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Because the study of occlusion is a basic area in dentistry, its components, physiology and integration with the stomatognathic system (SS) have been the subject of interest in the scientific literature. However, the focus given to this issue has changed substantially. Currently, new approaches have been proposed in order to update concepts and to demonstrate the full integration and functionality of this system within the human body. With this approach, the authors proposed the following literature review aimed at gathering recent papers (published from 2000 to 2010) with innovative study design, methodology and/or results. The authors' intention is to show the main trends in the study of occlusion and the SS. The literature review was conducted in the PubMed database, using initially the term 'dental occlusion' as a key-word. As items of interest were found, papers were grouped by categories according to their main subject matter. Forty-seven articles were selected and the main categories obtained were: 1. functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI); 2. brain activation; 3. masticatory/occlusal function; 4. body function and physical performance; 5. osseoperception; 6. finite element models; and 7. occlusion and pain. Observing the current literature, the authors found that recent studies present different methodologies for the study of occlusion. These studies have allowed scientists to obtain detailed information about the physiology of occlusion and the SS, as well as about its integration in the body. Research in this area should be continued in order to clarify, in detail, the role of each component of the SS and its interaction with human physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate in vitro the effect of dental bleaching using high concentration hydrogen peroxide (HP) photoactivated with violet LED on fracture strength and hybrid layer formation., Methods: forty endodontically-treated bovine teeth were randomized into four groups (n = 10): C - Control, HP - 35% hydrogen peroxide, HP-BL - 35% hydrogen peroxide photoactivated with blue LED, HP-VL - 35% hydrogen peroxide photoactivated with violet LED. Three bleaching sessions with an interval of 7 days between them were performed. After 10 days of the last bleaching session, the dental crowns were restored and submitted to the fracture strength test. Five specimens from each group were used to evaluate the hybrid layer formation by scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. One-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for parametric and non-parametric data, respectively. Significance level of 5% was adopted to all the tests., Results: No differences on fracture strength among the groups were observed (p > 0.05). HP and HP-BL showed alterations on hybrid layer formation compared to C group (p < 0.05), but not for HP-VL (p > 0.05). No differences on hybrid layer formation were observed among HP, HP-VL and HP-BL groups (p > 0.05)., Conclusion: Dental bleaching, photoactivated or not, did not affect the fracture strength of endodontically-treated teeth. Regardless of the protocol used, hydrogen peroxide altered the hybrid layer formation at some level when the restoration was placed after 10 days of the last bleaching session., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no any conflict of interest in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the effect of etch-and-rinse (ER) versus self-etch (SE) strategies of a universal adhesive applied with a manual brush (MB) or rotary brush (RB) on the bonding interface of fiber post cementation., Methods: Forty bovine incisor roots were prepared and divided into four groups according to the methods of application and strategy of universal adhesive use (MB-ER, RB-ER, MB-SE and RB-SE). After 6 months, specimens from different thirds of the post space were evaluated of push-out strength, analysis of adhesive failure patterns, and extent of tags., Results: The RB-ER and RB-SE groups showed the highest bond strength values in the cervical and middle thirds of the post space. Cohesive adhesive failure had the highest incidence in the different thirds of the post space in the ER strategy, regardless of the adhesive application method. The RB-ER group showed the highest tag extensions., Conclusions: The protocols of universal adhesive application with RB provided the greater bond strength, but only the ER strategy favored the formation of a greater extension of tags at the adhesive interface., Clinical Significance: The application of universal adhesive with RB into the post space increases the strength of the post-cemented fiber bond., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Blood pressure (BP) is the main biomarker for monitoring patients, as its lack of control above values considered normal is a modifiable risk factor for target organ damage. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of the wearable electronic device photoplethysmography technology (PPG) Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 in determining BP in young patients compared to manual and automatic methods of BP determination. This is a quantitative and cross-sectional study, following validation protocols for wearable devices and BP measurement. It was carried out with twenty healthy young adults, in which BP was measured using four instruments, namely, standard sphygmomanometer device (manual), automatic arm oscillometric device (reference), wrist oscillometric device, and Smartwatch PPG. Eighty systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings were observed. SBP means manual 118 ± 2.20,arm 113 ± 2.54, wrist 118 ± 2.51, and PPG (smartwatch) 113 ± 2.58. Among means, arm and PPG difference is 0.15, arm and wrist 4.95, arm and manual 4.45 wrist with PPG. The mean DBP manual 76.7 ± 1.84, arm 73.6 ± 1.92, wrist 79.3 ± 1.87, and PPG 72.2 ± 1.38. Among means, the difference between the arm and PPG is 1.4 and arm and hand 3.5 mmHg. The correlation shows PPG with manual, arm, and wrist. There was a strong SBP correlation and a moderate DBP correlation between the methods tested, evidencing the accuracy of the PPG smartwatch in relation to the reference method., (© 2023. International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering.)

Background: To evaluate the efficacy of dental bleaching protocols using 35% hydrogen peroxide photoactivated with violet LED on color and microhardness of endodontically treated teeth., Methods: Forty specimens were selected and randomized into 4 groups (n = 10): C - Control, HP - 35% hydrogen peroxide, HP + BL - 35% hydrogen peroxide + blue LED, HP + VL - 35% hydrogen peroxide + violet LED. Three bleaching sessions were performed for each group. Color analysis was performed 7 days after each bleaching session. Two-way repeated measure ANOVA and Bonferroni test were used to evaluate the effect of different bleaching protocols and evaluation times on the dependent variables (∆E and ∆L). Dentin microhardness was measured 24 h after the third bleaching session. Data were evaluated by ANOVA and Tukey's test at a significance level of 5%., Results: Differences on ∆E and ∆L were verified after the first and second bleaching sessions (p < 0.05) and showed stability after the third one, for all the groups. No differences were observed among HP, HP + BL, and HP + VL groups, regardless of the evaluation time (p > 0.05). HP and C showed the greatest and smallest reduction in dentin microhardness (p < 0.05), respectively. No difference between HP + BL and HP + VL protocols (P > 0.05) was observed., Conclusions: High concentration hydrogen peroxide (35%) photoactivated with violet LED bleached endodontically treated teeth effectively. However, the same protocol negatively affected the dentin microhardness, but not in the same level of 35% HP solely used., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no conflict of interest in this paper, (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: Few studies have investigated the effect of violet LED irradiation associated or not with bleaching agents on blood-stained teeth. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the whitening efficacy and color stability of non-vital dental bleaching using 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) photoactivated with violet LED (VL) compared to 35% HP alone and 35% HP photoactivated with blue LED (BL)., Methods: Fifty bovine dental crowns were used to obtain specimens of 5 × 5 × 2 mm. After selection based on a previous colorimetric analysis, the specimens were blood-stained and randomly assigned into five groups (n = 10): control (no treatment); 35% HP, 35% HP/BL; 35% HP/VL; and VL. Three bleaching sessions were performed and the colorimetric analysis (∆E ab, ∆L, and ∆WI D ) was recorded after 7 days, 30 days, and 9 months of the last bleaching session. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test was used at a significance level of 5%., Results: 35% HP, 35% HP/BL, and 35% HP/VL showed higher values of ∆E ab, ∆L, e ∆WI D (P < 0.05), without intra- and intergroup differences (P > 0.05). C and VL were similar in all the evaluation times (P > 0.05), showing lower values of ∆E ab, ∆L, and ∆WI D (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: 35% HP/VL can be a viable alternative for dental bleaching in endodontically-treated teeth, showing bleaching efficacy similar to 35% HP solely used, even after a 9-month follow-up. VL used alone was not effective to bleach blood-stained teeth., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no any conflict of interest in this paper, (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The aim of the present study was to compare pulmonary function among patients with different clinical forms and scores for risk of death and stroke. Patients were recruited from the Chagas Disease Ambulatory Service at the University of Rio Grande do Norte State (Mossoró, Brazil). The evaluation of pulmonary function was performed through spirometry techniques using a digital spirometer, and information about the clinical forms (cardiac, cardiodigestive, digestive and undetermined) and scores for risk of death (Rassi's risk-of-death score) and stroke was subsequently collected. Upon completion of the evaluation, comparisons of the values obtained between the groups for different clinical forms, risk stratification of stroke and Rassi's risk-of-death were made. The study cohort consisted of 72 patients. Individuals with a low risk of death had significantly higher values in the Tiffeneau index and individuals with a low risk of stroke presented with higher percentage values for forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec. In addition, individuals with heart disease had worse percentage values for FVC and FEV 1 . In conclusion, the results showed that spirometry was an effective analytical technique and was associated with clinical forms, and death and stroke risk scores, in patients with Chagas disease, adding an important prognostic tool to those currently available., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2020, Spandidos Publications.)

In addition to respiratory failure, another important outcome presented by patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is renal failure, which is related to increased severity of infection and a greater risk of mortality. Severity is often represented by the need for respiratory and/or life support, which can range from oxygen therapy to invasive mechanical ventilation. This study aimed to determine the association between the degree of renal and inflammatory impairment in patients with the need for advanced respiratory support and mortality. Included in the present study were 79 critically ill patients with COVID-19 on different days, who required a nasal cannula and/or orotracheal intubation. Data from laboratory tests, arterial blood gases and information on their clinical evolution were collected. The results obtained showed that the biochemical markers of renal function, as well as the inflammatory markers and the partial pressure of carbon dioxide, were significantly increased in patients who succumbed to the infection. Similarly, these markers were higher amongst patients who required increased respiratory assistance., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2020, Spandidos Publications.)

Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina are tick-transmitted piroplasms that cause severe damage to the livestock industry in tropical regions of the world. Recent studies demonstrated differences in infection levels of these haemoparasites among bovine breeds and variation between individual cows regarding resistance to these diseases. This study aimed to estimate the repeatability and correlations between B. bovis and B. bigemina using two cattle breeding systems, an individual system (IS) and a collective paddock system (CPS). All animals were Holstein breed, and the levels of B. bovis and B. bigemina in blood samples were estimated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The estimated correlations for the B. bigemina and B. bovis DNA copy number for IS and CPS were moderate and high, respectively, whereas repeatability estimates for both systems and both Babesia species were moderate. Although we cannot infer that the type of rearing system directly influenced the correlation and repeatability coefficients, it appears that the bovine parasitemia burden may be dependent on (or determine) the parasitemia burden on ticks because the bovines remained in the same place for a longer time in both systems. Thus, the babesiosis infection levels of the ticks may have been uniform, a phenomenon that also ensures greater uniformity in cattle infection. This factor may have favored the occurrence of infected ticks leading to higher repeatability estimates and correlations. Our study confirms high variability in resistance/susceptibility between breeds, and the high correlations found may be linked to this characteristic and the most intensive breeding type of dairy cattle. Besides, under the present study conditions, the estimated correlations suggest that measuring an infection level of one Babesia species can predict the level of infection of the other.

The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed urgency to answer numerous questions about the control of viral infections and the dual immune response of protection of and damage to the host, with the purpose of finding specific and efficient treatments and strategies for prevention of infection. The association between severe cases of the disease and overactivation of the immune response has raised the hypotheses that the inflammatory response participates in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and that neutrophils are important effector cells of such response. In this sense, neutrophils are potential targets for pharmacological interventions to treat this infection. The present paper briefly describes the neutrophil biology and discusses the possible roles that neutrophils play in the pathogenesis of COVID-19, based on literature data.

Objective: To examine whether free (3-PD-5 free ) and/or liposomal (3-PD-5 lipo ) 6,7-dihydroxy-3-[3',4'-methylenedioxyphenyl]-coumarin (3-PD-5) (1) modulate the effector functions of neutrophils from patients with rheumatoid arthritis under remission (i-RA) and with active disease (a-RA), in vitro; and (2) exert anti-inflammatory effect in a rat model of zymosan-induced acute joint inflammation., Methods and Results: Incorporation of 3-PD-5 into unilamellar liposomes of soya phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol was efficient (57.5 ± 7.9%) and yielded vesicles with low diameter (133.7 ± 18.4 nm), polydispersity index (0.39 ± 0.06), and zeta potential (- 1.22 ± 0.34 mV). 3-PD-5 free (1 µM) and 3-PD-5 lipo (3 µM) equally suppressed elastase release and reactive oxygen species generation in neutrophils from healthy subjects and i-RA and a-RA patients, stimulated with immune complexes. 3-PD-5 free (20 µM) suppressed the release of neutrophil extracellular traps and chemotaxis in vitro, without clear signs of cytotoxicity. 3-PD-5 lipo (1.5 mg/kg, i.p.) diminished joint edema and synovial infiltration of total leukocytes and neutrophils, without changing the synovial levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6., Conclusion: Altogether, the results reported herein indicate that 3-PD-5 is a promising modulator of the early stages of acute joint inflammation that can help to diminish not only excessive neutrophil infiltration in the synovia but also neutrophil activation and its outcomes in RA patients.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is one of the main complaints of aging male. A reduced production of Nitric Oxide (NO) may be involved in ED pathogenesis. NO is synthesized from l-Arginine, and asymmetrical dimethylarginine inhibits all NO synthases. DDAH1 and DDAH2 are genes that encode enzymes responsible for metabolizing ADMA. We aimed to assess whether: 1) ADMA and nitrite levels associated with ED risk and with symptoms intensity; and whether 2) DDAH1 and DDAH2 gene polymorphisms associate with changes in biochemical data, and with ED risk and symptoms intensity. In this study were included 98 healthy controls and 130 ED patients. ADMA levels were measured by ELISA and nitrite levels by Chemiluminescence. DDAH1 and DDAH2 polymorphisms were assessed by Taqman assays. We found that ED had increased nitrite levels and lower ADMA levels than Control group (P < 0.05). We found a significant correlation of ADMA with Nitrite levels only in ED (B = -0.57, P < 0.001). Genotypes and haplotypes of DDAH1 were associated with ADMA levels in ED (P < 0.05), while haplotypes of DDAH2 were associated with levels of nitrite in ED (P < 0.05). Erectile dysfunction patients show an association between DDAH1 and DDAH2 polymorphisms with ADMA levels, which in turn are negatively correlated with nitrite levels. This is not evident on healthy controls., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A major campaign was carried out in indoor and outdoor environments in a school located in the university campus of the city of São Paulo. Elements, PAH, oxy-PAH, water-soluble ions and black carbon were determined and compared with preliminary campaigns. The results indicated that the concentrations of particles and organic compounds were higher indoors. Some high molecular weight compounds, attributed to vehicular emissions, were more abundant outdoors. The associated health risk was found to be low. 2-Methylanthraquinone and benzo(a)anthracene-7,12-dione were detected in the indoor samples, denoting the infiltration of vehicle exhaust. The observation of black carbon also corroborates the contribution of traffic emissions. For most of the elements, except for chromium, iron and manganese, the concentrations obtained in indoors were higher than outdoors, mainly due to soil resuspension. Chromium and manganese likely derived from emissions of the vehicle powered by mixtures of ethanol and gasoline. Water-soluble inorganic ions species denoted the influence of soil resuspension and human activities.

The aerial parts of Baccharis dracunculifolia (BdE) is used in the Brazilian folk medicine to treat inflammatory conditions. Here we examined the ability of free and liposomal BdE to modulate reactive oxygen species generation in human neutrophils in vitro and zymosan-induced acute joint inflammation in Wistar rats. We prepared biocompatible liposomes of soya phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol with low diameter, homogeneous size distribution, and neutral surface charge. Free BdE decreased joint swelling, total leucocyte and neutrophil infiltration, and the synovial levels of tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukins 6 and 1β. Incorporation of BdE into liposomes preserved its capacity to inhibit the neutrophil superoxide anion and total reactive oxygen species generation, and improved its anti-inflammatory effect in vivo by decreasing the effective BdE dose by nearly sixfold. The same liposome type lowered the effective dose of caffeic acid by nearly sixteenfold. Therefore, incorporation of BdE into phosphatidylcholine-cholesterol liposomes improves its anti-inflammatory effect.

The establishment of physical training programs for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) has several benefits. The study aimed to analyze the effect of resistance training using prediction of intensity by subjective perception of effort (SPE) on body composition, muscle strength, and TCD4 + lymphocyte levels in PLWHA. This a randomized controlled trial study. Participants (11 men and 8 women), were divided in two groups: exercise group (EG) and control group (CG). The EG was submitted to 12 weeks of a resistance-training program based in the prediction of intensity by SPE. Body mass percentages were evaluated using tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance and skinfold methods. We used Flow Cytometry to quantify CD4+ T lymphocytes. Patients showed significant changes in Body Fat Percentage (Δ%=-6.23%), Lean Body Mass (Δ%=2.45%), and CD4T lymphocytes levels (Δ%=15.77%). They also showed significant increase in muscular strength presented in the test for one repetition maximum in all the evaluated exercises. Our data suggest that exercising program prescribed by SPE is capable of improving immune function, body composition, and muscular strength in PLWHA., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: the authors declare no conflict of interest.

Chagas disease (CD) is a public health problem in Latin America. The acute phase presents nonspecific symptoms and most patients recover from acute parasitemia and undergo a prolonged asymptomatic phase. Several years later, about 30% of infected individuals develop chronic cardiopathy with progressive cardiomegaly, arrhythmia, thromboembolic events and heart failure. These symptoms suggest a persistent association with the presence of inflammatory infiltrate and tissue, and cellular destruction in the heart muscle. Nevertheless, few research studies have attempted to understand the role of inflammatory cells, such as neutrophils, in establishing the pathology and progression of CD. Only recently have some studies been performed with this intention. Despite this effort, the role of neutrophils in CD is still considered controversial. This review discusses the morphological and functional characteristics of neutrophils that describes their participation in the establishment and progression of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, through the development of its effector functions, such as release of lithic components, production of oxidative agents and release of inflammatory mediators capable of modulating the host immune response., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Aim: With the development of the light-emitting diode (LED) to photo-activate composite resin, greater intensities could be reached without greater elevation of temperature in the mass of the composite resin and in the dental structure arisen from the irradiance in comparison to halogen equipments. This new scenario created a necessity to investigate the influence of temperature over the composite polymerization., Materials and Methods: Several curing temperatures (Tcure- 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100°C) were used to polymerize a composite resin (Filtek Z250, 3M ESPE) for 40 and 60 s, using the halogen equipment Gnatus Optilight Digital (halogen) and two LEDs that use a new technology to assembly the diodes: LEC 1000 and bright LEC (MM Optics) (LED 1 and LED 2 respectively). The influence of curing temperature, added by the other variables studied, was evaluated using a methodology developed and improved at IFSC/USP, in which the penetration of a fluorescent dye in the body of the photopolymerized composite resin was quantified using fluorescence spectroscopy., Results: According to the final data submitted to an analysis of variance, the presence of two groups of results could be verified: Between 0 and 25°C, both had a great percentage of the dye penetration compared with other Tcure with a variation in penetration from 69.26 ± 8.19% to 90.99 ± 3.38%. In this analysis, the effects of time and temperature were highly notable (p < 0.05) and the lesser value of dye penetration took place at 60 s of photoactivation This penetration was, in average, smaller with the Tcure of 25°C. The results showed that there was an interaction between the equipment and time and between time and temperature; the other group is regarding the Tcure was from 50, 75, and 100°C, despite the p = 0.05, the effect of temperature was notable. The penetration of the dye ranged from 8.87 ± 3.55 to 39.47 ± 8.9%. The effects of equipment and time were highly notable. The penetration with the time of 60 s was in average smaller. Except with the equipment LED 1, the percentages of the dye penetration were greater with the Tcure of 100°C. The smallest average was the Tcure of 50°C and 60 s of photoactivation., Conclusion: Based on the available data regarding the influence of curing temperature on the polymerization process of composite resins, was possible to concluded that small increments of heat increased the degree of conversion. We can assume that the energy supply through the generation of heat by the photopolymerizing devices can function as a heating medium for the reagent system by reducing its viscosity and increasing the mobility and agitation of its components., Clinical Significance: The dentist must be aware of the effects that exist between the activation devices on the light output and their heat transmission to the composite and the tooth itself. This heat transmission might create a polymer with better characteristics.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the bond strength and dentinal penetrability of cementation protocols using conventional resin cement (Relyx ARC; 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN) or self-adhesive (Relyx U200, 3M ESPE) after the glass fiber post cementation., Methods: Forty human canine roots were endodontically treated and prepared for a fiber post. The roots were divided into 4 groups according to the cementation protocol and PDT use: conventional cement (CC), Relyx ARC; self-adhesive cement (SAC), Relyx U200 cement; PDT/CC, PDT + Relyx ARC; and PDT/SAC, PDT + Relyx U200. After cementation of the fiber posts, the roots were cross sectioned, and then specimens from the cervical, middle, and apical thirds of the prosthetic space were obtained. The specimens were submitted to the pushout test and dentinal penetration evaluation of the cementation protocol using laser confocal microscopy., Results: PDT/CC presented the lowest bond strength to root dentin in the cervical third (P < .05). In the middle and apical thirds, all groups presented a similar bond strength (P > .05). PDT/CC presented the lowest dentinal penetration of the adhesive system in the cervical and apical thirds (P < .05)., Conclusions: PDT presented negative effects on the bond strength to dentin in the cervical third after cementation using Relyx ARC and on the dentinal penetrability of the etch-and-rinse adhesive system in the cervical and apical thirds of the prosthetic space., (Copyright © 2017 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Sildenafil is the most used treatment of erectile dysfunction, however a large part of patients do not respond to therapy. This drug enhances nitric oxide (NO) signaling, and therefore factors that alter NO production may impact this drug responsiveness. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of all NO synthases, and is metabolized by Dimethylarginine Dimethilaminohydrolase (DDAH) 1 and 2. Here we aimed to assess the relationship between plasma levels of ADMA and nitrite (marker of nitric oxide production) with Sildenafil responsiveness. We also studied genetic polymorphisms in DDAH1 and DDAH2 genes and their relation with biochemical and clinical data. Were included here 140 patients, divided in Clinical Erectile Dysfunction (CED) or Post-Prostatectomy Erectile Dysfunction (PPED) groups. Erectile function was evaluated before and after Sildenafil on-demand treatment using the International Index for Erectile Function Questionnaire. We have found that nitrite was associated with worse response to Sildenafil (r = - 0.25, P = 0.040). rs1554597 and rs18582 DDAH1 polymorphisms were associated with changes in ADMA levels in CED (B = - 0.23, P = 0.002; B = - 0.15, P = 0.017 for both variant genotypes, respectively). Finally, DDAH2 polymorphisms were associated with altered responsiveness to Sildenafil in PPED (B = +0.19, P = 0.027)., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of ozone therapy in teeth contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus using a mono-species biofilm model. Parallel to this, the study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of ozone for human gingival fibroblasts. Material and Methods: One hundred and eighty single-root teeth were contaminated with a mono-species biofilm of Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Groups were formed: Group I - control; Group II - standard protocol; Group III - standard protocol + ozone gas at 40 µg/mL; and Group IV - standard protocol + aqueous ozone at 8 µg/mL. In parallel, human gingival fibroblasts were submitted to the MTT test. Cells were plated, then ozone was applied as follows: Group I (control) - broth medium; Group II - aqueous ozone at 2 µg/mL; Group III - aqueous ozone at 5 µg/mL; and Group IV - aqueous ozone at 8 µg/mL. Data were submitted to the Kruskal Wallis test and Bonferroni post hoc analyses to assess microbiology and cytotoxicity, respectively (p<0.05%)., Results: The results revealed antimicrobial efficacy by Group IV with no CFU count. The cytotoxicity assay showed Groups III and IV to be the most aggressive, providing a decrease in cell viability at hour 0 from 100% to 77.3% and 68.6%, respectively. Such a decrease in cell viability was reverted, and after 72 hours Groups III and IV provided the greatest increase in cell viability, being statistically different from Groups I and II., Conclusion: According to the applied methodology and the limitations of this study, it was possible to conclude that ozone therapy improved the decontamination of the root canal ex vivo. Ozone was toxic to the cells on first contact, but cell viability was recovered. Thus, these findings suggest that ozone might be useful to improve root canal results.

Objective: The objective of the study is to describe the process of translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability, and Health Questionnaire for Lower Limb Lymphoedema (Lymph-ICF-LL) into (Brazilian) Portuguese., Methods: The process was comprised of five steps - translation, back translation, revision by an expert panel, pretest, and final translation. The first translation was performed by two professionals of the healthcare area, and the back translation was performed by two translators. An expert panel assessed the questions for semantics and idiomatic, cultural, and conceptual equivalence. The pretest was conducted on 10 patients with lymphedema., Results: Small differences were identified between the translated and back-translated versions, which were revised by the expert panel. The patients included in the pretest found 10 questions difficult to understand; these questions were reassessed by the same expert panel., Conclusion: The results of the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Lymph-ICF-LL resulted in a Brazilian Portuguese version, which still requires validation with various samples of the local population., (Thieme Publicações Ltda Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.)

The objective of this study was to describe the main lesions that simulate clinically and propose a treatment protocol for acute endodontic infection. Signs and clinical symptoms of periodontal abscess, gingival abscess, odontoma, herpes simplex, pericoronitis, acute pulpitis and necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis/periodontitis (NUG/NUP) were described and compared with acute endodontic infections. A treatment protocol was described by optimizing the procedures in access cavity, microbial decontamination and detoxification of the root canal, apical debridement, intracanal and systemic medication and surgical drainage procedures. The convenience of the use of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, root canal instrumentation using a crown-down technique, intracanal medication with 2% chlorhexidine or triple antibiotic paste and the convenience of the use of antibiotics, analgesics, and surgical drainage to solve cases of acute dentoalveolar abscess was discussed.

Objectives: The aim of this double-blind clinical trial was to assess the longevity of repairs to localized clinical defects in composite resin restorations that were initially planned to be treated with a restoration replacement., Methods: Twenty-eight patients aged 18-80 years old with 50 composite resin restorations (CR) were recruited. The restorations with localized, marginal, anatomical deficiencies and/or secondary caries adjacent to CR that were "clinically judged" to be suitable for repair or replacement according to the USPHS criteria were randomly assigned to Repair (n=25) or Replacement (n=25) groups, and the quality of the restorations was scored according to the modified USPHS criteria. The restorations were blind and two examiners scored them at baseline (Cohen Kappa agreement score 0.74) and at ten years (Cohen Kappa agreement score 0.87) restorations. Wilcoxon tests were performed for comparisons within the same group (95% CI), and Friedman tests were utilized for multiple comparisons between the different years within each group., Results: Over the decade, the two groups behaved similarly on the parameters of marginal adaptation (MA) (p>0.05), secondary caries (SC) (p>0.05), anatomy (A) (p<0.05), and colour (C) (p>0.05)., Conclusions: Given that the MA, SC, A and C parameters behaved similarly in both groups, the repair of composite resins should be elected when clinically indicated, because it is a minimally invasive treatment that can consistently increase the longevity of restorations., Clinical Significance: The repair of defective composite resins as an alternative treatment to increase their longevity proved to be a safe and effective treatment in the long term., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a highly disabling disease that affects all structures of the joint and significantly impacts on morbidity and mortality in RA patients. RA is characterized by persistent inflammation of the synovial membrane lining the joint associated with infiltration of immune cells. Eighty to 90% of the leukocytes infiltrating the synovia are neutrophils. The specific role that neutrophils play in the onset of RA is not clear, but recent studies have evidenced that they have an important participation in joint damage and disease progression through the release of proteolytic enzymes, reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytokines, and neutrophil extracellular traps, in particular during frustrated phagocytosis of immune complexes (ICs). In addition, the local and systemic activation of the complement system contributes to the pathogenesis of RA and other IC-mediated diseases. This review discusses (i) the participation of Fcγ and complement receptors in mediating the effector functions of neutrophils in RA; (ii) the contribution of the complement system and ROS-dependent and ROS-independent mechanisms to joint damage in RA; and (iii) the use of plant extracts, dietary compounds, and isolated natural compounds in the treatment of RA, focusing on modulation of the effector functions of neutrophils and the complement system activity and/or activation.

Purpose. To assess the quality of life (QOL) as a predictor of volume reduction in women undergoing complex physical therapy (CPT) for lymphoedema following breast cancer. Methods. Clinical trial in 57 women undergoing CPT. Results. At baseline, in measuring quality of life for the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire subscale of functionality, the worst scores for emotional function (55 points) and better social function (89 points) were observed. The symptom scales showed the worst pain averaged (66 points). The overall quality of life showed a low score (40 points). In the BR 23 module, low scores were observed in the field of future perspective (47 points). After treatment of lymphoedema, absolute reduction of excess volume between the upper limbs of 282 mL was observed, representing a reduction of 15%. No association was observed between the domains of quality of life and response to treatment of lymphoedema. Conclusion. This study included 57 women with advanced and chronic lymphoedema in early treatment with CPT and low scores for quality of life. The lymphoedema therapeutic response was not influenced by the QOL at the beginning of treatment.

We study the model proposed by Ziff, Gulari, and Barshad to mimic the oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO) in the presence of fixed impurities distributed over the catalytic surface. Our focus is on the continuous phase transition between the active phase, where occurs the production of carbon dioxide (CO2), and the inactive phase, where all the non inert sites become filled with oxygen molecules. We employ Monte Carlo simulations to calculate the different ratios between moments of the order parameter at the critical point, as well as, we determine the critical exponents β and ν⊥ as a function of the concentration of impurities. We show that the presence of impurities over the catalytic surface changes the critical behavior of the system. The critical exponents depend on the concentration of impurities and the model does not belong to the directed percolation universality class.

This study sought to assess the use of chlorhexidine with several excipients as a dentin surface treatment and its effect on marginal adaptation of class V restorations with current-generation dentin bonding agents. A total of 120 human third molars were selected and allocated into 12 groups, with standardized buccal class V restorations randomly divided into preconditioned dentin rinsed with: water; water + chlorhexidine; ethanol; or ethanol + chlorhexidine. After rinsing of dentin (previously conditioned with 35% phosphoric acid) with the test solutions, the Adper single bond 2, prime and bond 2.1, and Excite bonding systems were applied randomly. Restorations were performed with Filtek™ Z350 XT composite resin. The resulting specimens were subjected to thermal and mechanical load cycling. Quantitative analysis of marginal adaptation was performed on epoxy replicas by means of scanning electron microscopy. Results were assessed by means of the Kruskal-Wallis test (percentages of continuous margins) and Wilcoxon test (differences between percentages of continuous margins before and after thermal cycling and mechanical loading), at a significance level of p < 0.05. Outcomes in the chlorhexidine-treated groups were not superior to those obtained with other treatments.

Unlabelled: Ideally projected to be applied on soft tissues, infrared lasers were improved by restorative dentistry to be used in hard dental tissues cavity preparations--namely enamel and dentin. This paper evidentiates the relevant aspects of infrared Erbium laser's action mechanism and its effects, and characterizes the different effects deriving from the laser's beams emission. The criteria for use and selection of optimal parameters for the correct application of laser systems and influence of supporting factors on the process, such as water amount and its presence in the ablation process, protection exerted by the plasma shielding and structural factors, which are indispensable in dental tissues cavity preparation related to restorative technique, are subordinated to optical modifications caused by the interaction of the energy dissipated by these laser light emission systems in the targeted tissue substrate., Clinical Relevance: Differences in the action of infrared Erbium laser system in regard to the nature of the ablation process and variations on the morphological aspects observed in the superficial structure of the target tissue irradiated, may be correlated to the structural optical modifications of the substrate produced by an interaction of the energy propagated by laser systems.

Complex physical therapy is the main treatment for the secondary lymphedema after breast cancer. The low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used in order to stimulate lymphangiogenesis, encourage lymphatic motility, and reduce lymphostatic fibrosis. However, these factors could also favor the development of recurrence and metastasis. The objective of this study is to discuss the use of LLLT in the treatment of lymphedema after breast cancer. This study utilized a systematic review on the use of LLLT in the treatment of lymphedema after breast cancer. Evaluating quality of articles was conducted through the PEDro scale. Of the 41 articles identified, four were considered to be of high methodological quality (score ≥ 5). The low-level laser in the axillary region was performed in all studies. The control group was not similar across studies. The results presented showed that there was a reduction in limb volume in the group subjected to low-power laser when compared with other treatments. No studies have evaluated the risk of metastasis or relapse in the irradiated areas. Because no studies have included the complex physical therapy as the comparison group, we cannot claim that laser treatment is the best efficacy or effectiveness in lymphedema treatment after breast cancer. No studies have evaluated the hypothesis that the LLLT can increase the risk of recurrence or metastasis. Therefore, the questions about the safety of this procedure in cancer patients remain.

When dental implants are malpositioned in relation to the adjacent teeth and alveolar bone or in an excessive buccal or lingual position, the final prosthesis rehabilitation impairs the peri-implant health of the gingival tissues and the aesthetics of the patient. Thus, the purpose of this case was to report and discuss a multidisciplinary protocol for the treatment of a compromised maxillary tooth in a patient with an abscess in his right central incisor due to an excessive buccal implant position. The patient presented with an implant-supported provisional restoration on his right maxillary central incisor and a traumatic injury in his left central incisor. The treatment protocol consisted in (i) abutment substitution to compensate the incorrect angulation of the implant, (ii) clinical crown lengthening, (iii) atraumatic extraction of the left central incisor, and (iv) immediate implant placement. Finally, (v) a custom abutment was fabricated to obtain a harmonious gingival contour around the prosthetic crown. In conclusion, when implants are incorrectly positioned in relation to the adjacent teeth, associated with soft-tissue defects, the challenge to create a harmonious mucogingival contours may be achieved with an interdisciplinary approach and with the placement of an appropriate custom abutment.

Objective: To evaluate the surface roughness of IPS Empress 2 ceramic when treated with different finishing/polishing protocols., Materials and Methods: Sixteen specimens of IPS Empress 2 ceramic were made from wax patterns obtained using a stainless steel split mold. The specimens were glazed (Stage 0-S0, control) and divided into two groups. The specimens in Group 1 (G1) were finished/polished with a KG Sorensen diamond point (S1), followed by KG Sorensen siliconized points (S2) and final polishing with diamond polish paste (S3). In Group 2 (G2), the specimens were finished/polished using a Shofu diamond point (S1), as well as Shofu siliconized points (S2) and final polishing was performed using Porcelize paste (S3). After glazing (S0) and following each polishing procedure (S1, S2 or S3), the surface roughness was measured using TALYSURF Series 2. The average surface roughness results were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey post-hoc tests (α = 0.01) RESULTS: All of the polishing procedures yielded higher surface roughness values when compared to the control group (S0). S3 yielded lower surface roughness values when compared to S1 and S2., Conclusions: The proposed treatments negatively affected the surface roughness of the glazed IPS Empress 2 ceramic.

This study investigated the physicochemical properties of the new formulation of the glass ionomer cements through hardness test and degree of conversion by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Forty specimens (n = 40) were made in a metallic mold (4 mm diameter x 2 mm thickness) with two resin-modified glass ionomer cements, Vitrebond™ and Vitrebond™ Plus (3M/ ESPE). Each specimen was light cured with blue LED with power density of 500 mW/cm(2) during 30 s. Immediately after light curing, 24h, 48h and 7 days the hardness and degree of conversion was determined. The Vickers hardness was performed by the MMT-3 microhardness tester using load of 50 gm force for 30 seconds. For degree of conversion, the specimens were pulverized, pressed with KBr and analyzed with FT-IR (Nexus 470). The statistical analysis of the data by ANOVA showed that the Vitrebond™ and Vitrebond™ Plus were no difference significant between the same storage times (p > 0.05). For degree of conversion, the Vitrebond™ and Vitrebond™ Plus were statistically different in all storage times after light curing. The Vitrebond™ showed higher values than Vitrebond™ Plus (p < 0.05). The performance of Vitrebond™ had greater results for degree of conversion than Vitrebond™ Plus. The correlation between hardness and degree of conversion was no evidence in this study.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the artificial aging by thermal cycling had influenced the marginal adaptation of class V restorations with/without chlorhexidine application in the bond process. Twelve intact human third molars were used. Class V cavity preparations were performed on the buccal surface and the teeth received 35% phosphoric acid-etching procedure (Ultradent Products Inc., South Jordan, Utah, USA). Subsequently, the samples were divided in two groups: Untreated acid-etched dentin and chlorhexidine application as an adjunct in the bond process. The adhesive Single Bond 2 (3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) was used after 2% chlorhexidine application, and the restorations were performed with Filtek™ Z350 XT (3M ESPE) composite resin. The specimens were submitted to artificial aging by thermal cycling with 3,000 cycles. Analyzes were performed on scanning electron microscopy using replicas of marginal adaptation in percentage of continuous margin before and after the artificial aging. The data were analyzed by paired test and the results showed statistically significant differences in the percentage of continuous margin with/without chlorhexidine treatment before and after thermal cycling. This study concluded that the artificial aging by thermal cycling influenced the marginal adaptation of mixed class V composite restorations.

Aims and Objectives: The behavior of polymer-matrix composite is dependent on the degree of conversion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of conversion of two resin cements following storage at 37°C immediately, 24 and 48 hours, and 7 days after light-curing by FTIR analysis., Materials and Methods: The specimens were made in a metallic mold and cured with blue LED with power density of 500 mW/ cm(2) for 30 seconds. The specimens were pulverized, pressed with KBr and analyzed with FTIR following storage times., Statistical Analysis Used: ANOVA (two-way) and Tukey's post hoc., Results: To the polymer-matrix composites between 24 and 48 hours does not show a significant increase (p > 0.05), however, the highest values were found after 7 days., Conclusion: The polymer-matrix composites used in this study showed similarity on the degree of conversion and increased of according to the time of storage.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of conversion and hardness of different composite resins, photo-activated for 40 s with two different light guide tips, fiber optic and polymer., Methods: Five specimens were made for each group evaluated. The percentage of unreacted carbon double bonds (% C═C) was determined from the ratio of absorbance intensities of aliphatic C═C (peak at 1637 cm(-1)) against internal standard before and after curing of the specimen: aromatic C-C (peak at 1610 cm(-1)). The Vickers hardness measurements were performed in a universal testing machine. A 50 gf load was used and the indenter with a dwell time of 30 seconds. The degree of conversion and hardness mean values were analyzed separately by ANOVA and Tukey's test, with a significance level set at 5%., Results: The mean values of degree of conversion for the polymer and fiber optic light guide tip were statistically different (P<.001). The hardness mean values were statistically different among the light guide tips (P<.001), but also there was difference between top and bottom surfaces (P<.001)., Conclusions: The results showed that the resins photo-activated with the fiber optic light guide tip promoted higher values for degree of conversion and hardness.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of repairs in porcelain conditioned with laser. Sixty porcelain discs were made and six groups were formed (n = 10): G1: conditioning with laser with potency 760 mW; G2: conditioning with laser with potency 760 mW and application of 37% phosphoric acid for 15 s; G3: conditioning with laser with potency 900 mW; G4: conditioning with laser with potency 900 mW and application of 37% phosphoric acid for 15 s; G5: application of 37% phosphoric acid for 15 s (group control) and G6: application of 10% hydrofluoric acid for 2 min. The composite resin was insert of incremental layers at the porcelain surface aided with a metal matrix, and photoactivation for 20 s each increment. The specimens were submitted to a thermal cycling by 1000 cycles of 30 s in each bath with temperature between 5 and 55°C. After the thermal cycling, specimens were submitted to the shear bond strength. The results were evaluated statistically through analysis of variance and Tukey's tests with 5% significance. The averages and standard deviation founded were: G1, 11.25 (±3.10); G2, 12.32 (±2.65); G3, 14.02 (±2.38); G4, 13.44 (±2,07); G5, 9.91 (±2,18); G6, 12.74 (±2.67). The results showed that the femtosecond laser produced a shear bond strength of repairs in porcelain equal to the hydrofluoric acid and significantly superior to the use of phosphoric acid., (Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objective: The influence of choledochoduodenostomy and choledochojejunostomy on the repair of hepatic lesions secondary to biliary obstruction is not well known. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of choledochoduodenostomy and choledochojejunostomy on the recovery of these lesions in rats with biliary obstruction., Methods: Rats subjected to 4 weeks of biliary obstruction underwent choledochoduodenostomy (n=10) or choledochojejunostomy (n=10). The following variables were measured: total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aminotransferases, and albumin. Hepatic mitochondrial energy metabolism was evaluated by calculating the respiratory control ratio and the oxidative phosphorylation index. Hepatic morphometry was used to estimate the mass of the hepatocytes, bile ducts, and fibrosis, as well as the hepatic stellate cell count., Results: After choledochoduodenostomy and choledochojejunostomy, there was a regression in cholestasis and a reduction in the oxidative phosphorylation index. However, the total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and respiratory control ratio values improved only after choledochojejunostomy. The mass of the liver, spleen, and fibrosis was reduced after both choledochoduodenostomy and choledochojejunostomy, but the number of hepatic stellate cells increased. After choledochojejunostomy, the hepatic mass recovered completely, and the spleen mass was significantly reduced compared with that after choledochoduodenostomy. After both choledochoduodenostomy and choledochojejunostomy, enterobiliary reflux, biliary contamination, and an exacerbation in hepatic inflammation developed., Conclusion: Choledochojejunostomy was more effective than choledochoduodenostomy, but both techniques induced enterobiliary reflux and biliary contamination, which may explain the maintenance of hepatic alterations, especially after choledochoduodenostomy.

It is becoming more common for patients to look for cosmetic procedures in dental offices. The search for lost or desired esthetics by patients is increasingly frequent and the professional must be able to meet this demand. To do this, dentists not only need to return the tooth back to its normal functioning state but also promote esthetic excellence. In this context, the association of cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening and restorative procedures, such as direct adhesive restorations is very common. The composite resins employed nowadays allow the reproduction of various optical properties of natural teeth. With these composite resins, it is possible to reproduce features such as translucency, opacity and specific features of the dental element, to bring back the esthetic harmony of the smile. This article reports a clinical case demonstrating the placement, in a stratified manner, of composite resins in bleached teeth, as well as the reproduction of optical and natural aspects of the teeth. In order to achieve esthetic and functional success of the restored procedure, it is important to be familiar with the new techniques and new materials in the market and above all, we must know when and where to use them.

With the arrival of self-etch adhesives systems, there has been a rise in interest among clinicians, making it imperative for health professionals to have knowledge of the properties, characteristics, the association as well as the dental structures of these materials, in order to select them and use them correctly. The self-etch adhesive systems show good values of bond strength, microleakage and performance, and have therefore become an option in direct adhesive restorations. In the regard, this case study aims to describe the technique involving the use of selfetch adhesives system for direct restoration of anterior teeth.

We study a model of heterogeneous catalysis with competitive reactions between two monomers A and B. We assume that reactions are dependent on temperature and follow an anti-Arrhenius mechanism. In this model, a monomer A can react with a nearest neighbor monomer A or B, however, reactions between monomers of type B are not allowed. We assume attractive interactions between nearest neighbor monomers as well as between monomers and the catalyst. Through mean-field calculations, at the level of site and pair approximations, and extensive Monte Carlo simulations, we determine the phase diagram of the model in the plane y(A) versus temperature, where y(A) is the probability that a monomer A reaches the catalyst. The model exhibits absorbing and active phases separated by lines of continuous phase transitions. We calculate the static, dynamic, and spreading exponents of the model, and despite the absorbing state be represented by many different microscopic configurations, the model belongs to the directed percolation universality class in two dimensions. Both reaction mechanisms, Arrhenius and anti-Arrhenius, give the same set of critical exponents and do not change the nature of the universality class of the catalytic models.

The present work seeks to evaluate the biocompatibility of experimental glass ionomer cements (GIC) prepared from niobium-calcium fluoro-alumino-silicate glass powder and two commercial GICs. The GICs were implanted into the subcutaneous connective tissue of sixty rats. The rats were sacrificed during four varying time periods: 7, 15, 30, and 60 days and histopathological examinations were then performed. The Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to evaluate any significant differences between the materials. Additionally, multiple comparisons of the mean rank were also carried out using the Dunn test (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed that one GIC was superior to the other. The tissue response for all of the GICs tested was similar in all the periods examined.

We determine the critical behavior of a reactive model with many absorbing configurations. Monomers A and B land on the sites of a linear lattice and can react depending on the state of their nearest-neighbor sites. The probability of a reaction depends on temperature of the catalyst as well as on the energy coupling between pairs of nearest-neighbor monomers. We employ Monte Carlo simulations to calculate the moments of the order parameter of the model as a function of temperature. Some ratios between pairs of moments are independent of temperature and are in the same universality class of the contact process. We also find the dynamical critical exponents of the model and we show that they are in the directed percolation universality class whatever the values of temperature.

Aim: This study evaluated the surface roughness patterns of two resin-based composite restorative materials, a microhybrid (Filtek Z250, 3M ESPE) and a nanofilled (Filtek Supreme, 3M ESPE), subjected to a regimen that simulated dynamic pH-cycling and toothbrushing., Methods and Materials: Twelve standardized cylindrical specimens of each resin-based composite material were prepared, finished, and mechanically polished. The experimental units were submitted to a pH-cycling regimen followed by 50,000 toothbrushing cycles, after which the surface roughness was measured using an atomic force microscope (AFM). AFM surface roughness was evaluated at three intervals: (1) immediately after specimen preparation (baseline), (2) after pH-cycling, and (3) after simulated toothbrushing. The results were then analyzed using a split-plot design and followed by linear regression and a Tukey's test at a significance level of p<0.05., Results: The results obtained indicated that simulated toothbrushing provoked a remarkable increase in surface roughness for both types of composite resins tested (p=0.0031). However, pH-cycling did not alter the surface of the composite under the conditions of this experiment., Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that simulated toothbrushing was capable of increasing the surface roughness of the microhybrid (Filtek Z250) and the nanofilled (Filtek Supreme) composites tested., Clinical Significance: Surface roughness of nanofilled and microhybrid composites is significantly increased after toothbrushing, although pH-cycling, as tested in this study, does not appear to affect the morphology of either composite material.