SEM Study of Apical Morphological Alterations in Primary Teeth with Vital and Necrotic Pulps

This study evaluated, by SEM, the morphology of human primary teeth roots. Twenty-four teeth were divided into 3 groups: pulp vitality (group I) and pulp necrosis without (group II) and with apical periodontitis (group III). Roots were analyzed by the presence of periodontal ligament (PDL) fibers and resorption areas. In groups I and II, presence of PDL fibers and absence of resorption were observed in all cases (100%), while all specimens (100%) of group III showed no PDL fibers and resorption areas. In conclusion, there are morphological differences in the apical region of primary teeth with different pulpal and periapical pathologies.

Biofilm on the apical region of roots in primary teeth with vital and necrotic pulps with or without radiographically evident apical pathosis

Aim To evaluate, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the presence of biofilms on the external surfaces of the apical third of roots of human primary teeth with vital or necrotic pulps with and without radiographically evident periradicular pathosis. Methodology Eighteen teeth were selected: group I - normal pulp (n = 5), group II - pulp necrosis without radiographic evidence of periapical pathosis (n = 7) and group III - pulp necrosis with well-defined radiographic periapical pathosis (n = 6). After extraction, the teeth were washed with saline and immersed in 0.03 g mL(-1) trypsin solution for 20 min. The teeth were then washed in sodium cacodilate buffer and stored in receptacles containing modified Karnovsky solution. The teeth were sectioned, dehydrated in an ethanol series, critical-point dried with CO(2), sputter coated with gold and the external root surface in the apical third examined by SEM. Results In the teeth of groups I and II, the apical root surfaces were covered by collagen fibres, with no evidence of bacteria (100%). In the teeth of group III, the root apices had no collagen fibres but revealed resorptive areas containing microorganisms (cocci, bacilli, filaments and spirochetes) in all cases (100%). Conclusion Microorganisms organized as biofilms on the external root surface (extraradicular infection) were detected in primary teeth with pulp necrosis and radiographically visible periapical pathosis.

Influence of thermoplastic extrusion on the nutritive value of bovine rumen protein

This Study investigated the impact of thermoplastic extrusion on the nutritive quality of bovine rumen protein. Proximal composition, amino acid profile and in vivo true protein digestibility among rats were determined in raw (RBR) and extruded (EBR) rumen. Raw and extruded bovine rumen presented high percentages of protein (more than 95% on dry basis). Neither raw nor extruded proteins had any limiting amino acid, and the RBR and EBR amino acid scores were, respectively, 1.28 (leucine) and 1.25 (methionine plus cystine). Extrusion reduced significantly true protein digestibility from 97.7% to 93.1% (p < 0.001), but protein digestibility-corrected amino acid scores for both proteins (RBR and EBR) were 100%. Animal growth presented comparable profiles using raw and extruded rumen. In conclusion, thermoplastic extrusion did not affect the protein quality of bovine rumen, and this does not hinder the use of this material as a food ingredient. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. Ail rights reserved.

Recovery and upgrading bovine rumen protein by extrusion: Effect of lipid content on protein disulphide cross-linking, solubility and molecular weight

Bovine rumen protein with two levels of residual lipids (1.9% or 3.8%) was subjected to thermoplastic extrusion under different temperatures and moisture contents. Protein Solubility in different buffers, disulphide cross-linking and molecular weight distribution were determined on the extrudates. After extrusion, samples with 1.9% residual lipids content had a higher concentration of protein insoluble by undetermined forces, irrespective of feed moisture and processing temperature used. Lipid content of 3.8% in the feed material resulted in more protein participating in the extrudate network through non-covalent interactions (hydrophobic and electrostatic) and disulphide bonds. A small dependency of the extrusion process on moisture and temperature and a marked dependency on lipid content, especially phospholipid, was observed, Electrophoresis under non-reducing conditions showed that protein extrusion with low feed moisture promoted high molecular breakdown inside the barrel, probably due to intense shear force, and further protein aggregation at the die end. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of extrusion on the emulsifying properties of soybean proteins and pectin mixtures modelled by response surface methodology

The objective of this study was to apply response surface methodology to estimate the emulsifying capacity and stability of mixtures containing isolated and textured soybean proteins combined with pectin and to evaluate if the extrusion process affects these interfacial properties. A simplex-centroid design was applied to the model emulsifying activity index (EAI), average droplet size (D-[4.3]) and creaming inhibition (Cl%) of the mixtures. All models were significant and able to explain more than 86% of the variation. The high predictive capacity of the models was also confirmed. The mean values for EAI, D-[4.3] and Cl% observed in all assays were 0.173 +/- 0.015 mn, 19.2 +/- 1.0 mu m and 53.3 +/- 2.6%, respectively. No synergism was observed between the three compounds. This result can be attributed to the low soybean protein solubility at pH 6.2 (<35%). Pectin was the most important variable for improving all responses. The emulsifying capacity of the mixture increased 41% after extrusion. Our results showed that pectin could substitute or improve the emulsifying properties of the soybean proteins and that the extrusion brings additional advantage to interfacial properties of this combination. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fortified food made by the extrusion of a mixture of chickpea, corn and bovine lung controls iron-deficiency anaemia in preschool children

A fortified food that was rich in protein, vitamins and iron made of chickpea, bovine lung and corn was developed with the aim of controlling iron-deficiency anaemia in children from poorer areas. It was tested in Teresina, State of Piaui, Northeastern Brazil, on a population with high anaemia prevalence. Two local daycare units with similar characteristics were selected and the children at one of them received a 30 g pack three times a week, representing a total iron daily intake of 6.96 mg. The other daycare unit was followed as a control. The capillary haemoglobin concentration was determined for the children at both daycare units, at the beginning of the study and after a two-month intervention period. The mean haemoglobin concentration in the test group at the beginning of the intervention was 11.8 g/dL, which increased to 13.1 g/dL at the end of the intervention. In the control group these figures remained practically constant (11.6-11.8 g/dL). These represented a dramatic and significant drop in anaemia prevalence, from 61.5% to 11.5% in the test group, and an insignificant reduction (63.1-57.7%) in the control group. The acceptance of the fortified snack was excellent and no undesirable effects were observed. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Rho Signaling Pathway and Apical Constriction in the Early Lens Placode

Epithelial invagination in many model systems is driven by apical cell constriction, mediated by actin and myosin II contraction regulated by GTPase activity. Here we investigate apical constriction during chick lens placode invagination. Inhibition of actin polymerization and myosin II activity by cytochalasin D or blebbistatin prevents lens invagination. To further verify if lens placode invaginate through apical constriction, we analyzed the role of Rho-ROCK pathway. Rho GTPases expression at the apical portion of the lens placode occurs with the same dynamics as that of the cytoskeleton. Overexpression of the pan-Rho inhibitor C3 exotoxin abolished invagination and had a strong effect on apical myosin II enrichment and a mild effect on apical actin localization. In contrast, pharmacological inhibition of ROCK activity interfered significantly with apical enrichment of both actin and myosin. These results suggest that apical constriction in lens invagination involves ROCK but apical concentration of actin and myosin are regulated through different pathways upstream of ROCK. genesis 49: 368-379, 2011. (C) 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Studies of aberrant phyllotaxy1 Mutants of Maize Indicate Complex Interactions between Auxin and Cytokinin Signaling in the Shoot Apical Meristem

One of the most fascinating aspects of plant morphology is the regular geometric arrangement of leaves and flowers, called phyllotaxy. The shoot apical meristem (SAM) determines these patterns, which vary depending on species and developmental stage. Auxin acts as an instructive signal in leaf initiation, and its transport has been implicated in phyllotaxy regulation in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Altered phyllotactic patterns are observed in a maize (Zea mays) mutant, aberrant phyllotaxy1 (abph1, also known as abphyl1), and ABPH1 encodes a cytokinin-inducible type A response regulator, suggesting that cytokinin signals are also involved in the mechanism by which phyllotactic patterns are established. Therefore, we investigated the interaction between auxin and cytokinin signaling in phyllotaxy. Treatment of maize shoots with a polar auxin transport inhibitor, 1-naphthylphthalamic acid, strongly reduced ABPH1 expression, suggesting that auxin or its polar transport is required for ABPH1 expression. Immunolocalization of the PINFORMED1 (PIN1) polar auxin transporter revealed that PIN1 expression marks leaf primordia in maize, similarly to Arabidopsis. Interestingly, maize PIN1 expression at the incipient leaf primordium was greatly reduced in abph1 mutants. Consistently, auxin levels were reduced in abph1, and the maize PIN1 homolog was induced not only by auxin but also by cytokinin treatments. Our results indicate distinct roles for ABPH1 as a negative regulator of SAM size and a positive regulator of PIN1 expression. These studies highlight a complex interaction between auxin and cytokinin signaling in the specification of phyllotactic patterns and suggest an alternative model for the generation of altered phyllotactic patterns in abph1 mutants. We propose that reduced auxin levels and PIN1 expression in abph1 mutant SAMs delay leaf initiation, contributing to the enlarged SAM and altered phyllotaxy of these mutants.

Effect of light-curing units on push-out fiber post bond strength in root canal dentin

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different light-curing units on the bond strength (push-out) of glass fiber posts in the different thirds of the root (cervical, middle and apical) with different adhesive luting resin systems (dual-cure total-etch; dual-cured and self-etch bonding system; and dual-cure self-adhesive cements), Disks of the samples (n = 144) were used, with approximately 1 mm of thickness of 48 bovine roots restored with glass fiber posts, that were luted with resin cements photo-activated by halogen LCU (QTH, Optilux 501) and blue LED (Ultraled), with power densities of 600 and 550 mW/cm(2), respectively. A universal testing machine (MTS 810 Material Test System) was used with a 1 mm diameter steel rod at cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min until post extrusion, with load cell of 50 kg, for evaluation of the push-out strength in the different thirds of each sample. The push-out strength values in kgf were converted to MPa and analyzed through Analysis of Variance and Tukey`s test, at significance level of 5%. The results showed that there were no statistical differences between the QTH and LED LCUs. The self-adhesive resin cement had lower values of retention. The total-etch and self-adhesive system resin cements seem to be a possible alternative for glass fiber posts cementation into the radicular canal and the LED LCU can be applied as an alternative to halogen light on photo-activation of dual-cured resin cements.

Effects of Extrusion on the Emulsifying Properties of Rumen and Soy Protein

Defatted rumen protein and soy protein concentrate were extruded in a 15.5:1 L/D single-screw extruder at the optimum conditions for their expansion (150A degrees C and 35% moisture, and 130A degrees C and 35% moisture, respectively). Emulsions were produced with these proteins and studied by rheology and time domain low-resolution (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR). Extrusion increased storage modulus of rumen protein emulsions. The opposite was observed for soy protein. Mechanical relaxation showed the existence of three relaxing components in the emulsions whose relative contributions were changed by extrusion. Likewise, spin-spin relaxation time constants (T (2)) measured by TD-NMR also showed three major distinct populations of protons in respect to their mobility that were also altered by extrusion. Extrusion increased surface hydrophobicity of both rumen and soy protein. Solubility of rumen protein increased with extrusion whereas soy protein had its solubility decreased after processing. Extrusion promoted molecular reorganization of protein, increasing its superficial hydrophobicity, affecting its interfacial properties and improving its emulsifying behavior. The results show that extrusion can promote the use of rumen, a by-product waste from the meat industry, in human nutrition by replacing soy protein in food emulsions.

Extrusion and characterization of functionalized cellulose whiskers reinforced polyethylene nanocomposites

The surface of ramie cellulose whiskers has been chemically modified by grafting organic acid chlorides presenting different lengths of the aliphatic chain by an esterification reaction. The occurrence of the chemical modification was evaluated by FTIR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies, elemental analysis and contact angle measurements. The crystallinity of the particles was not altered by the chain grafting, but it was shown that covalently grafted chains were able to crystallize at the cellulose surface when using C18. Both unmodified and functionalized nanoparticles were extruded with low density polyethylene to prepare nanocomposite materials. The homogeneity of the ensuing nanocomposites was found to increase with the length of the grafted chains. The thermomechanical properties of processed nanocomposites were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA) and tensile tests. A significant improvement in terms of elongation at break was observed when sufficiently long chains were grafted on the surface of the nanoparticles. It was ascribed to improved dispersion of the nanoparticles within the LDPE matrix. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Recursos digitais no diagnóstico radiográfico de reabsorção radicular externa apical : estudo in vitro simulando movimentação ortodôntica

Para avaliar, in vitro, o desempenho diagnóstico de imagens radiografadas convencionais digitalizadas através da obtenção de medidas de cmprimento radicular, da comparação de pares de imagens e da subtração digital em dentes submetidos a reabsorções radiculares externas apicais e à movimentação ortodôntica simulada, 28 incisivos centrais superiores, em cujas coroas foi colado um bracket, tiveram seu comprometimento radicular medido através de paquímetro digital e foram radiografados associados e um simulador de tecidos ósseo e moles, como auxílio de posicionadores individualizados, pela técnica periapical da bissetriz. Os dentes foram novamente medidos e radiografados após desgastes apicais seqüênciais de aproximadamente 0,5 m (R1) e 1 nn(R2), variando sua inclinação no sentido vestibulo-palatno (0º, 5º, 10º e 15º). As radiografias foram digitalizadas e submetidas incialmente à análise quantitativa do comprimento dentário, através de régua eletrônica. Após, pares de imagens do mesmo dente (inicial x inclinação) foram exibidos, em monitor, a um observador, que as avaliou quanto à presença ou à ausência de imagem compatível com reabsorção apical, atribuindo-lhes escores de 1 a 5. As imagens resultantes da subtração dos mesmos pares de radiografias foram avaliados pelos mesmos critérios. As medidas lineares de comprimento radicular foram reprodutíveis (r = 0,93), diferindo significativamente entre as duas etapas de reabsorção (R1: 0,59 0,19 mm; R2:1,14 0,37 mm) porém não diferindo significativamente em função da inclinação do dente. A avaliação de pares de imagens apresentou correlaçao média (r = 0,46) quando repetida em 20% da amostra, não apresentando diferenças estatisticamente significativas nos escores atribuídos às imagens de acordo coma inclinação dos dentes (Teste não paramétrico de Friedman, R1:p = 0,704 e R2:p = 0,508). A avaliação por subtração digital de imagens apresentou correlação média (r = 0,485) quando repetida em 20% da amostra, não diferiu significativamente (Teste não paramétrico de Friedman), em ambas as etapas de reabsorção, apenas para as inclinações 0º e 5º. Tais resultados permitem concluir que os rescursos testados tiveram desempenhos diferentes de Reabsorções Radiculares Externas Apicais (RREA) simuladas, pois os valores médios das medidas de comprimento do dente, para cada nível de reabsorção, não variaram, significativamente em função da inclinação do mesmo, permitindo a identificação e quantificação da RREA, na comparação de pares de imagens exibidas lado a lado na telado computador, os escores atribuídos também não variam signficativamente para as diferentes inclinaçãoes, permitindo a identificação da RREA; e, na avaliação qulitativa de imagens de subtração, os escores atribuídos permitiram a identificação da RREA apenas quando os dentes foram inclinados em até 5º.

Avaliação, in vitro, da reprodutibilidade de uma metodologia de obtenção de radiografias periapicais para diagnóstico de reabsorção radicular externa apical, em dentes submetidos à movimentação ortodôntica simulada

Para avaliar, in virtro, uma metodologia que visa a reprodutividade de radiografias periapicais, obtidas com posicionadores individualizados através de registros oclusais, de incisivos centrais superiores, submetidos à movimentação ortodôntica simulada - através da obtenção de medidas lineares do comprimento dos dentes, da comparação visual de imagens observadas lado a, nomonitor; e da subtração radiogrráfica digital qualitativa ded imagens - foram utilizados 29 dentes incisivos centrais extraídos de humanos. Os dentes foram radiografados em um simulador de tecidos ósseo e moles, em diferentes inclinações no sentido vestíbulo-palatino (0º incial, 0º contrle, -10º, -5º, +5º e 10º). As radiografias foram digitalizadas e submetidas, inicialmente, à análise quantitativa do comprimento dentário, através de régua eletrônica. Posteriormente, pares de imagens domesmo dente (inicial X inclinação) foram exibidos a um observador, que as avaliou quanto apresença ou ausência de imagem compatível com reabsorção apical, atribuindo-lhes escores de 1 a 5. As imagens resultantes da subtração dos mesmos pares de radiografias foram avaliadas pelos mesmos critérios. As medidas lineares de copmprimento dentário foram reprodutíveis (r=0,99) tanto na repetição das avaliações quanto na comparação entre as imagens 0º incial e 0º controle, não diferindo significativamente (ANOVA, p+ 0,827) nas radiografias com diferentes angulações. A avaliação por subtração digital de imagens apresentou boa correlação (r=0,798) quando repetida em 20% da amostrra, não diferindo, signitivamente (Teste não paramétrico dee Friedmann, p = 0,379), em relação aos escores atribuídos às imagens provenientes de diferentes angulações. A avaliação de pares de imagens apresentou em média correlação (r=0,413) quando repetida em 20% da amostra, porém também não apresentou diferenças estatisticamente significativas (Teste não paramétrico de Friedman, p=0,700) nos escores atribuídos às imagens de acordo com a inclinação os dentes. Tais resultados permitem concluir que a metodologia proposta para a obtenção, in vitro, de radiografias periapicais de incisivos superiores, através do uso de um posicionador individualizado por registro oclusal, resultou em imagens reprodutíveis de comprimento dentário, mesmo quando a movimentação ortodôntica foi simulada através da inclinação do dente em até 20% nos sentido vestibulo-palatino, quando avaliadas através das medidas de comprimento dentário e da subtração digital.

Avaliação do selamento apical em canais radiculares obturados com cimentos à base de resina epóxica, na presença ou ausência da lama dentinária

A presente pesquisa avaliou a infiltração apical longitudinal nos canais radiculares preparados quimicamente com ou sem EDTA a 17% e obturados com dois tipos de cimentos obturadores à base de resina epóxica (AH Plus e Sealer 26); bem como avaliou a infiltração transversal em diferentes terços da raiz. Foram selecionados 80 caninos humanos permanentes, superiores e inferiores, em que foram realizados os preparos químicos-mecânicos; sendo as amostras divididas, aleatoriamente, em quatro grupos de 20 dentes. No grupo 1, os dentes foram irrigados com NaClO a 1% e obturados com cones de guta-percha e cimento Sealer 26; no grupo 2, os dentes foram irrigados com NaClO a 1% seguido de irrigação com EDTA a 17%; no grupo 3, os dentes foram irrigados com NaClO a 1% e obturados com cones de guta-percha e cimento AH Plus; no grupo 4, os dentes foram irrigados com NaClO a 1% seguido de irrigação com EDTA a 17% e obturados com cones de guta-percha e cimento AH Plus. As amostras foram fixadas em uma lâmina de cera, colocadas num recipiente raso contendo nanquim, durante 14 dias. Após, as amostras sofreram o processo de diafanização permitindo a visualização de forma tridimensional da estrutura dentária. Logo a seguir, foi utilizado microscópio estereoscópico para medir a infiltração longitudinal apical com auxílio de uma tela milimetrada. Com relação à infiltração transversal, após a diafanização e a medição da infiltração longitudinal apical, as amostras foram seccionadas com gilete, em três fatias, nos três terços (cervical, médio e apical). Cada fatia de dente foi colocada no microscópio estereoscópio e, em cima dessa fatia, colocada a tela milimetrada. Observaram-se, nos cortes transversais, a área total da amostra e a área infiltrada pelo corante e estabeleceu-se a porcentagem de infiltração em cada terço da raiz. Partiu-se para a análise dos resultados através dos testes estatísticos ANOVA e do teste Qui-Quadrado. Concluiu-se que não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os cimentos e ou entre os grupos estudados quanto à infiltração longitudinal apical e transversal. Ambos os cimentos apresentaram um bom selamento longitudinal apical e transversal, e o EDTA não influenciou esses resultados.

Bacteriologic investigation of the effects of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine during the endodontic treatment of teeth with apical periodontitis

SIQUEIRA JR. et al. Bacteriologic investigation of the effects of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine during the endodontic treatment of teeth with apical periodontitis. Oral Surg. Oral Med. Oral Pathol. Oral Radiol. Endod., v. 104, n. 1, p. 122-130, 2007.