached US$ 7,022,659.00 in the 10 analyzed years. The 3-step Etch & Rinse adhesives corresponded to 45.63% of the processes, with increased probability of being purchased over time. The process conducted by public universities in recent years, using the auction modality, presented lower unit prices. The year of purchase, the type of institutions, the institution's location, and the procurement modality influenced the procurement process. The performed analyses contribute to the understanding of the variables associated with the procurements for adhesive systems, providing valuable information for rationalizing public expenditure and for implementing evidence-based practices to guarantee cost-effective and clinically effective procedures for users of the Brazilian public healthcare system.

3D printing of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)/niobium containing bioactive glasses (BAGNb) scaffolds: Characterization of composites, in vitro bioactivity, and in vivo bone repair.

This study aimed to produce poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)/niobium containing bioactive glasses (BAGNb) composites scaffolds produced by fused deposition modeling (FDM) printing and evaluate their physicochemical and biological properties in vitro and in vivo. The composite filaments were produced by melt-extrusion with the addition of 10 wt% of BAGNb (PBAT/BAGNb). Filaments without BAGNb were produced as the control group (PBAT). The filaments were characterized and were used to produce 3D-printed scaffolds using FDM. The scaffolds' structure and surface properties were assessed. In vitro cell, proliferation, and cell mineralization analysis were performed. In vivo data was obtained in the rat femur model (n = 10), and the bone repair was assessed after 15, 30, and 60 postoperative days. The printed structures presented 69.81% porosity for the PBAT/BAGNb group and 74.54% for the PBAT group. Higher cell mineralization was observed for the PBAT/BAGNb group. The in vivo data showed that the PBAT/BAGNb presented new bone formation comparable to positive controls. The combination of PBAT and BAGNb in 3D-printed scaffolds may be an alternative to produce bioactive materials with controllable shapes and properties for bone regeneration treatments.

Impact of economic factors and knowledge translation on public procurement for dental adhesive systems

Abstract: This study aimed to screen the public procurement for dental adhesives in a public health system and evaluate the variables associated with the type and cost of purchased materials. A time series was conducted with secondary data collated from the Brazilian Databank of Healthcare Prices (BDHP). All public procurements for adhesive systems registered from 2010 to 2019 were collated. The frequency of purchase was described, and a multiple linear regression model was used to assess the influence of unit price on predictor variables. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to describe the influence of selected variables on the probability of purchase for different classes of adhesive systems. A total of 2,752 purchases were analyzed, and the total cost of these materials reached US$ 7,022,659.00 in the 10 analyzed years. The 3-step Etch & Rinse adhesives corresponded to 45.63% of the processes, with increased probability of being purchased over time. The process conducted by public universities in recent years, using the auction modality, presented lower unit prices. The year of purchase, the type of institutions, the institution's location, and the procurement modality influenced the procurement process. The performed analyses contribute to the understanding of the variables associated with the procurements for adhesive systems, providing valuable information for rationalizing public expenditure and for implementing evidence-based practices to guarantee cost-effective and clinically effective procedures for users of the Brazilian public healthcare system.

Nanoscale mineralization of cell-laden methacrylated gelatin hydrogels using calcium carbonate-calcium citrate core-shell microparticles.

Conventional biomaterials developed for bone regeneration fail to fully recapitulate the nanoscale structural organization and complex composition of the native bone microenvironment. Therefore, despite promoting osteogenic differentiation of stem cells, they fall short of providing the structural, biochemical, and mechanical stimuli necessary to drive osteogenesis for bone regeneration and function. To address this, we have recently developed a novel strategy to engineer bone-like tissue using a biomimetic approach to achieve rapid and controlled nanoscale mineralization of a cell-laden matrix in the presence of osteopontin, a non-collagenous protein, and a supersaturated solution of calcium and phosphate medium. Here, we build on this approach to engineer bone regeneration scaffolds comprising methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) hydrogels incorporated with calcium citrate core-shell microparticles as a sustained and reliable source of calcium ions for in situ mineralization. We demonstrate successful biomineralization of GelMA hydrogels by embedded calcium carbonate-calcium citrate core-shell microparticles with the resultant mineral chemistry, structure, and organization reminiscent of that of native bone. The biomimetic mineralization was further shown to promote osteogenic differentiation of encapsulated human mesenchymal stem cells even in the absence of other exogenous osteogenic induction factors. Ultimately, by combining the superior biological response engendered by biomimetic mineralization with the intrinsic tissue engineering advantages offered by GelMA, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and printability, we envision that our system offers great potential for bone regeneration efforts.

The influence of the particle's size on the setting reaction of sol-gel derived calcium silicate particles / A influência do tamanho de partícula na reação de presa de cimentos de silicate de cálcio produzidos por sol-gel

Introduction: This study aims to analyze the influence of particles size of sol-gel derived calcium silicate particles in the setting reaction of bioactive endodontic cements. Materials and Methods: Sol-gel derived calcium silicate particles were synthesized and sieved to separate the particles in different sizes: CS400, CS200, and CS100. A commercial MTA (Control) was used as control. The particle size and the specific surface area were assessed by laser diffraction and nitrogen adsorption. The cements were prepared with water as the liquid for the reaction. The setting time was conducted according to ISO 6876, and the setting kinetics was analyzed by Fourier trans-formed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) at different time points between 120s to 72h. Results: The particle size varied from 9.45µm (CS400 ) to 31.01 (Control). The higher specific surface area valuer reached 15.14g/cm2 in the CS400. The smallest particle sizes, the higher specific surface area, and the lowest setting time were found for CS400 (p < 0.05). Control presented the highest setting time (p < 0.05). The FTIR analyses showed the differences in materials structure over time, with faster hydration and crystallization for CS400. The setting kinetics was slower for Control even when compared to a sol-gel derived group with similar particle size. Conclusion:The route of synthesis and the particle size influences the setting reaction of calcium silicate-based cements. The reduction of particle size for sol-gel derived calcium silicates lead to the acceleration of the setting reaction of the produced bioactive endodontic cement.

Introdução: Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a influência do tamanho de partículas de silicato de cálcio derivadas de sol-gel na reação de presa de cimentos endodônticos bioativos. Materiais e Métodos: Partículas de silicato de cálcio derivadas de sol-gel foram sintetizadas e peneiradas para separar as partículas em diferentes tamanhos: CS400, CS200 e CS100. Um MTA comercial (Controle) foi usado como controle. O tamanho das partículas e a área superficial específica foram avaliados por difração a laser e adsorção de nitrogênio. Os cimentos foram preparados com água como líquido para a reação. O tempo de presa foi conduzido de acordo com a ISO 6876, e a cinética de presa foi analisada por espectroscopia de infravermelho transformada de Fourier (FTIR) em diferentes pontos de tempo entre 120s a 72h. Resultados: O tamanho de partícula variou entre 9,45µm (CS400) e 31,01 (Controle). A maior área de superfície foi encontrada nas partículas do grupo CS400 (15.14g/cm2). Os menores tamanhos de partícula, a maior área de superfície específica e o menor tempo de presa foram encontrados para CS400 (p < 0,05). O Control apresentou o maior tempo de presa (p < 0,05). As análises de FTIR mostraram as diferenças na estrutura dos materiais ao longo do tempo, com hidratação e cristalização mais rápidas para CS400. A cinética de presa foi mais lenta para Control mesmo quando comparado a um grupo derivado de sol-gel com tamanho de partícula semelhante. Conclusão: A rota de síntese e o tamanho das partículas influenciam a reação de endurecimento dos cimentos à base de silicato de cálcio. A redução do tamanho de partícula para silicatos de cálcio derivados de sol-gel leva à aceleração da reação de pega do cimento endodôntico bioativo produzido.