Biomechanical and chemical behavior of various bioactive materials in class II restorations / Desempeño biomecánico y químico de diferentes materiales bioactivos en restauraciones clase II

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the biomechanical and chemical behavior of various bioactive materials in class II MOD restorations. Forty- eight standardized class II MOD cavities were prepared in sound extracted human molar teeth. The specimens were divided into four groups according to the restorative material: Group 1 (Filtek™ Z350 XT), Group 2 (Biodentine™ as a liner, and then restored with Filtek™ Z350 XT), Group 3 (Cention N™), and Group 4 (Activa™ Bioactive-Restorative). The samples were tested for fracture resistance by subjecting them to a compressive load in a Universal testing Machine. The failure modes of each specimen were evaluated. The alkalinizing potential and calcium ion release of the materials were measured. SEM-EDAX analyses were also performed for all materials. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test (p<0.05). Group 1 showed the higher fracture resistance (p<0.05). Group 3 had greater fracture resistance values but no statistical difference from Group 4. Biodentine™ showed greater biomineralization potential. Class II MOD restorations of Group 1 displayed the higher fracture resistance; however, it was highly associated with catastrophic failure. Conversely, Biodentine™ presented a more significant bioactivity potential, and its use, as in Group 2, promoted the most favorable failure mode.

El objetivo de este estudio, in vitro, fue evaluar el desempeño biomecánico y químico de varios materiales bioactivos en restauraciones clase II MOD. Se prepararon cuarenta y ocho cavidades clase II MOD estandarizadas en dientes molares humanos extraídos. Las muestras se dividieron en cuatro grupos según el material de restauración: Grupo 1 (Filtek™ Z350 XT), Grupo 2 (Biodentine™ como base y luego restaurado con Filtek™ Z350 XT), Grupo 3 (Cention N™) y Grupo 4 (Activa™ Bioactivo-Reparador). La prueba de resistencia a la fractura fue realizada en una máquina de ensayo universal Instron. Se evaluaron los modos de falla de cada espécimen. Se midió el pH y la liberación de iones de calcio de los materiales. Se realizaron análisis SEM-EDAX. Los datos se analizaron mediante ANOVA y la prueba post hoc de Tukey (p<0,05). El grupo 1 mostró la mayor resistencia a la fractura (p<0,05). El Grupo 3 tuvo mayores valores de resistencia a la fractura que el Grupo 4, pero sin diferencia estadística. Biodentine™ mostró un mayor potencial de biomineralización. Las restauraciones Clase II MOD del Grupo 1 mostraron la mayor resistencia a la fractura; sin embargo, estuvo altamente asociado con fallas irreparables. Por el contrario, Biodentine™ presentó un potencial de bioactividad más significativo y su uso, como en el Grupo 2, promovió el modo de falla más favorable.

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

Bioseguridad en el laboratorio dental / Biosafety in the dental laboratory

Una enfermedad infecciosa es aquella producida por un agente infeccioso (bacterias, hongos, virus, etc.) que ingresa y se desarrolla en el organismo de un hospedero. Posteriormente, puede trasmitirse de un individuo a otro directamente por contacto entre ambos, o bien, indirectamente, por medio de un vec-tor biológico (de naturaleza animal o vegetal), o de un fómite (objeto inanimado). Las vías por las que un agente infeccioso puede ingresar a un hospedero son: inhalación (respiración de aerosoles), ingestión (salpicaduras de gotas), penetración de mucosas (na-sal, ocular y bucal) o lesiones en la piel o mucosas. Las fuentes de infección pueden ser los pacientes, el personal del consultorio o laboratorio, las superficies e instrumental contaminados y las prótesis o com-ponentes de éstas. Para evitar la propagación de los agentes microbianos se debe interrumpir el proceso de transmisión de los mismos. Todo profesional debe fortalecer y readecuar normas y protocolos de biose-guridad en la tarea diaria, para minimizar el riesgo de transmisión directa y cruzada entre el profesional, su equipo auxiliar, el laboratorista y los pacientes (AU)

An infectious disease is one caused by an infectious agent (bacteria, fungi, virus, etc.) that enters and develops in a host. Then it can be transmitted from one individual to another directly by contact between the two or, indirectly through a biological vector (an animal or plant nature), or a fomite (an inanimate object). The routes by which an infectious agent can enter a host are: inhalation (breathing of aerosols), ingestion (splash of droplets), penetration of mucous membranes (nasal, ocular and oral) and skin or mucous lesions. Sources of infection can be patients, office or laboratory personnel, contaminated surfaces and instruments and the prosthesis or component thereof. To prevent the spread of microbial agents, the process of their transmission must be interrupted. Every professional must strengthen and readjust biosafety standards and protocols in daily work to minimize the risk of direct and cross-transmission between the professional, his auxiliary team, the laboratory technician and the patients (AU)

Impresión 3D de modelos estereolitográficos con protocolo abierto / 3D Printing of Stereolithographic Models with Open Protocol

RESUMEN: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y exploratorio con el objetivo de proponer y validar un protocolo abierto para hacer impresiones 3D de modelos estereolitográficos, que esté a disposición de profesionales en el área de la Odontología. Se capacitó mediante sesiones teórico prácticas, a nueve personas operadoras (estudiantes de último año de la carrera de Odontología), sin previa experiencia en el uso de software y hardware para impresión 3D, divididos en dos grupos; el A trabajó con tres tomografías helicoidales (TAC) y el B con tres Tomografías Computarizadas de Haz Cónico (CBCT), todas en formato DICOM, convertidas en archivos STL. En total se aplicó el protocolo en 99 estructuras óseas correspondientes a 33 mandíbulas, 33 axis y 33 macizos faciales-bases de cráneo, y se imprimieron un total de 33 mandíbulas en filamento PLA (ácido poliláctico). Al finalizar el estudio, no se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la implementación del protocolo propuesto entre los operadores, las mediciones de las piezas impresas por cada uno de ellos, el patrón de oro, la TAC y el CBCT, con lo cual no solo se validó el protocolo, sino que se logró determinar los recursos necesarios para realizar este tipo de impresiones 3D.

ABSTRACT: A descriptive and exploratory study was carried out with the aim of proposing and validating an open protocol for making 3D impressions of stereolithographic models, which is available to professionals in the area of Dentistry. Nine operators (senior students of the Dentistry degree), without previous experience in the use of software and hardware for 3D printing, divided into two groups were trained through theoretical and practical sessions. The A worked with three helical tomographies (TAC) and the B with three cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), all in DICOM format, converted to STL files. In total, 99 bone structures corresponding to 33 jaws, 33 axis and 33 facial masses-skull bases were analyzed, and a total of 33 jaws were printed in PLA (polylactic acid filament). At the end of the study, no statistically significant difference was found in the implementation of the proposed protocol between the operators, the measurements of the pieces printed by each of them, the gold standard, the TAC and the CBCT, with which not only validated the protocol, but it was possible to determine the resources necessary to carry out this type of 3D printing.

Preparation of Alginate-Based Biomaterials and Their Applications in Biomedicine.

Alginates are naturally occurring polysaccharides extracted from brown marine algae and bacteria. Being biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic and easy to gel, alginates can be processed into various forms, such as hydrogels, microspheres, fibers and sponges, and have been widely applied in biomedical field. The present review provides an overview of the properties and processing methods of alginates, as well as their applications in wound healing, tissue repair and drug delivery in recent years.

Preventing nickel-titanium rotary instrument from breakage by continuous irrigation with different fluids during root canal preparation.

ABSTRACT: To study the effect of continuous irrigation of rotating nickel-titanium instrument with several common clinical fluids on the diameter, breaking length and breaking position of nickel-titanium instrument, so as to provide some reference and theoretical basis for clinical operation and instrument improvement.A standardized curved root canal model was established, and ProTaper Universal (PTU) F1 instrument was selected for root canal preparation. The nickel-titanium F1 instrument was flushed with distilled water, 0.9% NaCl, 0.2% chlorhexidine, 1% sodium hypochlorite and 5% sodium hypochlorite, and the diameter, length and position of the instrument before and after breakage were recorded.Only 5% sodium hypochlorite influenced the diameter of 6 mm marker points under different irrigation conditions (P < .05). There was no statistical difference in the length of broken instruments among all the groups, and torsional deformation mainly occurred at the end of broken instruments. The broken positions of instruments in all the groups were located at the bending segment of the root canal. The breaking frequency of the 5% sodium hypochlorite group was the highest in the area 3-5.5 mm away from apical foramen, while the other 4 groups had the highest breaking frequency in the area 0 to 1.5 mm away from apical foramen.External irrigation with different fluids did not influence the breaking length of instruments. The closer to the apical foramen was, the higher the breaking frequency of instruments was. However, only 5% sodium hypochlorite can affect the diameter of rotary nickel-titanium instruments, and may lead to early breakage of the instrument, indicating that the use of disinfectants, except 5% sodium hypochlorite, cannot reduce breakage resistance of nickel-titanium instrument compared with distilled water flushing. Furthermore, 5% hypochlorite could not be recommended for irrigation in clinical practice.

Tara Gum as a Controlled Delivery System of Fluoride in Toothpaste: In Vitro Enamel Remineralization Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the remineralizing potential of a hydrocolloid-based, controlled fluoride-releasing system added to dentifrice formulas. Material and Methods: Sixty-five human enamel blocks were prepared and the surface microhardness (SH0) values were determined. The artificial caries lesions were induced and the demineralization surface microhardness (SH1) was evaluated. The blocks were randomly allocated into five groups (n = 13): (1) 100-TGF (100% NaF with Tara gum added); (2) 50-TGF (50% free NaF + 50% NaF with Tara gum added); (3) 100% TG (100% Tara gum without fluoride); (4) 100% NaF (positive control); and (5) placebo (without Tara gum and NaF). The blocks were submitted to 7 days pH cycling and treated with dentifrice slurries twice a day. Finally, surface hardness (SH2) was assessed and the percentage of surface hardness recovery (%SMHR) was calculated. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni test was used for statistical analysis. Results: A positive %SMHR was found in the 100% NaF (5.07) and 50-TGF (0.64) groups, while the 100-TGF (-1.38), 100% TG (-3.88) and placebo (-0.52) did not undergo remineralization. Statistically significant differences were observed between 100% NaF and all the groups except for 50-TGF (p<0.05). Conclusion: The presence of hydrocolloid (Tara gum) promoted minimal remineralization when associated with NaF. In the applied model, Tara gum may have compromised remineralization, preventing free fluoride from acting effectively in the carious lesion.

Hematite Nanoparticles from Unexpected Reaction of Ferrihydrite with Concentrated Acids for Biomedical Applications.

The development of synthetic ways to fabricate nanosized materials with a well-defined shape, narrow-sized distribution, and high stability is of great importance to a rapidly developing area of nanotechnology. Here, we report an unusual reaction between amorphous two-line ferrihydrite and concentrated sulfuric or other mineral and organic acids. Instead of the expected dissolution, we observed the formation of new narrow-distributed brick-red nanoparticles (NPs) of hematite. Different acids produce similar nanoparticles according to scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The reaction demonstrates new possibilities for the synthesis of acid-resistant iron oxide nanoparticles and shows a novel pathway for the reaction of iron hydroxide with concentrated acids. The biomedical potential of the fabricated nanoparticles is demonstrated by the functionalization of the particles with polymers, fluorescent labels, and antibodies. Three different applications are demonstrated: i) specific targeting of the red blood cells, e.g., for red blood cell (RBC)-hitchhiking; ii) cancer cell targeting in vitro; iii) infrared ex vivo bioimaging. This novel synthesis route may be useful for the development of iron oxide materials for such specificity-demanding applications such as nanosensors, imaging, and therapy.

Physicochemical and Tissue Response of PLA Nanofiber Scaffolds Sterilized by Different Techniques / Evaluación fisicoquímica y respuesta tisular de andamios nanofibrilares de PLA esterilizados por diferentes técnicas

ABSTRACT In recent years, tissue engineering has evolved considerably, due to the problems in the biomedical area concerning tissue regeneration therapies. Currently, work has been focused on the synthesis and physicochemical characterization of poly lactic acid scaffolds, a synthetic polyester that has been extensively study for its excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. Moreover, sterilization strategies of scaffold are a crucial step for its application in tissue regeneration, however, the sterilization process have to maintain the structural and biochemical properties of the scaffold. Therefore, it is very important to carry out studies on the sterilization methods of the sample's material, since translational medicine is intended for in vivo applications. The aim of the present study was designed to analyze the effects of different sterilization techniques, i.e. ethylene oxide (ETO), gamma radiation (GR) and hydrogen peroxide- based plasma (H2O2) in biodegradable PLA scaffolds, and to determine the best sterilization technique to render a sterile product with minimal degradation and deformation, and good tissue response. Analysis of surface morphology showed that ETO and GR modified the PLA scaffolds without any change in its chemical composition. Moreover, the histological response showed that the scaffolds are biocompatible and those sterilized by GR showed a more severe inflammatory response, accompanied with the presence of giant foreign body cells. In conclusion, the results show that among sterilization techniques used in the preset study, the best results were observed with H2O2 sterilization, since it did not significantly modify the surface structure of the PLA fibers and their in vivo response did not cause an unfavorable tissue reaction.

RESUMEN En los últimos años, la ingeniería de tejidos ha evolucionado considerablemente, debido a las incógnitas en las terapias de regeneración en el área biomédica. Actualmente, se ha trabajado en la síntesis y caracterización fisicoquímica de andamios de poliácido láctico, el cual es un polímero sintético que se ha estudiado para aplicaciones en ingeniería de tejidos, debido a su biocompatibilidad y biodegradabilidad. El proceso de esterilización es un paso crucial en la aplicación de andamios en terapias de regeneración, sin embargo, la técnica de esterilización debe mantener las propiedades estructurales y bioquímicas del andamio. Por lo tanto, es muy importante realizar estudios sobre los métodos de esterilización de dichos andamios, ya que la medicina traslacional está diseñada para aplicaciones in vivo. El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar los efectos de diferentes técnicas de esterilización como óxido de etileno (ETO), radiación gamma (GR) y plasma a base de peróxido de hidrógeno (H2O2) en andamios biodegradables de PLA, y determinar la mejor técnica de esterilización con mínima degradación y deformación, así como una respuesta tisular favorable. La estructura de la superficie de los andamios de PLA se modificó principalmente con las técnicas de óxido de etileno y radiación gamma, sin embargo, ninguna técnica modificó su composición química. Con la respuesta histológica se demostró que los andamios de PLA son biocompatibles y que los esterilizados por radiación gamma desencadenan una mayor respuesta inflamatoria y la formación de células gigantes de cuerpo extraño. En conclusión, los resultados muestran que las técnicas de esterilización utilizadas pueden modificar la morfología del andamio, sin embargo; los mejores resultados se observaron con la esterilización por plasma a base de peróxido de hidrógeno, ya que no modificó significativamente la estructura de la superficie de las fibras de PLA y su respuesta in vivo no provocó una reacción desfavorable en el tejido.

Latest Advances on Bacterial Cellulose-Based Materials for Wound Healing, Delivery Systems, and Tissue Engineering.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a nanocellulose form produced by some nonpathogenic bacteria. BC presents unique physical, chemical, and biological properties that make it a very versatile material and has found application in several fields, namely in food industry, cosmetics, and biomedicine. This review overviews the latest state-of-the-art usage of BC on three important areas of the biomedical field, namely delivery systems, wound dressing and healing materials, and tissue engineering for regenerative medicine. BC will be reviewed as a promising biopolymer for the design and development of innovative materials for the mentioned applications. Overall, BC is shown to be an effective and versatile carrier for delivery systems, a safe and multicustomizable patch or graft for wound dressing and healing applications, and a material that can be further tuned to better adjust for each tissue engineering application, by using different methods.

Recent Progress in Polyhydroxyalkanoates-Based Copolymers for Biomedical Applications.

In recent years, naturally biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) monopolymers have become focus of public attentions due to their good biocompatibility. However, due to its poor mechanical properties, high production costs, and limited functionality, its applications in materials, energy, and biomedical applications are greatly limited. In recent years, researchers have found that PHA copolymers have better thermal properties, mechanical processability, and physicochemical properties relative to their homopolymers. This review summarizes the synthesis of PHA copolymers by the latest biosynthetic and chemical modification methods. The modified PHA copolymer could greatly reduce the production cost with elevated mechanical or physicochemical properties, which can further meet the practical needs of various fields. This review further summarizes the broad applications of modified PHA copolymers in biomedical applications, which might shred lights on their commercial applications.

Silylation of bacterial cellulose to design membranes with intrinsic anti-bacterial properties.

In this work, we report a convenient method of grafting non-leachable bioactive amine functions onto the surface of bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofibrils, via a simple silylation treatment in water. Two different silylation protocols, involving different solvents and post-treatments were envisaged and compared, using 3-aminopropyl-trimethoxysilane (APS) and (2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl-trimethoxysilane (AEAPS) as silylating agents. In aqueous and controlled conditions, water-leaching resistant amino functions could be successfully introduced into BC, via a simple freeze-drying process. The silylated material remained highly porous, hygroscopic and displayed sufficient thermal stability to support the sterilization treatments generally required in medical applications. The impact of the silylation treatment on the intrinsic anti-bacterial properties of BC was investigated against the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results obtained after the in vitro studies revealed a significant growth reduction of S. aureus within the material.

Prazo de validade de esterilização de artigos utilizados em uma clínica odontológica / Sterilization expiration date of articles used in an odontological clinic

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a manutenção da esterilidade de materiais armazenados em uma clínica escola de Odontologia. Trata-se de um estudo experimental, no qual foram utilizados tubos de ensaio embalados em papel grau cirúrgico, armazenados por 84 dias em três partes das prateleiras. Após, foi realizado contagem e identificação das unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC). Foi constatado a ocorrência de 222 UFC em todos os grupos e amostras avaliados. Seis micro-organismos foram observados: Aspergillusflavus, Aspergillusfumigatus, Bacillus sp., Bacillussubtitlis, Micrococcus sp. e Rhizopus sp. Micrococcus sp. (47,7%) o mais frequentemente observado nas amostras, seguido de Bacillus sp. (25,7%) e Bacillussubtilis (15,8%). Conclui-se que os materiais avaliados são estéreis, e após uma semana de armazenamento apresentou UFC nas culturas, com relação a definição baseada na probabilística de estudos da cinética da morte microbiana os artigos manteve sua esterilidade pelos 84 dias de prateleira.(AU)

This paper aimed to evaluate the maintenance and sterility of supplies stored in a school dental office. It is an experimental study, which surgical paper packed test tubeswere used; they were stored for 84 days in three level parts of a shelf. Then, the colony forming units (CFU) count and identification were taken. It was found 222 CFU in all tested groups and samples. Six microorganisms were observed: Aspergillusflavus, Aspergillusfumigatus, Bacillus sp., Bacillus subtitlis, Micrococcus sp. e Rhizopus sp. Micrococcus sp. (47,7%) were more frequent observed in the samples. Followed by Bacillus sp. (25,7%) e Bacillus subtilis (15,8%). It was concluded that tested material was sterile, after a week stored they presented CFU in cultures, regarding to the definition based on probabilistic studies of microbial death kinetics the supplies retained their sterility through 84 shelf days.(AU)

Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la manutención de la esterilidad de los materiales almacenados en una clinica de Odontología. Es un estudio de prueba, el cual se utilizaron tubos de ensayo envasados en papel de grado quirúrgico, almacenados por 84 días en tres partes de una estantería. Después, fue realizado el conteo e identificación de las unidades formadoras de colónias (UFC). Se constató la presencia de 222 UFC en todos los grupos y muestras evaluados. Seis microorganismos fueran observados: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Bacillus sp., Bacillus subtitlis, Micrococcus sp. y Rhizopus sp. Micrococcus sp.(47,7%) lo más frecuente observado en las muestras, seguido porBacillus sp. (25,7%) y Bacillus subtilis (15,8%). Se concluyó que los materiales evaluados son estériles, y después de una semana de almacenamiento presentaron UFC en las culturas, con relación a la definición basada en la probabilística de estudios de la cinética de la muerte micribiana los artículos mantivieron su esterilidad por los 84 días en estantería.(AU)

Challenges in creating dissectible anatomical 3D prints for surgical teaching.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, or additive manufacturing, is now a widely used tool in pre-operative planning, surgical teaching and simulator training. However, 3D printing technology that produces models with accurate haptic feedback, biomechanics and visuals for the training surgeon is not currently available. Challenges and opportunities in creating such surgical models will be discussed in this review paper. Surgery requires proper tissue handling as well as knowledge of relevant anatomy. To prepare doctors properly, training models need to take into account the biomechanical properties of the anatomical structures that will be manipulated in any given operation. This review summarises and evaluates the current biomechanical literature as it relates to human tissues and correlates the impact of this knowledge on developing high fidelity 3D printed surgical training models. We conclude that, currently, a printer technology has not yet been developed which can replicate many of the critical qualities of human tissue. Advances in 3D printing technology will be required to allow the printing of multi-material products to achieve the mechanical properties required.

Advanced electronic skin devices for healthcare applications.

Electronic skin, a kind of flexible electronic device and system inspired by human skin, has emerged as a promising candidate for wearable personal healthcare applications. Wearable electronic devices with skin-like properties will provide platforms for continuous and real-time monitoring of human physiological signals such as tissue pressure, body motion, temperature, metabolites, electrolyte balance, and disease-related biomarkers. Transdermal drug delivery devices can also be integrated into electronic skin to enhance its non-invasive, real-time dynamic therapy functions. This review summarizes the recent progress in electronic skin devices for applications in human health monitoring and therapy systems as well as several potential mass production technologies such as inkjet printing and 3D printing. The opportunities and challenges in broadening the applications of electronic skin devices in practical healthcare are also discussed.