Outcome of Nonsurgical Root Canal Retreatment of Teeth with Persistent Apical Periodontitis Treated with Foraminal Enlargement and 2% Chlorhexidine Gel: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Nonsurgical root canal retreatment (NS-RCRT) becomes necessary when primary endodontic procedures fail. This study evaluates the efficacy of NS-RCRT using 2% chlorhexidine gel and foraminal enlargement techniques, aiming to assess whether these approaches enhance periapical healing outcomes and success rates compared to traditional NS-RCRT techniques reported in the literature. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 120 teeth diagnosed with persistent apical periodontitis, from 80 patients who underwent NS-RCRT between January 2014 and December 2018 at a specialist's private practice. Data were collected following the Preferred Reporting Items for Observational Studies in Endodontics 2023 guidelines. Periapical healing was evaluated using digital periapical radiographs by three calibrated examiners. The outcome of the treatment was analyzed through descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses, including the Chi-Square and Fisher's Exact tests. Treatment outcomes were deemed successful if they showed complete or incomplete repair and unsuccessful if no repair was observed. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 30 months. Under loose criteria, 92.50% (n = 111) of the teeth were categorized as successful, and 7.5% (n = 9) as unsuccessful. Bivariate analysis indicated that the radiographic restoration of apical transportation was the only factor that significantly influenced the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: NS-RCRT performed in a single visit using the foraminal enlargement technique and 2% chlorhexidine gel demonstrated high success rates and may be an effective alternative to tooth extraction. This method promoted periapical healing and could significantly improve NS-RCRT protocols. Further prospective studies are recommended to corroborate these findings.

External breast prostheses after mastectomy: production and selection of a low-cost functional model to be performed in developing countries.

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting women. Despite advancements in early diagnosis, neoadjuvant therapy, and various treatment modalities, mastectomy remains a common procedure for many women. Although some women opt for reconstructive surgery (BR), many do not have the indication, desire, or opportunity to undergo this procedure. Methods: An easily manufactured, washable, lightweight, and inexpensive external breast prosthesis (EBP) model was developed specifically for the study. Participants were presented with five EBP models-one commercially available, three manufactured options, and one created for the study-and were asked to choose a prosthesis. We also evaluated the factors associated with non-adherence to EBP among women who had undergone mastectomy without BR. The chi-square test was used to assess adherence or non-adherence to EBP, while logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with non-adherence. Results: We introduced a low-cost, lightweight, washable EBP model. When participants were asked to choose between two prostheses, the silicone prosthesis was the first choice for 33.9% of the participants, while the prosthesis created for the study emerged as the second choice for 70.5%. Out of the 72 women assessed, 45.8% (33) opted not to use any of the EBP models. Our analysis revealed that age and BMI were significantly associated with non-use of EBP. Conclusion: Multiple barriers contribute to non-adherence to EBP, underscoring the need for interventions aimed at improving patient knowledge and adherence. This study introduces a lightweight, easily reproducible, and low-cost EBP model.

Development and Content Validation of a Nursing Clinical Simulation Scenario on Transfusion Reaction Management.

Blood transfusion is a life-saving procedure widely used in healthcare. However, complications such as transfusion reactions may occur. Knowledge of these reactions is essential for patient safety. Nurses play a crucial role in this process by identifying complications and adverse reactions early on. A lack of professional competence in blood transfusion can lead to errors and serious complications, such as death. The aim of this study was to present evidence of the content validity of a simulated clinical scenario on transfusion reactions for teaching and learning for nursing students. This methodological study was carried out in three phases: (1) development of the simulated scenario of a transfusion reaction; (2) analysis of evidence of content validity by experts (n = 11); and (3) determination of satisfaction and self-confidence in the use of the simulated scenario by the nursing students (n = 45). The Content Validity Index was 94%. After the scenario had been developed, the content was validated and approved by 100% of the experts. All the items in the simulated scenario obtained agreement scores above 0.90. The simulated scenario was validated in terms of content and can be used to teach the management of transfusion reactions.

Impact of passive ultrasonic irrigation on the outcome of non-surgical root canal treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to assess the impact of Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation on the periapical healing rate of primary root canal treatment compared to conventional syringe irrigation. METHODS: Registered a priori in the PROSPERO database, this review was conducted by two independent reviewers who performed an electronic search up to December 2023. The search included databases such as MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, LILACS, and the Cochrane Library, as well as grey literature. We included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that focused on patients undergoing primary root canal treatments. The study compared intervention groups using PUI with control groups that did not use activation techniques. Periapical healing was assessed over follow-up periods of at least six months, utilizing either periapical radiographs or cone-beam computed tomography. To synthesize the findings, a meta-analysis and trial sequence analysis were conducted, employing the Relative Risk as the measure of effect, with a 95% confidence interval. The GRADE approach was utilized to assess the certainty of the evidence. RESULTS: The meta-analysis incorporated three RCTs, involving 474 patients (501 teeth). The analysis revealed that PUI led to a higher rate of periapical healing compared to CSI (Relative Risk: 1.10; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.01-1.21, I² = 0%), with moderate certainty of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limited number of high-quality RCTs, the findings showed a positive impact of PUI on periapical healing rates in primary root canal treatments, in comparison to CSI. REGISTER: CRD42021290894.

Effects of cocaine, nicotine, and marijuana exposure in Drosophila Melanogaster development: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abuse-related drug usage is a public health issue. Drosophila melanogaster has been used as an animal model to study the biological effects of these psychoactive substances in preclinical studies. Our objective in this review is to evaluate the adverse effects produced by cocaine, nicotine, and marijuana during the development of D. melanogaster. We searched experimental studies in which D. melanogaster was exposed to these three psychoactive drugs in seven online databases up to January 2023. Two reviewers independently extracted the data. Fifty-one studies met eligibility criteria and were included in the data extraction: nicotine (n = 26), cocaine (n = 20), and marijuana (n = 5). Fifteen studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Low doses (∼0.6 mM) of nicotine increased locomotor activity in fruit flies, while high doses (≥3 mM) led to a decrease. Similarly, exposure to cocaine increased locomotor activity, resulting in decreased climbing response in D. melanogaster. Studies with exposure to marijuana did not present a profile for our meta-analysis. However, this drug has been less associated with locomotor changes, but alterations in body weight and fat content and changes in cardiac function. Our analyses have shown that fruit flies exposed to drugs of abuse during different developmental stages, such as larvae and adults, exhibit molecular, morphological, behavioral, and survival changes that are dependent on the dosage. These phenotypes resemble the adverse effects of psychoactive substances in clinical medicine.

Fifteen years of engine-driven nickel-titanium reciprocating instruments, what do we know so far? An umbrella review.

Numerous systematic reviews (SRs) have produced conflicting findings on engine-driven nickel-titanium reciprocating instruments (reciprocating instruments) since Yared's seminal study 15 years ago. This umbrella review analysed SRs examining the clinical and laboratory evidence regarding reciprocating instruments for root canal treatment. SRs that evaluated qualitatively and/or quantitatively the outcomes postoperative pain, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), shaping ability, debris extrusion, microbial load, endotoxins reduction, cyclic fatigue, file fracture, dentinal cracks and root canal filling removal were included. The AMSTAR 2 tool was used to evaluate SRs quality, while the ROBIS tool to assess risk of bias (RoB). Forty SRs were included. The SRs revealed predominantly 'high' RoB and 'critically low' quality. Most focused on technical outcomes, exhibiting significant methodological and statistical heterogeneity. Findings suggest comparable efficacy between reciprocating and rotary instruments. However, due to the scarcity of high-quality evidence, future well-designed studies and reviews considering core outcome measures are needed.

Herbicides in the initial growth and chlorophyll indices of sugarcane in pre-sprouted seedlings.

The aim of the present study was to assess the selectivity of herbicides applied in the pre and post-planting of pre-sprouted seedlings (PSS). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, using a completely randomized design, with nine treatments and four repetitions. The IACSP95-5000 cultivar was used. The treatments consisted of herbicides applied in five doses as follows: in pre-planting: sulfentrazone, diclosulam, imazapic, and imazapyr, in post-planting: ethoxysulfuron, halosulfuron, 2,4-D and MSMA, and a control treatment without herbicide. Injury symptoms were assessed at 7, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 days after application (DAA), height, diameter, number of tillers, chlorophyll A, B, and total chlorophyll at 30, 60, and 90 DAA, leaf area, shoot and root dry mass at 90 DAA. The post-emergent herbicides were considered selective. Pre-planting herbicides reduced the variables assessed at 90 DAA, observed by linear regression for diclosulam and imazapic, and exponential regression for imazapyr. Treatments with sulfentrazone caused few injury symptoms, with subsequent recovery. In addition, all the variables analyzed were equal to control, with the sulfentrazone considered selective for the IACSP95-5000 cultivar.

Chemical Aristocracy: He3 Dication and Analogous Noble-Gas-Exclusive Covalent Compounds.

Herein, we predict the first set of covalently bonded triatomic molecular compounds composed exclusively of noble gases. Using a combination of double-hybrid DFT, CCSD(T), and MRCI+Q calculations and a range of bonding analyses, we explored a set of 270 doubly charged triatomics, which included various combinations of noble gases and main group elements. This extensive exploration uncovered nine noble-gas-exclusive covalent compounds incorporating helium, neon, argon, or combinations thereof, exemplified by cases such as He32+ and related systems. This work brings to light a previously uncharted domain of noble gas chemistry, demonstrating the potential of noble gases in forming covalent molecular clusters.

KIO3-catalyzed selective oxidation of thiols to disulfides in water under ambient conditions.

Herein, we report a KIO3-catalyzed oxidative coupling of thiols to their corresponding disulfides in water, in a short time and at ambient temperature. The reaction has a broad scope and exhibits good functional group tolerance, resulting in the desired products in excellent yields. This approach allows the reuse of the reaction system in multiple cycles and scale-up. Furthermore, the current protocol demonstrates compatibility for in situ generation of disulfides and post application in C(sp2)-H bond sulfenylation.

Photodynamic therapy in the root canal treatment of primary teeth: A systematic review of clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries is the most common oral disease worldwide, and it is estimated to affect 2.3 billion people, with at least 530 million of them being schoolchildren with decayed primary teeth. This condition can rapidly evolve into irreversible pulp inflammation and pulp necrosis and thus requiring endodontic intervention. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a supplementary method to conventional pulpectomy and is used to improve the protocol used for disinfection. AIM: The main objective of this study was to evaluate through a systematic review the efficacy of supplementary PDT on the pulpectomy of primary teeth. This review was registered a priori on the PROSPERO database (CRD42022310581). DESIGN: Two independent and blinded reviewers carried out a comprehensive search in five databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. Eligible studies were randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials that evaluated in vivo microbiological load or clinical outcomes after using supplementary PDT in infected primary teeth. RESULTS: After the selection process, four studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. Data regarding the sample characteristics and PDT protocols were retrieved. All included trials used phenothiazinium salts as photosensitizer agents. Only one study observed a significant difference in the in vivo microbiological load reduction outcome when performing PDT on primary teeth. The remaining studies all discussed the possible benefits of this intervention; however, none observed a significant difference in this outcome. CONCLUSION: In this systematic review, moderate-to-low certainty of the available evidence was observed, and thus, no significant conclusions can be drawn from the findings.

High versus low mean arterial pressure target in liver transplant patients. An open, controlled, single-center, randomized clinical trial - Protocol and methods (LIVER-PAM).

OBJECTIVE: To explain the rationale and protocol of the methods and analyses to be used in the LIVER-PAM randomized clinical trial, which seeks to understand whether a higher mean arterial pressure is capable of reducing the incidence of renal dysfunction postoperatively after liver transplantation. METHODS: LIVER-PAM is an open-label, randomized, controlled, singlecenter clinical trial. Patients randomized to the intervention group will have a mean arterial pressure of 85 - 90mmHg in the initial 24 hours of postoperative management, while patients in the control group will have a mean arterial pressure of 65 - 70mmHg in the same period. A sample of 174 patients will be required to demonstrate a 20% reduction in the absolute incidence of renal dysfunction, with a power of 80% and an alpha of 0.05. CONCLUSION: If a 20% reduction in the absolute incidence of renal dysfunction in the postoperative period of liver transplantation is achieved with higher target mean arterial pressure in the first 24 hours, this would represent an inexpensive and simple therapy for improving current outcomes in the management of liver transplant patients.ClinicalTrials.gov Registry: NCT05068713.

Outcome of Root Canal Treatment of Teeth with Asymptomatic Apical Periodontitis Treated with Foraminal Enlargement and 2% Chlorhexidine Gel: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: This retrospective cohort study aimed to estimate the success rate (SR) of primary root canal treatment on teeth with a diagnosis of pulp necrosis (PN) and asymptomatic apical periodontitis (AAP) when using 2% chlorhexidine gel as an auxiliary chemical substance and foraminal enlargement instrumentation technique. METHODS: This study evaluated 178 patients with 206 teeth submitted to primary root canal treatment performed by graduate residents in endodontics. The inclusion criteria were patients who underwent treatment over a period of 1-7 years on teeth with a diagnosis of PN and AAP. The SR was evaluated clinically and radiographically and categorized considering strict (complete resolution of the periradicular lesion) or loose (reduction in the size of the existing periradicular lesion) criteria. Cases of clinical and/or radiographic absence of repair were classified as a failure. Two calibrated examiners independently assessed treatment outcomes using ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD). RESULTS: The SRs were 81.1% (95% confidence interval, 75.7%-86.4%) and 87.4% (95% confidence interval, 82.8%-91.9%) when considering the strict or loose criteria, respectively. Females had a higher SR when strict criteria were applied. Also, the SR was significantly reduced when there was an increase in the patient's age. CONCLUSIONS: Teeth with a diagnosis of PN and AAP and treated with 2% chlorhexidine gel and foraminal enlargement achieved substantial SR. Sex and age were prognostic factors that played a significant role in the SR. Future randomized controlled trials should further investigate the effects of foraminal enlargement and 2% chlorhexidine gel as an auxiliary chemical substance.

Perfil reprodutivo de uma população de alta vulnerabilidade / Reproductive profile of a high vulnerability population

Introdução: padrões sexuais e reprodutivos são influenciados por fatores biopsicossociais. Dentre esses fatores, há a vulnerabilidade, conceito amplo, complexo e que determina maior atenção das políticas públicas. Objetivo: conhecer o perfil reprodutivo das mulheres que residem em uma área de alta vulnerabilidade na cidade de Curitiba-PR. Metodologia: descritivo, documental de caráter analítico observacional transversal. Coleta e análise de dados das Declarações de Nascidos Vivos (DNV) na Unidade de Saúde do Capanema e análise de dados públicos fornecidos pelo IBGE. Resultados: foram analisados 1199 DNVs, sendo 1011 mulheres com idades entre 13 e 49 anos, compreendidos entre os anos de 2003 a 2018. Foi possível a análise da Taxa de Fecundidade Total (TFT), via de parto, estado civil e escolaridade das parturientes. Discussão: a menor TFT foi apresentada na faixa etária de 13 a 15 anos (1,05 filhos/mulher) e a maior entre 36 a 49 anos (4,47 filhos/mulher). A via de parto vaginal correspondeu a 64% dos partos, enquanto que a via cirúrgica por cesárea aconteceu em 36% dos casos. Em relação à escolaridade, 3% apresentaram-se como analfabetas; 48% possuíam nível fundamental; 40% nível médio completo e 9% possuíam nível superior completo ou incompleto. Houve 0,5% de omissão da que escolaridade no momento do preenchimento dos dados. Os dados coletados sobre o estado civil foram considerados inconclusivos. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a Taxa de Fecundidade da população estudada está acima da Taxa de Fecundidade Total projetada para 2015 no Brasil nas faixas etárias acima de 19 anos e da taxa de fecundidade ideal para que haja uma reposição da população segundo o DATASUS (2021). Tais dados podem estar relacionados com a vulnerabilidade da comunidade em questão, corroborando com estudos que relatam maiores taxas de fecundidade relacionada a menor renda e menor escolaridade.

Introduction: sexual and reproductive patterns are influenced by biopsychosocial factors. Among these factors, there is vulnerability, a broad and complex concept that requires greater attention from public policies. Objective: to know the reproductive profile of women who live in an area of high vulnerability in the city of Curitiba-PR. Methodology: descriptive, documental, cross-sectional observational analysis. Collection and analysis of data from the Birth Certificates (BC) at the Capanema Health Unit and analysis of public data provided by the IBGE. Results: 1199 BCs were analysed, with 1011 women aged between 13 and 49 years old, between the years 2003 and 2018. It was possible to analyse the Total Fertility Rate (TFR), mode of delivery, marital status and level of education of the parturients. Discussion: the lowest TFR was observed in the age group from 13 to 15 years old (1.05 children/woman) and the highest between 36 to 49 years old (4.47 children/woman). Vaginal delivery corresponded to 64% of deliveries, while surgical caesarean section occurred in 36% of cases. Regarding schooling, 3% were illiterate; 48% had a fundamental level; 40% completed high school and 9% had completed or incomplete higher education. There was 0.5% omission of schooling attainment at the time of filling in the data. Data collected on marital status were considered inconclusive. Conclusion: it is concluded that the Fertility Rate of the studied population is above the Total Fertility Rate projected for 2015 in Brazil in the age groups above 19 years and the ideal fertility rate so that there is a replacement of the population according to DATASUS (2021). Such data may be related to the vulnerability of the community in question, corroborating with studies that report higher fertility rates related to lower income and lower education.

Eficácia da realidade virtual no manejo da dor pediátrica: contribuições da inovação tecnológica em saúde / Effectiveness of virtual reality in pediatric pain management: contributions of health technological innovation / Eficacia de la realidad virtual en el manejo del dolor pediátrico: aportes de la innovación tecnológica em salud

Avaliar e manejar a dor no período pós-operatório é fundamental, pois a dor aguda, se não ratada, é capaz de alterar diversos sistemas orgânicos. A realidade virtual constitui instrumento promissor de baixo custo para o alívio da dor. Este trabalho objetivou determinar a eficácia da realidade virtual no manejo da dor aguda leve a moderada em pacientes no pós-operatório mediato. Trata-se de um estudo clínico randomizado, realizado em um hospital pediátrico de Curitiba. Os participantes da pesquisa foram randomizados e alocados em dois grupos, submetidos a um vídeo temático relaxante e à realidade virtual. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva e inferencial. A redução da dor proporcionada pela realidade virtual é estatisticamente significativa e superior quando comparada à redução induzida pelo vídeo temático relaxante, podendo otimizar a experiência de hospitalização, com atenção centrada na experiência do paciente, mitigando os efeitos colaterais relacionados ao uso de opioides.

Assessing and managing pain in the post-operative period is essential, as acute pain, if left untreated, can alter several organic systems. Virtual reality is a promising low-cost tool for pain relief. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of virtual reality in the management of mild to moderate acute pain in patients in the immediate postoperative period. This is a randomized clinical study, carried out in a pediatric hospital in Curitiba. Research participants were randomized and allocated into two groups, and shown a relaxing thematic video and virtual reality. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Pain reduction provided by virtual reality is statistically significant and superior when compared to the reduction induced by the relaxing thematic video, and can optimize the hospitalization experience, with attention focused on the patient's experience, mitigating side effects related to the use of opioids

La evaluación y manejo del dolor en postoperatorio es fundamental. Ya que el dolor agudo, si no se trata, es capaz de alterar varios sistemas. La realidad virtual es un instrumento prometedor de bajo costo para alivio del dolor. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar la efectividad de la realidad virtual en el manejo del dolor agudo en pacientes en postoperatorio inmediato. Se trata de un estudio clínico aleatorizado realizado en un hospital pediátrico de Curitiba. Los sujetos de la investigación fueron aleatorizados y distribuidos en dos grupos, sometidos a un video temático relajante y a la realidad virtual. Los datos fueron sometidos al análisis estadístico descriptivo e inferencial. La reducción del dolor proporcionada por la realidad virtual es estadísticamente significativa y superior en comparación con la reducción inducida por el video temático relajante, que puede optimizar la experiencia de hospitalización, con atención contrada en la experiencia del paciente, mitigando efectos secundarios relacionados con opioides.

Effects of Citric Acid on the Healing Process of Chronic Wound due to Leprosy.

Objective: The aim was to describe the effects of the use of citric acid in the healing process of chronic leprosy wounds. Approach: This is a case series, carried out with 5 people with chronic leprosy wounds, under continuous care in an outpatient center wound care in the center-south region of Brazil. The intervention protocol consisted of topical application of 3% citric acid (ointment), on the wound bed, in a thin layer of approximately 2 mm, on alternate days, and followed up for a total period of 8 weeks and secondary coverage rayon and gauze. The cases were analyzed regarding wound dimensions, histology and clinical observation. Results: It was observed in all cases better aspect of the wound bed, presence of granulation tissue and decrease of the inflammatory process with predominance of lymphocytes, reduction of bacterial colonies, increase and verticalization of type I collagen fibers, reduction of type III collagen and increased areas of epithelialization. Innovation: There was also a reduction in the level of pain and exudation after the treatment protocol. Conclusions: Therefore, the use of citric acid in leprosy neuropathic wounds is promising and may be a treatment option, considering its cost, clinical management and possible effect on the chronic inflammatory process.

High versus low mean arterial pressure target in liver transplant patients. An open, controlled, single-center, randomized clinical trial - Protocol and methods (LIVER-PAM) / Alto versus baixo alvo de pressão arterial média em pacientes submetidos a transplante hepático. Um estudo clínico aberto, controlado, unicêntrico e randomizado -Protocolo e métodos (LIVER-PAM)

ABSTRACT Objective: To explain the rationale and protocol of the methods and analyses to be used in the LIVER-PAM randomized clinical trial, which seeks to understand whether a higher mean arterial pressure is capable of reducing the incidence of renal dysfunction postoperatively after liver transplantation. Methods: LIVER-PAM is an open-label, randomized, controlled, singlecenter clinical trial. Patients randomized to the intervention group will have a mean arterial pressure of 85 - 90mmHg in the initial 24 hours of postoperative management, while patients in the control group will have a mean arterial pressure of 65 - 70mmHg in the same period. A sample of 174 patients will be required to demonstrate a 20% reduction in the absolute incidence of renal dysfunction, with a power of 80% and an alpha of 0.05. Conclusion: If a 20% reduction in the absolute incidence of renal dysfunction in the postoperative period of liver transplantation is achieved with higher target mean arterial pressure in the first 24 hours, this would represent an inexpensive and simple therapy for improving current outcomes in the management of liver transplant patients. ClinicalTrials.gov Registry:NCT05068713

RESUMO Objetivo: Explicitar o racional e o protocolo de métodos e análises a serem utilizadas no ensaio clínico randomizado LIVER-PAM, que busca entender se um nível mais alto de pressão arterial média é capaz de reduzir a incidência de disfunção renal no pós-operatório de transplante hepático. Métodos: O LIVER-PAM é um estudo clínico randomizado, controlado, unicêntrico e aberto. Pacientes randomizados para o grupo intervenção terão como alvo de pressão arterial média 85 - 90mmHg nas 24 horas iniciais do manejo pós-operatório, enquanto pacientes do grupo controle terão como alvo de pressão arterial média 65 - 70mmHg no mesmo período. Uma amostra de 174 pacientes será necessária para demonstrar redução de 20% na incidência absoluta de disfunção renal, com poder de 80% e alfa de 0,05. Conclusão: Se a redução de 20% da incidência absoluta de disfunção renal no pós-operatório de transplante hepático for obtida com alvos maiores de pressão arterial média nas primeiras 24 horas, o manejo do paciente nesse cenário encontraria uma terapia barata e simples para a melhoria dos desfechos atuais. Registro Cliniclatrials.gov:NCT05068713

Glyphosate-resistant hairy fleabane (Conyza bonariensis) exhibits a larger number of trichomes and altered stomatal density relative to the susceptible counterpart

Following the adoption of Roundup Ready crops, glyphosate spraying frequency increased, while the use of other herbicide modes of action was neglected. Herbicide-resistant biotypes were reported in three major Conyza species in Brazil, including Conyza bonariensis, increasing growers' bottom line. Considering that leaf surface structures affect proper herbicide deposition, uptake, and performance, this study aimed to characterize epicuticular surface components in glyphosate-resistant (R) and -susceptible (S) C. bonariensis. Conyza spp. seeds were collected in 36 locations in Brazil, and plants were subjected to resistance screening tests by spraying glyphosate at 720 and 1440 g ae ha-1 (0.5X and 1X the label recommended rate, respectively). For resistance level characterization, C. bonariensis biotypes with contrasting responses were selected for glyphosate dose-response assays. Leaf tissues for epicuticular surface analysis were harvested from newly-obtained R and S biotypes at two growth stages. Histological cuts were made on a leaf area of 25 mm² with a blade. Samples were fixed in Karnowsky solution, gradually changed to 100% ethanol, critical-point dried with CO2, and coated with gold, followed by stomatal and trichome density quantification using scanning electron microscopy. Results indicated a poor control with glyphosate in 33 of 36 Conyza spp. biotypes, and a high (31.5) resistance factor was calculated after dose-response trials. Leaf surface analysis indicated that C. bonariensis leaves are amphistomatic and exhibit tectorial trichomes. A higher number of trichomes and altered stomatal density (number.mm²) were quantified in R compared to the S counterpart, potentially reducing glyphosate uptake and effectiveness.

Bioactivity Potential of Bioceramic-Based Root Canal Sealers: A Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION: Bioceramic-based root canal sealers are novel materials with a bioactivity potential that stands out compared with conventional root canal sealers. However, the term bioactivity may be overused and is often misunderstood. Hence, the objective of this study was to synthesize and map key concepts related to the bioactivity analysis of bioceramic-based root canal sealers. METHODS: The present scoping review is reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR Statement and is registered in the Open Science Framework. Two blinded reviewers carried out a comprehensive search in six databases up to January 10th, 2022: MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Lilacs/BBO. Eligibility was considered for in vitro and in vivo studies that evaluated the bioactivity potential of bioceramic-based root canal sealers. RESULTS: A total of 53 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. In vitro bioactivity was evaluated through the mineralization potential, formation of carbonated apatite on the surface, and the gene expression related to proteins involved in the mineralization process. Meanwhile, for in vivo studies, staining techniques associated with immunohistochemical tests were mainly used to detect mineralization on the material-host tissue interface. CONCLUSIONS: According to the methodology used, the most prevalent methods to assess bioactivity in acellular form were the immersion of the material in Hank's balanced salt solution, followed by surface observation with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray. In cell cultures, the chosen method was usually Alizarin Red staining, followed by the evaluation of alkaline phosphatase enzymatic activity and the use of molecular biology tests.

Global research trends on photodynamic therapy in endodontics: A bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an adjunctive treatment that aims to inactivate microorganisms through an oxidative reaction produced by irradiating a photosensitizing agent. The quest for improved root canal disinfection has sought supplementary methods when performing chemomechanical procedures. From this perspective, PDT protocols were proposed as an auxiliary approach in endodontics. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate publication metrics and research trends related to this scope. METHODS: This review is reported in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 recommendations. Two blinded and independent reviewers systematically searched five electronic databases until December 2021. The acquired bibliometric parameters were analyzed through descriptive statistics and graphical mappings with VOSViewer software. RESULTS: The search retrieved 342 studies from 84 journals originating from 33 countries. About 85% of the included studies were published over the last decade. Most of the available evidence is laboratory-based (74.5%), and the main clinical outcomes evaluated were microbiological load reduction and postoperative pain. Mayram Pourhajibagher is the researcher with the most publications as the first author (n = 16). Tehran University of Medical Sciences carried out the highest number of studies (n = 29), and Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy is the journal that most published on the theme (n = 111). CONCLUSIONS: This bibliometric analysis mapped and discussed the scientific progress and publication metrics in PDT in endodontic research. Additionally, future perspectives were highlighted and should focus on discovering new photosensitizer agents, standardizing optimal photoactivation protocols, and conducting more clinical-oriented research.

Efficacy of the herbicides indaziflam and clomazone on problematic weeds of family poaceae to sugarcane crop

It is believed that indaziflam gives a longer period of weed control compared to clomazone, irrespective of the type or texture of the soil. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate pre-emergent control in five problematic weed species of family Poaceae to sugarcane, using the herbicides indaziflam and clomazone in two soils of different textures. Two experiments were carried out, one in a soil of a sandy-loam texture and the other in a clayey soil. For both experiments, a randomised block design of split plots was chosen, with four replications. The treatments consisted of the herbicides indaziflam (75 and 100 g ai ha-1), clomazone (1080 g ai ha-1) and a control with no herbicide. In the subplots, the treatments were Digitaria horizontalis, Panicum maximum, Rottboellia cochinchinensis, Urochloa decumbens and Urochloa plantaginea. Both herbicides were more effective in the clayey soil, but with indaziflam (100 g ai ha-1), more than 90% control of the weeds remained after 240 days after application (DAA), whereas for clomazone, control remained only up to 90 DAA. The herbicide clomazone did not satisfactorily control the weeds in the sandy-loam soil. The herbicide indaziflam did not control U. decumbens in the sandy-loam soil. D. horizontalis and R. cochinchinensis were the most sensitive species to the herbicide indaziflam, irrespective of soil texture.