Influence of ozone on the composite-to-composite bond

The study evaluated the effect of ozone application on the composite-to-composite bond. Three hundred and twenty cylindrical composite specimens were divided into two groups: group 1 was subjected to a 60 s ozone application, whereas group 2 remained untreated. Four subgroups were obtained from each group according to the intermediate repair agent: an adhesive, a silane, silane/adhesive combination, or flowable composite. Repair composite cylinders were built-up. The composite repair strength was tested after 24 h and after thermocycling with a shear test. Additionally, 4 mm × 4 mm × 2 mm composite specimens were prepared and stored 24 h in deionized water. Half of the specimens were subjected to ozone application and the other served as control. The elastic modulus (E) and the Vicker’s hardness (VH) of the composite surfaces were tested immediately and after thermocycling. Significant differences among the experimental groups were detected (p < 0.001). The composite repair strength was affected by the pretreatment and by the intermediate agent, whereas, the thermocycling was not significant. The partial eta-squared statistics showed that the intermediate agent was the main factor affecting the composite repair strength, whereas the pretreatment played a minor role. No differences were observed between ozone and control groups when the same intermediate agent and the same aging conditions were applied. Repairing with flowable composite tended to achieve higher bond strengths (20.7 and 26.5 MPa in ozone and control groups, respectively, after 24 h). The use of silane coupling agent showed the lowest composite repair strengths. Ozone did not affect E and VH (p > 0.05) and the thermocycling affected only E (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the application of ozone does not impair the composite-to-composite bond.     

Influence of ultrasound application on inlays luting with self-adhesive resin cements

The study was aimed at assessing the influence of the cement manipulation and ultrasounds application on the bonding potential of self-adhesive resin cements to dentin by microtensile bond strength testing and microscopic observations of the interface. Fifty-six standardized mesio-occlusal class II cavities were prepared in extracted third molars. Class II inlays were made using the nano-hybrid resin composite Gradia Forte (GC Corp, Tokyo, Japan), following the manufacturer??s instruction. The sample was randomly divided into two groups (n?=?28) according to the luting technique. Half of the specimens were luted under a static seating pressure (P), while the other ones were cemented under vibration (V). The inlays were luted using the following self-adhesive resin cements: G-Cem (G, GC Corp., Tokyo, Japan) Automix (GA) and Capsule (GC); RelyX Unicem (RU, 3?M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany) Clicker (RUC) and Aplicap (RUA). Microtensile sticks and specimens for scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations were obtained from the luted teeth. The interfacial strengths measured for the cements under static pressure or ultrasonic vibration were [median (interquartile range)]: GC/V 4 (2.3?C7.9); GC/P 6.8 (4.1?C10.1); GA/V 3 (1.9?C6.7); GA/P 1.9 (0?C5.1); RUC/V 6.6 (4.6?C9.8); RUC/P 4.1 (1.8?C6.4); RUA/V 6.2 (2.4?C10.4); RUA/P 3.4 (0?C5.4). The cement formulation influenced dentin bond strength of G. RU bond strength was affected by the luting technique. SEM analysis revealed a homogeneous structure and reduced porosities for both cements as a result of ultrasonic vibration. RU benefited from the application of ultrasounds, while GC achieved higher bond strengths than GA.     

Linear dimensional stability of elastomeric impression materials over time

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the linear dimensional stability of different elastomeric impression materials over time. A metal mold was designed with its custom trays, which were made of thermoplastic sheets (Sabilex sheets 0.125 mm thick). Three impressions were taken of it with each of the following: the polyvinylsiloxane Examix-GC-(AdEx), Aquasil-Dentsply-(AdAq) and Panasil-Kettenbach-(AdPa), and the polydimethylsiloxane Densell-Dental Medrano-(CoDe), Speedex-Coltene-(CoSp) and Lastic-Kettenbach-(CoLa). All impressions were taken with putty and light-body materials using a one-step technique. Standardized digital photographs were taken at different time intervals (0, 15, 30, 60, 120 minutes; 24 hours; 7 and 14 days), using an "ad-hoc" device, and analyzed using software (Image Tool) by measuring the distance between lines previously made at the top of the mold. The results were analyzed by ANOVA for repeated measures. The initial and final values for mean and SD were: AdEx: 1.32 (0.01) and 1.31 (0.00); AdAq: 1.32 (0.00) and 1.32 (0.00), AdPa: 1.327 (0.006) and 1.31 (0.00); CoDe: 1.32 (0.00) and 1.32 (0.01); CoSp: 1.327 (0.006) and 1.31 (0.00), CoLa: 1.327 (0.006) and 1.303 (0.006). Statistical evaluation showed that both material and time have significant effects. Conclusion: Under the conditions in this study we conclude that time would significantly affect the lineal dimensional stability of elastomeric impression materials.     

Current perspectives on post systems: a literature review

This literature review summarizes the most recent and reliable evidence on post systems. A search was limited to review articles published over the last 10?years in dental journals with an impact factor. Papers cited in the initially retrieved review articles were also included if significant. Preservation of tooth tissue, presence of a ferrule effect, and adhesion are regarded as the most effective conditions for long-term success of post-endodontic restorations. Adhesively luted fibre-reinforced composite post restorations have demonstrated satisfactory survival rates over relatively long follow-up periods. The clinical effectiveness of such restorations has been mainly ascribed to the more biomimetic behaviour of fibre-reinforced composite posts that reduces the risk of vertical root fractures. The most common type of failure when using fibre posts is post debonding and it is generally agreed that achieving stable adhesion to intraradicular dentine is more challenging than to coronal dentine. Several factors related to endodontic treatment, root canal shape, post space preparation, post translucency, adhesive cement handling and curing may have an influence on the outcome of the luting procedure. The most reliable results in fibre post cementation are obtained by etch-and-rinse adhesives in combination with dual-cure resin cements. The use of self-adhesive resin cements has also been proposed. Simplification is an obvious advantage of these new materials. However, the durability of their bond still needs to be verified with long-term clinical studies. Several techniques for pre-treating the fibre-reinforced composite post surface have been tested with the aim of improving the bond strength at the post-core and post-cement interfaces. Silicoating followed by silanization currently appears to be the most effective and convenient method for this purpose. In conclusion, the available evidence validates the use of fibre posts as an alternative to metal posts and preferably to other tooth-coloured posts, such as zirconia dowels, in the restoration of endodontically treated teeth. Longer term clinical trials are expected to further strengthen this evidence.     

The polymorphic polyglutamine repeat in the mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma gene is not associated with oligozoospermia

The POLG1 nuclear gene, encoding for the catalytic subunit of the mitochondrial polymerase gamma, has been reported to play a role in male infertility. In fact, genotypes showing alleles different from the common ten repeat CAG allele have been detected in patients with oligozoospermia or in patients with normal spermiograms and unexplained infertility. However, these results have been debated by other studies. To verify these data, we analyzed 625 individuals in three groups of case-controls from three different Italian regions. In these series, the frequency of the different genotypes was not statistically different in oligozoospermic vs normal subjects. Even considering the pooled controls and patients (348 and 277, respectively), no significant difference was shown (p = 0.11). Our findings, in agreement with other studies from Italy and France, suggest that, at least in these countries, the POLG1 CAG-repeat polymorphisms do not contribute to oligozoospermia.     

Isolated extramedullary relapse after autologous bone marrow transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia: case report and review of the literature

Isolated extramedullary relapse (IEMR) is a pattern of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) relapse post-allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (alloBMT). Less is known about IEMR post-autologous BMT (autoBMT) and about factors associated with IEMR. We report a case of a woman with M4 AML who experienced IEMR post-autoBMT and review the related literature. Seventy-two alloBMT and 3 autoBMT patients, including ours, were identified. The review suggests that an M2 or M4 French-American-British (FAB) phenotype, intermediate cytogenetic risk group, and chromosome 8 abnormalities are more frequently associated with the occurrence of IEMR. IEMR occurs earlier in autoBMT than in alloBMT. Combined treatment with radiation and high-dose chemotherapy may be effective. When we searched the European Bone Marrow Transplant Registry (EBMTR) database, we found the incidence of IEMR to be statistically greater in alloBMT than in autoBMT (11% vs. 6%; P = 0.02), but no correlations have been found with the conditioning transplant regimen used. A closer follow-up, including body and central nervous system scan, should be considered in patients who are undergoing BMT presenting with several IEMR-associated factors.