Biochanin A attenuates zymosan-induced arthritis in mice similarly to 17-β estradiol: an alternative to hormone replacement therapy?

Inflammation Research - Biochanin A (BCA), a phytoestrogen, has various pharmacological properties. This study was conducted to compare BCA’s therapeutic property against 17-β estradiol...     

Risk factors for transient dysfunction of gas exchange after cardiac surgery

Objective

A retrospective cohort study was preformed aiming to verify the presence of transient dysfunction of gas exchange in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery and determine if this disorder is linked to cardiorespiratory events.

Methods

We included 942 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery and cardiac procedures who were referred to the Intensive Care Unit between June 2007 and November 2011.

Results

Fifteen patients had acute respiratory distress syndrome (2%), 199 (27.75%) had mild transient dysfunction of gas exchange, 402 (56.1%) had moderate transient dysfunction of gas exchange, and 39 (5.4%) had severe transient dysfunction of gas exchange. Hypertension and cardiogenic shock were associated with the emergence of moderate transient dysfunction of gas exchange postoperatively (P=0.02 and P=0.019, respectively) and were risk factors for this dysfunction (P=0.0023 and P=0.0017, respectively). Diabetes mellitus was also a risk factor for transient dysfunction of gas exchange (P=0.03). Pneumonia was present in 8.9% of cases and correlated with the presence of moderate transient dysfunction of gas exchange (P=0.001). Severe transient dysfunction of gas exchange was associated with patients who had renal replacement therapy (P=0.0005), hemotherapy (P=0.0001), enteral nutrition (P=0.0012), or cardiac arrhythmia (P=0.0451).

Conclusion

Preoperative hypertension and cardiogenic shock were associated with the occurrence of postoperative transient dysfunction of gas exchange. The preoperative risk factors included hypertension, cardiogenic shock, and diabetes. Postoperatively, pneumonia, ventilator-associated pneumonia, renal replacement therapy, hemotherapy, and cardiac arrhythmia were associated with the appearance of some degree of transient dysfunction of gas exchange, which was a risk factor for reintubation, pneumonia, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and renal replacement therapy in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery and cardiac procedures.     

Hydrocortisone affects the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, and -11) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP-1) in human gingival fibroblasts

BACKGROUND: There is a positive correlation between the course of periodontal disease and psychosocial stress status. Stress leads to activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, resulting in increased cortisol release. The present study evaluates the effect of two different hydrocortisone concentrations on mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in cultured, human gingival fibroblasts. METHODS: Gingival fibroblasts were stimulated with 10(-7) or 10(-9) M hydrocortisone for 24 hours; untreated cells served as controls. Alterations in the expression of MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, -11 and TIMP-1 and -2 were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. beta-actin mRNA expression was used as a reference to normalize gene expression. RESULTS: Although the higher hydrocortisone concentration upregulated MMP-1, -2, -7, -11, and TIMP-1 (P <0.05) expression, the lower concentration induced downregulation or diminished upregulation. The lower hydrocortisone concentration induced a 23-fold increase in MMP-3 gene expression, whereas the higher concentration induced less upregulation; however, protein expression was regulated similarly by both hydrocortisone concentrations. The effect of hydrocortisone on TIMP-2 expression was not significant (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hydrocortisone produced a dose-dependent regulation of MMP and TIMP expression. The higher hydrocortisone concentration significantly upregulated expression of MMP-1, -2, -7, and -11 and TIMP-1 in human gingival fibroblasts, which may constitute a mechanism underlying the increased periodontal breakdown associated with psychosocial stress status.     

Treatment options for the occlusal surface of first permanent molars

Restorative dentistry has been increasingly concerned with preservation of the dental structure. For that reason, ultraconservative cavity preparations have been performed with air abrasion systems. The aim of this study was to present treatment options for the occlusal surface of first permanent molars with employment of the conventional method and the air abrasion system for accomplishment of the cavity preparation and a composite occlusal matrix for an accurate reproduction of the tooth surface.     

Effect of the sodium hypochlorite and citric acid association on smear layer removal of primary molars

This study aimed to assess the capacity of a sodium hypochlorite and citric acid (CA) association (the latter at different concentrations) in removing coronal smear layer (SL) of primary teeth. For this purpose, the pulp chamber roof and floor of 28 primary molars were removed to obtain enamel and dentine disks. SL was produced on the internal walls of the disks using high-speed drills. The disks were irrigated with 1% sodium hypochlorite and citric acid at different concentrations (CA-4%, CA-6%, CA-8% and CA-10%), and with 0.9% sodium chloride. The samples were split and observed under SEM. Scores were attributed to the obtained photomicrographs, according to the amount of SL present. It was noted that all the tested concentrations of citric acid used after the sodium hypochlorite were capable of removing SL. The results were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test, and there was no significant statistical difference among the scores of the groups tested. However, it was observed that CA-8% and CA-10% caused peritubular dentine destruction, and that CA-4% presented a larger number of samples with dense SL. Based on these results, 6.0% citric acid in association with 1% sodium hypochlorite is suggested as auxiliary chemical substances for primary teeth irrigation.     

In vitro activity of zinc oxide-eugenol and glass ionomer cements on Candida albicans

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the antimicrobial activity of glass ionomer (GIC) and zinc oxide-eugenol (ZOE) cements against Candida albicans. Standardized GIC and ZOE specimens were maintained in contact with C. albicans suspension (1 x 10(6) cells/ml) at 37 degrees C for 24 h, 48 h or 7 days. A control group without any testing cement was included. After the incubation period, aliquots of 0.1 ml were plated on Sabouraud's agar, and then the number of colonies was counted. The results were expressed as values of logarithms of colony-forming units per milliliter (log CFU/mL) and were analyzed statistically by Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA. After 48 h of incubation, the ZOE group presented no growth of C. albicans. GIC and control groups presented similar mean values at all tested periods. According to the results obtained, it could be concluded that, under the experimental conditions, ZOE cement was more effective in vitro against C. albicans than GIC.     

In vitro influence of Carisolv on shear bond strength of dentin bonding agents.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of Carisolv on the shear bond strength (SBS) of hydrophilic adhesive systems in dentin. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Two hundred bovine incisors were polished with 320- to 1,000-grit aluminum oxide paper and randomly divided into 10 groups (n = 20). The adhesive systems were used according to manufacturer's instructions, and a restorative resin composite (Definite) was inserted in a Teflon matrix and cured. The specimens were kept in humid storage for 7 days at 37 degrees C. The SBS tests were performed in an EMIC universal testing machine with a crosshead speed at 0.5 mm/min. The mean values (MPa +/- [SD]) were analyzed with analysis of variance and Dunnett and Tukey tests. RESULTS: The results were expressed in decreasing values (MPa): G6 = 18.55 +/- 6.95; G3 = 17.55 +/- 5.73; G2 = 17.05 +/- 5.33; G8 = 16.95 +/- 7.13; G7 = 16.94 +/- 5.22; G4 = 16.31 +/- 3.38; G1 = 15.85 +/- 4.45; G9 = 14.21 +/- 5.87; G5 = 12.89 +/- 3.79; and G10 = 12.31 +/- 5.18. CONCLUSION: Carisolv did not interfere in the adhesion to dentin, but its cleanser technique did interfere.     

Effect of root surface treatment with propolis and fluoride in delayed tooth replantation in rats

Abstract – Replantation is an acceptable option for treatment of an avulsed permanent tooth. Nevertheless, an extended extraoral period damages the periodontal ligament and results in external root resorption. The purpose of this study was to assess by histologic and histometric analysis, the influence of propolis 15% (natural resinous substance collected by Apis mellifera bees from various plants) and the fluoride solution used as root surface treatment on the healing process after delayed tooth replantation. Thirty Wistar (Rattus norvegicus albinus) rats were submitted to extraction of their upper right incisor. The teeth were maintained in a dry environment for 60 min. After this, the pulp was extirpated and the papilla, enamel organ and periodontal ligament were removed with scalpel. The teeth were divided into three experimental groups: Group I – teeth immersed in 20 ml of physiologic saline; Group II – teeth immersed in 20 ml of 2% acidulated phosphate sodium fluoride; Group III – teeth immersed in 20 ml of 15% propolis. After 10 min of immersion in the solutions, the root canals were dried and filled with calcium hydroxide paste and the teeth were replanted. The animals were euthanized 60 days after replantation. The results showed that similar external root resorption was seen in the propolis and fluoride groups. Teeth treated with physiologic saline tended to have more inflammatory root resorption compared with those treated with fluoride or propolis. However, the comparative analysis did not reveal statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) between the treatment modalities when used for delayed tooth replantation.     

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the oral tissues--two new cases and literature review

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a malignant soft tissue neoplasm consisting of cells derived from the primitive mesenchyme that exhibit a profound tendency to myogenesis. About 35% of RMS arises in the head and neck, being classified as parameningeal and non-orbital non-parameningeal forms. Parameningeal tumors carry the worst prognosis. The use of contemporary, multi-agent chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery has made treatment of the disseminated disease possible, and has significantly improved overall survival from 25% in 1970 to 70% in 1991. Here, we present the management of two cases of orofacial RMS in adolescents: an 18-year-old, white female that had a 9-month history of a nodule in the left buccal mucosa, and a 19-year-old, white male who had been aware of a nodule in the left, posterior maxillary ridge with progressive growth for 4 months. Before final diagnosis, both cases were previously treated as inflammatory lesions. Their clinicopathological aspects, treatment, and poor survival as a consequence of delays in diagnosis are discussed.