Cytokine Signatures of Innate and Adaptive Immunity in 17DD Yellow Fever Vaccinated Children and Its Association With the Level of Neutralizing Antibody

Background. The live attenuated yellow fever (YF) vaccines have been available for decades and are considered highly effective and one of the safest vaccines worldwide. Methods. The impact of YF-17DD-antigens recall on cytokine profiles of YF-17DD-vaccinated children were characterized using short-term cultures of whole blood samples and single-cell flow cytometry. This study enrolled seroconverters and nonseroconverters after primovaccination (PV-PRNT(+) and PV-PRNT(-)), seroconverters after revaccination (RV-PRNT(+)), and unvaccinated volunteers (UV-PRNT(-)). Results. The analysis demonstrated in the PV-PRNT(+) group a balanced involvement of pro-inflammatory/regulatory adaptive immunity with a prominent participation of innate immunity pro-inflammatory events (IL-12(+) and TNF-alpha(+) NEU and MON). Using the PV-PRNT(+) cytokine signature as a reference profile, PV-PRNT(+) presented a striking lack of innate immunity proinflammatory response along with an increased adaptive regulatory profile (IL-4(+) CD4(+) T cells and IL-10(+) and IL-5(+) CD8(+) T cells). Conversely, the RV-PRNT(+) shifted the overall cytokine signatures toward an innate immunity pro-inflammatory profile and restored the adaptive regulatory response. Conclusions. The data demonstrated that the overall cytokine signature was associated with the levels of PRNT antibodies with a balanced innate/adaptive immunity with proinflammatory/regulatory profile as the hallmark of PV-PRNT(MEDIUM+), whereas a polarized regulatory response was observed in PV-PRNT(-) and a prominent proinflammatory signature was the characteristic of PV-PRNT(HIGH+).

Effects of individual housing on behavior and resistance to Ehrlich tumor growth in mice

This study analyzed in Balb/C mice the effects of individual housing on behavior, serum corticosterone and resistance to Ehrlich tumor growth. Mice (60 days old) were individually (IH) or grouped housed (G) (10-12 animals/cage) for 14-21 days. The 1st day of the housing condition was considered experimental day 1 (ED1). Results showed that on ED21, IH mice, when compared to G mice, presented no differences on corticosterone serum levels when kept undisturbed; however, an increased level of this hormone was observed in IH mice after an immobilization stress challenge. An increased time spent in the plus-maze closed arms and a decreased time in the open arms were also observed in IH mice. When compared to G animals, after inoculation with 105 Ehrlich tumor cells on ED1, IH mice presented an increase in volume of ascitic fluid and number of tumor cells. The survival time of IH mice was also shorter than that measured in G animals. Furthermore, IH mice injected with a different number of tumor cells on ED1 always presented increased Ehrlich tumor cells than G group. Interestingly. these effects were not observed when the tumor cells injection was done on ED4. These results suggest that individual-housing conditions induce an altered immune-endocrine response and, at the same time, decrease animals` resistance to Ehrlich tumor growth. It is proposed that the neural link between the behavioral and immunological changes observed after the stress of individual housing might involve the activation of the HPA axis. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Postpartum ovarian activity of Santa Ines lactating ewes fed diets containing soybean hulls as a replacement for coastcross (Cynodon sp.) hay

The Santa Ines, a Brazilian hair sheep, has a non-seasonal breeding activity. Data regarding the duration of the postpartum anestrous period in Santa Ines lactating ewes is lacking and the objective of this trial was to determine the effects of replacing neutral detergent fibre (NDF) provided by coastcross (Cynodon sp.) hay with NDF contained in soybean hulls (SH) on the postpartum ovarian activity-as measured by the serum progesterone (P(4)) concentration. Fifty-six lactating ewes (body weight 56.1 +/- 6.8 kg) were individually penned and used in a randomized complete block design with 14 blocks and four treatments. The SH NDF replaced 33 (SH33), 67 (SH67), or 100% (SH100) of the NDF contributed by coastcross hay in the control diet (SHO). This resulted in a SH inclusion at rates of 0, 25, 54, and 85% of the dietary dry matter (DM). Blood samples were collected twice weekly from the 14th to 84th day postpartum and the serum P(4) concentrations determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). It was estimated that the 1st postpartum ovulation occurred 6 days before the date that a serum P(4) >= 1 ng/ml concentration was first recorded. The mean body condition score (BCS; 0-5 scale) was 3.0 +/- 0.19 on day 14 postpartum and the mean BCS at day 56 postpartum increased linearly (P<0.01) with the inclusion levels of SH (3.09, 3.24, 3.34, and 3.36, respectively). Treatments did not differ significantly in the induction of postpartum days to the resumption of ovarian luteal activity (34.1 +/- 15.3 days postpartum). On days 25, 50, and 75 postpartum 36.80, and 100% of the ewes had resumed ovarian activity, respectively. Nonesterified fatty acid concentration decreased quadratically (P<0.05) with the SH inclusion, with values of 0.323, 0.244, 0.204, and 0.216 mequiv./l for the SHO, SH33, SH67, and SH100 treatments being recorded, respectively. Replacement of the NDF provided by coastcross hay with the NDF from the SH did not influence the duration of the postpartum anestrous period in Santa Ines lactating ewes. Considering a 150-day gestation period and the 34 days postpartum anestrous demonstrated in the present study, the current production system of a lambing interval of 8 months (3 lambing events in 2 years) may not be optimizing the production potential and a system in which the lambing interval is shortened by at least 1 month may be feasible. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Accuracy of working length determination using 3 electronic apex locators and direct digital radiography

Objectives. The objectives of this study were to assess the accuracy of working length determination using 3 electronic apex locators and direct digital radiography and to compare the results with those obtained using the visual method (control measurement). Study design. Twenty extracted human maxillary premolars were selected: 17 two-rooted and 3 single-rooted (total of 37 canals). Working length was measured using electronic apex locators Elements Diagnostic, Root ZX, and Just II. Subsequently, teeth were positioned in the alveolar bone of a dry skull and submitted to direct digital radiography. A variation of +/- 1 mm was considered as acceptable. Results were analyzed using the Wilcoxon and the chi(2) tests. Results. Results presented an accuracy of 94.6% for Elements Diagnostic, 91.9% for Root ZX, 73.0% for Just II, and 64.9% for direct digital radiography when considering the margin of +/- 1 mm in relation to the control measurement. Comparisons with the actual control measurements resulted in accuracy results of 13.51%, 13.51%, 10.10%, and 2.70%, respectively. Conclusions. Root ZX and Elements Diagnostic are more accurate in determining working length when compared with Just II and Schick direct digital radiography. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2011;111:e44-e49)

Comparison of different irrigants on calcium hydroxide medication removal: microscopic cleanliness evaluation

Calcium hydroxide dressing residuals can compromise endodontic sealing. This study evaluated the cleaning efficacy of different endodontic irrigants in removing calcium hydroxide by SEM image analysis. Fifty-four single-rooted mandibular premolars were instrumented to a master apical file #60 and dressed with calcium hydroxide. After 36 hours, the teeth were reopened and Ca(OH)(2) medication was removed by 5 different experimental groups: 0.5% NaOCl (G1), EDTA-C (G2), citric acid (G3), EDTA-T (G4), and re-instrumentation with MAF using NaOCl and lubrificant, followed by EDTA-T (G5). The roots were split in the buccal-lingual direction and prepared for SEM analysis in cervical, middle, and apical thirds (9, 6, and 3 mm from the apex). Five blinded examiners evaluated the wall cleanliness using a scale from 1 to 5. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis at 5% level of significance. Group G5 had the best results in all thirds, with significant statistical differences compared to all other groups in the middle and coronal third, and to G1 in the apical third. On the other hand, G1, only flushed with NaOCl, had the worst results, with statistical differences in all thirds compared to the other groups. The best cleanliness was achieved by G4 and G5 groups. The recapitulation of MAF in combination with irrigants improved the removal of calcium hydroxide medication better than an irrigant flush alone. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009; 107: 580-584)

Detection of Horizontal Root Fracture with Small-volume Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in the Presence and Absence of Intracanal Metallic Post

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to test the accuracy of small-volume cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning in the detection of horizontal root fractures and to assess the influence of a metallic post. Methods: Forty teeth were divided into four groups based on the presence of metallic posts and horizontal root fracture. The teeth were examined by small-volume CBCT scanning at 0.2-mm voxel resolution. Three observers analyzed the samples for the presence of a horizontal root fracture. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Results: High values for accuracy (73%-88%) were obtained in the groups without a metallic post, and statistically significant differences were found when the group with a metallic post has been observed (55%-70%). Intraobserver agreement also showed statistically significant differences in the groups with a metallic post. Conclusions: Small-volume CBCT scanning showed high accuracy in detecting horizontal root fracture without a metallic post. However, the presence of a metallic post significantly reduced the specificity and sensitivity of this examination. (J Endod 2011;37:1456-1459)

Do Low-shrink Composites Reduce Polymerization Shrinkage Effects?

Progress in polymer science has led to continuous reduction of polymerization shrinkage, exemplified by a new generation of ""low-shrink composites"". The common inference that shrinkage stress effects will be reduced in teeth restored with such restoratives with lower shrinkage was tested in extracted human premolars. Mesio-occluso-distal slot-shaped cavities were cut and restored with a conventional (SupremePlus) or low-shrink (RefleXions, Premise, Kalore, and LS) composite (N = 5). We digitized the coronal surfaces before and 10 min after restoration to determine cuspal deflection from the buccal and lingual volume change/area. We also determined the main properties involved (total shrinkage, post-gel shrinkage, degree of conversion, and elastic modulus), as well as microleakage, to verify adequate bonding. It was shown that, due to shrinkage stresses, buccal and lingual surfaces pulled inward after restoration (9-14 microns). Only Kalore and LS resulted in significantly lower tooth deformation (ANOVA/Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc, p = 0.05). The other two low-shrink composites, despite having the lowest and highest total shrinkage values, did not cause significant differences in cuspal deflection. Deflection seemed most related to the combination of post-gel shrinkage and elastic modulus. Therefore, even for significantly lower total shrinkage values, shrinkage stress is not necessarily reduced.

Can Fiber Posts Increase Root Stresses and Reduce Fracture?

The clinical success of fiber posts has been attributed to their lower elastic modulus. The tested hypothesis was that fiber posts could lead to lower risk of post debonding and lower risk of root fracture, despite an increase in root stresses. Stress analyses were carried out with a 3D finite element model of a premolar restored with a metallic or a fiber post. Bonded and non-bonded post/cement interface conditions were simulated. We calculated risk-of-fracture indices by determining the highest principal stress values divided by the tensile strength. Shear stresses along the post/cement interface were analyzed for the bonded models. Compared with the premolar restored with a metallic post, the fiber post generated lower stresses along the interface and higher stresses in the root. However, with the fiber post, fracture was less likely to occur in the root, since its core and post fracture indices were higher.

Response of human dental pulp capped with MTA and calcium hydroxide powder

Objectives: To compare the response of human dental pulp capped with a mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Ca(OH)(2) powder. Methods and Material: Pulp exposures were performed on the occlusal floor of 40 permanent premolars. The pulp was then capped with either Ca(OH)(2) powder (CH) or MTA and restored with resin composite. After 30 days (groups CH30 and MTA30) and 60 days (groups CH60 and MTA60), the teeth were extracted and processed for HE and categorized in a histological score system. The data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis and Conover tests (alpha=0.05). Results: In regard to dentin bridge formation, CH30 showed a tendency towards superior performance compared to MTA30 (p>0.05), although the products showed comparable results at day 60. In the item ""Inflammation"" and ""General State of the Pulp"" (p>0.05), CH showed a tendency towards presenting a higher inflammatory response. In the item ""Other Pulpal Findings,"" MTA and Ca(OH)(2) showed equal and excellent performance after 30 and 60 days (p>0.05). Conclusion: After 30 days, Ca(OH)(2) powder covered with calcium hydroxide cement showed faster hard tissue bridge formation compared to MTA. After 60 days, Ca(OH)(2) powder or NITA materials showed a similar and excellent histological response with the formation of a hard tissue bridge in almost all cases with low inflammatory infiltrate.

Prevalence of dental wear among 12-year-old Brazilian adolescents using a modification of the tooth wear index

Objective. This study investigated the prevalence of dental wear in 12-year-old adolescents using a modification of the tooth wear index (TWI). The modifications were proposed in order to fit with the World Health Organization standard, thus allowing application of the index in broad epidemiological surveys. Study design: An epidemiological cross-sectional survey was performed by trained, calibrated examiners, using a modified version of the TWI. Methods: Urban elementary schools were chosen because they provide a fair representation of the city`s population in terms of socio-economic status. The sample included 295 adolescents, selected randomly and systematically. Dental wear was assessed by calibrated examiners (kappa > 0.85), using a modified version of the TWI. This modified version includes a code for teeth restored due to wear, and another code for teeth that cannot be assessed. In addition, it does not differentiate the depth of dentine involvement. Proportions and confidence intervals were used to describe the prevalence of dental wear. Mann-Whitney test was used to detect differences in the degree of dental wear between mates and females. The level of statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: In total, 24,780 dental surfaces were evaluated. Among these surfaces, 73.10% did not present dental wear, 24.10% had incipient lesions, 2.46% had moderate lesions and 0.34% had been restored. No severe lesions were detected. Tooth wear was mainly seen on the occlusal/incisal surfaces (26.55%), involving enamel or enamel-dentine, but not the secondary dentine or pulp. The prevalence of dental wear was 26.90%. Considering the different teeth, wear was present in 53.22% of incisors, 50.51% of canines, 10.17% of premolars and 10.85% of molars. The prevalence of the different degrees of dental wear was similar in mates and females (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The modified TWI seems to bean effective toot for use in broad epidemiological surveys, due to easier calibration and high reproducibility rates. (C) 2008 The Royal Institute of Public Health. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of 4% titanium tetrafluoride solution on dental erosion by a soft drink: An in situ/ex vivo study

Objective: This in situ/ex vivo study assessed the effect of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) on permanent human enamel subjected to erosion. Design: Ten volunteers took part in this study performed in two phases. In the first phase (ERO), they wore acrylic palatal appliances containing two enamel blocks, divided into two rows: TiF4 (F) and no-TiF4 (no-F). During the 1st day, the formation of a salivary pellicle was allowed. In the 2nd day, the TiF4 solution was applied on one row (ERO + F), whereas on the other row no treatment was performed (ERO + no-F). From 3rd until 7th day, the blocks were subjected to erosion, 4x per day. In the 2nd phase (no-ERO), the volunteers wore acrylic palatal appliances containing one enamel block, during 2 days, to assess the effect of TiF4 only (no-ERO + F). Enamel alterations were determined using profilometry (wear), microhardness (%SMHC) tests, scanning electron microscope and microprobe analysis. The %SMHC and wear were tested using ANOVA and Tukey`s post hoc tests (p < 0.05). Results: The mean of %SMHC and wear ( mu m) values ( +/- S.D.) were, respectively: ERO + F -73.32 +/- 5.16(A)/2.40 +/- 0.60(a); ERO + no-F -83.49 +/- 4.59B/1.17 +/- 0.48(b) and no-ERO + F -67.92 +/- 6.16(A)/0.21:E 0.09(c). In microscope analysis, the no-F group showed enamel with honeycomb appearance. For F groups, it was observed a surface coating with microcracks. The microprobe analysis revealed the presence of the following elements (%) in groups ERO + F, ERO + no-F and no-ERO + F, respectively: Ca (69.9, 72.5, 66.25); P (25.9, 26.5, 26.06); Ti (3.0, 0, 5.93). Conclusions: The TiF4 was unable to reduce dental erosion. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analysis of four gutta-percha techniques used to fill mesial root canals of mandibular molars

P>Aim To compare the percentage of gutta-percha, sealer and voids and the influence of isthmuses in mesial root canals of mandibular molars filled with different techniques. Methodology Canals in 60 mesial roots of mandibular first molars were prepared with ProTaper instruments to size F2 (size 25, 0.08 taper) and filled using a single-cone, lateral compaction, System B or Thermafil techniques. An epoxy resin sealer was labelled with Rhodamine-B dye to allow analysis under a confocal microscope. The percentage of gutta-percha, sealer and area of voids was calculated at 2, 4 and 6 mm from the apex, using Image Tool 3.0 software. Statistical analysis was performed using nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (P < 0.05). The influence of isthmuses on the presence or absence of voids was evaluated using the Fisher test. Results At the 2 mm level, the percentage of gutta-percha, sealer and voids was similar amongst the System B, lateral compaction and single-cone techniques. The single-cone technique revealed significantly less gutta-percha, more sealer and voids in comparison with the Thermafil technique at the 2 and 4 mm level (P < 0.05). The analysis of all sections (2, 4 and 6 mm) revealed that more gutta-percha and less sealer and voids were found in root canals filled with Thermafil and System B techniques (P < 0.05). The Fisher test revealed that the presence of isthmuses increased the occurence of voids in the lateral compaction group only (P < 0.05). Conclusion Gutta-percha, sealer filled area and voids were dependent on the canal-filling technique. The presence of isthmuses may influence the quality of root filling.

An ex vivo comparison of root canal length determination by three electronic apex locators at positions short of the apical foramen

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the precision of working length determination of 3 electronic apex locators (EALs): Root ZX, RomiApex D-30, and Ipex at 0.0 mm, at the apical foramen (AF), and at 1.0 mm short of the AF. Methodology. Thirty-eight mandibular premolars had their real lengths previously determined. Electronic measurements were determined at 1.0 mm, followed by measurements at 0.0 mm, performed in triplicate. Results. Precision of devices at 1.0 mm and 0.0 mm were: 94.7% and 97.4%, respectively (Root ZX); 78.9% and 97.4% (RomiApex D-30); and 76.3% and 97.4% (Ipex). Although no statistical differences were observed between the EALs at 0.0, at 1.0 mm Root ZX performed significantly better than the others. Conclusion. The EALs had acceptable precision when measuring the working length at the AF. However, when used at levels short of the AF, only Root ZX did not suffer a significant negative effect on precision. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2010;110:e57-e61)

The effects of occlusal loading on the margins of cervical restorations

Background. Researchers have proposed the restoration of abfraction lesions, but limited information is available about the effects of occlusal loading on the margins of such restorations. Because abfraction is a well-recognized problem, the authors conducted a study to assess the effects of occlusal loading on the margins of cervical restorations. Methods. The authors prepared 40 wedge-shaped cavities in extracted premolars and restored them with a resin-based composite. They subjected specimens to occlusal loading (150 newtons, 101 cycles) on the buccal cusp, on the central fossa or on the lingual cusp, and they stored 1 the control group, specimens in deionized water. The authors used fluorescein to delimit marginal defects and evaluated the defects by using laser scanning confocal microscopy. Results. Results of chi(2) and Kruskal-Wallis tests (P < .05) showed that specimens subjected to occlusal loading had a higher percentage of marginal gaps (53.3 percent) than did the control specimens (10.0 percent). There were no differences between groups in marginal defect formation or in defect location, length or width. Conclusions. Occlusal loading led to a significant increase in gap formation at the margins of cervical resin-based composite restorations. Clinical Implications. The clinician cannot underestimate the effects of occlusal loading When restoring teeth with cervical wedge-shaped lesions. If occlusal loading is the main factor contributing to lesion formation, the clinician should identify and treat it before placing the restoration or otherwise run the risk that the restorative treatment will fail because of marginal gap formation.

The influence of cone-beam computed tomography and periapical radiographic evaluation on the assessment of periapical bone destruction in dog`s teeth

Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of periapical radiographs, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) sections, and cone beam volumetric data on the determination of periapical bone destruction in endodontically treated distal root canals of premolar canine teeth. Nontreated mesial roots were used as controls. Study design. Enterococcus faecalis strain (ATCC 29212) was inoculated into 30 root canals of 2 mongrel dogs to induce apical periodontitis. After 60 days, the root canals of the distal roots of the 11 mandibular and 4 maxillary premolars were endodontically treated (n = 15). The mesial root canals were used as controls (no treatment). The bone destruction was evaluated after 6 months by 5 evaluators using periapical radiographs and by CBCT (coronal and sagittal sections). After the experimental period, the area of the lesions in periapical radiographs and CBCT sections were measured in mm(2) using the ImageTool software. A single evaluator measured the volumetric data using the OsiriX software. The comparison between the diagnosis methods in treated root canals and controls was performed using parametric and nonparametric criteria. The Pearson correlation coefficient was computed between radiographic values and CBCT volumetric data in treated root canals and controls. Results. The results showed the presence of chronic apical periodontitis in every inoculated tooth. After 6 months, periapical radiographs, coronal CBCT sections, and volumetric data showed lower bone destruction in endodontically treated teeth in comparison with the control group (P < .05). The 5 evaluators found no differences between the apical periodontitis area of treated teeth and controls when CBCT sagittal sections were used (P > .05). No correlation was found between x-ray and CBCT volumetric values in treated root canals. Conclusions. Although selected CBCT sagittal sections showed similar values of bone destruction in endodontically and nontreated root canals, volumetric CBCT data showed that periapical lesions of endodontically treated root canals had half of the volume of periapical lesions in nontreated root canals. No relationship could be found between the periapical values of bone destruction and volumetric data found in CBCT of treated rood canals. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2011; 112: 272-279)