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We experimentally and numerically control high-harmonic generation (HHG) by time delaying variable segments of a few-cycle driving laser spectrum. In this configuration combs of fractional high harmonics can be produced by interference of two temporally spaced attosecond pulse trains. We explain the observed beating of the high-harmonic intensity with the time delay and study the influence of the spectral segmentation on the high harmonics. By the implementation of additional carrier-envelope phase (CEP) control, we extend the control configuration and demonstrate independent multi-parameter controllability of HHG purely enabled by the CEP and the time delay between two spectral segments. We present how specific properties of the fractional harmonics can be optimized. Analyzing the measured fractional harmonic combs by a spectral interferometry method, we find that the relative phase between the two contributing attosecond pulse trains can be freely set by the CEP of the driving laser field. We also discuss how, in the future, this method can be applied to simultaneously measure transient dispersion and absorption in the extreme ultraviolet spectral region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the protective effect of self-assembling peptide P11-4 (Curodont™ Protect/Credentis) on enamel erosion produced by a soft-drink, by using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Thirty human incisors were equally and randomly assigned to 6 groups. Group 1: intact enamel, group 2: soft drink, group 3: Curodont™ Protect applied, group 4: Curodont™ Protect applied + soft drink, group 5: soft drink + Curodont™ Protect applied, group 6: soft drink + Curodont™ Protect applied + soft drink. Specimens were observed through atomic force microscopy (AFM). The root mean-square roughness (Rrms) was obtained from the AFM images and the differences in the averaged values among the groups were analyzed by Shapiro-Wilk test in order to assess the normality of the distribution. Parametric ANOVA and post hoc Tuckey test were performed to assess the differences between the different groups. After demineralization process, enamel demonstrated a high degree of surface porosity. This morphological aspect was reflected in the increase of Rrms values. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were reported between intact enamel and enamel only treated with P11-4 and between eroded enamel and enamel treated with P11-4 and then demineralized. However significant differences (p < 0.05) were recorded when comparing softened enamel with softened enamel further remineralized with biomimetic self-assembling peptides and enamel treated with the protective paste between two acid attacks. The use of P11-4 remineralizing may offer a degree of protection from enamel erosion. SCANNING 38:344-351, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the morphology of bleached enamel surface followed by the application of different protective pastes. Specimens were prepared from 50 human incisors free of caries and defects. The bleaching procedure was performed with 35% hydrogen peroxide (Perfect Bleach Office+). For the remineralization treatment, different protective pastes (Tooth Mousse, MI Paste Plus, Remin Pro, and Profluorid Varnish) were evaluated. Specimens were randomly assigned to 10 groups of 5 specimens each. The specimens were analyzed under scanning electron microscopy. The superficial morphology of enamel was examined and scored as follows: 0, enamel with smooth surface morphology; 1, enamel with slight irregularities; 2, enamel with moderate irregularities; 3, enamel with accentuated irregularities. The photomicrographs were evaluated in a double-blind manner by three examiners, previously calibrated. Results were analyzed by a Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test, at the significance level of 0.05. Dunn method posttest was applied for multiple comparisons. A different superficial morphology was observed among control group specimens and specimens treated with bleaching agent and protective pastes (p < 0.05). Enamel bleached showed pronounced surface changes and irregularities, significantly different from other groups except for groups 8 (enamel + Perfect Bleach Office+ + Remin Pro) and 10 (enamel + Perfect Bleach Office+ + Profluorid Varnish) (p > 0.05). The application of the tested pastes after bleaching is effective on repairing enamel surface morphology, demonstrating a higher efficacy for the CPP-ACP products compared to fluoridated ones. SCANNING 38:221-226, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of the study is to evaluate and compare the biological and chemical-physical properties of four different root-end filling materials. Materials and Methods: Cytotoxicity towards murine odontoblasts cells (MDPC-23) was evaluated using the Transwell insert methodology by Alamar blue test. Streptococcus salivarius, S. sanguis, and S. mutans strains were selected to evaluate the antimicrobial activity by agar disc diffusion test. Solubility was determined after 24 h and 2 months. pH values were measured after 3 and 24 h. To evaluate radiopacity, all materials were scanned on a GE Healthcare Lunar Prodigy. Results: Excellent percentage of vitality were obtained by mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)-based materials and Biodentine. MTA-Angelus, ProRoot MTA, and Intermediate Restorative Material (IRM) showed the highest values for the inhibition zones when tested for S. mutans, while Biodentine showed the largest inhibition zone when tested for S. sanguis. All the materials fulfilled the requirements of the International Standard 6876, demonstrating low solubility with a weight loss of less than 3%. No significant reduction in pH value was demonstrated after 24 h. ProRoot MTA and MTA-Angelus showed the highest values of radiographic density. Conclusions: The differences showed by the root-end filling materials tested do not cover completely the ideal clinical requests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present in vitro study was the evaluation of new formulation toothpastes on preventing enamel erosion produced by a soft drink (Coca Cola), using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fifty enamel specimens were assigned to 10 groups of 5 specimens each. 1: intact enamel, 2: enamel + soft drink, 3: intact enamel + BioRepair Plus-Sensitive Teeth, 4: enamel + soft drink + BioRepair Plus-Sensitive Teeth, 5: intact enamel + BioRepair Plus-Total Protection, 6: enamel + soft drink + BioRepair Plus-Total Protection, group 7: intact enamel + Sensodyne Repair & Protect, 8: dentin + soft drink + Sensodyne Repair & Protect, 9: intact dentin + Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief, 10: dentin + soft drink + Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief. The surface of each specimen was imaged by AFM and SEM. The root mean-square roughness ( Rrms) was obtained from the AFM images and the differences in the averaged values among the groups were analyzed by ANOVA test. Comparing groups 4, 6, 8, 10 (soft drink + toothpastes) Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief promoted enamel remineralization, while BioRepair Plus-Sensitive Teeth, Biorepair Plus-Total Protection and Sensodyne Repair & Protect provided lower effectiveness in protecting enamel against erosion. Significance: the use of new formulation toothpastes can prevent enamel demineralization. SCANNING 36:401-410, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the present study, the antimicrobial properties of a new ozonized olive oil (O-zone gel) against oral and periodontal pathogens will be evaluated and compared with that of common CHX-based agents., Material and Methods: O-zone gel was compared with two agents based on chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX): Corsodyl Dental Gel and Plak Gel. A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. intermedia and S. mutans, were selected and the antibacterial capability of the compounds was tested by using direct contact agar diffusion test (DCT) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) evaluations. Differences between specific means were analyzed by a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Group means were compared using a one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test ( P <0.05)., Results: O-zone gel reported inhibition zones which correspond to 33% and 43% of that achieved by the CHX agents. No inhibition of bacterial growth (MIC) on the Gram-positive strain by using O-zone gel was found and no antimicrobial effect (MBC) was observed by using O-zone gel on both Gram-negative and -positive strains., Conclusions: The new ozonated oil was a relatively moderate antiseptic. Gram-negative bacteria proved to be more sensitive to ozonized olive oil than Gram-positive ones. The ozonized olive oil demonstrated a lower antibacterial activity if compared to the CHX-based agents tested. Key words: Agar diffusion test, antibacterial activity, direct contact test, ozone, ozonized olive oil., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement: The authors have declared that no conflict of interest exist.

Background: This study compared the solubility and the pH of different root canal sealers in vitro ., Material and Methods: BioRoot™RCS, TotalFill BC Sealer, MTA Fillapex, SealapexTM, AH Plus, EasySeal, Pulp Canal Sealer™ and N2 were tested. Similar specimens were prepared using ring molds with an internal diameter of 20 ± 0,1 mm and a height of 1,5 ± 0,1 mm and digitally weighted to register the mass of each specimen before and after immersion in distilled water. Solubility was determined after 24 hours and statistically analysed using a one-way ANOVA test and post-hoc Tukey test. The pH value was measured by a digital pH meter after 3 and 24 hours from manipulation., Results: BioRoot™RCS and TotalFill BC Sealer showed significantly higher solubility ( P <0.05). All the remnant root canal sealers fulfilled the requirements of solubility of the International Standard Organization 6876 demonstrating a weight loss of less than 3%. BioRoot™RCS and Totalfill BC Sealer exhibited high alkaline pH over time ( P <0.05); the alkalinity of the other tested cements was significantly lower., Conclusions: The prolonged alkalinity of bioceramic sealer matched the increase in solubility. This may encourage their biological and antimicrobial effects, but the ongoing solubility may impact their ability to prevent apical leakage. Key words: pH, root canal sealers, solubility., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement:The authors have declared that no conflict of interest exist.

Background: The aim of the present study was to compare in vitro the antimicrobial activity of different root canal sealers against Enterococcus faecalis , prior and subsequent to setting., Material and Methods: Agar diffusion test (ADT) was used for evaluating the antibacterial activity of non-set sealer while the direct contact test (DCT) was used for after setting., Results: ADT: Except for TotalFill BC Sealer all the others sealers tested showed antibacterial activity. BioRoot™RCS, MTA Fillapex and Sealapex Root Canal Sealer showed the lowest antibacterial activity, a significant increase in antibacterial effect for both Pulp Canal Sealer™ and AH plus sealers were found. Significantly higher were the mean diameters of the bacterial inhibition zone by both EasySeal or N2 sealers. DCT: AH plus and Sealapex Root Canal Sealer doesn't show any bactericidal effect after 6 min of contact. After 15 and 60 min of contact a significant increment for AH plus and for Sealapex Root Canal Sealer of the bactericidal effect was found. Significantly much higher was the antibacterial effect of Sealapex Root Canal Sealer compare to that observed for AH plus. BioRootTMRCS, MTA Fillapex, Pulp Canal Sealer™ and N2 showed at least means of the number of colonies formed in milliliter after 6 min of contact. Except for N2, a significant increase in bactericidal effect after 15 and 60 min for the other compared sealers (BioRootTMRCS, MTA Fillapex and Pulp Canal Sealer™)., Conclusions: For every contact times considered, both TotalFill BC Sealer and EasySeal were bactericidal against E. faecalis and killed all bacteria. Key words: Agar diffusion test, antibacterial activity, direct contact test, Enterococcus faecalis, root canal sealer., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement:The authors have declared that no conflict of interest exist.

Background: The incorporation of nano silver particles (AgNPs) to improve antibacterial properties of dental materials has become increasingly common. The aim of the present study was to compare the antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity effects of different fiber posts: glass fiber post, quartz fiber post, nano fiber post and silver fiber post., Material and Methods: The antibacterial activity against S. mutans , S. salivarius and S. sanguis was evaluated by using the agar disc diffusion test (ADT). Four wells of 3x2 mm (one for each material) were made with a punch by removing the agar and filled with the materials to be evaluated. The size of the inhibition zone was calculated. An extract was made eluting the posts in cell culture medium using the surface area-to-volume ratio of approximately 1.25cm²/ml between the surface of the samples and the volume of medium. Cell cultures were then exposed to 100 μL of the extracts medium. After 24 h, cell viability was determined using the MTT assay., Results: Silver fiber post was the only material showing a fair antibacterial effect against all the three streptococcal strains. The level of cytotoxicity of all the fiber posts tested was higher than 90% and therefore they were considered not cytotoxic., Conclusions: The new silver fiber post reported a fair antibacterial activity. On the other hand all the fiber posts tested (including the post with incorporated AgNPs) proved to be biocompatible, suggesting that their application does not represent a threat to human health. Key words: Antibacterial activity, agar disc diffusion test, biocompatibility, fiber post, MTT test., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement:The authors have declared that no conflict of interest exist.

Background: The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the over time color stability of one resin infiltrant (Icon) upon exposure to staining solutions (coffee and wine) compared with one nano-hybrid sealant (Grandio Seal), one transparent fissure sealant with fluoride (Control Seal) and one nanofilled composite (Filtek Supreme XTE)., Material and Methods: All materials were polymerized according to manufacturers' instructions into silicon rings (height 1 mm; internal diameter 6 mm; external diameter 8 mm) to obtain specimens identical in size. The specimens were immersed in staining solutions at room temperature over a 28-day test period. The control samples have not been subjected to the staining process. A colorimetric evaluation according to the CIE L*a*b* system was performed by a blind trained operator at 7, 14, 21, 28 days of the staining process. Shapiro Wilk test and Kruskal Wallis ANOVA were applied to assess significant differences among different materials. Means were compared with Scheffe's multiple-comparison test at the 0.05 level of significance., Results: In the case of all materials, immersion in solutions resulted in clinically perceivable color changes after 1 week (∆E < 3.3). Lowest CIE L* variation was registered for Control Seal and Grandio Seal both after 1 week and after 1 month, while Icon showed significantly higher variation ( P < 0.05). Color coordinate CIE a* varied significantly more for Icon samples ( P > 0.05). Color coordinate CIE b* varied similarly for all materials tested ( P > 0.05)., Conclusions: Immersion in coffee or red wine resulted in clinically perceivable color changes for all materials tested. Icon showed the highest color variations both after 1 week and 1 month. Icon can fix the initial esthetic problem associated with white spot lesions, but the resin may become more discolored than other materials over time. Key words: CIE Lab, color stability, resin infiltrant., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement:The authors deny any conflict of interest.

Background: The long-term capability of resin sealants and glass ionomer cements to release fluoride is associated to a reduction in pit and fissure caries. The regular use of fluoride varnishes/toothpastes can result in the absorption of fluoride into the sealant. The objective of the present study was to assess the fluoride release/uptake capacities of different fissure sealants., Material and Methods: Three different fissure sealants (Fuji Triage/GC, Fissurit FX/Voco and Grandio Seal/Voco) were examined. Ten discs of each material were prepared. Each disc was incubated with distilled water and then the solution analyzed for diluted for fluoride concentration, using a combination of fluoride electrode (OrionGP 1 S/N 13824, Orion Research Inc, Boston, MA, USA) connected to an expandable ion analyzer (Orion 720A, Orion Research Inc, Boston, MA, USA). Standard curves between 1 and 100 ppm F- were used to calibrate the electrode. Cumulative fluoride release was measured on days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 21, 35 and 49, then two different fluoride varnishes/pastes (Profluorid Varnish/Voco, MI Paste Plus/GC), were applied to the sealants tested, and fluoride release (after reuptake) was measured on days 56, 70 and 84., Results: Kruskal Wallis test confirmed significant differences in fluoride release between Fuji Triage/GC and Fissurit FX/Voco and Grandio Seal/Voco from day 1 (P < 0.001). The application of fluoride varnish Profluorid Varnish enhanced the fluoride release for all sealants (P < 0.05). MI Paste Plus enhanced the fluoride release for all sealants except for Fuji Triage/GC (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: The GIC-based sealant (Fuji Triage/GC) released significantly more fluoride than the resin sealants tested. The exposure to the fluoridated varnish (Profluorid Varnish) significantly recharged the sealants tested more than the CPP-ACPF toothpaste (MI Paste Plus)., Key Words: Fissure sealants, fluoride release, fluoride uptake, glass ionomer cements.

The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the protective effect of self-assembling peptide P11 -4 (Curodont™ Protect/Credentis) on enamel erosion produced by a soft-drink, by using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Thirty human incisors were equally and randomly assigned to 6 groups. Group 1: intact enamel, group 2: soft drink, group 3: Curodont(™) Protect applied, group 4: Curodont(™) Protect applied + soft drink, group 5: soft drink + Curodont(™) Protect applied, group 6: soft drink + Curodont(™) Protect applied + soft drink. Specimens were observed through atomic force microscopy (AFM). The root mean-square roughness (Rrms) was obtained from the AFM images and the differences in the averaged values among the groups were analyzed by Shapiro-Wilk test in order to assess the normality of the distribution. Parametric ANOVA and post hoc Tuckey test were performed to assess the differences between the different groups. After demineralization process, enamel demonstrated a high degree of surface porosity. This morphological aspect was reflected in the increase of Rrms values. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were reported between intact enamel and enamel only treated with P11 -4 and between eroded enamel and enamel treated with P11 -4 and then demineralized. However significant differences (p < 0.05) were recorded when comparing softened enamel with softened enamel further remineralized with biomimetic self-assembling peptides and enamel treated with the protective paste between two acid attacks. The use of P11 -4 remineralizing may offer a degree of protection from enamel erosion. SCANNING 38:344-351, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., (© Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of glycine pretreatment on the shear bond strength between dentin and a CAD/CAM resin nano ceramic material (LavaTM Ultimate Restorative), bonded together with adhesive cements using three different luting protocols (total-etch; self-etch; self-adhesive)., Material and Methods: Thirty cylinders were milled from resin nano ceramic blocks with CAD/CAM technology. The cylinders were subsequently cemented to the exposed dentin of 30 bovine permanent mandibular incisors. The specimens were assigned into six groups of five teeth each according to luting procedure and dentin pretreatment. In the first two groups (A1, A2) 10 cylinders were cemented using a total-etch protocol; in groups B1 and B2, 10 cylinders were cemented using a self-etch protocol; in groups C1 and C2, 10 cylinders were cemented using a self-adhesive protocol; in groups A1, B1 and C1 the dentinal surface was also treated with glycine powder. All cemented specimens were submitted to a shear bond strength test. Statistical analysis was performed with Stata 9.0 software., Results: ANOVA showed the presence of significant differences among the various groups (P <0.0001)., Conclusions: Glycine did not change the different bond strength demonstrated by the various luting protocols tested. Conventional resin composite cements used together with a self-etch adhesive reported the highest values. However the use of glycine seems to increase the bond strength of self-adhesive resin cements., Key Words: Adhesive cements, CAD/CAM, glycine, luting system, resin nano ceramic, shear bond strength.

Background: Direct pulp capping involves the application of a dental material to seal communications between the exposed pulp and the oral cavity (mechanical and carious pulp exposures) in an attempt to act as a barrier, protect the dental pulp complex and preserve its vitality. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare, by the agar disc diffusion test, the antimicrobial activity of six different pulp-capping materials: Dycal (Dentsply), Calcicur (Voco), Calcimol LC (Voco), TheraCal LC (Bisco), MTA Angelus (Angelus), Biodentine (Septodont)., Material and Methods: Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguis and Streptococcus mutans strains were selected to evaluate the antimicrobial activity by the agar disc diffusion test of different pulp capping materials. Paper disks were impregnated whit each pulp capping materials and placed onto culture agar-plates pre-adsorbed with bacterial cells and further incubated for 24 h at 37°C. The growth inhibition zones around each pulp capping materials were recorded and compared for each bacterial strain., Results: For the investigation of the antibacterial properties the ANOVA showed the presence of significant differences among the various materials. Tukey test showed that MTA-based materials induced lower growth inhibition zones., Conclusions: MTA-based products show a discrete antibacterial activity varying from calcium hydroxide-based materials which present an higher antibacterial activity., Key Words: Agar disc diffusion test, antimicrobial activity, calcium hydroxide, MTA, pulp capping materials.

Direct pulp capping covers the exposed surface of the pulp to maintain its vitality and preserve its functional and biologic activity. The aim of the present study was to compare the biocompatibility effects of seven different pulp-capping materials in vitro: Dycal®, Calcicur®, Calcimol LC®, TheraCal LC®, ProRoot MTA®, MTA-Angelus®, and Biodentine®. Using the Transwell insert methodology by Alamar blue test, we evaluated the cytocompatibility of the above mentioned materials towards murine odontoblasts cells (MDPC-23) at three different times (24, 48, and 72 h). For additional control, the cell viability at 72 hours was also assessed by MTT assay. Morphological analysis of murine odontoblasts was assessed by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope. The results indicate significantly different biocompatibility among materials with different composition. Biodentine® and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)-based products showed lower cytotoxicity, varying from calcium hydroxide-based materials, which exhibited higher cytotoxicity. Although our findings are limited to in vitro conditions, the observation that Biodentine® caused a cytotoxic effect similar to MTA suggests that it may be considered an alternative in pulp-capping treatment, as calcium hydroxide-based materials present higher cytotoxic effects.

Aim: The aim of the present in vitro study was the evaluation of two products: a CPP-ACP paste (GC Tooth Mousse, GC Corp.) and a desensitizing toothpaste (Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief, Colgate-Palmolive) on preventing enamel erosion produced by a soft drink (Coca Cola) by using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)., Methods: Thirty enamel specimens were assigned to 6 groups of 5 specimens each. 1: intact enamel, 2: enamel + soft drink, 3: intact enamel + Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief, 4: enamel + soft drink + Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief, 5: intact enamel + GC Tooth Mousse, 6: enamel + soft drink + GC Tooth Mousse. The surface of each specimen was imaged by AFM. The root mean-square roughness (Rrms) was obtained from the AFM images and the differences in the averaged values among the groups were analyzed by ANOVA test., Results: Comparing groups 4 and 6 (soft drink + toothpastes) with group 2 (eroded enamel) a statistical difference (P<0.05) was registered, suggesting effectiveness in protecting enamel against erosion of the products investigated., Conclusions: The use of new formulation toothpastes can prevent enamel demineralization.

Aim: THE AIM OF THE PRESENT STUDY WAS TO EVALUATE THE BIOCOMPATIBILITY OF A NEW PULP CAPPING MATERIAL (BIODENTINE, SEPTODONT) COMPARED WITH REFERENCE PULP CAPPING MATERIALS: Dycal (Dentsply), ProRoot MTA (Dentsply) and MTA-Angelus (Angelus) by using murine odontoblast cell line and Alamar blue and MTT cytotoxicity tests., Methods: The citocompatibility of murine odontoblasts cells (MDPC-23) were evaluated at different times using a 24 Transwell culture plate by Alamar blue test and MTT assay., Results: The results were significantly different among the pulp capping materials tested. Biocompatibility was significant different among materials with different composition., Conclusions: Biodentine and MTA-based products show lower cytotoxicity varying from calcium hydroxide-based material which present higher citotoxicity.