Clinical evaluation of desensitizing treatments for cervical dentin hypersensitivity

The aim of this study was to compare different treatments for dentin hypersensitivity in a 6-month follow-up. One hundred and one teeth exhibiting non carious cervical lesions were selected. The assessment method used to quantify sensitivity was the cold air syringe, recorded by the visual analogue scale (VAS), prior to treatment (baseline), immediately after topical treatment, after 1 week, 1, 3 and 6 months. Teeth were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 20): G1: Gluma Desensitizer (GD); G2: Seal&Protect (SP); G3: Oxa-gel (OG); G4: Fluoride (F); G5: Low intensity laser-LILT (660 nm/3.8 J/cm²/15 mW). Analysis was based on the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test that demonstrated statistical differences immediately after the treatment (p = 0.0165). To observe the individual effects of each treatment, data was submitted to Friedman test. It was observed that GD and SP showed immediate effect after application. Reduction in the pain level throughout the six-month follow-up was also observed. In contrast, LILT presented a gradual reduction of hypersensitivity. OG and F showed effects as of the first and third month respectively. It can be concluded that, after the 6-month clinical evaluation, all therapies showed lower VAS sensitivity values compared with baseline, independently of their different modes of action.

Pulp capping materials exert an effect on the secretion of IL-1β and IL-8 by migrating human neutrophils

Pulp repair is a complex process whose mechanisms are not yet fully understood. The first immune cells to reach the damaged pulp are neutrophils that play an important role in releasing cytokines and in phagocytosis. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of different pulp-capping materials on the secretion of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) by migrating human neutrophils. Neutrophils were obtained from the blood of three healthy donors. The experimental groups were calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2], an adhesive system (Single Bond), and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Untreated cells were used as control. Transwell chambers were used in performing the assays to mimic an in vivo situation of neutrophil chemotaxis. The pulp-capping materials were placed in the lower chamber and the human neutrophils, in the upper chamber. The cells were counted and the culture medium was assayed using ELISA kits for detecting and quantifying IL-1β and IL8. The data were compared by ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (p < 0.05). The secretion of IL-8 was significantly higher in all groups in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). The adhesive system group showed higher IL-8 than the MTA group (p < 0.05). The secretion of IL-1β was significantly greater only in the MTA group (p < 0.001). It was concluded that only MTA is able to improve the secretion of IL-1β, and all materials tested increased IL-8 secretion. These results combined with all the other biological advantages of MTA indicate that it could be considered the material of choice for dental pulp capping.

Double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled clinical trial with clobetasol propionate in desquamative gingivitis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a 0.05% clobetasol propionate ointment administered in trays to 22 patients with desquamative gingivitis in a double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled trial. Patients received container number 1 and were instructed to apply the ointment 3 times a day for 2 weeks, and to reduce the application to once a day in the third week. Next, the patients were then instructed to discontinue the treatment for 2 weeks, and were then given container 2, used in the same way and for the same length of time as container 1. Regarding signs, 17 patients presented some improvement, while 5 experienced worsening with clobetasol propionate. With the placebo, 14 patients presented some improvement, and 8 patients presented worsening. For symptoms, there was complete improvement in 2 patients, partial improvement in 12, no response in 7, and worsening in 1 with clobetasol propionate. With the placebo, there was partial improvement in 8 patients, no response in 12 and worsening in 2. No statistically significant difference was found between clobetasol and placebo (p>0.05). Within the period designed to treat the gingival lesions of the patients, clobetasol propionate did not significantly outperform the placebo.

Apert syndrome: clinical and radiographic features and case report

PURPOSE: Apert syndrome is a rare type I acrocephalosyndactyly syndrome characterized by craniosynostosis, severe syndactyly of the hands and feet, and dysmorphic facial features. Presents autosomal dominant inheritance assigned to mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptors gene. The oral cavity of Apert patients includes a reduction in the size of the maxilla, tooth crowding, anterior open-bite of the maxilla, impacted teeth, delayed eruption, ectopic eruption, supernumerary teeth, and thick gingiva. The mandible usually is within normal size and shape, and simulates a pseudoprognathism. CASE DESCRIPTION: A female patient, 13 years old, with diagnosis of Apert syndrome, attended a dental radiology clinic. The clinical signs were occular anomalies, dysmorphic facial features, syndactyly and oral features observed clinically and radiographically. The patient was referred to a specialized center of clinical care for patients with special needs. CONCLUSION: Because of the multiple alterations in patients with Apert syndrome, a multidisciplinary approach, including dentists and neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists and geneticists, is essential for a successful planning and treatment.

Influence of bioactive materials used on the dentin surface whitened with carbamide peroxide 16%

This study investigated the influence of bioactive materials on the dentin surface whitened. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three bovine teeth were shaped into three dentin wafers. Each wafer was then sectioned, into six dentin slices. One slice from each tooth was distributed into one of 6 groups: 1.CG = control group (distilled water); 2.WT = whitening treatment; 3.WT + MI Paste Plus, applied once a day; 4.WT + Relief ACP30, applied once a day for 30 mintes; 5.WT + Relief ACP60, applied once a day for 60 minutes; 6.WT + Biosilicate®, applied once a week. All groups were treated over 14 days. RESULTS: CG presented all dentinal tubules occluded by smear layer; WT group was observed all dentinal tubules opened. In the groups 3, 4 and 6, tubules were occluded. Group 5, dentinal tubules were completely occluded by mineral deposits. CONCLUSION: The use of bioactive materials immediately after whitening treatment can reduce or even avoid the demineralization effect of whitening and avoid exposing dentinal tubules.

Effectiveness of sealing active proximal caries lesions with an adhesive system: 1-year clinical evaluation

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a therapeutic sealant to arrest non-cavitated proximal carious lesion progression. The study population comprised 44 adolescents who had bitewing radiographs taken for caries diagnosis. Non-cavitated lesions extending up to half of dentin thickness were included in the sample. In the experimental group (n = 33), the proximal caries-lesion surfaces were sealed with an adhesive (OptiBond Solo, Kerr) after tooth separation. The control group (n = 11) received no treatment, except for oral hygiene instructions including use of dental floss. Follow-up radiographs were taken after one year and were analyzed in comparison with baseline radiographs. In a blind study setting, visual readings were performed by two examiners, blinded to whether the examined radiograph was baseline or follow-up, and whether it concerned a test or control lesion. The efficacy of sealing treatment was evaluated by the McNemar test (0.05). About 22% of the sealed lesions showed reduction, 61% showed no change and 16% showed progression. For the control lesions, the corresponding values were 27%, 36% and 36% respectively. The number of lesions that showed reduction and no changes were merged and therefore 83.3% of the sealed lesions and 63.6% of the control lesions were considered clinically successful. No statistical significance was detected (p > 0.05). In the course of 1 year, sealing proximal caries lesions was not shown to be superior to lesion monitoring.

Use of flowable composite as intermediary layer in non-carious cervical lesions restored with composite resin: 48-month follow-up

PURPOSE: In this case report, the clinical performance of a microhybrid resin composite placed with or without a flowable resin composite was compared, over a 48-month period. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient of this case report presented 2 pairs of equivalent cervical abfraction lesions, under occlusion. Four restorations were placed in teeth 34, 35, 44 and 45. The restorations were divided into groups (Single Bond + Filtek-Flow + Filtek Z250 or Single Bond + Filtek Z250) and the materials were applied according to the manufactures instructions. Two previously calibrated operators placed the restorations and two other independent examiners evaluated the restorations at baseline and after 48 months, according to the USPHS criteria and modified criteria for color match. CONCLUSION: After 48 months of evaluation the lesions restored with Filtek-Flow as a liner under Filtek Z250 did not show better clinical performance than the restorations without Filtek-Flow. All restorations showed a trend toward dark yellowing after 48 months.

A method to determine volatile contaminants in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packages by HDC-GC-FID and its application to post-consumer materials

A simple and low cost method to determine volatile contaminants in post-consumer recycled PET flakes was developed and validated by Headspace Dynamic Concentration and Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection (HDC-GC-FID). The analytical parameters evaluated by using surrogates include: correlation coefficient, detection limit, quantification limit, accuracy, intra-assay precision, and inter-assay precision. In order to compare the efficiency of the proposed method to recognized automated techniques, post-consumer PET packaging samples collected in Brazil were used. GC-MS was used to confirm the identity of the substances identified in the PET packaging. Some of the identified contaminants were estimated in the post-consumer material at concentrations higher than 220 ng.g-1. The findings in this work corroborate data available in the scientific literature pointing out the suitability of the proposed analytical method.

Evaluation of recycled tiles and OSB ceiling materials in closed broiler house prototypes

This study aimed at evaluating the thermal performance of a modular ceiling system for poultry houses. The reduced- and distorted-scale prototypes used ceiling modules made of reforested wood and were covered with recycled long-life package tiles. The following parameters were measured for 21 days: tile internal surface temperature (ST), globe temperature and humidity index (WBGT), and radiant heat load (RHL). Measurements were made at times of highest heat load (11:00 am, 13:00 pm, and 03:00 pm). Collected data were analyzed by "R" statistics software. Means were compared by multiple comparison test (Tukey) and linear regression was performed, both at 5% significance level. The results showed that the prototype with the ceiling was more efficient to reduce internal tile surface temperature; however, this was not sufficient to provide a comfortable environment for broilers during the growout. Therefore, other techniques to provide proper cooling are required in addition to the ceiling.

Análise dos efeitos da cinesioterapia e da hidrocinesioterapia sobre a qualidade de vida de pacientes com fibromialgia: um ensaio clínico randomizado

OBJETIVO: Verificar e comparar os efeitos da hidrocinesioterapia e da cinesioterapia na qualidade de vida de pacientes portadoras de fibromialgia. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um ensaio clínico randomizado, cego, para os avaliadores. Para avaliar a qualidade de vida, utilizou-se o questionário genérico SF-36 a fim de analisar os aspectos físicos e psicológicos em 24 pacientes do sexo feminino, portadoras de fibromialgia, com idade de 30 a 55 anos, alocadas aleatoriamente em dois grupos: hidrocinesioterapia e cinesioterapia. Durante um período de 23 semanas, as pacientes foram submetidas a alongamentos e exercícios aeróbios de baixa intensidade com duração de uma hora cada sessão (em ambos os grupos). RESULTADOS: Observou-se melhora estatisticamente significante (p < 0,05) na maior parte dos aspectos abordados pelo SF-36 em ambos os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: A hidrocinesioterapia promoveu um relaxamento muscular favorável para a melhora da qualidade de vida, porém, não foi o fator principal para amenizar os efeitos da patologia, uma vez que a cinesioterapia também proporcionou efeitos benéficos para a promoção do bem-estar dessas pacientes. Portanto, os alongamentos e os exercícios aeróbios de baixa intensidade empregados em ambos os protocolos são os prováveis responsáveis pelos efeitos benéficos observados nas duas modalidades terapêuticas analisadas.

Validity and reliability of the Structured Clinical Interview for Mood Spectrum: Brazilian version (SCIMOODS-VB)

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to translate the Structured Clinical Interview for Mood Spectrum into Brazilian Portuguese, measuring its reliability, validity, and defining scores for bipolar disorders. METHOD: Questionnaire was translated (into Brazilian Portuguese) and back-translated into English. Sample consisted of 47 subjects with bipolar disorder, 47 with major depressive disorder, 18 with schizophrenia and 22 controls. Inter-rater reliability was tested in 20 subjects with bipolar disorder and MDD. Internal consistency was measured using the Kuder Richardson formula. Forward stepwise discriminant analysis was performed. Scores were compared between groups; manic (M), depressive (D) and total (T) threshold scores were calculated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: Kuder Richardson coefficients were between 0.86 and 0.94. Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.96 (CI 95 % 0.93-0.97). Subjects with bipolar disorder had higher M and T, and similar D scores, when compared to major depressive disorder (ANOVA, p < 0.001). The sub-domains that best discriminated unipolar and bipolar subjects were manic energy and manic mood. M had the best area under the curve (0.909), and values of M equal to or greater than 30 yielded 91.5% sensitivity and 74.5% specificity. CONCLUSION: Structured Clinical Interview for Mood Spectrum has good reliability and validity. Cut-off of 30 best differentiates subjects with bipolar disorder vs. unipolar depression. A cutoff score of 30 or higher in the mania sub-domain is appropriate to help make a distinction between subjects with bipolar disorder and those with unipolar depression.

Experimental infections with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis obtained from armadillos: comparison to clinical isolates

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis causes paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) that is one of the most prevalent systemic human mycoses in Latin America. Armadillos show a high incidence of PCM infection and could, therefore, be a natural reservoir for this fungus. In this study were compared the virulence profiles of isolates obtained from nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) (PbT1 and PbT4) and isolates from PCM patients (Pb265 and Bt83). Pathogenicity was evaluated by fungal load and analysis of colony morphology. Immunity against the fungus was tested by delayed type hypersensitivity test (DTH) and antibody quantification by ELISA. The higher virulence of PbT1 and PbT4 was suggested by higher fungal load in spleen and lungs. Armadillo isolates and Bt83 presented a cotton-like surface contrasting with the cerebriform appearance of Pb265. All isolates induced cellular and humoral immune responses in infected BALB/c mice. DTH reactions were similarly induced by the four isolates, however, a great variability was observed in specific antibody levels, being the highest ones induced by Bt83 and PbT4. The present work confirms that armadillos harbor P. brasiliensis, whose multiplication and induced immunity in experimentally infected mice are heterogeneous, resembling the behavior of isolates from human PCM. This study reinforces the possibility that armadillos play an important role in the biological cycle of this pathogen.