ABSTRACT Purpose: To characterize patients with suspected glaucoma who were referred to the clinic for suspected glaucoma in a tertiary public hospital in southern Brazil and to evaluate differences in functional and structural damages between patients diagnosed with different types of glaucoma, those with normal eye examination results, and those who remained as glaucoma suspects. Methods: This is a cohort study of patients referred by general ophthalmologists to the clinic for suspected glaucoma at Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Porto Alegre, Brazil, between March 2016 and December 2018. The patients were followed up until they had undergone reliable examinations (eye examination, visual field screening, and optic coherence tomography for classification as normal and having a suspected glaucoma, glaucoma with an elevated intraocular pressure, normotensive glaucoma, or ocular hypertension. Results: A total of 135 patients were included in this study. Of the patients, 117 subjects completed all examinations and met the inclusion criteria. Most patients were normal (36.8%), followed by those with suspected glaucoma (25.64%), normal tension glaucoma (18.8%), glaucoma with elevated intraocular pressure (12%), and ocular hypertensive (6%). The main reason for referral was increased optic nerve head cupping. The patients with normal tension glaucoma were older than the other subjects on average (p=0.03). In addition, the normal tension glaucoma group had a significantly worse baseline visual field index and mean deviation of the visual field than the normal, glaucoma suspect, and ocular hypertensive groups. The circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer on OCT was thinner on average in the normal tension glaucoma group than in the normal and glaucoma suspect groups (p<0.002) but did not significantly differ between the glaucoma group with elevated intraocular pressure and the other groups. Conclusions: Patients with normal tension glaucoma tend to be diagnosed later because of their normal intraocular pressures; thus, the optic nerve cupping must be greater to raise the suspicion of glaucoma. In this study, we found that the patients with normal tension glaucoma had worse disease at the time of diagnosis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Caracterizar a população com suspeita de glaucoma encaminhada a um centro público terciário no sul do Brasil e avaliar diferenças no dano dos parâmetros funcionais e estruturais entre os pacientes diagnosticados com diferentes tipos de glaucoma e aqueles classificados como normais e aqueles mantidos como suspeitos de glaucoma. Métodos: Esta é uma coorte dos pacientes encaminhados para o setor de glaucoma suspeito do Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Porto Alegre - BR, no período de março de 2016 a dezembro de 2018. Os pacientes foram acompanhados até obterem exames confiáveis (exame oftalmológico completo, campimetria visual, tomografia de coerência óptica) para serem classificados como: normal, glaucoma suspeito, glaucoma com pressão intraocular elevada, glaucoma de pressão normal ou hipertenso ocular. Resultados: Um total de 135 pacientes foram incluídos neste estudo, sendo que destes, 117 pacientes completaram todos os exames e foram incluídos neste estudo. A maioria dos pacientes foi considerada normal (36,8%), seguido por glaucoma suspeito (25,64%), glaucoma de pressão normal (18,8%), glaucoma com pressão intraocular elevada (12%) e hipertensão ocular (6%). A principal razão para encaminhamento foi escavação do nervo óptico aumentada. Pacientes com glaucoma de pressão normal eram em média mais velhos que os demais (p=0,03). Esses também apresentavam índice de campo visual e desvio médio da campimetria visual piores que sujeitos normal, com suspeita de glaucoma e hipertensos oculares, e tinham a camada de fibra nervosa medida pela tomografia de coerência óptica mais fina que normais e suspeitos de glaucoma (p<0,002). Os pacientes com glaucoma de pressão elevada não diferiram significativamente dos outros grupos. Conclusão: Pacientes com glaucoma de pressão normal tendem a ser diagnosticados mais tardiamente devido ao fato da pressão intraocular não estar elevada, logo a escavação do disco óptico deve ser maior para gerar a suspeita de glaucoma. Neste estudo, paciente com glaucoma de pressão normal apresentaram doença mais avançada no momento do diagnóstico em comparação com os outros grupos.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties, cytotoxicity and bioactivity of a ready-to-use bioceramic material, Bio-C Repair (Angelus), in comparison with White MTA (Angelus) and Biodentine (Septodont). The physicochemical properties of setting time, radiopacity, pH, solubility, dimensional and volumetric changes were evaluated. Biocompatibility and bioactivity were assessed in Saos-2 osteoblast cell cultures by the MTT assay 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide), Neutral Red (NR), Alizarin Red (ARS), and cell migration tests. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA, Tukey or Bonferroni tests (α = 0.05). Bio-C Repair had the longest setting time (p < 0.05), but radiopacity and solubility were accordance with the ISO 6876/2012 standards, besides linear expansion. Bio-C Repair and MTA had similar volumetric change (p > 0.05); lower than Biodentine (p < 0.05). All the materials evaluated had an alkaline pH. Bio-C Repair was cytocompatible and promoted mineralized nodule deposition in 21 days and cell migration in 3 days. In conclusion, Bio-C Repair had adequate radiopacity above 3mm Al, solubility less than 3%, dimensional expansion, and low volumetric change. In addition, Bio-C Repair promoted an alkaline pH and presented bioactivity and biocompatibility similar to MTA and Biodentine, showing potential for use as a repair material.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as propriedades físico-químicas, citotoxicidade e bioatividade de um novo material biocerâmico pronto para uso, Bio-C Repair (Angelus), em comparação com MTA Branco (Angelus) e Biodentine (Septodont). Foram avaliadas as propriedades físico-químicas de tempo de presa, radiopacidade, pH, solubilidade, alterações dimensionais e volumétricas. A biocompatibilidade, bioatividade e capacidade de reparo foram avaliadas em culturas de células de osteoblastos Saos-2 pelo ensaio MTT brometo de 3-(4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-il)-2,5-difeniltetrazólio), vermelho neutro (NR), vermelho de alizarina ( ARS) e testes de migração celular. A análise estatística foi realizada pelos testes ANOVA, Tukey ou Bonferroni (α = 0,05). Bio-C Repair apresentou o maior tempo de presa (p < 0,05), mas radiopacidade e solubilidade de acordo com as normas ISO 6876/2012, além de expansão linear. Bio-C Repair e MTA tiveram variação volumétrica semelhante (p > 0,05), menor que Biodentine (p < 0,05). Todos os materiais avaliados apresentaram pH alcalino. Bio-C Repair foi citocompatível, além de promover deposição de nódulos mineralizados em 21 dias e migração celular em 3 dias. Em conclusão, o Bio-C Repair apresentou radiopacidade adequada acima de 3mmAl, solubilidade menor que 3%, expansão dimensional e baixa perda volumétrica.. Além disso, o Bio-C Repair promoveu um pH alcalino e apresentou bioatividade e biocompatibilidade semelhantes ao MTA e Biodentine, mostrando potencial para uso como material reparador

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the oral health condition and dental treatments performed in patients in pre-allogeneic HCT. Method: The records of patients treated during 2018 at a Brazilian HCT service were reviewed. The following oral health data were obtained: 1. Decayed, missing and filled teeth / correlated index for primary dentition (DMFT/dmft); 2. Quality of oral hygiene and 3. Dental pathologies: 3.1 Periodontal infectious focus, 3.2 Endodontic infectious focus and 3.3 Carie incidence. All dental procedures performed were surveyed. Results: Thirty-three patients were included, with a mean age of 28.42 (±16.37), 20 male (60%) and 13 female. The average DMFT/dmft found in this study was 10.24 (± 8.37), similar to the index found in the population in southeastern Brazil. The younger study population presented a DMFT/dmft considered high, when compared to the general population. A total of 27.2% of the patients had active caries lesions, 33.3%, foci of periodontal infection, 15.1%, endodontic infectious focus and 40%, poor oral hygiene. Almost half of the patients (48.4%) had to undergo dental intervention, 24.2% needing periodontal scaling, 21.2%, fillings and 12.1%, tooth extractions. Conclusion: We conclude that the studied population had an important incidence of dental pathologies and infectious conditions that could complicate throughout HCT, especially in younger patients, therefore presenting a high demand for dental treatment in the pre-HCT. Studies that assess the impact of dental conditioning on the outcomes of HCT with an emphasis on dental infectious complications, days of hospitalization and survival are necessary.”

ABSTRACT This study aims to evaluate the effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on inflammation, cardiac autonomic modulation, and clinical evolution of patients with COVID-19. This is a clinical, sham-controlled, randomized, and blind trial, in which 52 hospitalized individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 will participate. They will be randomized into: experimental group (usual medical treatment associated with active taVNS) and control group (usual medical treatment associated with sham taVNS). The taVNS will be performed by a neuromuscular electric stimulator (Dualpex model 071 of Quark Medical Products), with the stimulation electrode positioned on the left tragus, with alternating current, at a 30Hz frequency with 50% variation. Intensity will be adjusted to the patient’s sensory threshold, with 90-minutes-long stimulation sessions, happening twice per day for seven consecutive days, totaling 14 sessions. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), cortisol and C-reactive protein (CRP), blood pressure, heart rate variability (HRV) by low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF) and low and high frequency ratio (LF/HF) parameters will be evaluated before and after the intervention, as well as patients’ clinical evolution-including anxiety and depression levels-whose data will be obtained through medical records and questionnaires. A follow-up will also be performed seven and 14 days after the end of the interventions to verify the clinical evolution, including anxiety and depression levels. Memory and attention levels will be evaluated for six months.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el efecto de la estimulación eléctrica transcutánea del nervio vago (EETNV) sobre la inflamación, la modulación autonómica cardíaca y la evolución clínica de pacientes con COVID-19. Se trata de un ensayo clínico, controlado por simulado, aleatorizado y ciego, en el que participarán 52 individuos hospitalizados diagnosticados de COVID-19, que serán aleatorizados en dos grupos de tratamiento: grupo experimental (tratamiento médico habitual asociado a la EETNV activa) o grupo control (tratamiento médico habitual asociado a la EETNV simulada). La EETNV se realizará mediante un estimulador eléctrico neuromuscular (modelo Dualpex 071 de Quark Medical Products), con el electrodo de estimulación colocado en el trago izquierdo, con corriente alterna, frecuencia de 30Hz y 50% de variación, intensidad ajustada al umbral sensorial del paciente, con una duración de 90 minutos cada sesión de estimulación, dos veces al día, durante siete días consecutivos, lo que totaliza 14 sesiones. Se evaluarán antes y después de la intervención la interleucina-6 (IL-6) y la interleucina-10 (IL-10), el cortisol y la proteína C reactiva (PCR), la presión arterial, la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca por los parámetros de baja frecuencia (BF), alta frecuencia (AF) y razón de baja y alta frecuencia (BF/AF), así como la evolución clínica de los pacientes, incluidos los parámetros de ansiedad y depresión cuyos datos se obtendrán de historias clínicas y cuestionarios. También se realizará un seguimiento de 7 y 14 días tras finalizadas las intervenciones para verificar la evolución clínica, incluidos el nivel de ansiedad y de depresión, y durante seis meses se evaluará la memoria y la atención.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar o efeito da estimulação elétrica transcutânea do nervo vago (EETNV) na inflamação, modulação autonômica cardíaca e evolução clínica dos pacientes com COVID-19. Trata-se de um ensaio clínico, controlado por sham, randomizado e cego, no qual participarão 52 indivíduos hospitalizados com diagnóstico de COVID-19, que serão randomizados em dois grupos de tratamento: grupo experimental (tratamento médico usual associado à EETNV ativa) ou grupo-controle (tratamento médico usual associado à EETNV sham). A EETNV será realizada por meio de um estimulador elétrico neuromuscular (modelo Dualpex 071 da Quark Medical Products), com o eletrodo de estimulação posicionado sobre o tragus esquerdo, com corrente alternada, frequência de 30Hz e variação de 50%, intensidade ajustada para o limiar sensorial do paciente, com duração de 90 minutos cada sessão de estimulação, duas vezes ao dia, durante sete dias consecutivos, totalizando 14 sessões. Serão avaliados pré e pós-intervenção o nível de interleucina-6 (IL-6) e interleucina-10 (IL-10), cortisol e proteína C reativa (PCR), pressão arterial, variabilidade da frequência cardíaca pelos parâmetros de baixa frequência (BF), alta frequência (AF) e pela razão da baixa e alta frequência (BF/AF), além de evolução clínica dos pacientes, incluindo o nível de ansiedade e depressão, cujos dados serão obtidos por meio de prontuários e questionários. Será realizado também um acompanhamento 7 e 14 dias após o término das intervenções para verificar a evolução clínica, incluindo nível de ansiedade e depressão, e durante seis meses serão avaliadas memória e atenção.

Resumen Cetrimida (CTR) es un detergente y surfactante catiónico con actividad antimicrobiana y antibiofilm. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el tiempo de fraguado, pH, solubilidad y actividad antibiofilm del cemento de silicato tricálcico (CST) con óxido de zirconio (ZrO2) y su asociación con CTR a 0.2% y 0.4%. Tiempo de fraguado inicial y final (TFI y TFF) fueron determinados con base en las normas ISO-6876. pH fue evaluado en los períodos de 1,3, 7,14 y 21 días. Solubilidad fue analizada por la pérdida de masa/peso. El test de contacto directo modificado (TCDM) fue realizado sobre biofilm de Enterococcus faecalis formado en dentina radicular bovina, después de 6 horas de manipulación de los cementos y 15 horas de contacto. El análisis fue realizado por la cuantificación de UFC mL¯¹. Los datos fueron analizados usando las pruebas de ANOVA y Tukey (α=0.05). Mayor TFI fue observado para CST/ ZrO2+CTR en las dos concentraciones que para TSC/ZrO2 y menor TFF para TSC/ ZrO2+CTR 0.4% (p<0.05). En 1 día, TSC/ZrO2 mostró menor pH que las asociaciones con CTR (p<0.05). En los otros períodos, TSC/ZrO2 y las asociaciones promovieron alcalinización de forma similar (p>0.05). Todos los materiales mostraron aumento de masa. TSC/ZrO2+CTR 0.4% tuvo menor gano de masa que los otros materiales (p<0.05). Mayor actividad antibiofilm fue observado para CST/ZrO2+CTR en las dos concentraciones, cuando comparados con el grupo control positivo (p<0.05). En conclusión, CTR demostró potencial para promover superior actividad antibiofilm al cemento de silicato tricálcico (CST), sin perjudicar sus propiedades físico-químicas de tiempo de fraguado, pH y solubilidad.

Abstract Cetrimide (CTR) is a cationic surfactant detergent with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate setting time, pH, solubility and antibiofilm activity of tricalcium silicate cement (TSC) with zirconium oxide (ZrO2) and its association with 0.2 and 0.4% cetrimide. Initial and final setting times (IST and FST) were assessed based on ISO-6876. pH was evaluated at periods of 1,3,7,14 and 21 days. Solubility was analyzed by weight loss. A modified direct contact test (MDCT) on the biofilm of Enterococcus faecalis formed on bovine root dentin blocks was performed, after 6 hours of manipulation and 15 hours of contact time. The analysis was performed by UFC mL ¯¹ counting. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey’s tests (α=0.05). Higher IST was observed for TSC/ZrO2+CTR in both concentrations than for TSC/ZrO2 and lower FST for TSC/ZrO2+0.4% CTR (p<0.05). On day 1, TSC/ZrO2 showed lower pH than the associations with CTR (p<0.05). During the other periods, TSC/ZrO2 and associations promoted similar alkalinization (p>0.05). All materials exhibited increased mass. TSC/ZrO2+CTR 0.4% had lower mass gain than the other materials (p<0.05). The highest antibiofilm activity was observed for TSC/ZrO2+CTR in both concentrations, when compared with the positive control (p<0.05). In conclusion, CTR exhibited potential to promote greater antibiofilm activity to tricalcium silicate cement, without harming its physicochemical properties of setting time, pH and solubility.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that genetic variations of cannabinoid receptors contribute to the pathophysiology of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Methods: In this genetic association case-control study, cannabinoid receptor polymorphisms CNR1 rs12720071 and CNR2 rs2229579 were tested for association with neurocognitive performance in 69 patients with schizophrenia and 45 healthy controls. Neurocognition was assessed by the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS). Results: We found a consistent association between CNR1 rs12720071 polymorphism and the cognitive performance of patients in several cognitive domains. Patients with C/C polymorphism presented significantly worse performance in motor speed, verbal fluency, attention/processing speed and reasoning/problem solving. Conclusion: Although limited, our data support the hypothesis that CNR1 variations may be associated with the pathogenesis of cognitive deficits of schizophrenia.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as propriedades físico-químicas, a citocompatibilidade e a atividade antibiofilme de um novo cimento endodôntico à base de silicato de cálcio, Sealer Plus BC (MK Life, Brasil), em comparação com TotalFill BC Sealer (FKG Dentaire SA, Suíça) e AH Plus (Dentsply, Alemanha). O tempo de presa e o escoamento foram avaliados com base nas normas ISO 6876. O pH foi avaliado após diferentes períodos, e a radiopacidade por análise radiográfica (mmAl). A solubilidade (% de perda de massa) e alteração volumétrica (por micro-CT) foram avaliadas após 30 dias de imersão em água destilada. Citocompatibilidade foi avaliada pelos ensaios metiltetrazólio (MTT) e vermelho neutro (NR), após exposição das células Saos-2 ao extrato de cimento por 24 horas. Análise adicional foi realizada através do ensaio MTT após 1, 3 e 7 dias de exposição das células Saos-2 aos extratos dos cimentos na diluição de 1:8. Atividade antibiofilme contra Enterococcus faecalis e/ou Candida albicans foi avaliada pelos ensaios cristal violeta e contato direto modificado. As propriedades físico-químicas foram analisadas utilizando os testes ANOVA e Tukey; MTT e NR foram analisados pelos testes ANOVA e Bonferroni; os ensaios antimicrobianos foram analisados pelos testes Kruskal-Wallis e Dunn (α=0.05). Sealer Plus BC apresentou tempo de presa, radiopacidade e escoamento adequados, além de capacidade de alcalinização. Sealer Plus BC foi significantemente mais solúvel que AH Plus (p<0.05) e apresentou alteração volumétrica similar à de AH Plus e TotalFill BC (p>0.05). Sealer Plus BC apresentou atividade antibiofilme, sem efeito citotóxico. Como conclusão, embora Sealer Plus BC apresente maior solubilidade, este cimento apresentou propriedades físico-químicas adequadas, citocompatibilidade e atividade antibiofilme.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties, cytocompatibility and antibiofilm activity of a new calcium silicate-based endodontic sealer, Sealer Plus BC (MK Life, Brazil), in comparison with TotalFill BC Sealer (FKG Dentaire SA, Switzerland) and AH Plus (Dentsply, Germany). Setting time and flow were evaluated based on ISO 6876 standard. The pH was evaluated after different periods, and radiopacity by radiographic analysis (mmAl). Solubility (% mass loss) and volumetric change (by micro-CT) were assessed after 30 days of immersion in distilled water. Cytocompatibility was assessed by methyltetrazolium (MTT) and neutral red (NR) assays, after exposure of Saos-2 cells to the sealer extract for 24 h. An additional analysis was performed by using MTT assay after 1, 3 and 7 days of exposure of Saos-2 to the sealers 1:8 dilution extracts. Antibiofilm activity against Enterococcus faecalis and/or Candida albicans was evaluated by crystal violet assay and modified direct contact test. The physicochemical properties were analyzed using ANOVA/Tukey tests; MTT and NR data were analyzed by ANOVA and Bonferroni tests; the antimicrobial tests were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (α=0.05). Sealer Plus BC had proper setting time, radiopacity, flow and alkalization capacity. Sealer Plus BC was significantly more soluble than AH Plus (p<0.05) and presented volumetric change similar to AH Plus and TotalFill BC (p>0.05). Sealer Plus BC presented antibiofilm activity and no cytotoxic effect. In conclusion, although Sealer Plus BC had higher solubility, this sealer showed proper physicochemical properties, cytocompatibility, and antibiofilm activity.

Objective: To compare late preterm and full-term infants and investigate the association between late preterm birth and the use of reference services. Methods: Prospective cohort study, with data collected from the first to twelfth months of life. Maternal and birth characteristics were compared between term and premature live births. The effect of late preterm birth on the usage of outpatient/emergency services, hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions were evaluated by calculating odds ratios adjusted for potential confounding factors. Results: The 41 late preterm and 540 full-term infants differed in the frequencies of low weight at birth and in non-permanence in rooming-in wards, which were both higher in late-preterm infants. This group had a higher chance of being hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit (OR=6.85 – CI95% 2.56;18.34). Late preterm birth was not associated with the use of other health services. Conclusion: Negative effects of late preterm delivery were only found in the neonatal stage.

Objetivo: Avaliar associação entre prematuridade tardia e utilização de serviços de referência no primeiro ano de vida. Estudo de coorte prospectiva, com dados coletados no 1o, 3o, 6o, 9o e 12o meses dos lactentes. Características maternas e de nascimento foram comparadas entre nascidos a termo e prematuros tardios. Avaliou-se o efeito da prematuridade tardia sobre a utilização de ambulatório especializado e unidade de pronto-socorro/pronto atendimento, internação em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) e hospitalização, calculando-se razões de chances ajustadas. Resultados: Os 41 prematuros tardios e 540 nascidos a termo diferiram nas frequências de baixo peso ao nascer e não permanência em alojamento conjunto, maiores nos prematuros tardios, estes também com mais chance de internação em UTI neonatal (OR=6,85 – IC95% 2,56;18,34), condição que não se associou à utilização dos demais serviços de referência. Conclusão: Prematuridade tardia não se associou à maior utilização de serviços de referência após alta da maternidade.

Abstract Introduction Anhedonia is defined as the reduced ability to feel pleasure and is a core symptom of various psychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. The Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) was developed to assess the presence of anhedonia. The objective of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the SHAPS. Methods In this study, the SHAPS (14 items) was translated into Brazilian Portuguese and validated using data obtained from 228 subjects within a clinical sample. Psychometric properties were assessed using item response theory (logistic models) and classical test theory (Cronbach’s alpha). We checked for external validity using a non-parametric correlation with an independent scale: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale – Depression subscale (HAD-D). Results The SHAPS presented good internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s α coefficient of 0.759 and adequacy to an IRT 1 parameter logistic (Rasch) model. The SHAPS presented significant correlation with the external measure HAD-D, with Spearman’s ρ = 0.249 (S = 1368914; p < 0.001). Conclusion These results suggest that the Brazilian Portuguese version of the SHAPS is a reliable and valid instrument to assess hedonic tone.

Resumo Novas metodologias utilizando micro-CT são propostas para avaliar a solubilidade além de alterações dimensionais e morfológicas em materiais endodônticos. No entanto, não há padronização nos métodos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes dimensões de corpos de prova na avaliação da alteração volumétrica de diferentes materiais endodônticos. Os cimentos obturadores AH Plus, FillCanal e Sealapex e os cimentos retrobturadores Biodentine, IRM e MTA foram utilizados nos testes. Foram confeccionadas amostras de cada material com espessura de 1.5 mm e diâmetros diferentes: 6.3, 7.75 e 9.0 mm. As amostras foram escaneadas em microtomografia computadorizada (micro-CT) após a presa e após 7 dias de imersão em água destilada. A alteração volumétrica foi avaliada por meio da diferença no volume total dos corpos de prova antes e após a imersão. Os dados foram submetidos aos testes ANOVA e Tukey (p<0,05). A dimensão das amostras não afetou o percentual de alteração volumétrica dos materiais (p>0,05). Todos os diâmetros de amostra mostraram maior perda de volume para Sealapex entre os cimentos obturadores e Biodentine entre os cimentos retrobturadores (p<0,05). Como conclusão, Biodentine e Sealapex mostraram a maior perda volumétrica após a imersão. Amostras com 1.5 mm de espessura e diâmetros variando entre 6.3 e 9.0 mm podem ser usadas para avaliação da estabilidade de materiais endodônticos utilizando micro-CT, sem influenciar no percentual de alteração volumétrica.

Abstract New methodologies using micro-CT to evaluate solubility besides dimensional and morphological changes of endodontic materials are proposed. However, there is no standardization in the methods. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different dimensions of test samples on volumetric change evaluation of different endodontic materials. AH Plus, FillCanal and Sealapex root canal sealers, Biodentine, IRM and MTA root-end filling cements were used in the tests. Samples of each material with a thickness of 1.5 mm and different diameters were manufactured: 6.3, 7.75, and 9.0 mm. The samples were scanned in micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) after setting and after 7 days of immersion in distilled water. The volumetric change was evaluated by means of the difference in the total volume of the specimens before and after immersion. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests (p<0.05). The size of the samples did not affect the percentage of volumetric change of the materials (p>0.05). All sample sizes had greater volume loss for Sealapex among the sealers and Biodentine for the cements (p<0.05). In conclusion, Biodentine and Sealapex had the highest volume loss after immersion. Samples with 1.5 mm thickness, and diameters ranging between 6.3 and 9.0 mm can be used to assess the stability of endodontic materials using micro-CT without affecting the percentage of volumetric change.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate physicochemical properties of calcium silicate-based experimental (CS) endodontic sealers, developed using two different vehicles: polyethylene glycol (PG) (CS-PG) or polyethylene glycol associated to chitosan hydrogel (CS-PGCH). TotalFill BC Sealer (TF) and AH Plus (AHP) were evaluated for comparison. Setting time, flow, radiopacity, pH, solubility and volumetric change were analyzed. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests with 5% significance level. The CS-PGCH had significantly greater setting time. CS-PG flow was similar to AHP. CS-PG had higher radiopacity than CS-PGCH. Calcium silicate-based sealers presented alkaline pH in all periods. CS-PGCH presented higher solubility in comparison with CS-PG. The volumetric change of CS-PG was similar to TF after 7 days, and to AHP after 30 days. CS-PG presented proper setting time, radiopacity, flow and pH, besides low volumetric change, showing better results than CS-PGCH, and potential for clinical application.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) voxel size on the evaluation of debris accumulation after passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) in curved root canals prepared with rotary nickel-titanium files. Mesial root canals (n = 24) of mandibular molars with curvature between 25° and 35° were prepared using ProDesign Logic 30/.05 (PDL) or HyFlex EDM 25/.08 (HEDM). PUI was performed after root canal preparation of all root canals. The specimens were scanned using high-resolution (5 μm voxel size) micro-CT imaging before and after experimental procedures. The percentage of debris was analyzed in the middle and apical thirds using images with 5, 10 and 20 μm voxel sizes. Data were compared using unpaired and paired Student's t-test, ANOVA and Tukey's statistical tests (α = 0.05). There were no differences among the debris analyses performed at different voxel sizes (5, 10 and 20 μm) (p > 0.05). The percentage of debris was similar between the root canals prepared by PDL and HEDM before and after PUI (p > 0.05). In both groups, the percentage of debris decreased in the middle third after PUI (p < 0.05). Within the limitations of this ex vivo study, it can be concluded that the voxel sizes evaluated did not have a significant impact on the analysis of accumulated debris. However, the results showed a tendency for detection of more debris in the analysis performed using a lower voxel size. PUI decreased the debris accumulation in the middle third of curved root canals.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the filling ability of a new ready-to-use calcium silicate-based sealer using thermoplastic or single-cone technique in flattened root canals. Twenty-four flattened distal canals of mandibular molars with a buccolingual diameter 4 or more times larger than the mesiodistal diameter were selected. The root canals were prepared and filled (n = 12), according to the following techniques: thermoplastic or single-cone technique using Bio-C Sealer. The teeth were scanned using Skycan 1176 micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) - voxel size 8.74 µm, before and after filling the root canal. The percentage of voids in the filled root canals was evaluated, and the data were statistically analyzed using the unpaired t-test (α = 0.05). The root canals filled using the thermoplastic technique created a smaller percentage of voids in the cervical/middle thirds than those filled using the single-cone technique (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the percentage of voids using either technique in the apical third (p > 0.05). The flattened root canals in the cervical/middle thirds were better filled using the ready-to-use calcium silicate-based sealer associated to the thermoplastic technique, compared with the single-cone technique. In the apical third, the techniques showed similar filling ability.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo in vitro foi avaliar o efeito antimicrobiano de cinco tipos de probióticos não industrializados ou industrializados em biofilmes formados ao redor de mini-implantes ortodônticos. A hipótese nula testada foi: não há diferença no efeito antimicrobiano entre os cinco tipos de probióticos testados em torno dos mini-implantes ortodônticos. Métodos: Para o experimento, as cabeças de 120 mini-implantes foram imersas por sete dias em solução de Staphylococcus aureus para formação de biofilme e, posteriormente, semeadas em meio de cultura contendo probióticos. Os mini-implantes foram divididos em seis grupos diferentes, de acordo com o probiótico utilizado: G1)Lactobacillus casei; G2)Lactobacillus brevis; G3)Lactobacillus rhamnosus; G4) lactobacilos do leite fermentado Yakult®; G5) lactobacilos do leite fermentado Batavito®; e G6) sem uso de probiótico, como controle negativo. As análises qualitativas e quantitativas de todos os grupos foram realizadas usando a contagem de UFCs (unidades formadoras de colônia). Resultados: O estudo mostrou que os grupos G4 e G6 não apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana, em comparação aos grupos G1, G2, G3 e G5 (p< 0,05), os quais demonstraram atividade antimicrobiana. Conclusão: As bactérias probióticas não comerciais, Lactobacillus casei e Lactobacillus rhamnosus, assim como o leite fermentado comercializado, Batavito®, apresentaram resultados promissores na redução da colonização dos mini-implantes por S. aureus. Portanto, a hipótese nula foi rejeitada.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of five types of non-industrialized and industrialized probiotics on biofilms formed around orthodontic mini-implants. The null hypothesis tested was: there is no difference in the antimicrobial effect between the five types of probiotics tested around orthodontic mini-implants. Methods: For the experiment, 120 mini-implants were immersed for seven days in Staphylococcus aureus solution for biofilm formation, and were subsequently plated in culture medium containing probiotics. The mini-implants were divided into six different groups, according to the probiotic used: G1)Lactobacillus casei; G2)Lactobacillus brevis; G3)Lactobacillus rhamnosus; G4) Lactobacillus from fermented milk Yakult®; G5) Lactobacillus from fermented milk Batavito® and G6) without use of probiotic, as negative control. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of all groups were performed using the CFU (colony forming unit) count. Results: The study showed that groups G4 and G6 did not present antimicrobial activity, in comparison to groups G1, G2, G3, and G5 (p< 0.05), which demonstrated antimicrobial activity. Conclusion: The non-commercial probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, as well as commercially available fermented milk Batavito® presented promising results in the reduction of colonization of mini-implants by S. aureus. Therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected.