Unsupervised model for structure segmentation applied to brain computed tomography.

This article presents an unsupervised method for segmenting brain computed tomography scans. The proposed methodology involves image feature extraction and application of similarity and continuity constraints to generate segmentation maps of the anatomical head structures. Specifically designed for real-world datasets, this approach applies a spatial continuity scoring function tailored to the desired number of structures. The primary objective is to assist medical experts in diagnosis by identifying regions with specific abnormalities. Results indicate a simplified and accessible solution, reducing computational effort, training time, and financial costs. Moreover, the method presents potential for expediting the interpretation of abnormal scans, thereby impacting clinical practice. This proposed approach might serve as a practical tool for segmenting brain computed tomography scans, and make a significant contribution to the analysis of medical images in both research and clinical settings.

The effect of photoinitiator type and filler load on physicochemical and mechanical properties of experimental light-cured resin cements through lithium disilicate ceramics of different shades and thicknesses.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the influence of photoinitiator types on degree of conversion (DC), rate of polymerization (RP), flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), and light transmittance (LT) of filled and unfilled light-curable resin cements through different thicknesses and shades of lithium disilicate ceramics. METHODS: Lithium disilicate ceramic discs (IPS Emax Press, background [0.0], 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 mm, shades A1 and BL3) were prepared. Experimental resin-based cements [TEGDMA/BisGMA (50/50 mass%)] were prepared using either camphorquinone (CQ)/amine (0.44/1.85 mol%) or TPO (0.44 mol%)], and a micro and nanofiller loads of nil (unfilled); 40/10 mass%; and 50/10 mass%). Resin cements (0.2 mm thick) were placed on the lower surface of the ceramic specimens and light-activated for 30 s from the upper surface using a Bluephase Style curing light (exitance at tip: 1236 mW/cm2 ± 1.20). LT and distribution of irradiance through the ceramics were measured using a UV-vis spectrometer and a beam profile camera, respectively (n = 3). The DC and RP were measured in real-time using mid infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance (ATR) mode (n = 3). FS and FM were measured using a universal testing machine (n = 5). Statistical analyses were performed on LT, DC, RP, FS, and FM data using a general linear model, and supplementary ANOVA and post hoc Tukey multiple comparison test were also performed (α = .05). RESULTS: Thicknesses, shades, photoinitiator type, and fillers load significantly influenced the optical and mechanical characteristics of the resin-based materials (p < 0.05). The BL3 shade ceramic provided higher values of DC, RP, FS, FM, and LT compared with the A1 shade (p < 0.05). Increasing ceramic thickness decreased the properties of the resin-based materials (p < 0.05). Generally, TPO improved mechanical properties of the resin cement compared with CQ (p < 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: The luting process of indirect restorations may be improved by using high molar absorptivity, more reactive, and more efficient photoinitiators such as TPO, as opposed to conventional CQ. The use of such initiator may allow the placement of thicker and more opaque indirect restorations.

Corticomuscular and intermuscular coherence as a function of age and walking balance difficulty.

We determined beta-band intermuscular (IMC) and corticomuscular coherence (CMC) as a function of age and walking balance difficulty. Younger (n=14, 23y) and older individuals (n=19, 71y) walked 13 m overground, on a 6-cm-wide ribbon overground, and on a 6-cm-wide (5-cm-high) beam. Walking distance as a proxy for walking balance and speed were computed. CMC was estimated between electroencephalographic signal at Cz electrode and surface electromyographic signals of seven leg muscles, while IMC was calculated in four pairs of leg muscles, during stance and swing gait phases. With increasing difficulty, walking balance decreased in old individuals and speed decreased gradually independent of age. Beam walking increased IMC, while age increased IMC in proximal muscle pairs, and decreased IMC in distal muscle pairs. Age and difficulty increased CMC independent of gait phases. Concluding, CMC and IMC increased with walking balance difficulty and age, except for distal muscle pairs, which had lower IMC with age. These findings suggest an age-related increase in corticospinal involvement in the neural control of walking balance. DATA AVAILABILITY: The datasets used in this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Multi-trait index: selection and recommendation of superior black bean genotypes as new improved varieties.

Common bean provides diet rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals, and protein, which could contribute into food security of needy populations in many countries. Developing genotypes that associate favorable agronomic and grain quality traits in the common bean crop could increase the chances of adopting new cultivars black bean. In this context, the present study aimed at selection of superior black bean lines using multi-variate indexes, Smith-Hazel-index, and genotype by yield*trait biplot analysis. These trials were conducted in Campos dos Goytacazes - RJ, in 2020 and 2021. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with 28 treatments and three replications. The experimental unit consisted of four rows 4.0 m long, spaced at 0.50 m apart, with a sowing density of 15 seeds per meter. The two central rows were used for the evaluations. The selection of superior genotypes was conducted using the multiple trait stability index (MTSI), multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI), multi-trait index based on factor analysis and genotype-ideotype distance (FAI-BLUP), Smith-Hazel index, and Genotype by Yield*Trait Biplot (GYT). The multivariate indexes efficiently selected the best black bean genotypes, presenting desirable selection gains for most traits. The use of multivariate indexes and GYT enable the selection of early genotypes with higher grain yields. These lines G9, G13, G17, G23, and G27 were selected based on their performance for multiple traits closest to the ideotype and could be recommended as new varieties.

Fluorescence intensity of composite resin for direct veneer removal using a fluorescence-aided identification technique.

OBJECTIVES: This laboratory study evaluated the influence of the fluorescence intensity of composite resins on additional tooth wear and the presence of restorative material in different dental thirds during the retreatment of direct veneers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The crown dimensions of 60 bovine incisors were reduced to 10 × 8 mm. The teeth were classified according to the fluorescence intensity of the composites: low (LOW) (TPH Spectra), medium (MED) (Opallis), and high (HIGH) (Essentia) groups. The teeth were divided according to the removal methods: conventional (CON) and fluorescence-aided identification technique (FIT). The specimens were scanned (T0), received veneer preparation, and scanned again (T1). After restorations, the composites were removed and the teeth were scanned (T2). Measurement assessments between T1 and T2 were performed to determine additional wear, presence of residual areas, and the average between additional wear and the presence of residual areas. Kruskal Wallis, Mann-Whitney, Friedman, 2-way ANOVA, and post-Tukey tests were performed (α < 0.05). RESULTS: The comparison of composite resins indicated a smaller area of additional wear and greater residue presence in the HIGH group than the LOW group for both techniques in the cervical third. Regarding removal methods, the FIT produced greater additional wear than the CON method for the LOW and MED groups in the middle and cervical thirds. The incisal third exhibited greater additional wear than the other thirds. CONCLUSIONS: Composite resins with high fluorescence intensity removed using FIT had less tooth wear. The incisal third was the most affected area for direct veneer removal procedures. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A FIT has been proposed for composite resin removal; however, the different fluorescence intensities of composite resins can influence tooth wear caused during this procedure.

Enhancing RECK Expression Through miR-21 Inhibition: A Promising Strategy for Bladder Carcinoma Control.

Bladder carcinoma (BC) is the tenth most frequent malignancy worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality rates. Despite recent treatment advances, high-grade BC and muscle-invasive BC present with significant progression and recurrence rates, urging the need for alternative treatments. The microRNA-21 (miR-21) has superexpression in many malignancies and is associated with cellular invasion and progression. One of its mechanisms of action is the regulation of RECK, a tumor suppressor gene responsible for inhibiting metalloproteinases, including MMP9. In a high-grade urothelial cancer cell line, we aimed to assess if miR-21 downregulation would promote RECK expression and decrease MMP9 expression. We also evaluated cellular migration and proliferation potential by inhibition of this pathway. In a T24 cell line, we inhibited miR-21 expression by transfection of a specific microRNA inhibitor (anti-miR-21). There were also control and scramble groups, the last with a negative microRNA transfected. After the procedure, we performed a genetic expression analysis of miR-21, RECK, and MMP9 through qPCR. Migration, proliferation, and protein expression were evaluated via wound healing assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence.After anti-miR-21 transfection, miR-21 expression decreased with RECK upregulation and MMP9 downregulation. The immunofluorescence assay showed a significant increase in RECK protein expression (p < 0.0001) and a decrease in MMP9 protein expression (p = 0.0101). The anti-miR-21 transfection significantly reduced cellular migration in the wound healing assay (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, in the colony formation assay, the anti-miR-21 group demonstrated reduced cellular proliferation (p = 0.0008), also revealed in the cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry (p = 0.0038). Our results corroborate the hypothesis that miR-21 is associated with BC cellular migration and proliferation, revealing its potential as a new effective treatment for this pathology.

The impact of methylene blue photosensitizer, aPDT and a calcium hydroxide-based paste on the physicochemical and mechanical characteristics of root canal dentin and the bonding interface of fiberglass posts.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of methylene blue (MB)-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and calcium hydroxide (CH) medication on the mechanical characteristics, degree of conversion (DC), quantification, and volume of gaps at the adhesive interface of glass fiber posts (GFPs) luted to distinct thirds of root canal dentin. Additionally, the microhardness (MH), elastic modulus (Eit), morphology, and chemical structure of the intraradicular dentin were assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 6 experimental groups were formed by sorting 102 bovine incisors. Canals receiving deionized water irrigation as a negative control; canals receiving deionized water irrigation and filled with CH as a positive control; groups treated with CH + MB at 50 and 100 mg/L without irradiation; and groups treated with CH + MB at 50 and 100 mg/L irradiated by red laser for 60 s (660 nm; 100 mW; 6.5 J; 72 J/cm2). MH, Eit, and DC properties were evaluated for both the resin cement layer and root dentin substrate (n = 8). Volume and quantification of gaps at the bonding interface (n = 6), and dentin morphology and chemical content were investigated (n = 3). Data were analyzed using a repeated-measures 2-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc analysis (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The distinct intraradicular thirds and treatment with MB-mediated aPDT, whether activated or not, in combination with CH, had a significant impact on the mechanical characteristics of the root dentin. This effect was also observed in the MH, Eit, DC, quantification, and volume of gaps at the luting interface (P < .05). In general, a higher concentration of MB, whether activated by a red laser or not, led to lower values in the mechanical properties of the root dentin, as well as in MH, Eit, and DC at the adhesive interface (P < .05). Additionally, these groups exhibited higher values for quantification and volume of gaps at the luting substrate (P < .05). Scanning electron micrographs and energy dispersive X-ray spectra showed qualitative similarity among all groups, except for the negative experimental control group. CONCLUSIONS: MB-mediated aPDT at 50 mg/L, in combination with CH, demonstrated favorable physico-chemical and mechanical characteristics in intraradicular dentin, along with satisfactory mechanical features and the adhesive interface integrity for GFPs at all intraradicular depths. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: MB-mediated aPDT at a concentration of 50 mg/L combined to CH medication represents a suitable choice for photosensitization in the context of intracanal disinfection following the biomechanical procedure and prior to luting of intraradicular restorations.

Serial Mass Screening for Tuberculosis Among Incarcerated Persons in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: An active search for tuberculosis cases through mass screening is widely described as a tool to improve case detection in hyperendemic settings. However, its effectiveness in high-risk populations, such as incarcerated people, is debated. METHODS: Between 2017 and 2021, 3 rounds of mass screening were carried out in 3 Brazilian prisons. Social and health questionnaires, chest X-rays, and Xpert MTB/RIF were performed. RESULTS: More than 80% of the prison population was screened. Overall, 684 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were diagnosed. Prevalence across screening rounds was not statistically different. Among incarcerated persons with symptoms, the overall prevalence of tuberculosis per 100 000 persons was 8497 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7346-9811), 11 115 (95% CI, 9471-13 082), and 7957 (95% CI, 6380-9882) in screening rounds 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Similar to our overall results, there were no statistical differences between screening rounds and within individual prisons. We found no statistical differences in Computer-Aided Detection for TB version 5 scores across screening rounds among people with tuberculosis-the median scores in rounds 1, 2, and 3 were 82 (interquartile range [IQR], 63-97), 77 (IQR, 60-94), and 81 (IQR, 67-92), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this environment with hyperendemic rates of tuberculosis, 3 rounds of mass screening did not reduce the overall tuberculosis burden. In prisons, where a substantial number of tuberculosis cases is undiagnosed annually, a range of complementary interventions and more frequent tuberculosis cases screening may be required.

Effect of BCG vaccination against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in adult Brazilian health-care workers: a nested clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of BCG vaccine for adult pulmonary tuberculosis remains uncertain. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of vaccination with BCG-Denmark to prevent initial and sustained interferon-γ release assay conversion in Brazilian health-care workers. METHODS: This substudy is a nested randomised controlled trial embedded within the BRACE trial (NCT04327206). Specifically, this substudy enrolled Brazilian health-care workers (aged ≥18 years) from three sites in Brazil (Manaus, Campo Grande, and Rio de Janeiro) irrespective of previously receiving BCG vaccination. Participants were excluded if they had contraindications to BCG vaccination, more than 1 month of treatment with specific tuberculosis treatment drugs, previous adverse reactions to BCG, recent BCG vaccination, or non-compliance with assigned interventions. Those eligible were randomly assigned (1:1) to either the BCG group (0·1 mL intradermal injection of BCG-Denmark [Danish strain 1331; AJ Vaccines, Copenhagen]) or the placebo group (intradermal injection of 0·9% saline) using a web-based randomisation process in variable-length blocks (2, 4, or 6), and were stratified based on the study site, age (<40, ≥40 to <60, ≥60 years), and comorbidity presence (diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, cardiac condition, hypertension). Sealed syringes were used to prevent inadvertent disclosure of group assignments. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) Plus test (Qiagen; Hilden, Germany) was used for baseline and 12-month tuberculosis infection assessments. The primary efficacy outcome was QFT Plus conversion (≥0·35 IU/mL) by 12 months following vaccination in participants who had a negative baseline result (<0·35 IU/mL). FINDINGS: Between Oct 7, 2020, and April 12, 2021, 1985 (77·3%) of 2568 participants were eligible for QFT Plus assessment at 12 months and were included in this substudy; 996 (50·2%) of 1985 were in the BCG group and 989 (49·8%) were in the placebo group. Overall, 1475 (74·3%) of 1985 participants were women and 510 (25·7%) were men, and the median age was 39 years (IQR 32-47). During the first 12 months, QFT Plus conversion occurred in 66 (3·3%) of 1985 participants, with no significant differences by study site (p=0·897). Specifically, 34 (3·4%) of 996 participants had initial QFT conversion in the BCG group compared with 32 (3·2%) of 989 in the placebo group (risk ratio 1·09 [95% CI 0·67-1·77]; p=0·791). INTERPRETATION: BCG-Denmark vaccination did not reduce initial QFT Plus conversion risk in Brazilian health-care workers. This finding underscores the need to better understand tuberculosis prevention in populations at high risk. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Minderoo Foundation, Sarah and Lachlan Murdoch, the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation, Health Services Union NSW, the Peter Sowerby Foundation, SA Health, the Insurance Advisernet Foundation, the NAB Foundation, the Calvert-Jones Foundation, the Modara Pines Charitable Foundation, the United Health Group Foundation, Epworth Healthcare, and individual donors. TRANSLATION: For the Portuguese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Influence of bioceramic sealers on dentinal tubule penetration and antimicrobial effectiveness: a systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis (SRM) was to evaluate whether bioceramic sealers have better penetration capacity in dentinal tubules and antimicrobial activity when compared to AH Plus® sealer. This SRM was recorded in the Open Science Framework database and followed the guidelines of the PRISMA 2020. Five databases were searched by two independent reviewers. Only in vitro studies that evaluated the effects of bioceramic sealers on dentinal tubule penetration and antimicrobial activity outcomes compared to AH Plus® sealer were included. Meta-analysis was conducted using R software, using the effect measure of the standardized mean difference (SMD) and inverse variance method. A modified Joanna Briggs Institute's Checklist was used for the risk of bias assessment. A total of 1486 studies were identified, and only 54 studies that fulfilled our eligibility criteria were included in this review. There was no statistical difference between the sealers evaluated for dentinal tubule penetration, in the thirds evaluated: coronal SMD 0.58 [0.14; 1.31], p = 0.12; middle SMD 0.07 [0.54; 0.39], p = 0.75; and apical SMD 0.08 [0.73; 0.56], p = 0.80. Both sealers demonstrated similar antimicrobial action (SMD [3.42; 5.32], p = 0.67 and SMD 0.67 [1.89; 0.55], p = 0.28). The studies presented a low risk of bias. Based on the in vitro studies included and according to the limitations of the present review, the data suggest that bioceramic and AH Plus® sealers present similar penetration capacity in dentinal tubules and antimicrobial effect, making them suitable materials to be considered in clinical practice.

Morphological and biomechanical characterization of long bones and peri-implant bone repair in type 2 diabetic rats treated with resveratrol.

Type 2 diabetes interferes with bone remodeling mechanisms, requiring studies to reverse this damage, and resveratrol is a polyphenol with rich properties. This study aimed to characterize the long bone morphology and peri-implant biomechanics of normoglycemic and type 2 diabetic animals treated with resveratrol. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were used and divided into normoglycemic and diabetic with or without treatment. They had the installation of implants in the tibia and treatment with oral resveratrol within 45 days. Resveratrol was responsible for weight homeostasis and decreased glycemic levels in rats with type 2 diabetes. The three-point bending testing, resveratrol showed positive effects on the biomechanics of long bones, corroborating a more resistant bone in comparison to untreated diabetics. Micro-ct revealed how bone metabolism is affected by systemic disease, decreasing bone quality. The counter-torque of normoglycemic animals showed superior osseointegration to diabetes, with no differences in the administration of the polyphenol, showing the sovereignty of the deleterious effects of the disease when there is a tissue lesion and an inflammatory picture installed. Overall, resveratrol acted positively in the etiopathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and revealed positive effects on the strength of long bones.

Radiofrequency driving antitumor effect of graphene oxide-based nanocomposites: a Hill model analysis.

Aim: This report proposes using the Hill model to assess the benchmark dose, the 50% lethal dose, the cooperativity and the dissociation constant while analyzing cell viability data using nanomaterials to evaluate the antitumor potential while combined with radiofrequency therapy. Materials & methods: A nanocomposite was synthesized (graphene oxide-polyethyleneimine-gold) and the viability was evaluated using two tumor cell lines, namely LLC-WRC-256 and B16-F10. Results: Our findings demonstrated that while the nanocomposite is biocompatible against the LLC-WRC-256 and B16-F10 cancer cell lines in the absence of radiofrequency, the application of radiofrequency enhances the cell toxicity by orders of magnitude. Conclusion: This result points to prospective studies with the tested cell lines using tumor animal models.

Seroprevalence Of SARS-COV-2 infection in asymptomatic indigenous from the largest Brazilian periurban area.

This study assessed the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in 496 asymptomatic individuals from Mato Grosso do Sul, located in Dourados, the largest periurban indigenous area in Brazil, from January 25 to February 4, 2021. The volunteers participated before receiving their first dose of the CoronaVac inactivated vaccine. For screening, blood samples were collected and analyzed using SARS-CoV-2 rapid tests and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We observed varying trends in total anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies across different variables. Seropositivity among the participants tested was 63.70% (316/496) using the rapid test and 52.82% (262/496) were positive using the ELISA method. The majority of participants identified with the Guarani-Kaiowá ethnic group, with 66.15% (217/328), and other ethnic groups with 58.84% (193/328). The median age of the subjects was 30.5 years, with 79.57% (261/328) being femaleThis research showed the elevated seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in asymptomatic Brazilians. The findings indicate a high seropositivity rate among the asymptomatic indigenous population of Midwest Brazil. This underscores the overlooked status of these communities and underscores the need for targeted national initiatives that emphasize the protection of vulnerable ethnic groups in the fight against COVID-19.

KPC-2-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from wild animals in Brazil.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa an opportunistic pathogen that causes infections in hospitals and has high morbidity and mortality rates. In addition, it is a widely distributed environmental bacterium that can colonise a variety of habitats. Although wild animals do not have access to antibiotics, antibacterial resistance in these animals has increasingly been reported worldwide. Although the presence of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) is uncommon in P. aeruginosa, it has been increasingly reported. This study examined KPC-2-producing P. aeruginosa in wild animals. A total of 27 P. aeruginosa isolates were obtained from clinical cases treated at the Microbiology Laboratory of the Veterinary Hospital of UFMT, Brazil. P. aeruginosa and blaKPC-2 carbapenemase resistance genes were identified using PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility of KPC-producing P. aeruginosa was evaluated using the disk diffusion method. The blaKPC-2 gene was detected in 40.7% of the isolates (11/27). The rates of antimicrobial resistance and intermediate sensitivity were as follows: piperacillin/tazobactam (44.4%), imipenem (29.6%), meropenem (51.8%), amikacin (77.8%), cefepime (85.2%), and ciprofloxacin (70.4%). Twelve isolates were classified as Multidrug-resistant (MDR). This study presents the first report of P. aeruginosa with the blaKPC-2 gene in wild animals in Brazil, highlighting the importance of molecular research on resistance genes in P. aeruginosa from a One-Health perspective.

Does the use of antioxidant agents after dental bleaching compromise the aesthetic results of ceramic laminate veneers?

PURPOSE: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the aesthetic compromise generated in adhesive interface of ceramic laminate veneer luted after tooth bleaching and the use of antioxidant agents. Thus, the chromatic coordinates and whitening index (WID) were evaluated, comparing whiteness changes (ΔWID) results to perceptibility and acceptability thresholds. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 88 bovine enamel samples (7 × 8 × 4 mm; n = 8) were submitted to the ceramic laminate veneer luting protocol according to surface treatment (unbleached and bleached enamel), antioxidant agents (control; 10% ascorbic acid and 10% α-tocopherol), and luting periods (after 24 h and after 14 days). To lute IPS e.max ceramic restorations (7 × 8 × 0.6 mm), Tetric N-Bond Universal adhesive system and Variolink Aesthetic LC resin cement were used. An ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV-VIS) was utilized to measure CIE L*a*b* coordinates prior to and after UV-B artificial accelerated aging for 252, 504, and 756 h. L*, a*, and b* axes were evaluated separately, and the whitening stability (ΔWID) effect was assessed by varying the whiteness index for dentistry (WID). The 50:50% visual threshold was used to evaluate ΔWID values (whiteness perceptibility [WPT] and whiteness acceptability [WAT]). Color parameters changes (ΔL*Δa*Δb*), WID, and ΔWID data were subjected to 2-way repeated measures ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Different UV-aging periods influenced the chromatic coordinates, WID, and ΔWID of the ceramic restorations regardless of the bleaching treatment, antioxidant solutions and luting periods (P < .05). In general, ΔWID values after UV-aging periods were above perceptibility and acceptability thresholds (WPT = 0.72 and WAT = 2.62, respectively) for all experimental groups (P < .05). Unbleached and 10% ascorbic acid-treated enamels luted after 14 days of the antioxidant action exhibited lower ΔL* and Δb* values, while control group showed lower Δa* values. All experimental groups showed similar performance on ΔWID compared to the control group, regardless of the UV-aging period analyzed (P > .05). CONCLUSION: α-tocopherol is a suitable antioxidant solution to be used 24 h post enamel bleaching not compromising clinical acceptability of ceramic laminate veneers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The adhesive interface of ceramic laminate veneers may appear darker after the use of antioxidant agents affecting the clinical acceptability of the restorations.

Effects of Different Toothpastes on the Nanomechanical Properties and Chemical Composition of Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement and Composite Resin Restorations.

PURPOSE: This study evaluates the effects of different toothpastes on the nanohardness and chemical compositions of restorative materials and dental surfaces. METHODS: Bovine enamel (n = 72) and dentin (n = 72) blocks were obtained and restored using RMGIC (n = 36) or CR (n = 36) to create the following surfaces: dentin adjacent to RMGIC (DRMGIC), enamel adjacent to RMGIC (ERMGIC), dentin adjacent to CR (DCR), and enamel adjacent to CR (ECR). After restoration, one hemiface of each specimen was coated with an acid-resistant varnish to facilitate the creation of control (C) and eroded (E) sides; the latter were achieved by erosion-abrasion cycles as follows: erosion with 1% citric acid: 5 days, four times for 2 min each day; 1% citric acid/abrasion, two times for 15 s, followed by immersion in a toothpaste slurry for 2 min. Toothpastes without fluoride (WF; n = 12), with sodium fluoride (NaF; n = 12), and with stannous fluoride (SnF2; n = 12) were used for RMGIC or CR. The specimens were analyzed for nanohardness (H), and chemical composition using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Raman microscopy. The data were statistically analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Lower H values were obtained with NaF for DRMGIC-C, with a statistically significant difference from the H value obtained with WF (p < 0.05). The calcium and phosphorus concentrations in DCR-E were significantly lower with WF than with the other types of toothpaste (p < 0.05). Fluoride-containing toothpastes are capable of preserving the main chemical components of the dentin adjacent to the restorative materials under erosive-abrasive conditions.

Postoperative pain after root canal filling with bioceramic sealers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis (SRM) was to assess postoperative pain (PP) after endodontic treatment with bioceramic root canal sealer compared to AH Plus® sealer. This SRM was carried out in accordance with the items on the PRISMA 2020 checklist and Cochrane guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021259283). Only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included. Meta-analysis was conducted using R software, the standardized means difference (SMD) measure of effect was calculated for quantitative variables, and the odds ratio (OR) for binary variables. The Cochrane tool (RoB 2.0) was used to assess the risk of bias, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess the quality of evidence. Qualitative and quantitative analysis included 18 and 17 studies, respectively. For quantitative variables, the bioceramic root canal sealer presented less occurrence of postoperative pain than the AH Plus® sealer in 24 h (SMD - 0.17 [- 0.34; - 0.01], p = 0.0340). For binary variables, there was no difference observed between the sealers evaluated, except for sealer extrusion where the bioceramic group had lower post-filling material extrusion (OR 0.52 [0.32; 0.84], p = 0.007). Regarding the risk of bias analysis, low risk was observed for most domains, except allocation that was considered unclear, while the certainty of evidence ranged from moderate to low. The results showed that bioceramics sealers reduced postoperative endodontic pain only after 24 h and showed less sealer extrusion compared to the AH Plus® sealer. However, more robust and standardized clinical trials are needed to confirm the results with less heterogeneity and higher quality of evidence.

MicroRNA-21 and microRNA-148a affects PTEN, NO and ROS in canine leishmaniasis.

Canine Visceral leishmaniasis (CanL) poses a severe public health threat in several countries. Disease progression depends on the degree of immune response suppression. MicroRNAs (miRs) modulate mRNA translation into proteins and regulate various cellular functions and pathways associated with immune responses. MiR-21 and miR-148a can alter the parasite load and M1 macrophages are the principal cells in dogs' leishmanicidal activity. A previous study found increased miR-21 and miR-148a in splenic leukocytes (SL) of dogs with CanL using microarray analysis and in silico analysis identified PTEN pathway targets. PTEN is involved in the immune regulation of macrophages. We measured PTEN and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) before and after transfection SLs of dogs with CanL with mimic and inhibition of miR-21 and miR-148a. PTEN levels increased, NO and ROS decreased in SLs from dogs with CanL. Inhibition of miRNA-21 resulted in PTEN increase; in contrast, PTEN decreased after miR-148a inhibition. Nitrite (NO2) levels increased after transfection with miR-21 inhibitor but were decreased with miR-148a inhibitor. The increase in miR-21 promoted a reduction in ROS and NO levels, but miR-148a inhibition increased NO and reduced ROS. These findings suggest that miR-21 and miR-148a can participate in immune response in CanL, affecting PTEN, NO, and ROS levels.

Influence of thickness and degree of opacity of lithium disilicate on the degree of conversion and bond strength of resin cements.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of various opacities and thicknesses of lithium disilicate on the degree of conversion (DC) of two resin cements and on their bond strength (BS) to the ceramic. Two hundred and forty ceramic samples of lithium disilicate with high translucency (HT), low translucency (LT), and medium opacity (MO) were obtained from IPS e. max CAD in five different thicknesses. Light-cured and dual-cured resin cements were used for DC (n = 9) and BS (n = 8). Cement samples were light-cured under ceramic samples and analyzed using a Raman confocal spectrometer to determine the DC. For BS, resin cement cylinders were fabricated using ceramic samples which were thsen subjected to a microshear bond strength test. The mean values were provided for statistical analysis. The increase in thickness resulted in a decrease in DC for both cements under all experimental conditions, but only affected the BS of the light-cured cement for the MO ceramic. Comparing the opacities, the most translucent ceramics with particular thicknesses exhibited higher DC values than the less translucent ceramics. The LT and MO ceramics with certain thicknesses exhibited the highest BS values than the HT. The dual-cured cement generally showed highest values in both analyses than the light-cured cement. A thicker and more opaque ceramic material can reduce the DC of the cement. The BS decreases with the increasing thickness of the more-opaque ceramics.

AMMI-Bayesian perspective in the selection of pre-cultivars of carioca beans in Agreste-Sertão of Pernambuco, Brazil.

The productivity of beans is greatly influenced by the different edaphoclimatic conditions in the Agreste-Sertão region, requiring the identification of adapted and stable genotypes to minimize the effects of the interaction between genotypes per environments (GxE). The objective of this work was to analyze the adaptability and stability of carioca bean pre-cultivars in three municipalities in the Agreste-Sertão of Pernambuco using the AMMI model in its Bayesian version BAMMI and compare the results with the frequentist approach. According to the results, the BAMMI analysis showed better predictive capacity, as well as better performance in the study of adaptability and stability. The cultivar BRS Notável stood out in terms of main effect and stability. Adaptability of genotypes to specific locations was also observed, enabling the use of the positive effect of the GxE interaction, which was more evident with the BAMMI model. From this work, the flexibility of BAMMI model to deal with data resulting from multi-environmental experiments can be seen, overcoming limitations of the standard analysis of the AMMI model.