Effect of silica coating on flexural strength of fiber posts

Purpose: Fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts can be air-abraded to obtain good attachment to the resin cement. This study tested the effect of silica coating on the flexural strength of carbon, opaque, and translucent quartz FRC posts. Materials and Methods: Six experimental groups of FRC posts (n = 10 per group) were tested, either as received from the manufacturer or after chairside silica coating (30-μm CoJet-Sand). Results: There was no significant difference in the flexural strength of nonconditioned (504 to 525 MPa) and silica-coated (514 to 565 MPa) specimens (P > .05) (analysis of variance). The type of post did have a significant effect on flexural strength (P < .05). Conclusion: Chairside silica coating did not affect the flexural strength of both carbon and quartz FRC posts.

Biological response of pulps submitted to different capping materials

Pulp capping is a procedure that comprises adequate protection of the pulp tissue exposed to the oral environment, aiming at the preservation of its vitality and functions. This study evaluated the response of the dental pulps of dog teeth to capping with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or calcium hydroxide P.A. For that purpose, 37 teeth were divided into two groups, according to the capping material employed. Two dogs were anesthetized and, after placement of a rubber dam, their pulps were exposed in a standardized manner and protected with the experimental capping materials. The cavities were then sealed with resin-modified glass ionomer cement and restored with composite resin. After sixty days, the animals were killed and the specimens were processed in order to be analyzed with optic microscopy. It was observed that MTA presented a higher success rate compared to calcium hydroxide, presenting a lower occurrence of infection and pulp necrosis.

Densitometric analysis of the autogenous demineralized dentin matrix on the dental socket wound healing process in humans

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the autogenous demineralized dentin matrix (ADDM) on the third molar socket wound healing process in humans, using the guided bone regeneration technique and a polytetrafluoroethylene barrier (PTFE). Twenty-seven dental sockets were divided into three groups: dental socket (Control), dental socket with PTFE barrier (PTFE), and dental socket with ADDM slices associated to PTFE banier (ADDM + PTFE). The dental sockets were submitted to radiographic bone densitometry analysis and statistical analysis on the 15th, 30th, 60th and 90th days using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (p ≤ 0.05). The radiographic analysis of the ADDM + PTFE group showed greater homogeneity of bone radiopacity than the Control group and the PTFE group, during all the observation times. The dentin matrix gradually disappeared from the dental socket during the course of the repair process, suggesting its resorption during the bone remodeling process. It was concluded that the radiographic bone density of the dental sockets treated with ADDM was similar to that of the surrounding normal bone on the 90th day. The ADDM was biocompatible with the bone tissue of the surgical wounds of human dental sockets. The radiographic analysis revealed that the repair process was discreetly faster in the ADDM + PTFE group than in the Control and PTFE groups, although the difference was not statistically significant. In addition, the radiographic image of the ADDM + PTFE group suggested that its bone architecture was better than that of the Control and PFTE groups.

Chitosan nanoparticles for non-viral gene therapy

The cationic polysaccharide chitosan has been widely used for non-viral transfection in vitro and in vivo and has many advantages over other polycations. Chitosan is biocompatible and biodegradable and protects DNA against DNase degradation. However following administration the ChitosanDNA polyplexes must overcome a series of barriers before DNA is delivered to the cell nucleus. This paper describes the most important parameters involved in the chitosan-DNA interaction and their effects of on the condensation, shape, size and protection of DNA. Strategies developed for chitosanDNA polyplexes to avoid non-specific interaction with blood components and to overcome intracellular obstacles as the crossing of die cell membrane, endosomal escape and nuclear import are presented. © 2006 American Chemical Society.

Comparison between polyurethanes containing castor oil (Soft Segment) and cancellous bone autograft in the treatment of segmental bone defect induced in rabbits

The aim of this study is to compare polyurethanes containing castor oil (soft segment) in granular form compared to cancellous bone autograft applied to a segmental bone defect. Norfolk adult female rabbits - approximately 13 months of age with a mean body weight of 4.5 kg - are used. In both radial diaphyses, 1 cm osteoperiosteal segmental defects are created. The defect in the left radius is filled with the castor-oil-based polyurethane, and the right one, filled with cancellous bone autograft, collected from the left proximal humerus. The rabbits are euthanazed at 15, 30, 60, and 120 days postsurgery (5 animals/ period), for histological analyses. By radiographic analyses, at these time points, the bone regeneration is more evident and accelerated in the bone defects treated with the cancellous bone autograft. At 120 days postsurgery, the segmental bone defects treated with the cancellous bone autograft are totally reconstituted and remodeled, while the bone defects treated with polyurethane polymer have bone formation of 79%. Histological study shows that the polyurethane acts as a space filler, minimizing the local production of fibrous tissue. No granule degradation, resorption or any inflammatory reaction is detected. Thus, it is possible to conclude that the castor-oil-plant-based polyurethane - in the granule presentation - is biocompatible and osteointegrated, but does not show the same bone regeneration capacity as the cancellous bone autograft. © 2007 SAGE Publications.

Biocompatibility of resin-based dental materials applied as liners in deep cavities prepared in human teeth

Background: Since only a few data have been published concerning the effects of resinous dental materials on the pulp-dentin complex, the aim of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of resin-based materials applied as liners in deep cavities prepared in duman teeth. Methods: After preparing class V cavities, the following dental materials were applied on the axial walls: group 1, Vitrebond™ (VIT; 3M ESPE); group 2, Ultra-Blend® Plus™ (UBP; Untradent); and group 3, Clearfil™ SE Bond (CSEB; Kuraray). In group 4 (control), the hard-setting calcium hydroxide cement Dycal (CH; Caulk/Dentsply) was used. The teeth extracted at 7 days or between 30 and 85 days after the clinical procedures were processed for histological evaluation. Results: For all the experimental and control groups, most of specimens exhibited no pulpal response or slight inflammatory reaction associated with slight tissue disorganization at 7-day period. Moderate inflammatory pulpal response occurred only in one tooth (RDT = 262 μm) of group 3 in which transdentinal diffusion of resin components was observed. Conclusion: The resin-based dental cements VIT and UBP as well as the bonding agent CSEB presented acceptable biocompatibility when applied in deep cavities prepared in sound human teeth. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Bone healing in critical-size defects treated with bioactive glass/calcium sulfate: A histologic and histometric study in rat calvaria

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze histologically the influence of bioactive glass (BG) with or without a calcium sulfate (CS) barrier on bone healing in surgically created critical-size defects (CSD) in rat calvaria. Material and methods: A CSD was made in each calvarium of 48 rats. They were divided into three groups: C (control): blood clot only; BG: defect filled with BG; and BG/CS: defect filled with BG covered by a CS barrier. Animals were euthanized at 4 or 12 weeks. Formation of new bone was evaluated histomorphometrically. Results: No defect completely regenerated with bone. BG particles were observed in Groups BG and BG/CS at both periods of analysis. The thickness throughout the healing area in Groups BG and BG/CS was similar to the original calvarium, while Group C presented a thin connective tissue in the center of the defect in both periods of analysis. At 4 weeks, Groups C and BG/CS presented significantly more bone formation than Group BG. No significant differences were found between Groups C and BG/CS. At 12 weeks, no significant differences in the amount of bone formation were observed among the three groups. When comparing 4 and 12 weeks, there was a significant increase in new bone formation within groups BG and BG/CS, but not C. Conclusion: BG particles, used with or without a CS barrier, maintained the volume and contour of the area grafted in CSD. However, they did not lead to a significant difference in bone formation when compared with control at 12 weeks post-operative. © 2007 Blackwell Munksgaard.

Homogenous demineralized dentin matrix for application in cranioplasty of rabbits with alloxan-induced diabetes: Histomorphometric analysis

Purpose: The aim of this work was to evaluate the bone-repair process after implantation of homogenous demineralized dentin matrix (HDDM) slices in surgical defects created in the parietal bones of rabbits with alloxan-induced diabetes. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight rabbits were selected and divided into 4 groups of 12 rabbits: the control group, diabetic rabbits (D), diabetic rabbits with a PTFE barrier (D-PTFE), and diabetic rabbits with a PTFE barrier and with slices of homogenous demineralized dentin matrix (D-PTFE+HDDM). The diabetic animals received a single dose of alloxan monohydrate (90 mg/kg) intravenously on the marginal ear vein, and their blood glucose was verified daily. The rabbits were sacrificed after 15, 30, 60, and 90 days. The histologic findings show both better bone structure and significantly greater bone density, as determined by histomorphometric analysis, for the D-PTFE + HDDM group than for the other 3 groups (P < .01). It was also observed that the mean bone density increased gradually from 15 to 90 days (except in the D-PTFE group). Conclusion: It was concluded that the HDDM was biocompatible with the bone repair of diabetic rabbits and that HDDM slices stimulated bone tissue formation. Facilitation of bone repair with HDDM could be useful in diabetic patients.

Microtensile bond strength of a repair composite to leucite-reinforced feldspathic ceramic

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microtensile bond strength of a repair composite resin to a leucite-reinforced feldspathic ceramic (Omega 900, VITA) submitted to two surface conditionings methods: 1) etching with hydrofluoric acid + silane application or 2) tribochemical silica coating. The null hypothesis is that both surface treatments can generate similar bond strengths. Ten ceramic blocks (6x6x6 mm) were fabricated and randomly assigned to 2 groups (n=5), according to the conditioning method: G1- 10% hydrofluoric acid application for 2 min plus rinsing and drying, followed by silane application for 30 s; G2- airborne particle abrasion with 30 μm silica oxide particles (CoJet-Sand) for 20 s using a chairside air-abrasion device (CoJet System), followed by silane application for 5 min. Single Bond adhesive system was applied to the surfaces and light cured (40 s). Z-250 composite resin was placed incrementally on the treated ceramic surface to build a 6x6x6 mm block. Bar specimens with an adhesive area of approximately 1 ± 0.1 mm2 were obtained from the composite-ceramic blocks (6 per block and 30 per group) for microtensile testing. No statistically significant difference was observed between G1 (10.19 ± 3.1 MPa) and G2 (10.17 ± 3.1 MPa) (p=0.982) (Student's t test; á = 0.05). The null hypothesis was, therefore, accepted. In conclusion, both surface conditioning methods provided similar microtensile bond strengths between the repair composite resin and the ceramic. Further studies using long-term aging procedures should be conducted.

Comparison of the biological behavior of wollastonite bioceramics prepared from synthetic and natural precursors

Wollastonite bioceramics prepared from synthetic and natural precursors were implanted in rats in bone and subcutaneous tissues. The implant sites were excised after 7, 30 and 120 days, fixed, dehydrated, embedded in paraffin wax for serial cutting and examined under transmitted light microscope. It was found a very similar behavior for both wollastonite bioceramics. They were biocompatible, bioactive and biodegradable when implanted in rat bone. The synthetic ceramic was more reabsorbable than the one from natural powder. When implanted in subcutaneous rat tissue, both materials elicited a mild initial inflammatory reaction that practically disappeared after 120 days. Both materials were encapsulated with a very thin fibrous capsule and slightly reabsorbed at their surfaces. None of the materials induced ectopic osteogenesis. According to the results, the studied materials seem to be able for manufacturing reabsorbable bone implants.

Polyethylene gel in the subcutaneous tissue of rats: Histopathologic and systemic evaluation

Purpose: To evaluate the histological and systemic response to subcutaneous injection of polyethylene gel in rats. Methods: Twenty-one white male rats were divided into 3 groups (G): G1 and G2 received subcutaneous polyethylene gel injection in the dorsal midline and were sacrificed at 30 and 60 postoperative days, respectively. G3 was not exposed to the polyethylene gel and was sacrificed after 60 days. Blood levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were evaluated. The heart, kidney, liver, adrenal gland, injection site, and adjacent tissues were histologically examined. The results were submitted to statistical analysis. Results: There was no clinical evidence of extrusion, reduction of the injected volume, or abnormalities in the adjacent tissues. Blood levels of CK and LDH were normal and similar in all groups. ALP levels were significantly lower in G2 than in G1 and G3. The systemic organs were normal on histological examination in the 3 groups evaluated. Microscopically, the polyethylene gel was surrounded by a thin pseudocapsule formation and minimal inflammatory cell response, which decreased from G1 to G2. Conclusion: The subcutaneous injection of polyethylene gel in rats elicited minimal local inflammatory response and no systemic side effects. Copyright © 2008 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.

Bone regeneration in cranioplasty and clinical complications in rabbits with alloxan-induced diabetes

This research evaluated the bone repair process in surgical defects created on the parietal bones of diabetic rabbits using the guided bone regeneration technique to observe the effects of alloxan in the induction of diabetes mellitus. Twenty-four adult rabbits were divided into three study groups: control (C), diabetic (D) and diabetic associated to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane (D-PTFE). For diabetes induction the animals received one dose of monohydrated alloxan (90 mg/kg) by intravenous administration in the auricular or femoral vein. In group D-PTFE the membrane covered both the floor and the surface of the bone defect. In groups D and C, the bone defect was filled up with blood clot. The specimens were fixed in 10% formol and prepared for histomorphometric analysis. The results showed that the 90 mg/kg dose of monohydrate alloxan was sufficient to promote diabetes mellitus when administered in the auricular vein. Bone regeneration was slower in the diabetic group when compared with the control and diabetic-PTFE groups, but there was no significant statistical difference between the two experimental groups (D and D-PTFE). The oral and general clinical complications among the diabetics were weight loss, polyuria, polyphagia and severe chronic gingivitis.

Adherence of Streptococcus mutans to uncoated and saliva-coated glass-ceramics and composites

This study sought to investigate the surface roughness and the adherence of Streptococcus mutans (in the presence and absence of saliva) to ceramics and composites. The early dental biofilms formed in situ on the materials were illustrated, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Feldspathic and leucite/feldspathic ceramics and microhybrid and microfilled composites were evaluated. Human dental enamel was used as the control. Standardized specimens of the materials were produced and surface roughness was analyzed. The adhesion tests were carried out in 24-well plates and colony forming units (CFU/mL) were evaluated. Values of roughness (μm) and adherence (CFU/mL) were analyzed statistically. Of all the surfaces tested, enamel was the roughest. Leucite/feldspathic ceramics were rougher than the feldspathic ceramic, while composites were similar statistically. Enamel offered the highest level of adherence to uncoated and saliva-coated specimens, while the leucite/feldspathic ceramic demonstrated greater adherence than the feldspathic ceramic and the composites were similar statically. The rougher restorative materials increased the adherence of S, mutans on the material surfaces.

Studying the satisfaction of patients on the outcome of an aesthetic dermatological filler treatment

Background: Many factors contribute to extend productive life in the modern world. Competition makes people worry about physical appearance, mosftly in respect to facial and skin aging. This has motivated new developments in cosmetic dermatology and the need of evaluating patient satisfaction with the new proposed treatments. Poll questionnaire has been used for such evaluation, and the analysis of the electroencephalogram (EEG) mapping obtained while the patient answers the satisfaction questionnaire may render the results less subjective. Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to study the satisfaction of a group of 33 women (mean age, 44.years) treated with hyaluronic acid filling of nasolabial folding or lips, combining the EEG brain mapping and questionnaire techniques. Methods: At the third month of evaluation, two networked personal computers were used for the EEG recording and for presenting the patient with a questionnaire about her well-being feeling; self-evaluation of her face; her satisfaction with the results of the aesthetic treatment; how the family, friends, and people at work evaluated the result of the treatment; and her decision to repeat the treatment and to recommend it to friends and family. Results: Poll results showed that patients were feeling well and were satisfied with the results of the aesthetic treatment. Furthermore, the regression EEG mappings showed patients to be satisfied with their appearance and with the treatment involving similar brain areas. Conclusion: Patients decided to undergo the treatment because they were already considering it (54%) or because they were dissatisfied with their lips or nasolabial folding (52%). The fact that the treatment was free of charge solidified the decision. Patients consider themselves as good-looking and they wanted to preserve such a condition. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Optical density of bone repair after implantation of homogenous demineralized dentin matrix in diabetic rabbits

This research evaluated the bone repair process after implantation of homogenous demineralized dentin matrix (HDDM) in surgical defects in the parietal bone of rabbits with alloxan-induced diabetes, using a polytetrafluorethylene (PTFe) barrier for guided bone regeneration. Thirty-six rabbits were used and divided into four groups: control (C, n = 12), diabetic (D, n = 12, left parietal bone), diabetic with PTFe (DPTFe, same 12 rabbits, right parietal bone), and diabetic with PTFe associated to HDDM (D-PTFe+HDDM, n = 12). Bone defects were created in the parietal bone of the rabbits and the experimental treatments were performed, where applicable. The rabbits were sacrificed after 15, 30, 60 and 90 days. The bone defects were examined radiographically and by optical density (ANOVA and Tukey test, p < .05). The radiographic findings showed that the D-PTFe+HDDM group presented greater radiopacity and better trabecular bone arrangement when compared to that of the C, D and D-PTFe groups. The statistical analysis showed significant differences in the optical density of the newly formed bone among the studied groups. It was possible to conclude that HDDM was biocompatible in diabetic rabbits.