Scanning electron microscopy evaluation of the effect of etching agents on human enamel surface

Acid etching promotes microporosities on enamel surface, which provide a better bonding surface to adhesive materials. The purpose of this study was to comparatively analyze the microstructure of enamel surface after etching with 37% phosphoric acid or with two self-etching primers, Non-rinse conditioner (NRC) and Clearfil SE Bond (CSEB) using scanning electron microscopy. Thirty sound premolars were divided into 3 groups with ten teeth each: Group 1: the buccal surface was etched with 37% phosphoric acid for 15 seconds; Group 2: the buccal surface was etched with NRC for 20 seconds; Group 3: the buccal surface was etched with CSEB for 20 seconds. Teeth from Group 1 were rinsed with water; teeth from all groups were air-dried for 15 seconds. After that, all specimens were processed for scanning electron microscopy and analyzed in a Jeol 6100 SEM. The results showed deeper etching when the enamel surface was etched with 37% phosphoric acid, followed by NRC and CSEB. It is concluded that 37% phosphoric acid is still the best agent for a most effective enamel etching.

Study of DNA damage induced by dental bleaching agents in vitro

Dental bleaching is a simple and conservative procedure for aesthetic restoration of vital and non-vital discolored teeth. Nevertheless, a number of studies have demonstrated the risk of tissue damage from the contact of these agents with the oral mucosa. In the current study, the genotoxic potential associated with exposure to dental bleaching agents was assessed by the single cell gel (comet) assay in vitro. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in vitro were exposed to six commercial dental bleaching agents (Clarigel Gold - Dentsply; Whitespeed - Discus Dental; Nite White - Discus Dental; Magic Bleaching - Vigodent; Whiteness HP - FGM and Lase Peroxide - DMC). The results pointed out that all dental bleaching agents tested contributed to DNA damage as depicted by the mean tail moment, being the strongest effect observed with the highest dose of hydrogen peroxide (Whiteness HP and Lase peroxide, at a 35% concentration). On the other hand, Magic Bleaching (Vigodent) induced the lowest level of DNA breakage. Negative and positive controls displayed absence and presence of DNA-damaging, respectively. Taken together, these results suggest that dental bleaching agents may be a factor that increases the level of DNA damage. A higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide produced higher noxious activities in the genome as detected by single cell gel (comet) assay.

Effects of hemostatic agents on the histomorphologic response of human dental pulp capped with calcium hydroxide

Objective: To evaluate the response of human pulps capped with a calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] cement after bleeding control with 2 hemostatic agents. Method and Materials: Pulps were exposed on the occlusal floor, and the bleeding was controlled either with saline solution (SS) or 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCI) (SH). After that, the pulp was capped with Ca(OH) 2 cement and restored with resin composite. After 30 (groups SS30 and SH30) and 60 (groups SS60 and SH60) days, the teeth were extracted and processed with hematoxylin-eosin and categorized in a histologic score system. The data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (α = .05). Results: Regarding dentin bridge formation, an inferior response of SH60 group was observed when compared to SS60 (P < .05). The response of the SH30 group generally was similar to that of the groups treated with saline solution. However, after 60 days, 2.5% NaOCl showed a trend toward having an inferior response. Conclusion: Using saline solution as a hemostatic agent before pulp capping with Ca(OH)2 resulted in a significantly better histomorphologic response than using 2.5% NaOCl as a hemostatic agent before capping with Ca(OH)2.

Natural chromenes and chromene derivatives as potential anti-trypanosomal agents

The aim of the study was to investigate the anti-trypanocidal activities of natural chromene and chromene derivatives. Five chromenes were isolated from Piper gaudichaudianum and P. aduncum, and a further seven derivatives were prepared using standard reduction, methylation and acetylation procedures. These compounds were assayed in vitro against epimastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. The results showed that the most of the compounds, especially those possessing electron-donating groups as substituents on the aromatic ring, showed potent trypanocidal activity. The most active compound, [(2S)-methyl-2-methyl-8-(3″-methylbut-2″-enyl)-2- (4′-methylpent-3′-enyl)-2H-chromene-6-carboxylate], was almost four times more potent than benznidazole (the positive control) and showed an IC 50 of 2.82 μM. The results reveal that chromenes exhibit significant anti-trypanocidal activities and indicate that this class of natural product should be considered further in the development of new and more potent drugs for use in the treatment of Chagas disease. © 2008 Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.

A scanning electronic microscopy study of the action of different desensitizing agents on bovine dentin

This study sought to use scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the dentinal tubule occlusion potential of different desensitizing agents. Ten slices of bovine dentin were divided into six fragments, cleaned (using ultrasound), and etched for 15 seconds with a 35% phosphoric acid solution. All but one of the groups received a different desensitizing agent; the sixth group served as a control and received no additional treatment. After the agents were applied, the dentin specimens were analyzed by SEM and scores were assigned based on the extent of tubular obliteration. Only three agents demonstrated tubular sealing that was significantly different from that of the control group.

Research of new mixed-chelate copper complexes with quinoxaline N 1,N 4,-dioxide derivatives and alanine as ligands, potential antimycobacterial agents

Three new mixed-chelate copper complexes with 3-aminoquinoxaline-2-carbonitrile N 1,N 4-dioxide derivatives and alanine as ligands were synthesized in solid state. The spectroscopic characterization (FTIR, EPR, UV-Vis) showed that copper coordinated through the amine and the N-oxide groups of the quinoxaline derivatives and the amine and carboxylate moieties from alanine forming a dimeric species. The tree complexes showed in vitro activity against M. tuberculosis H 37Rv (ATCC 27294) similar to that of ethambutol while they are inactive against E. coli and S. aureus.

Evaluation of two mineral trioxide aggregate compounds as pulp-capping agents in human teeth

Aim: The present randomized, controlled prospective study evaluated the histomorphological response of human dental pulps capped with two grey mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) compounds. Methodology: Pulp exposures were performed on the occlusal floor of 40 human permanent pre-molars. The pulp was capped either with ProRoot (Dentsply) or MTA-Angelus (Angelus) and restored with zinc oxide eugenol cement. After 30 and 60 days, teeth were extracted and processed for histological examination and the effects on the pulp were scored. The data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis and Conover tests (α = 0.05). Results: In five out of the 40 teeth bacteria were present in pulp tissue. No significant difference was observed between the two materials (P > 0.05) in terms of overall histological features (hard tissue bridge, inflammatory response, giant cells and particles of capping materials). Overall, 94% and 88% of the specimens capped with MTA-Angelus and ProRoot, respectively, showed either total or partial hard tissue bridge formation (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Both commercial materials ProRoot (Dentsply) and MTA-Angelus (Angelus) produced similar responses in the pulp when used for pulp capping in intact, caries-free teeth. © 2009 International Endodontic Journal.

Influence of desensitizing agents on the microshear bond strength of adhesive systems to dentin.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of desensitizing agents on the micro-shear bond strength of adhesive systems to dentin. Forty bovine teeth were divided into 8 groups (n=5): G1--Single Bond (SB); G2--GH.F + SB; G3-- Desensibilize + SB; G4--essensiv + SB; G5 --ingle Bond 2 (SB2); G6--H.E + SB2; G7--esensibilize + SB2; G8--Dessensiv + SB2. In all of the groups, the desensitizing agents were applied after phosphoric acid etching and before the dentin adhesive application. Z250 composite resin tubes were bonded on the treated surface. After 24 hours, the teeth were tested in a universal machine. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (5%). The results showed that the groups where Desensibilize and Dessensiv were applied exhibited smaller bond strength values.

A comparison of the film thickness of two adhesive luting agents and the effect of thermocycling on their microTBs to feldspathic ceramic.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of thermocycling (TC) on the microtensile bond strength (microTBS) of two luting agents to feldspathic ceramic and to measure their film thickness (FT). For the microTBS test, sixteen blocks (6.4 x 6.4 x 4.8 mm) were fabricated using a feldspathic ceramic, etched with 10% hydrofluoric acid, rinsed and treated with the silane agent. The ceramic blocks were divided into two groups (n= 8): Gr1: dual-cured resin cement and Gr2: flowable resin. The luting agents were applied on the treated surfaces. Microsticks (1 +/-0. 1mm2) were prepared and stored under two conditions: dry, specimens immediately submitted to the microTBS test, and TC (6,000 cycles; 5 degrees C-55 degrees C). The microTBS was evaluated using a universal testing machine (1 mm/min). The microTBS data (MPa) were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey' test (5%). For the FT test (ISO 4049), 0.05 ml of each luting agent (n=8) was pressed between two Mylar-covered glass plates (150 N) for 180 seconds and light polymerized. FT was measured using a digital paquimeter (Model 727-2001). The data (mm) were submitted to one-way ANOVA. The luting cement did not influence the microTBS results (p= 0.4467). Higher microtensile bond values were found after TC (20.5 +/- 8.6 MPa) compared to the dry condition (13.9 +/- 4. 7MPa), for both luting agents. The luting agents presented similar film thicknesses: Gr1- 0.052 +/- 0.016 mm; Gr2-0.041 +/- 0.003 mm. The luting agents presented similar film thickness and microTBS values, in dry and TC conditions and TC increased the bond strength regardless of the luting agent.

The effect of carbamide peroxide bleaching agents on the microhardness of dental ceramics.

This study examined the effect of 10% and 16% carbamide peroxide bleaching agents on the surface microhardness of micro-particulate feldspathic ceramics (VM7 and VM13, Vita Zahnfabrik). Forty specimens (8-mm diameter, 2-mm thickness) were divided into four groups (n=10): GI-VM7 + 10% Whiteness, G2-VM7 + 16% Whiteness, G3-VM13 + 10% and G4-VM13 + 16% Whiteness. The home-use bleaching agents were applied for 8 hours on 15 days, and the specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C. The Vickers hardness number (HV) was determined for each specimen. Data were analyzed by the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests (p < 0.05). The microhardness values before exposure were: g1-433 (57); g2-486 (22); g3-509 (28); g4-518 (24), and after exposure: G1-349 (32); G2-496 (95); G3-519 (38); G4-502 (81). G2 exhibited a higher and significant difference than GI in VM7 groups, and the effect of bleaching concentration was shown to be significant by the Mann-Whitney test. And for VM13, both the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests showed no significant differences. When using 10% carbamide peroxide, the microhardness of VM7 ceramic was affected, and there were no effect on the microhardness between VM7 and VM13 ceramics when 16% carbamide peroxide was used.

A comparison between diuretics and angiotensin-receptor blocker agents in patients with stage I hypertension (PREVER-treatment trial): Study protocol for a randomized double-blind controlled trial

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Brazil, and hypertension is its major risk factor. The benefit of its drug treatment to prevent major cardiovascular events was consistently demonstrated. Angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARB) have been the preferential drugs in the management of hypertension worldwide, despite the absence of any consistent evidence of advantage over older agents, and the concern that they may be associated with lower renal protection and risk for cancer. Diuretics are as efficacious as other agents, are well tolerated, have longer duration of action and low cost, but have been scarcely compared with ARBs. A study comparing diuretic and ARB is therefore warranted.Methods/design: This is a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial, comparing the association of chlorthalidone and amiloride with losartan as first drug option in patients aged 30 to 70 years, with stage I hypertension. The primary outcomes will be variation of blood pressure by time, adverse events and development or worsening of microalbuminuria and of left ventricular hypertrophy in the EKG. The secondary outcomes will be fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular events: myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, evidence of new subclinical atherosclerosis and sudden death. The study will last 18 months. The sample size will be of 1200 participants for group in order to confer enough power to test for all primary outcomes. The project was approved by the Ethics committee of each participating institution.Discussion: The putative pleiotropic effects of ARB agents, particularly renal protection, have been disputed, and they have been scarcely compared with diuretics in large clinical trials, despite that they have been at least as efficacious as newer agents in managing hypertension. Even if the null hypothesis is not rejected, the information will be useful for health care policy to treat hypertension in Brazil. Clinical trials registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00971165. © 2011 Fuchs et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Antiviral activity of plants occurring in the state of minas gerais (Brazil): Part III

A total of 24 extracts from 14 plant species collected at the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and belonging to five botanical families (Annonaceae, Apocynaceae, Ochnaceae, Polygonaceae and Vitaceae) was screened for cytotoxicity in cultured Vero cells and for antiviral activity against human herpes virus type 1 (HSV-1), vaccinia virus (VACV) and murine encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV). The highest cytotoxicity (CC 50 < 10 μg/mL) was observed for the ethanol extracts from Annona coriacea fruits and seeds. Extracts from Hancornia speciosa, Ouratea castaneafolia and O. semisrrata were the only ones that have shown activity against all the three viruses assayed. Extracts from Polygonum spectabile, Hancornia speciosa, Himatanthus phagedaenica, Ouratea spectabilis and O. semiserrata were the most active against HSV-1 (EC 50 < 50 mg/mL), with favorable SI values (8.0 to 10.0). Hancornia speciosa and Anaxagorea dolichocarpa were the most active against EMCV (EC 50 50 - 100 μg/mL), with reasonable SI values (5.2 to 6.1), while moderate to low activity (EC 50 > 100 μg/mL) was observed for Ouratea spectabilis and O. semiserrata. A total of 7 plant species, Ouratea semiserrata, O. spectabilis, O. castanaeafolia, Rollinia laurifolia, Cissus erosa, Polygonum spectabile, and Hancornia speciosa, were active against VACV, disclosing EC50 < 50 μg/mL and SI values ranging from 6.6 to 67.3. In total, 10 out of the 14 species were selected from a literature survey on plants used to treat viral diseases in Brazil; these species were responsible for 70% of the positive results.

Chromatin modifying agents in the in vitro production of bovine embryos

The low efficiency observed in cloning by nuclear transfer is related to an aberrant gene expression following errors in epigenetic reprogramming. Recent studies have focused on further understanding of the modifications that take place in the chromatin of embryos during the preimplantation period, through the use of chromatin modifying agents. The goal of these studies is to identify the factors involved in nuclear reprogramming and to adjust in vitro manipulations in order to better mimic in vivo conditions. Therefore, proper knowledge of epigenetic reprogramming is necessary to prevent possible epigenetic errors and to improve efficiency and the use of in vitro fertilization and cloning technologies in cattle and other species. Copyright © 2011 Fabio Morato Monteiro et al.

Influence of dental exposure to oral environment on smear layer removal and collagen exhibition after using different conditioning agents

Although in vitro studies have shown encouraging results for root surface conditioning with demineralizing agents, in vivo studies have failed to show its benefits in periodontal healing. This can be attributed to several factors, among which, the hypermineralization of dental surface. Therefore, this in vitro study compared, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the effect of root surface conditioning with different conditioners (1% and 25% citric acid, 24% EDTA and 50 mg/mL tetracycline hydrochloride) in impacted teeth and in teeth that had their roots exposed to the oral environment. One trained examiner assessed the SEM micrographs using a root surface modification index. There was a tendency of more root surface modification in the group of impacted teeth, suggesting that the degree of root mineralization influences its chemical demineralization.

Effect of different radiopacifying agents on the physicochemical properties of white portland cement and white mineral trioxide aggregate

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the pH, calcium ion release, setting time, and solubility of white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) and white Portland cement (WPC) combined with the following radiopacifying agents: bismuth oxide (BO), calcium tungstate (CT), and zirconium oxide (ZO). Methods: Fifty acrylic teeth with root-end filling material were immersed in ultrapure water for measurement of pH and calcium release (atomic absorption spectrophotometry) at 3, 24, 72, and 168 hours. For evaluation of setting time, each material was analyzed according to the American Society for Testing and Materials guidelines 266/08. The solubility test was performed according to American National Standards Institute/American Dental Association specification no. 57/2000. Solubility, setting time, and pH values were compared by using analysis of variance and Tukey test, and the values of calcium release were compared by the Kruskal-Wallis and Miller tests. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: The pH and calcium release were higher at 3 and 24 hours. WPC was the material with the higher values for both properties. WMTA had the greatest solubility among all materials (P <.05). All radiopacifiers increased the setting time of WPC, and WMTA had the shortest setting time among all materials (P < .05). Conclusions: All materials released calcium ions. Except for WPC/CT at 168 hours, all materials promoted an alkaline pH. On the basis of the obtained results, ZO and CT can be considered as potential radiopacifying agents to be used in combination with Portland cement. Copyright © 2012 American Association of Endodontists.