Evolution of roughness and optical properties of resin composites submitted to whitening toothpastes-cigarette smoking cycling.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of cycling whitening toothpaste with cigarette smoking (WTCS) on the evolution of roughness, color, translucency, and gloss of microfilled, microhybrid, and nanofilled resin composites. METHODS: 15 specimens of Durafill - DVS, Empress Direct - ED, and Z350 - FZ were divided into three groups according to the toothpastes:: conventional, control group, (Colgate - C) and Whitening (Colgate Luminous White - CW and Oral B 3D White - OW) and roughness, color, translucency, and gloss were evaluated before and after the specimens were submitted to WTCS for 8 weeks. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA, 3-way repeated measures ANOVA, and Tukey HSD post hoc test (α= 0.05). RESULTS: Only ED and FZ brushed with CW and FZ brushed with C presented an increase in roughness after WTCS. The three composites suffered a significant color alteration after WTCS. Excepting DVS brushed with CW, all the other groups presented a significant reduction in translucency after WTCS. DVS was the only resin composite that maintained its gloss stability after WTCS. Whitening toothpastes behaved similarly to conventional (control) toothpaste regarding the evolution of roughness and optical stability of the three resin composites. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Whitening toothpastes were not capable of maintaining the color stability of the three resin composites after 8 weeks of toothpastes-cigarette smoking cycling.

Effect of Calcium Hydroxide on Bonding Performance of an Experimental Self-etch Adhesive.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of Ca(OH)2 concentration on pH neutralization, degree of conversion (DC%), and bonding performance of experimental self-etch adhesives (SEAs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four different concentrations of Ca(OH)2 (0 wt%, 1 wt%, 2 wt%, and 4 wt%) were added to the bond of an experimental two-step SEA consisting of primer (10-MDP [30 wt%], TEG-DMA [30 wt%], ethanol [35 wt%], water [5 wt%], camphorquinone [0.5 wt%], and tertiary amine [0.5 wt%]) and bond (bis-GMA [50 wt%], TEG-DMA [30 wt%], HEMA [20 wt%], camphorquinone [0.5 wt%], and tertiary amine [0.5 wt%]) to form four groups: E0, E1, E2 and E4. pH neutralization was evaluated until it reached equilibrium, and DC% within the hybrid layer was analyzed by micro-Raman spectroscopy. Human molars were wet ground until the occlusal dentin was exposed, SEAs were applied, and composite buildups were constructed. After storage in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h, the teeth were cut into composite-dentin beams. Microtensile bond strength (µTBS) was evaluated after 24 h of water storage at 37°C. Nanoleakage was evaluated by SEM. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (a = 0.05). RESULTS: All the SEAs reached pH equilibrium after thirteen days, with E1 and E4 presenting the highest pH (p < 0.05). E0 and E1 presented lower DC% than did E2 and E4 (p < 0.05). All the SEAs showed statistically similar mTBS and nanoleakage (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The incorporation of Ca(OH)2 endowed the SEAs with pH-neutralization ability and improved their DC%, without interfering with the bond strength to dentin or nanoleakage extent.

Resin-dentin Bond Stability of Experimental 4-META-based Etch-and-rinse Adhesives Solvated by Ethanol or Acetone.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of 4-META concentration and type of solvent on the degree of conversion (DC%) and resin-dentin bond stability of experimental etch-and-rinse adhesives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four different concentrations of 4-META (12 wt%, 20 wt%, 30 wt%, 40 wt%) were added to a model adhesive system consisting of TEG-DMA (25 wt%), UDMA (20 wt%), HEMA (30 wt%), water (4 wt%), camphorquinone (0.5 wt%), and tertiary amine (0.5 wt%) dissolved in 20% acetone (A12, A20, A30 and A40) or 20% ethanol (E12, E20, E30 and E40). DC% was evaluated by FT-IR spectroscopy. Human molars were wet ground until the occlusal dentin was exposed, the adhesive systems were applied after 37% phosphoric acid etching, and resin composite buildups were incrementally constructed. After storage in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h, the teeth were cut into resin-dentin beams (cross-sectional area 1 mm2). Microtensile bond strength (µTBS) was evaluated after 24 h, 6 months, and 1 year of water storage at 37°C. The failure mode was categorized as adhesive, mixed, or cohesive. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: A12 presented the lowest DC% (p < 0.05). All the other adhesive systems showed statistically similar DC% (p > 0.05). All adhesive systems maintained resin-dentin bond stability after 6 months of water storage, while only A40 and E40 maintained it after 1 year. CONCLUSION: Irrespective of the type of organic solvent, the incorporation of high concentrations of 4-META (40 wt%) improved the resin-dentin bond stability of the experimental etch-and-rinse adhesive systems over a period of 1 year.

Early postnatal nociceptive stimulation results in deficits of spatial memory in male rats.

Prematurely-born infants are exposed to multiple invasive procedures while in the intensive care unit. Newborn rats and humans have similar behavioral responses to noxious stimulation. Previous studies have shown that early noxious stimuli may alter dentate gyrus neurogenesis and the behavioral repertoire of adult rats. We evaluated the late effects of noxious stimulation administered during different phases of development on two spatial memory tests; object recognition (OR) and Morris water maze (WM) tests. Noxious stimulation was induced by an intra-plantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) on postnatal (P) day 1 (group P1) or 8 (P8). Control animals were not stimulated. Behavioral tests were conducted on P60 in both male and female animals. In the WM, three domains were evaluated: acquisition, probe trial performance and reversal re-acquisition. The number of Nissl stained cells in the dentate granule cell layer was assessed by stereological counting. The OR test revealed that P1 male rats had poor long-term memory compared to the control and P8 groups. In the WM, no short- or long-term memory differences were detected between early postnatal-stimulated male and female rats and their respective controls. However, the ability to find the hidden platform in a new position was reduced in P1 male rats. The number of dentate granule cells in P8 males was higher than in all other groups. This study demonstrates that noxious stimulation on P1 results in spatial learning deficits in male animals, but does not disrupt the development of the hippocampus-dependent strategies of learning and memory.

Influence of organic acids present in oral biofilm on the durability of the repair bond strength, sorption and solubility of resin composites.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the repair bond strength after storage in water, lactic and propionic acid after 7 days and 6 months and the sorption and solubility of resin composites used. METHODS: Five cylinders of each resin composite (microhybrid, nanofilled and silorane-based composite) were prepared. Specimens were aged with thermocycling (5 and 55°C) 5,000 times. A repair procedure was performed using intraoral sandblasting with 50-µm aluminum oxide, application of an adhesive system and cylinder of composite was fabricated. Specimens were sectioned into beams and stored in three immersion media: water, propionic acid and lactic acid. The microtensile bond strength was measured after periods of 7 days and 6 months. Sorption and solubility were evaluated using 15 specimens (0 = 6 mm; h = 1 mm) of each resin composite, which were prepared and assigned into three groups (n = 5) according to the immersion media (water, propionic acid and lactic acid). Data were analyzed using one-way/two-way/three-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The resin composites, immersion media and time of immersion did not affect the repair bond strength (microhybrid 38.3 to 40.9 MPa; nanofilled 38.7 to 42.2 MPa; silorane 41.2 to 51.1 MPa). Additionally, the immersion media did not affect the sorption and solubility. The silorane-based composite presented the lowest sorption (10.5 to 12.1 µg/mm3) and solubility (-2.4 to -2.7 µg/mm3), while the nanofilled methacrylate-based composite showed the highest sorption (32.1 to 33.6 µg/mm3). Regarding solubility, the nanofilled and microhybrid methacrylate-based composites did not present statistically significant differences.

Sorption and solubility of self-etching adhesives immersed in organic acids present in oral biofilm.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the sorption and solubility of self-etching adhesive systems after immersion in distilled water, lactic acid, and propionic acid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens of 2 two-step (P90 System Adhesive [P90], Clearfil SE Bond [CSE]) and 1 single-step (Adper Easy One [AEO]) adhesive systems were prepared and divided into 4 groups: P90 primer ( P90-P), P90 bond (P90-B), AEO, and CSE bond (CSE-B). Specimens were placed in a desiccator and weighed daily until achieving a constant mass (m1). The specimens (n = 5) were then immersed in the respective media and weighed until a achieving a constant mass (m2). The specimens were again desiccated (m3). Sorption and solubility data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Turkey's test. Specimens were also observed using SEM without immersion, after 24 h, and at the end of the respective total time of immersion. RESULTS: For all immersion media, the highest sorption values were obtained for AEO and P90-P, followed by CSE-B and P90-B, which presented the lowest sorption. The time required for adhesives to absorb the solutions was: 11 to 19 days for P90-P, 12 to 13 days for P90-B, 15 to 19 days for AEO, and 14 to 18 days for CSE-B. The highest values of solubility were shown for AEO and P90-P in all immersion media. In water and propionic acid, the adhesives with the lowest solubility values were CSE-B and P90-B. CSE-B had the lowest solubility in lactic acid. CONCLUSION: The greatest surface degradation was observed after each respective total time of immersion. AEO specimens presented more evident surface degradation and the highest sorption and solubility.

Neonatal nociceptive stimulation results in pain sensitization, reduction of hippocampal 5-HT1A receptor, and p-CREB expression in adult female rats.

Painful invasive procedures are often performed on newborns admitted to intensive care units (ICU). The acute and long-term effects caused by these stimuli can be investigated in animal models, such as newborn rats. Previous studies have shown that animals subjected to nociceptive stimuli in the neonatal period show sex-specific behavioral changes such as signs of anxiety or depression. Under the same conditions, neonatal stimuli also provoke an increase in the rate of neurogenesis and cell activation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. So, this study aims to identify the possible roles of central monoamines, receptor expression (5-HT1A), and signaling factors (p-CREB) underlying the long-term effects of neonatal nociceptive stimulation. For this, noxious stimulation was induced by intra-plantar injection of Complete Freund´s adjuvant (CFA) on the postnatal day 1 (P1) or 8 (P8). Control animals were not stimulated. On P75 the behavioral tests were conducted (hotplate and elevated plus maze), followed by sacrifice and molecular studies. Our results showed that neonatal nociceptive stimulation alters pain sensitization specially in females, while stimulation on P1 increases pain threshold, P8-stimulated animals respond with reduced pain threshold (P < 0.001). Hippocampal expression of 5-HT1A receptor and p-CREB were reduced in P8 F group (P < 0.001) in opposition to the increased utilization rate of dopamine and serotonin in this group (P < 0.05). This study shows sex- and age-specific responses of signaling pathways within the hippocampus accompanied by altered behavioral repertoire, at long-term after neonatal painful stimulation.

Influence of Specimen Dimension, Water Immersion Protocol, and Surface Roughness on Water Sorption and Solubility of Resin-Based Restorative Materials.

The evaluation of water sorption and solubility is pivotal for the development of new resin-based restorative materials with the potential for clinical application. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the influence of the specimen dimension, water immersion protocol, and surface roughness on the water sorption and solubility of three resin-based restorative materials. Disk-shaped specimens of 15 mm × 1 mm, 10 mm × 1 mm, and 6 mm × 1 mm were produced with a composite resin (Z100), a resin cement (RelyX ARC), and an adhesive system (Single Bond 2-SB2). The specimens were immersed in distilled water according to four protocols: ISO (all the specimens for each group were vertically immersed in 50 mL); IV-10 (the specimens were individually and vertically immersed in 10 mL); IH-10 (the specimens were individually and horizontally immersed in 10 mL); and IH-2 (the specimens were individually and horizontally immersed in 2 mL). The surface roughness (Sa and Sp) was evaluated using an atomic force microscope, and the degree of conversion was determined using FT-IR spectrometry. The specimen dimension and water immersion protocol had no effect on water sorption and solubility. For the three resin-based restorative materials, Sp was higher than Sa. The degree of conversion was not influenced by the specimen dimension. The variations in the specimen dimension and water immersion protocol compared to those determined by ISO 4049 did not prevent the comparison between the values of water sorption and solubility obtained for a given resin-based restorative material.

Characterization and Anti-Caries Effect of an Experimental Adhesive Containing Natural Antimicrobial Agents.

PURPOSE: To characterize experimental adhesives containing natural antimicrobial agents (proanthocyanidins, apigenin, tt-farnesol) in the primer and to evaluate their anti-caries effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Natural agents were incorporated in the primer of an experimental adhesive: 4.5% proanthocyanidins (PA), 1 mM apigenin (API), 1 mM apigenin + 5 mM tt-farnesol (API + FAR), and primer without antimicrobial agent (control). Microtensile bond strength (µTBS) to dentin and nanoleakage were measured immediately (n = 7) and after 1 year of storage (n = 7). Water sorption (WS), solubility (SO), and degree of conversion (DC%) of the adhesives were measured. The hardness loss of enamel (n = 6) and dentin (n = 6) at the restorative margin was evaluated after biofilm formation. RESULTS: DC%, nanoleakage, and immediate µTBS were similar for all groups. After 1 year, API + FAR showed higher nanoleakage and lower µTBS than the other groups, which were similar. WS and SO of API + FAR were lower than in the other groups. PA, API, and API + FAR presented less hardness loss than did the control group. At enamel, PA and API presented less hardness loss than the control and API + FAR groups at distances 50 µm and 100 µm; the hardness loss of enamel was similar for all groups 150 µm from the margin. CONCLUSION: The addition of proanthocyanidins and apigenin to the adhesives decreased the hardness loss of dentin and enamel submitted to biofilm formation, without jeopardizing the physical properties of the adhesives. The combination of apigenin + tt-farnesol decreased the hardness loss of dentin but not of enamel, and decreased the µTBS after 1 year of storage.

Effect of qualitative and quantitative nutritional plan on gene expression in obese patients in secondary prevention for cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Diet is a modifiable risk factor, which may influence the gene expression and the concentration of inflammatory biomarkers related to obesity and atherosclerosis. In this substudy from Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional (BALANCE) Program, we hypothesized that a nutritional intervention based on the usual Brazilian diet modulates the expression of genes involved with atherosclerosis and inflammatory biomarkers in male patients, in the secondary prevention for cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Six male patients, aged 45 years or older, obese, were selected to follow a qualitative-quantitative food plan for 6 months. Glycemia, insulinemia, lipid profile, plasma concentration of inflammatory biomarkers (interleukin (IL) -1ß), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor alpha, C-reactive protein and adiponectin, and expression of 84 atherosclerosis-related genes in total peripheral blood cells, were measured. RESULTS: After nutritional intervention, the participants reduced weight (p < 0.04), waist circumference (p < 0.04), Homeostasis Model Assessment index for insulin resistance (p = 0.046) and overall leukocyte count (p = 0.046) and neutrophils (p = 0.028). There was no significant modification in the plasma concentration of the inflammatory biomarkers, however, there was a significant increase in the expression of Apo A1 (p = 0.011), ELN (p = 0.017) and IL4 (p = 0.037) genes. CONCLUSIONS: The BALANCE Program, the qualitative-quantitative food plan composed of Brazilian usual foods, did not reduce the concentration of inflammatory biomarkers, but increased in total peripheral blood cells the expression of genes involved in reducing the risk of cardiometabolic in obese patients, in secondary prevention for cardiovascular disease. The clinical trial is registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ and the unique identifier is NCT01620398.

Characteristics of environmental Paracoccidioides brasiliensis isolates.

The ecological niche or exact habitat of the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is not known, and few isolates have been obtained from the environment. In this study, ten isolates were analyzed with respect to antigenic composition, serology, pathogenicity, and molecular aspects. Gp43 is considered to be the molecular basis for the serodiagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis; however, in this study only six of the environmental isolates secreted this molecule (four in great amounts and two in small amounts). Other molecules were also produced. When exoantigens from these isolates were tested using immunodiffusion, only four preparations were positive by ID tests. However, when these exoantigens were tested by ELISA, all of them except one were able to detect anti-P. brasiliensis antibodies. In Western blot assays, these exoantigens showed different reactivities. Isolates that secreted gp43 presented positive reactions for this molecule, and isolates that did not secrete gp43 gave positive reactions for other minor molecules. RAPD analysis revealed that there is great genetic variation between these environmental isolates. These isolates were non-pathogenic: no mortality was observed among the inoculated mice during an 18-month follow-up period.

Seroepidemiological survey of paracoccidioidomycosis infection among urban and rural dogs from Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

There is some evidence that dogs can be naturally infected by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in endemic areas of paracoccidioidomycosis. In order to evaluate canine infection with this fungus, a survey with 149 urban and 126 rural dogs was carried out using ELISA and intradermal tests with the gp43 antigen of P. brasiliensis in Uberaba, Minas Gerais state of Brazil. Forty-one out of 149 urban dogs were euthanatized and had their lungs, liver and spleen removed. One slice from each viscera was processed for histopathological examination and the remaining was homogenized and then cultivated on mycobiotic agar at room temperature and Fava-Netto medium at 35 degrees C and observed for 12 weeks. Of urban dogs, 75 (50.3%) were small adult females, 56 (36%) were strays, while 93 (64%) had been donated to the municipal zoonosis control center. Nine (6.2%) had a positive intradermal test without statistical differences regarding gender, race, nutritional status or origin. No colonies with microscopic or morphology appearances resembling P. brasiliensis were isolated, nor granulomatous process or fungal structures were observed from histopathological examination. Eighty (53.6%) of the urban dogs presented seroreactivity, without statistical differences regarding gender, race, nutritional state, origin, or positive intradermal test. Of 126 rural dogs, 102 (80.5%) presented antibodies against gp43 antigen, and this was statistically significant in relation to the reactivity detected in urban dogs (P = 0.0001). Thus, dogs are commonly infected with P. brasiliensis, but they probably present natural resistance to develop paracoccidioidomycosis.

Microhardness evaluation of in situ vital bleaching and thickening agents on human dental enamel.

Bleaching systems and thickening agents lead to changes in the tooth enamel matrix as a result of an unspecific oxidation of the bleaching gel in the enamel. This reaction may result in a loss of mineral content and a decrease in microhardness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different bleaching systems and their thickening agents on the microhardness of human enamel in situ. Two dental slabs (3 x 3 x 2 mm) obtained from third molars were fixed on the buccal facial aspects of the maxillary first molars in a group of 45 volunteers. The volunteers were treated with 10% carbamide peroxide gel with carbopol as the thickening agent (group 1), 2% carbopol gel (group 2), 10% carbamide peroxide paste with poloxamer as the thickening agent (group 3), poloxamer (group 4), or 6.5% hydrogen peroxide strips for 21 days (group 5) (experimental treatment factor). The effects of the experimental treatment were evaluated by microhardness tests performed both before and after treatment (time factor). Data were submitted to split-plot analysis of variance and Tukey tests. Only time showed a statistically significant difference (P < .0001). All treatments reduced the enamel microhardness during treatment. Clinically, a reduction in microhardness can be expected after dental bleaching.

Characterization and Antibacterial Effect of an Experimental Adhesive Containing Different Concentrations of Proanthocyanidin.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the degree of conversion (DC%), water sorption (Sp), solubility (Sl), dentin bond strength (µTBS) (immediate and after 12 months of storage), and the antibacterial effect of an experimental adhesive containing different concentrations (%) of proanthocyanidin (PA): 0, 1%, 2%, 4.5%, and 6% (PA0, PA1%, PA2%, PA4.5% and PA6%, respectively). MATERIALS AND METHODS: DC% was measured by FT-IR and the Sp and Sl were determined based on the ISO 4049 specification. For µTBS, resin composite buildups were constructed incrementally and specimens (n = 8) were sectioned to obtain sticks (1 mm2). The µTBS was evaluated after 24 h and 12 months of water storage at 37°C. The failure mode was analyzed. The antibacterial effects were evaluated by analyzing the bacterial growth (S. mutans) (n = 5) and antibiofilm activity (n = 5) of the adhesives by spectrophotometry. RESULTS: The incorporation of PA did not affect the Sp, Sl, or DC%. Immediate µTBS was similar for all groups. After 12 months, PA4.5% presented significantly higher µTBS than PA0, while the other groups did not differ from PA0 and PA4.5%. Groups PA0 and PA1% underwent significant reduction in µTBS. In the experimental groups PA2%, PA4.5% and PA6%, µTBS was maintained after storage. All groups showed antibacterial activity. CONCLUSION: Incorporation of 2%, 4.5%, and 6% PA maintained the dentin µTBS after 12-month storage, without affecting the Sp, Sl, or DC% of experimental adhesives. PA4.5% presented higher µTBS values than PA0 after 12 months. The adhesive presented antibacterial effect irrespective of PA concentration.

Resin-dentin bond stability of etch-and-rinse adhesive systems with different concentrations of MMP inhibitor GM1489.

Enzymatic degradation of the hybrid layer can be accelerated by the activation of dentin metalloproteinases (MMP) during the bonding procedure. MMP inhibitors may be used to contain this process. Objective To evaluate the degree of conversion (DC%), dentin bond strength (µTBS) (immediate and after 1 year of storage in water), and nanoleakage of an experimental (EXP) and a commercial (SB) adhesive system, containing different concentrations of the MMP inhibitor GM1489: 0, 1 µM, 5 µM and 10 µM. Methodology DC% was evaluated by FT-IR spectroscopy. Dentin bond strength was evaluated by µTBS test. Half of beams were submitted to the µTBS test after 24 h and the other half, after storage for 1 year. From each tooth and storage time, 2 beams were reserved for nanoleakage testing. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test to compare means (α=0.05). Results All adhesive systems maintained the µTBS after 1 year of storage. Groups with higher concentrations of inhibitor (5 µM and 10 µM) showed higher µTBS values than groups without inhibitor or with 1 µM. The nanoleakage values of all groups showed no increase after 1 year of storage and values were similar for SB and EXP groups, in both storage periods. The inhibitor did not affect the DC% of the EXP groups, but the SB5 and SB10 groups showed higher DC% values than those of SB0 and SB1. Conclusions The incorporation of GM1489 in the adhesive systems had no detrimental effect on DC%. The concentrations of 5 µM GM1489 for SB and 5 µM or 10 µM for EXP provided higher µTBS than groups without GM1489, in the evaluation after 1 year of storage; whereas the concentration of inhibitor did not affect adhesive systems nanoleakage.

Heterogeneity of proteins expressed by Brazilian Sporothrix schenckii isolates.

The profiles of proteins present in the exoantigens of Brazilian Sporothrix schenckii isolates were studied and compared by electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Thirteen isolates from five different regions of Brazil (1,000 to 2,000 km apart) and ten from a more limited region (200 to 400 km apart within the state of São Paulo) were cultured in Sabouraud, M199 and minimum (MM) media. Qualitative and quantitative differences in the expression of proteins, which varied according to the medium and the isolate, were observed. Fractions with the same MW but varying in intensity were detected, as well as fractions present in 1 isolate but absent in others. Dendrograms were constructed and isolates grouped based on the fractions obtained, irrespective of the intensity. The results showed that Brazilian S. schenckii isolates express different protein profiles, a feature also present in isolates from a more restricted region. The exoantigens were found to have a maximum of 15 protein fractions, ranging in MW from 19-220 KDaltons depending on the medium used for the cultures. These data show the great heterogeneity of Brazilian S. schenckii protein expression.

Proteomic analysis of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis complex isolates: Correlation of the levels of differentially expressed proteins with in vivo virulence.

BACKGROUND: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis commonly found in Latin America that is caused by distinct species of Paracoccidioides genus: Paracoccidioides brasiliensis complex (S1, PS2, PS3 and PS4) and Paracoccidioides lutzii. Its pathobiology has been recently explored by different approaches to clarify the mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions underpinning PCM. The diversity of clinical forms of this disease has been attributed to both host- and fungus-related factors. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: For better understanding of the molecular underpinnings of host-fungus interactions, we evaluated in vivo virulence of nine Paracoccidioides brasiliensis complex isolates and correlated it to protein expression profiles obtained by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Based on the recovery of viable fungi from mouse organs, the isolates were classified as those having low, moderate, or high virulence. Highly virulent isolates overexpressed proteins related to adhesion process and stress response, probably indicating important roles of those fungal proteins in regulating the colonization capacity, survival, and ability to escape host immune system reaction. Moreover, highly virulent isolates exhibited enhanced expression of glycolytic pathway enzymes concomitantly with repressed expression of succinyl-CoA ligase beta chain, a protein related to the tricarboxylic acid cycle. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings may point to the mechanisms used by highly virulent P. brasiliensis isolates to withstand host immune reactions and to adapt to transient iron availability as strategies to survive and overcome stress conditions inside the host.

Bond stability of conventional adhesive system with MMP inhibitors to superficial and deep dentin.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the microshear bond strength (µSBS) to deep (DD) or superficial (SD) dentin (µSBS) overtime, nanoleakage (AG%), degree of conversion (DC%), water sorption (WSp), and solubility (WSl) of an adhesive system [Adper Single Bond 2(ASB)] containing matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) inhibitors [GM1489 (ASB-GM), Batimastat (ASB-BAT), or Chlorhexidine diacetate (ASB-CHX)]. ASB without inhibitor was used as control (CONTROL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: WSp and WSL were calculated based on ISO4049. DC% was analyzed using FT-IR spectroscopy. Dentin discs were used for µSBS evaluation. For AG%, resin-dentin beams were analyzed under scanning electronic microscopy. Data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA (AG% and µSBS) or ANOVA (DC%, WSp, WSl) and Tukey's HSD test. RESULTS: ASB-CHX presented the lowest DC%, lowest WSp, and highest WSl. ASB-GM reached the highest immediate µSBS in SD, only different from ASB-CHX. In DD, ASB-BAT and ASB-GM had the highest µSBS, statistically different from ASB-CHX. After twelve months, ASB-GM and ASB-BAT presented higher µSBS in SD when compared to CONTROL and ASB-CHX. In DD, ASB-GM reached the highest value, which was statistically different from CONTROL and ASB-CHX. CONTROL at both dentin depths and ASB-CHX at DD did not maintain bond stability. In SD after 12 months, ASB-BAT and ASB-GM decreased AG%. In DD, only ASB-GM reduced AG%. CONCLUSION: The ASB containing Batimastat and GM1489 maintained resin-dentin bond stability after 12 months for both dentin depths, without jeopardizing WSp, WSl, or DC% of the adhesive system. The ASB-GM presented greater µSBS after 12 months when compared with ASB. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Batimastat and GM1489 could be suitable for inclusion as an MMP-inhibitor into Single Bond to improve the bond stability to superficial and deep dentin, without jeopardize the physic-mechanical proprieties.

An adapted cardioprotective diet with or without phytosterol and/or krill oil supplement in familial hypercholesterolemia: A pilot study protocol

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A healthy diet is one of the pillars of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) treatment. However, the best dietary pattern and indication for specific supplementation have not been established. Our aim is to conduct a pilot study to assess the effect of an adapted cardioprotective diet with or without phytosterol and/or krill oil supplement in participants with a probable or definitive diagnosis of FH, treated with moderate/high potency statins. METHODS: A national, multicenter, factorial, and parallel placebocontrolled randomized clinical trial with a superiority design and 1:1:1:1 allocation rate will be conducted. The participants will undergo whole exome sequencing and be allocated into four treatment groups: 1) a cardioprotective diet adapted for FH (DICAFH) þ phytosterol placebo þ krill oil placebo; 2) DICA-FH þ phytosterol 2 g/day þ krill oil placebo; 3) DICA-FH þ phytosterol placebo þ krill oil 2 g/day; or 4) DICA-FH þ phytosterol 2 g/day þ krill oil 2 g/day. The primary outcomes will be low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and lipoprotein (a) levels and adherence to treatment after a 120-day follow-up. LDL- and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol subclasses, untargeted lipidomics analysis, adverse events, and protocol implementation components will also be assessed. RESULTS: A total of 58 participants were enrolled between May e August 2023. After the end of the follow-up period, the efficacy and feasibility results of this pilot study will form the basis of the design of a large-scale randomized clinical trial. CONCLUSIONS: This study's overall goal is to recommend dietary treatment strategies in the context of FH.

Effect of long-term water storage on etch-and-rinse and self-etching resin-dentin bond strengths.

This study sought to evaluate the long-term bond strength of etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesive systems to dentin after one year of water storage. Crown fragments from the buccal surface of extracted bovine incisors were ground flat to expose dentin surfaces. Four etch-and-rinse and two self-etch bonding agents were used according to manufacturers' instructions. Bonded specimens were stored in water for either 24 hours or one year at 37 delete C. After elapsed storage times, specimens were tested for shear bond strength (SBS) at 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p < 0.05). Both evaluated factors (adhesive system and storage time) and their interactions were statistically significant. Single Bond produced the highest SBS regardless of the water degradation period. One-year water storage reduced the SBS of Prime & Bond NT and One-Up Bond F significantly; the other adhesives performed similarly. Long-term bond strengths of etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesive systems are susceptible to hygroscopic and hydrolytic effects to varying extents, depending on their chemistry and structure. The presence of monomers with different properties might induce preferential degradation of specific adhesive polymer systems.