ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to evaluate the physico-chemical and antimicrobial properties of a dual polymerization experimental endodontic sealer (E) and experimental sealers containing dibutyltin methacrylate (Sn2+) (ETs) or calcium methacrylate (Ca2+) (ECs). The pH and ion release levels of the sealers were measured. The dimensional stability was evaluated in accordance with ISO 6876. Biofilm growth inhibition was evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Biofilm viability analysis was performed using the SYTO 9 technique. The shelf life was evaluated through the degree of conversion and film thickness tests after the sealers had been stored for different periods of time. For statistical analysis, ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test were used, with a significance level of 5%. ETs revealed better anti-biofilm potential after 15 days than that of the controls. The degree of conversion was reduced after the shelf-life period. The addition of calcium and dibutyltin methacrylate improved the anti-biofilm properties of the experimental endodontic sealer without impairing their physico-chemical properties.
Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents , Methacrylates , Root Canal Filling Materials , Anti-Bacterial Agents , Biofilms , Materials TestingABSTRACT
Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric disease characterized by recurrent episodes of mania and depression. Blueberries contain bioactive compounds with important pharmacological effects such as neuroprotective and antioxidant actions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of blueberry extract and/or lithium on oxidative stress, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Na+, K+-ATPase activity in an experimental ketamine-induced model of mania. Male Wistar rats were pretreated with vehicle, blueberry extract (200 mg/kg), and/or lithium (45 mg/kg or 22.5 mg/kg twice daily) for 14 days. Between the 8th and 14th days, the animals also received an injection of ketamine (25 mg/kg) or vehicle. On the 15th day the animals received a single injection of ketamine; after 30 min, the locomotor activity was evaluated in an open field test. Ketamine administration induced an increase in locomotor activity. In the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum, ketamine also induced an increase in reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels, as well a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity. Pretreatment with blueberry extract or lithium was able to prevent this change. Ketamine increased the AChE and Na+, K+-ATPase activity in brain structures, while the blueberry extract partially prevented these alterations. In addition, our results showed that the neuroprotective effect was not potentiated when lithium and blueberry extract treatment were given together. In conclusion, our findings suggest that blueberry extract has a neuroprotective effect against an experimental model of mania. However, more studies should be performed to evaluate its effects as an adjuvant therapy.
