Actinic cheilitis: Proposal of a clinical index.

BACKGROUND: Actinic cheilitis is a potentially malignant lesion most commonly found in the lower lip of individuals with chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The aim of this study was to develop and to test a clinical index that can be used to assess the severity of actinic cheilitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The clinical index of actinic cheilitis was applied to 36 patients. An incisional biopsy was obtained to grade oral epithelial dysplasias following the World Health Organization (WHO) and binary systems, and to evaluate their association with clinical characteristics by Fisher's exact test (P<0.05). The accuracy of the index was evaluated based on sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and receiver operating curve. RESULTS: The blurring between the border of the lip and the skin was significantly associated with cases without dysplasia/mild epithelial dysplasia (P=0.041) and with low risk of malignancy (P=0.005). Ulcers and crusts were significantly associated with moderate/severe epithelial dysplasia (P=0.002 and P=0.012, respectively) and high risk of malignancy (P=0.005 and P=0.045, respectively). Erosion showed a significant association only with high-risk cases of malignancy (P=0.024). The cut-off values of the diagnostic test showing the best performance were 10 for the WHO grading system and 11 for the binary system. CONCLUSIONS: The index cut-offs with the highest accuracy were considered indicators for a biopsy. Erosion, ulceration and crusts were associated with more severe oral epithelial dysplasias.

Survival and predictors of deaths of patients hospitalised due to COVID-19 from a retrospective and multicentre cohort study in Brazil.

This study aimed to analyse the survival of patients admitted to Brazilian hospitals due to the COVID-19 and estimate prognostic factors. This is a retrospective, multicentre cohort study, based on data from 46 285 hospitalisations for COVID-19 in Brazil. Survival functions were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier's method. The log-rank test compared the survival functions for each variable and from that, hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated, and the proportional hazard model was used in Cox multiple regression. The smallest survival curves were the ones for patients at the age of 68 years or more, black/mixed race, illiterate, living in the countryside, dyspnoea, respiratory distress, influenza-like outbreak, O2 saturation <95%, X-ray change, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), invasive ventilatory support, previous heart disease, pneumopathy, diabetes, Down's syndrome, neurological disease and kidney disease. Better survival was observed in the influenza-like outbreak and in an asthmatic patient. The multiple model for increased risk of death when they were admitted to the ICU HR 1.28, diabetes HR 1.17, neurological disease HR 1.34, kidney disease HR 1.11, heart disease HR 1.14, black or mixed race of HR 1.50, asthma HR 0.71 and pneumopathy HR 1.12. This reinforces the importance of socio-demographic and clinical factors as a prognosis for death.

Myofibroblasts and increased angiogenesis contribute to periapical cystic injury containment and repair.

BACKGROUND: Myofibroblasts (MF) and angiogenesis are important factors in the development and expansion of cystic lesions, where these cells secrete growth factors and proteases, stimulating angiogenesis, matrix deposition and cell migration, affecting the growth of these periapicopathies. The present study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of CD34 and α-SMA in radicular cysts (RC) and residual radicular cysts (RRC), with the purpose of contributing to a better understanding of the expansion and progression of these periapical lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study os a descriptive, quantitative and comparative analysis of positive CD34 and α-SMA immunohistochemical expressions in 30 RC and 30 RRC specimens. α-SMA expression was evaluated in the fibrous capsule of the lesions, at 100x magnification below the epithelial lining. A total of 10 higher immunostaining fields were selected and subsequently, positive cells were quantified at 400x magnification, averaged per field. Regarding the angiogenic index, immuno-labeled microvessel counts for the anti-CD34 antibody were performed in 10 fields at 200x magnification. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences regarding α-SMA immunostaining were observed (p = 0.035), as well as a correlation between α-SMA versus CD34 (p = 0.004) in RRC. However, the angiogenic index obtained by immunostaining for CD34 indicated no statistical difference between lesions. Intense inflammatory infiltrates were predominant in RC, while mild and moderate degrees were more commonly observed in RRC (p <0.001). Intense inflammatory infiltrates were also more often noted in larger RRC (p = 0.041). Inflammatory infiltrates showed no significant correlation with α-SMA and CD34 immunostaining. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the significant correlation found between the presence of MF and the angiogenic index are related to the repair process in RRC.

Prevalence and factors associated with oral potentially malignant disorders in Brazil's rural workers.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) in a population of rural workers in the northeast of Brazil and to investigate the association with sociodemographic, occupational, and health factors. METHODS: A total of 1385 workers answered a validated questionnaire and were examined by calibrated dentists. A descriptive analysis, chi-square homogeneity test, and binary logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of OPMDs was 29.6%. Actinic cheilitis was the most predominant (28.4%), followed by leukoplakia (2.3%) and erythroplakia (0.3%). Gender, type of skin, and time exposed to the sun explained the presence of OPMD (P < 0.0001). The study found increased prevalence, especially for males over the age of 60 years and being exposed to the sun for more than 45 years. CONCLUSION: Rural workers showed high vulnerability to the presence of OPMDs, as estimated prevalence exhibited was high.

Resin composite class I restorations: a 54-month randomized clinical trial.

The objective of this longitudinal clinical randomized trial was to evaluate the clinical performance of a nanofilled and a nanohybrid resin composite in Class I occlusal restorations of posterior teeth over the course of 54 months. Forty-one adolescents participated in the study. The teeth were restored with Adper Single Bond 2 (3M ESPE) and nanofilled (Filtek Z350, 3M ESPE), nanohybrid (Esthet-X, Dentsply) and microhybrid Filtek Z250 (3M ESPE) used as a control. After 54 months, the restorations were evaluated in accordance with the modified United States Public Health Service criteria. The McNemar and Friedman tests were used for statistical analysis, at a level of significance of 5%. Five failed restorations were observed during the follow-up. A change to unacceptable restoration occurred for one Esthet-X, two Filtek Z350, and two Filtek Z250 restorations, which received the clinically unacceptable score, Charlie, for both anatomic form and marginal adaptation. Secondary caries and postoperative sensitivity occurred in one Filtek Z250 and one Filtek Z350 restoration. When the five evaluation periods (baseline and six, 12, 30, and 54 months) were compared, significant differences were found in the marginal adaptation of Filtek Z250 and Filtek Z350. Significant differences in the roughness criteria (p=0.005) were also observed when the three composites were compared after 54 months (Filtek Z350 > Filtek Z250 > Esthet-X), always within clinically acceptable limits. The materials investigated showed acceptable clinical performance for Class I restoration after 54 months. Long-term reevaluations are necessary for a more detailed analysis of these composites.

Grip force control during simple manipulation tasks in non-neuropathic diabetic individuals.

OBJECTIVE: To assess hand function and grip force (GF) control in non-neuropathic diabetic individuals using traditional hand function tests and instrumented handles that provide information about the underlying neural mechanisms controlling simple manipulation tasks. METHODS: Twelve diabetic individuals (31-60 years-old) without neuropathy and 12 controls performed traditional functional tests (i.e., nine hole peg test, Jebsen-Taylor test, and maximum grip strength test) and were tested for GF control in two situations: holding a free moving instrumented handle and isometrically pulling fixed handles. Task performance in the tests and safety margin (SM - percentage of GF above the minimum needed to hold the handle) were the main dependent variables assessed. RESULTS: There was no difference between diabetics and controls in any functional test and in SM in isometric pulling task. However, diabetics presented around twice lower SM than controls in the free holding task. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetics showed no impairment in functional manipulation tasks. However, they presented a lower SM than healthy controls. SIGNIFICANCE: This lower SM suggests that diabetics may present sensory impairment that could put them at risk of losing objects during its manipulation. Also, it suggests that the applied experimental procedure is sensitive to detect mild sensory impairment in diabetics.

Reduction in bacterial counts in infected root canals after rotary or hand nickel-titanium instrumentation--a clinical study.

AIM: To compare the antibacterial efficacy of two instrumentation techniques, one using hand nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments and the other using rotary NiTi instruments, in root canals of teeth with apical periodontitis. METHODOLOGY: Root canals from single-rooted teeth were instrumented using either hand NiTi instruments in the alternated rotation motion technique or rotary BioRaCe instruments. The irrigant used in both groups was 2.5% NaOCl. DNA extracts from samples taken before and after instrumentation were subjected to quantitative analysis by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Qualitative analysis was also performed using presence/absence data from culture and qPCR assays. RESULTS: Bacteria were detected in all S1 samples by both methods. In culture analysis, 45% and 35% of the canals were still positive for bacterial presence after hand and rotary NiTi instrumentation, respectively (P > 0.05). Rotary NiTi instrumentation resulted in significantly fewer qPCR-positive cases (60%) than hand NiTi instrumentation (95%) (P = 0.01). Intergroup comparison of quantitative data showed no significant difference between the two techniques. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in bacterial reduction in infected canals after instrumentation using hand or rotary NiTi instruments. In terms of incidence of positive results for bacteria, culture also showed no significant differences between the groups, but the rotary NiTi instrumentation resulted in more negative results in the more sensitive qPCR analysis.

Prevalence and factors associated to actinic cheilitis in beach workers.

OBJECTIVES: Assess the prevalence and potential factors associated to actinic cheilitis (AC) in workers exposed to the sun. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Workers assigned to urban beaches in a city in Northeastern Brazil completed a questionnaire containing personal and health data. Lips were examined to identify AC. RESULTS: A total of 362 workers, of which 15.5% exhibited AC, were examined. Among those with AC, there was a prevalence of males (86%), aged 37years or older (61.4%) and light-skinned (52.6%). They were undocumented (96.5%), exposed to the sun (84.2%), worked up to 6h daily (57.9%), five or more times per week (52.6%), and for more than 8years (54.4%). Photoprotection was used by 89.5%, including sunscreen (42.0%), lip protector (17.5%), and cap/hat (87.7%). Approximately 30% smoked and 29.8% consumed alcohol, 56.2% over two standard shots per day. Most (91.2%) ate healthy food five or more times per week. Being male, aged 37years or older, having up to 6years of schooling, being light-skinned, wearing a cap/hat, and using sunscreen were factors associated to AC. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of actinic AC was observed. Special attention should be given to individuals chronically exposed to UV radiation, with the institution of educational, preventive, and curative measures.

Molecular survey of atheromatous plaques for the presence of DNA from periodontal bacterial pathogens, archaea and fungi.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Chronic infections, such as periodontitis, have been associated with the development and progression of atherosclerosis. The mechanisms through which this occurs have yet to be elucidated. This study was carried out to detect periodontopathic bacteria as well as archaea and fungi in atheromatous plaques and search for factors associated with their occurrence in atheromas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out including 30 patients diagnosed with atherosclerosis in the carotid, coronary or femoral arteries. Plaques were collected during surgery and analysed using PCR to detect Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola and members of the Synergistetes group. Samples were also surveyed with universal primers for bacterial, archaeal and fungal DNA. Patients responded to a questionnaire to determine factors associated with PCR results. RESULTS: All dentate individuals (66.7%) had periodontal disease, 95% of which was severe and 65% extensive. None of the targeted periodontopathic bacteria was found in the atheromas. No sample yielded positive results for fungal and archaeal DNA. Four samples (13%) were positive for the presence of bacterial DNA. Of these, three participants were dentate (two with severely chronic generalized periodontitis and one with severely chronic localized periodontitis). CONCLUSION: This study did not confirm previous findings of periodontal pathogens in atheromas, making it impossible to establish factors associated with their presence in plaques. Presence of bacterial DNA in some samples indicates that periodontal or nonoral bacterial species other than the ones targeted in this study may be involved with some cases of atherosclerosis.

Microbiota of dentinal caries as assessed by reverse-capture checkerboard analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to identify the microbiota of different layers of dentinal caries by using a culture-independent molecular biology approach. METHODS: DNA was extracted from samples taken from 3 distinct layers (superficial, middle and deep) of advanced occlusal caries and analyzed for the presence and relative levels of 28 oral bacterial species/phylotypes using a reverse-capture checkerboard hybridization assay. RESULTS: The mean number of target taxa per layer was 7.7 (± 3.96) in the superficial, 7 (± 3.4) in the middle, and 6.3 (± 3.04) in the deep layer. No statistical significance was observed for these differences (p = 0.36). Overall, the most prevalent taxa in the 3 layers were Atopobium genomospecies C1 (72.5%), Fusobacterium nucleatum (69%), Lactobacillus casei (68%), Veillonella species (55%) and Lactobacillus fermentum (52%). No differences were found in the prevalence rates of the most frequent target species in the 3 layers. The most prevalent taxa found at levels above 10(5) in the advanced front line of deep-dentin caries were Atopobium genomospecies C1, F. nucleatum, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus species and Veillonella species. CONCLUSION: The present results revealed that the prevalences of several established or candidate caries pathogens do not differ significantly in the different zones of dentinal caries lesions. The finding that some as-yet-uncharacterized species and novel species were found in high frequencies join other molecular studies to include them in the set of candidate caries pathogens.

The heminested RT-PCR for the study of rabies virus pathogenesis.

The aim of the present trial was to evaluate the heminested RT-PCR for the study of rabies virus distribution in mice inoculated experimentally. Inoculation was by the intramuscular route in 150 mice, using the dog street rabies virus. Groups of five animals were killed at different times. Fragments of different organs were collected and the material was tested by Fluorescent Antibody Test (FAT) and heminested RT-PCR (hn RT-PCR). Positive results were obtained beginning on the 10th day after inoculation in the brain, spinal cord, salivary gland, limbs, lungs, liver, spleen, urinary bladder, tongue and right kidney. Hn RT-PCR was shown to be more efficient for the study of rabies virus distribution in different tissues and organs.

Validation of a simple and inexpensive method for the quantitation of infarct in the rat brain.

A gravimetric method was evaluated as a simple, sensitive, reproducible, low-cost alternative to quantify the extent of brain infarct after occlusion of the medial cerebral artery in rats. In ether-anesthetized rats, the left medial cerebral artery was occluded for 1, 1.5 or 2 h by inserting a 4-0 nylon monofilament suture into the internal carotid artery. Twenty-four hours later, the brains were processed for histochemical triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and quantitation of the schemic infarct. In each TTC-stained brain section, the ischemic tissue was dissected with a scalpel and fixed in 10% formalin at 0 masculine C until its total mass could be estimated. The mass (mg) of the ischemic tissue was weighed on an analytical balance and compared to its volume (mm(3)), estimated either by plethysmometry using platinum electrodes or by computer-assisted image analysis. Infarct size as measured by the weighing method (mg), and reported as a percent (%) of the affected (left) hemisphere, correlated closely with volume (mm(3), also reported as %) estimated by computerized image analysis (r = 0.88; P < 0.001; N = 10) or by plethysmography (r = 0.97-0.98; P < 0.0001; N = 41). This degree of correlation was maintained between different experimenters. The method was also sensitive for detecting the effect of different ischemia durations on infarct size (P < 0.005; N = 23), and the effect of drug treatments in reducing the extent of brain damage (P < 0.005; N = 24). The data suggest that, in addition to being simple and low cost, the weighing method is a reliable alternative for quantifying brain infarct in animal models of stroke.

Validation of a simple and inexpensive method for the quantitation of infarct in the rat brain

A gravimetric method was evaluated as a simple, sensitive, reproducible, low-cost alternative to quantify the extent of brain infarct after occlusion of the medial cerebral artery in rats. In ether-anesthetized rats, the left medial cerebral artery was occluded for 1, 1.5 or 2 h by inserting a 4-0 nylon monofilament suture into the internal carotid artery. Twenty-four hours later, the brains were processed for histochemical triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and quantitation of the schemic infarct. In each TTC-stained brain section, the ischemic tissue was dissected with a scalpel and fixed in 10 percent formalin at 0ºC until its total mass could be estimated. The mass (mg) of the ischemic tissue was weighed on an analytical balance and compared to its volume (mm ), estimated either by plethysmometry using platinum electrodes or by computer-assisted image analysis. Infarct size as measured by the weighing method (mg), and reported as a percent ( percent) of the affected (left) hemisphere, correlated closely with volume (mm , also reported as percent) estimated by computerized image analysis (r = 0.88; P < 0.001; N = 10) or by plethysmography (r = 0.97-0.98; P < 0.0001; N = 41). This degree of correlation was maintained between different experimenters. The method was also sensitive for detecting the effect of different ischemia durations on infarct size (P < 0.005; N = 23), and the effect of drug treatments in reducing the extent of brain damage (P < 0.005; N = 24). The data suggest that, in addition to being simple and low cost, the weighing method is a reliable alternative for quantifying brain infarct in animal models of stroke.

Ocorrência de leucose enzoótica bovina na microrregião da Serra de Botucatu / Occurrence of bovine leukosis virus in the microregion of the Serra de Botucatu, SP, Brazil

The aim of this study was characterize the positivity of the bovine leukosis virus in the Microregion of the Serra de Botucatu. Sera from 1193 bovine from 65 properties of the Microregion of the Serra de Botucatu were evaluated throught ELISA test. All the evaluated animals were adult and 16 of them only were male; 85.5 percent were crossbred, 6.45 percent Nellore and 8 percent dutch. Of the analyzed samples, 618 sera had resulted positive to the test. In only one flock it was not found seroreagents animals, the regional positivity was 52 percent (the seropositivity in the properties varied of 10 percent to 67 percent), the higher the percentage of positivity was in the animals of the dutch race (94.7 percent), followed for the crossbred (43.7 percent). The high percentage of positivity of the disease in our region is distinguished.

Tacrolimus (FK506) reduces ischemia-induced hippocampal damage in rats: a 7- and 30-day study.

The neuroprotective effect of the immunosuppressant agent FK506 was evaluated in rats after brain ischemia induced for 15 min in the 4-vessel occlusion model. In the first experimental series, single doses of 1.0, 3.0 or 6.0 mg FK506/kg were given intravenously (iv) immediately after ischemia. In the second series, FK506 (1.0 mg/kg) was given iv at the beginning of reperfusion, followed by doses applied intraperitoneally (ip) 6, 24, 48, and 72 h post-ischemia. The same protocol was used in the third series except that all 5 doses were given iv. Damage to the hippocampal field CA1 was assessed 7 or 30 days post-ischemia on three different stereotaxic planes along the septotemporal axis of the hippocampus. Ischemia caused marked neurodegeneration on all planes (P<0.001). FK506 failed to provide neuroprotection to CA1 both when applied iv as a single dose of 1.0, 3.0 or 6.0 mg/kg (experiment 1), and after five iv injections of 1.0 mg/kg (experiment 3). In contrast, the repeated administration of FK506 combining iv plus ip administration reduced CA1 cell death on all stereotaxic planes both 7 and 30 days post-ischemia (experiment 2; P<=0.01). Compared to vehicle alone, FK506 reduced rectal temperature in a dose-dependent manner (P<=0.05); however, this effect did not alter normothermia (37 C). FK506 reduced ischemic brain damage, an effect sustained over time and apparently dependent on repeated doses and on delivery route. The present data extend previous findings on the rat 4-vessel occlusion model, further supporting the possible use of FK506 in the treatment of ischemic brain damage.

Tacrolimus (FK506) reduces ischemia-induced hippocampal damage in rats: a 7- and 30-day study

The neuroprotective effect of the immunosuppressant agent FK506 was evaluated in rats after brain ischemia induced for 15 min in the 4-vessel occlusion model. In the first experimental series, single doses of 1.0, 3.0 or 6.0 mg FK506/kg were given intravenously (iv) immediately after ischemia. In the second series, FK506 (1.0 mg/kg) was given iv at the beginning of reperfusion, followed by doses applied intraperitoneally (ip) 6, 24, 48, and 72 h post-ischemia. The same protocol was used in the third series except that all 5 doses were given iv. Damage to the hippocampal field CA1 was assessed 7 or 30 days post-ischemia on three different stereotaxic planes along the septotemporal axis of the hippocampus. Ischemia caused marked neurodegeneration on all planes (P<0.001). FK506 failed to provide neuroprotection to CA1 both when applied iv as a single dose of 1.0, 3.0 or 6.0 mg/kg (experiment 1), and after five iv injections of 1.0 mg/kg (experiment 3). In contrast, the repeated administration of FK506 combining iv plus ip administration reduced CA1 cell death on all stereotaxic planes both 7 and 30 days post-ischemia (experiment 2; P<=0.01). Compared to vehicle alone, FK506 reduced rectal temperature in a dose-dependent manner (P<=0.05); however, this effect did not alter normothermia (37ºC). FK506 reduced ischemic brain damage, an effect sustained over time and apparently dependent on repeated doses and on delivery route. The present data extend previous findings on the rat 4-vessel occlusion model, further supporting the possible use of FK506 in the treatment of ischemic brain damage

Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus xylosus in a secondary root canal infection with persistent symptoms: a case report.

The aim of this case report is to highlight the importance of maintaining the aseptic chain during endodontic treatment. This paper describes a clinical situation in which persistent symptoms had developed after the first appointment to treat a vital pulp case. Microbiological analysis of the case indicated that symptoms were probably due to a secondary root canal infection by two species of coagulase-negative staphylococci--Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus xylosus. Symptoms had persisted in spite of using various intracanal antimicrobial agents and systemic antibiotic therapy.

Susceptibilities of Enterococcus faecalis biofilms to some antimicrobial medications.

Enterococcus faecalis has been suggested to be an important etiological agent in endodontic failures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of chlorhexidine- or antibiotics-based medications in eliminating E. faecalis biofilms. One-day and three-day biofilms of E. faecalis were induced on cellulose nitrate membrane filters. Each biofilm-containing membrane was thoroughly covered with 1 ml of the test medications and incubated for 1 day at 37 degrees C. Treated biofilms were then aseptically transferred to vials containing a neutralizing agent in saline solution and vortexed. Suspensions were 10-fold diluted, seeded onto Mitis salivarius agar plates, and the colony-forming units counted after 48 h of incubation. There were significant differences between the formulations tested. The association of clindamycin with metronidazole significantly reduced the number of cells in 1-day biofilms. However of all medications tested, only 2% chlorhexidine-containing medications were able to thoroughly eliminate most of both 1-day and 3-day E. faecalis biofilms.

Effects of solutions used in infants' oral hygiene on biofilms and oral microorganisms.

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effects of oral hygiene solutions used for infants on biofilms formed in vitro from infants' saliva and dental plaque: ATCC reference strains A. viscosus; C. albicans; L. casei; S. mitis; S. mutans; S. oralis; S. sanguis; S. sobrinus and clinically isolated microorganisms (saliva) C. albicans, S. mitis, S. mutans, S. oralis, S. sanguis and S. sobrinus. After exposure of the oral biofilms to H2O2 diluted 1/4 to 1/16; and NaF 0.02 percent, concentrated and diluted 1/2, for 1 and 3 minutes, the viable count of microorganisms, compared to the controls was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). They also showed a significant antimicrobial effect for all the microorganisms evaluated, when compared to the control (p < 0.05). Exposure to sodium bicarbonate solution and a camomile solution, for 1 and 3 minutes, was not significantly lethal to oral biofilms nor to any microorganism evaluated, regardless of whether they were concentrated or diluted. We do not recommend the use of H2O2 but suggest using the camomile solution and NaF 0.02 percent in a rational manner for cleaning the infant's mouth.

Antimicrobial activity and flow rate of newer and established root canal sealers.

Endodontic sealers that possess both optimum flow ability and antimicrobial properties may theoretically assist in the elimination of microorganisms located in confined areas of the root canal system. The antimicrobial effects and the flow rate of the following sealers were investigated and compared: Kerr Pulp Canal Sealer EWT, Grossman's Sealer, ThermaSeal, Sealer 26, AH Plus, and Sealer Plus. The agar diffusion test was used to assess the antimicrobial activity of the sealers. In the flow assay, the sealers were placed between two glass slabs and a weight of 500 g was placed on the top of the glass. The diameters of the formed discs were recorded. All root canal sealers tested showed some antimicrobial activity against most of the microorganisms. There were no significant differences between the materials tested (p > 0.05). All root canal sealers also flowed under the conditions of this study. Statistical analysis of the results revealed that AH Plus and Kerr Pulp Canal Sealer EWT had flow values significantly superior to the other sealers tested (p > 0.05). Taken together, these findings suggest that these sealers have the potential to help in the microbial control in the root canal system.