Experimental pastes containing niobophosphate and 45S5 bioactive glasses for treatment of dentin hypersensitivity: dentin permeability and tubule obliteration.

OBJECTIVES: This study tested the ability of bioactive pastes containing niobophosphate and 45S5 glasses to reduce dentin permeability and to obliterate dentinal tubules, as a mean of reducing human dentin hypersensitivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental pastes with concentrations of 10, 20, and 30 wt% of two bioactive glasses (45S5 or niobophosphate [NbG]) were formulated. A paste without bioactive glass (placebo) and a commercial paste (Nano P, FGM) were used as controls. Forty dentin disc specimens were obtained from caries-free extracted third human molars and divided in 8 groups (n = 5). Percentage of permeability (%Lp) was assessed in a dental permeability machine considering hydraulic conductance, immediately after pastes application and at day 7, day 14, and day 21. The precipitates formed on the surface of the dentin discs (and dentinal tubules) were analyzed by SEM/EDS and micro-Raman spectra. Data of dentin permeability (%) 2-way repeated-measures (ANOVA) and Holm-Sidak post-tests (α = 0.05). Dentinal tubule obliteration was visually (and elemental) evaluated and descriptively reported. RESULTS: The experimental bioactive glass pastes containing NbG and 45S5, regardless of the concentration, reduced dentin permeability in comparison with pastes without bioactive glasses (P < 0.05). The formulated placebo and commercial paste did not reduce permeability over time (P < 0.05). SEM/EDS and micro-Raman analyses showed that both type of bioactive pastes (NbG or 45S5-based) presented mineral precipitates obliterating the dentinal tubules at day 21. NbG seems to offer a better initial effect than 45S5, while at 21 days there is no difference between both glasses. CONCLUSION: Experimental bioactive pastes containing NbG and 45S5 (at concentrations of 10%, 20%, or 30%) have potential to reduce dentin permeability (over time) in comparison with pastes without bioactive glasses; and this occurs on behalf of obliteration of dentinal tubules by microparticle and precipitate formation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bioactive pastes containing NbG and 45S5 may benefit patients presenting dentin hypersensitivity, because these pastes can start acting fast after application and maintain their action up to 21 days.

Bioactive toothpastes in dentin hypersensitivity treatment: A systematic review.

The use of bioactive materials is a recent proposal in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity (DH) due to the ability to stimulate the neoformation of a barrier on dentin surface. Questions have arisen about the effectiveness of the materials to reduce DH when compared to the control groups (placebo or non-bioactive substance). Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the randomized controlled trials in adult patients for DH treatment with a dentifrice containing bioactive glass, applied either at-home or in-office. Methods: The study was registered in PROSPERO and followed PRISMA guidelines. Searches were carried out in four databases (Pubmed/Medline, CENTRAL, Wbb of Science, LILACS) spanning from February 2020 to March 2020, with no language or publication date restrictions. A supplementary hand-search was performed by checking the list of references. The so-called gray literature of the national and international databases for theses and dissertations, as well as unfinished, in progress and unpublished studies were also searched. Results: After reading the titles and abstracts, articles that were duplicated (74 records) or unrelated to the systematic review (76 records) were excluded. Fifteen studies were evaluated considering seven at low risk of bias, four at high risk and four at moderate risk. Conclusion: The bioactive compounds at low concentrations (2.5-7.5%) can be used as treatment of DH both at-home and in-office.

Microwave-assisted extraction and differential scanning calorimetry in the chemical identification of sliming agents apprehended in the south region of Brazil.

Over the past decades, consume of slimming agents considerably increased in several countries, including Brazil, due to weight-loss and stimulant properties. Since these drugs are controlled to prevent illicit and indiscriminate use, there is a parallel illegal market that uses the Internet and irregular pharmacies in order to distribute these formulations. Slimming agents produced by these illegal sources are known for being manufactured with little or none quality control resulting in uncertain and unknown formulations. For forensic purposes, apprehended pharmaceuticals have to undergo a process of chemical identification that can be difficult due to its complex matrix. In this sense, application of assisted energies in the extraction step such as microwave irradiation can be a promising method to increase the recuperation of the target molecules of the sample. Therefore, the aim of this research was to identify four slimming agents apprehended in Brazil by means of visual inspection, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry. Moreover, the efficiency of solid-liquid extraction and microwave-assisted extraction was compared. It should be noted that our work was one of the few to use Differential Scanning Calorimetry and the application of microwave irradiation in the analysis of apprehended materials. Results showed that the majority of the samples was counterfeit being composed of one or several adulterants or contaminants. Initially, visual inspection resourcefully screened the slimming agents for possible signs of falsification, however it failed to detect fraudulent products that were very similar to veridical medicines. Sequentially, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy detected functional groups present in the samples while the presence or absence of the alleged active ingredients were successfully measured with Differential Scanning Calorimetry and, thus, providing a full chemical screening of the apprehended materials. Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry confirmed the presence of adulterants such as caffeine, fluoxetine and phenolphthalein as well as contaminants such as sulfurol in the falsified samples. Finally, comparison of extraction procedures indicated that microwave-assisted extraction increased the recovery of compounds detected in chromatographic analysis to a greater extent than solid-liquid extraction.

Application of differential scanning calorimetry in the analysis of apprehended formulations of anabolic androgenic steroids.

Over the past ten years, there has been a significant increase in the amount of formulations containing anabolic androgenic steroids apprehended worldwide. A considerable amount of these illicit preparations is falsified imposing a series of challenges for the analytical identification of alleged active ingredients due to the presence of interferers. In this sense, the aim of this work was to identify and quantify the active ingredient using cholesterol as internal standard in eight apprehended formulations of anabolic androgenic steroids in either tablet, capsule or injectable forms employing visual inspection and instrumental analysis of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. The assessed samples were kindly provided by the Brazilian Federal Police as representative samples from an apprehension made in July of 2017. Qualitatively, 25% of the analyzed materials were determined to be falsified as they were composed of excipients only while the others had the alleged active ingredient confirmed. However, after quantitative analysis, the majority of samples were placed as counterfeit materials as the active substance was found in concentrations lower than stated in the label. Preliminary visual inspection provided important information to distinguish genuine from falsified samples. It should be noted that this work was one of the few available reports to employ Differential Scanning Calorimetry in the analysis of anabolic agents, which proved to be an important complementary tool for the detection of the active ingredient, when present, along with the calorimetric profile of the formulations studied. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Gas-Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry were also efficient analytical tools in order to identify and to characterize substances present in fraudulent preparations.

Avaliação do nível de cooperação de pacientes em terapia periodontal de suporte / Assessment of patients´ cooperation level in basic periodontal therapy

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o grau de cooperação dos pacientes da Clínica de Periodontia do Curso de Odontologia da Universidade Federal do Maranhão durante a terapia periodontal de suporte (TPS). Avaliou-se a profundidade de sondagem (PS), recessão gengival (RG), nível de inserção clínica (NIC), mobilidade dentária, envolvimento de furca, índice de placa (IP) e índice de sangramento gengival (ISG) de 16 pacientes adultos em três fases: baseline, T1 e T2. Os indivíduos foram diagnosticados quanto à condição periodontal e responderam ao questionário sobre o impacto na rotina e qualidade de vida nos últimos seis meses pelo índice OHIP-14 (Oral Health Impact Profile). Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística. Os pacientes foram classificados conforme o grau de cooperação em: colaboradores (75%), colaboradores irregulares (12,5%) e não colaboradores (12,5%). A PS e o NIC dos pacientes colaboradores durante as três fases não sofreram diferenças significativas. O ISG sofreu uma redução comparada ao baseline. A média do IP dos pacientes colaboradores sofreu uma pequena redução, ao contrário dos colaboradores irregulares. Não houve escores de impacto forte na avaliação do OHIP-14, demonstrando uma boa percepção da qualidade da saúde bucal pelos indivíduos. Os pacientes colaboradores tiveram um impacto fraco em relação à doença periodontal nas duas fases do estudo (T1 e T2). Os principais diagnósticos foram a gengivite associada ao biofilme (38,46%) e periodontite crônica avançada localizada (30,76%). Pode-se concluir que os pacientes, em sua maioria, mostraram-se colaboradores na TPS, mantendo sua condição periodontal estável ou progredindo para saúde periodontal.

Motivation and education in mouth health are basic tools to prevent periodontal diseases. Current study assesses patients´ cooperation level at the Periodontal Clinic of the Dentistry Course of the Universidade Federal do Maranhão during Basic Periodontal Therapy (BPT). Sounding depth (PS), gum recession (RG), level of clinical insertion, dental mobility, furca involvement, plaque index (IP) and gum blooding index (ISG) of six adult were assessed clinically at three phases: baseline, T1 and T2. The patients were diagnosed with regard to their periodontal condition and answered a questionnaire on the impact on routine and life quality during the last six months, using Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Data underwent statistical analysis and patients were classified according to their cooperation level, namely, collaborators (75%), irregular collaborators (12.5%) and non-collaborators (12.5%). No significant differences existed in collaborators´ PS and NIC during the three phases. ISG decreased when compared to baseline. IP mean of collaborating patients showed a slight decrease when compared to that of irregular collaborators. Since no significant score impact existed in OHIP-14 assessment, there was a good perception by patients with regard to mouth health quality. Collaborating patients had a weak impact with regard to periodontal disease in the two phases (T1 and T2). Main diagnoses were gingivitis plus biofilm gum (38.46%) and local advanced chronic periodontitis (30.76%). Results show that most patients collaborated with BPT, with a stable or advanced periodontal condition in periodontal health.

Sensibilidade da dentina e o impacto na qualidade de vida de pacientes com periodontite crônica da Universidade Federal do Maranhão / Dentin sensitivity and the impact on the quality of life of patients with chronic periodontitis at the Federal University of Maranhão

Objetivo: Verificar a presença da sensibilidade da dentina e seu impacto na qualidade de vida de pacientes periodontais. Material e Métodos: Foram examinados 36 pacientes com periodontite crônica de ambos os sexos na faixa etária de 18 a 59 anos na Clínica de Odontologia da Universidade Federal do Maranhão. Os participantes responderam a um questionário socioeconômico e sobre hábitos de higiene bucal. O impacto da sensibilidade da dentina na qualidade de vida foi avaliado pelo OHIP-14 (Oral Health Impact Profile). Clinicamente, a sensibilidade da dentina foi avaliada pela utilização de spray ar-água e sonda exploradora nº 05, utilizando-se escores de 0 a 3. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística por meio do teste não paramétrico Qui-quadrado (χ2). O nível de significância foi de 5%. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que 18 pacientes apresentaram sensibilidade da dentina, nos quais os pré-molares foram os dentes mais acometidos (55,5%). A sensibilidade da dentina foi mais observada pelo spray ar-água (86,1%), em seguida pela sonda exploradora (51,0%). Desconforto/dor leve (escore 1) foi mais encontrado com spray ar- água (43,5%), enquanto que dor intensa que persiste após estímulo foi mais verificada pela sonda exploradora nº 05 (51,0%). O OHIP-14 revelou impacto de fraco (66,7%) a médio (33,3%) nos pacientes com sensibilidade da dentina. Os indivíduos sem sensibilidade apresentaram impacto fraco (94,4%). Conclusão: A sensibilidade da dentina afetou parte dos pacientes periodontais com impacto de fraco a médio na qualidade de vida

Aim: This study sought to observe the presence of dentin sensitivity in its different degrees and its impact on patients' quality of life. Methods: Thirty-six patients with chronic periodontitis, both male and female, ranging from 18 to 59 years of age, were examined at the Federal University of Maranhão. The patients answered a questionnaire on their socioeconomic status and oral hygiene habits. The impact of dentin sensitivity on the patients' quality of life was assessed by Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Clinically, dentin sensitivity was examined by an air-water spray and a #5 dental explorer, using scores 0-3. Data were submitted to statistical analysis by non-parametric chi-squaretest. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: The results showed that 18 patients presented dentin sensitivity. The premolars were the most affected teeth (55.5%). Dentin sensitivity was most observed when the air-water spray was used (86.1 %), followed by the dental explorer (51 %). The discomfort and mild pain (score 1) was more frequently found when using the air-water spray (43.50%), while severe pain that persists after stimulation was observed in teeth with sensitivity to the dental explorer (51%). The OHIP-14 revealed low (66.67%) and medium (33.33 %) impacts on patients with dentin sensitivity. Patients without dentin sensitivity mostly showed a low impact (94.44%). Conclusion: Dentin sensitivity affected a portion of the periodontal patients, with low to medium impact on one's quality of life

Uso de células-tronco na odontologia: realidade ou utopia? / Use of stem cells in dentistry: reality or utopia?

A perda dental ainda é um grande problema na Odontologia. Entretanto, com novas pesquisas, uma proposta de tratamento por meio do uso das células-tronco vem sendo utilizada para melhorar as funções do órgão dental. Essas células trazem alternativas para regeneração dentino-pulpar, do tecido periodontal, óssea, da cartilagem da articulação temporo-mandibular e o desenvolvimento da terceira dentição. As principais fontes são: células mesenquimais presentes na região periodontal e na polpa dental, em especial de dentes decíduos, ainda folículo dental e papila apical. Todas estas células apresentam capacidade proliferativa e regenerativa dos tecidos humanos, sejam eles dentais ou não. Dessa forma, este trabalho teve o propósito de fazer uma revisão da literatura sobre a ENGENHARIA TECIDUAL com enfoque para células-tronco quanto ao uso, fontes, vantagens e desvantagens, bem como elucidar as reais aplicabilidades na Odontologia.

Tooth loss is still a major problem in Dentistry. However, new treatments may be achieved by using stem cells to restore all functions of the tooth. These cells provide new alternatives such as: regeneration of pulp-dentin, periodontal tissue and temporomandibular joint cartilage and the development of third dentition. The main sources are: mesenchymal cells in the periodontium and dental pulp, especially in primary teeth, even the dental follicle and the apical papilla. All these cells have shown proliferative and regenerative capacity of human tissues, whether or not dental tissues. Thus, the aim of this study was to perform a literature review on tissue engineering focusing on stem cells, their use, sources, advantages and disadvantages, as well as to clarify the real applicability in Dentistry.

Occupational exposure to trichloroethylene and cancer risk for workers at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant.

OBJECTIVE: The Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) became operational in 1952; it is located in the western part of Kentucky. We conducted a mortality study for adverse health effects that workers may have suffered while working at the plant, including exposures to chemicals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied a cohort of 6820 workers at the PGDP for the period 1953 to 2003; there were a total of 1672 deaths to cohort members. Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a specific concern for this workforce; exposure to TCE occurred primarily in departments that clean the process equipment. The Life Table Analysis System (LTAS) program developed by NIOSH was used to calculate the standardized mortality ratios for the worker cohort and standardized rate ratio relative to exposure to TCE (the U.S. population is the referent for ageadjustment). LTAS calculated a significantly low overall SMR for these workers of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.72-0.79). A further review of three major cancers of interest to Kentucky produced significantly low SMR for trachea, bronchus, lung cancer (0.75, 95% CI: 0.72-0.79) and high SMR for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) (1.49, 95% CI: 1.02-2.10). RESULTS: No significant SMR was observed for leukemia and no significant SRRs were observed for any disease. Both the leukemia and lung cancer results were examined and determined to reflect regional mortality patterns. However, the Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma finding suggests a curious amplification when living cases are included with the mortality experience. CONCLUSIONS: Further examination is recommended of this recurrent finding from all three U.S. Gaseous Diffusion plants.

Time-period mortality patterns in a Gaseous Diffusion Plant workforce.

BACKGROUND: We sub-divided a cohort of 6820 workers at the Paducah (KY) Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) which was traced from 1953 to 2003. The subdivisions were made to assess the mortality risks in a sub-group of workers employed solely during the plant's refit period, a time of suspected higher exposure to metal dusts (nickel, arsenic, chromium and uranium) and trichloroethylene. METHODS: This article describes a comparison of exposures and causes of death for 754 workers employed exclusively during the period of 1975-1979, with 1554 workers who worked in this period as well as other years. This interval was when the gaseous diffusion cascade facilities were re-fit. The workers employed 'only' during this period have a variety of deterministic factors (age-at-hire, duration of employment) that distinguish this sub-group of employees from the 'long-term' workforce. RESULTS: The 'only 1975-1979' workers had a larger fraction of minorities and female workers. This 'only' sub-group was disproportionately employed in unskilled labor positions. The 'only' workers were younger than the referent group, and a 14-year earlier mean age at death. The all-cause mortality standardized rate ratio [SRR] was 1.58 [95% Cl: 0.97-2.42]. The 'only' group was significantly different from the 'ever' workers with respect to suicides, SRR = 3.74 [95% Cl: 1.86-6.69], and for homicides, SRR = 11.71 [95% Cl: 3.20-30.03]. CONCLUSIONS: These elevated mortality risks do not seem to be due to PGDP employment exposures to metal dusts or trichloroethylene. Socio-economic factors may be a determinant for the patterns of suicides and murders described for this sub-group of employees. These findings provide guidance for communities with a dominant local employer. Persons who experience short-term hiring may warrant public health services to mitigate their risk of tragic deaths. A case-control study of these deaths is recommended to clarify individual risk behaviors.

Brain cancer survival in Kentucky: 1996-2000.

This is a report of brain cancer survival patterns in certain Area Development Districts (ADDs) in Kentucky, the state, and the nation. Brain cancer is of national and regional concern as it is a disease of high case fatality rates and relatively short survival. Comparisons for survival were made between the U.S.A. and the state. Kentucky has higher brain cancer mortality rates than the U.S.A., but significantly better cause-specific survival (p < 0.05). In order to examine within state variations for brain cancer survival, data organized for the fifteen ADDs from the state's central cancer registry were used. The analytic focus of this analysis were three regions expressly: the Purchase ADD (location of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant), the Green River ADD (the location of elevated brain cancer mortality rates), and the Kentucky River ADD (comprising counties that each have significantly more than the state average of persons living below the national poverty level). We found no evidence of lower survival for brain cancer among the poorer region of the state. The western districts were found to have lower cause-specific survival than the state (p < 0.05) and the U.S.A. Such a regional variation alerts population-based researchers to consider varying survival trends within the state's population.