CAMPANELLIProgrammed Death 1 (PD-1) and PD-1 Ligand (PD-L1) Expression in Chronic Apical Periodontitis.

Objective: This study aimed to examine programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed death lig-and 1 (PD-L1) expression on leukocytes from chronic apical periodontitis, and to determine the levels of cytokines in the apical periodontitis lesions.

Methods: Leukocytes from healthy gingival tissue (n=16) and chronic apical periodontitis (n=10) were eval-uated using flow cytometry. The PD-1 and PDL-1 expressions were evaluated using flow cytometry.

Analysis of mandibular second molars with fused roots and shallow radicular grooves by using micro-computed tomography.

Aim: This study aimed to describe the morphological and morphometric aspects of fused mandibular second molars with radicular shallow grooves using micro-computed tomography (CT).

Materials And Methods: Eighty-eight mandibular second molars with fused roots were scanned in a micro-CT scanner at a voxel size of 19.6 μm.

The Influence of Humidity on Intra-tubular Penetration and Bond Strength of AH Plus and MTA Fillapex: An In Vitro Study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of humidity on the intra-tubular penetration, bond strength and failure mode associated with AH Plus (AH) and MTA Fillapex (MTAF) sealers.

Methods: For this analysis, an apparatus was created to maintain the humidity of the specimens. Sixty bovine single-rooted teeth with similar anatomy were used.

Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties of a New Root Canal Sealer.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate some of the physicochemical properties of a new root canal sealer.

Methods: The sealers tested were Sealer Plus compared with AH Plus. For the radiopacity, flow, solubility, and fabrication of test specimens relative to setting times, the American National Standards Institute/American Dental Association No.

A new improved protocol for in vitro intratubular dentinal bacterial contamination for antimicrobial endodontic tests: standardization and validation by confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Objectives: To compare three methods of intratubular contamination that simulate endodontic infections using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).

Material And Methods: Two pre-existing models of dentinal contamination were used to induce intratubular infection (groups A and B). These methods were modified in an attempt to improve the model (group C).

Micro-computed Tomographic Analysis of Mandibular Second Molars with C-shaped Root Canals.

Introduction: The goal of the present study was to evaluate the morphometric aspects of the internal anatomy of the root canal system of mandibular second molars with C-shaped canals.

Methods: Fifty-two extracted second mandibular molars with C-shaped canals, fused roots, and radicular grooves were selected from a Brazilian population. The samples were scanned with a micro-computed tomographic scanner at a voxel size of 19.

Microscopic analysis of the quality of obturation and physical properties of MTA Fillapex.

This study analyzed the quality of obturation and physical properties of MTA Fillapex and AH Plus sealer. A sample of 30 human maxillary central incisors were instrumented with Protaper until a F5 (50/05) file. Both sealers were mixed with Rhodamine-B dye to allow visualization on a confocal laser-scanning microscope (CLSM).

Apical adaptation, sealing ability and push-out bond strength of five root-end filling materials.

This study compared the fluid filtration, adaptation to the root canal walls, and the push-out bond strength of two resin-based sealers and three calcium silicate-based retrograde filling materials. Fifty maxillary canines were shaped using manual instruments and the apical portion was sectioned. Retrograde cavities of 3-mm depth were prepared.

Rat subcutaneous tissue response to calcium silicate containing different arsenic concentrations.

Objective: To evaluate the response of rat subcutaneous tissue in implanted polyethylene tubes that were filled with GMTA Angelus and Portland cements containing different arsenic concentrations.

Material And Methods: Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was utilized to obtain the values of the arsenic concentration in the materials. Thirty-six rats were divided into 3 groups of 12 animals for each experimental period.

Micro-computed tomography analysis of the root canal anatomy and prevalence of oval canals in mandibular incisors.

Introduction: This study aimed to describe the anatomy of the mandibular incisors by using micro-computed tomography.

Methods: Mandibular incisors (n = 340) were scanned at 19-μm voxel size resolution, and the numbers of canals were classified according to Vertucci classification, as well as the major and minor diameters of the root and root canals, presence of oval canals, and three-dimensional analysis of the apical third were also measured. Data were presented in terms of median and range for each anatomic classification.

Biocompatibility and setting time of CPM-MTA and white Portland cement clinker with or without calcium sulfate.

Objective: To evaluate the biocompatibility and the setting time of Portland cement clinker with or without 2% or 5% calcium sulfate and MTA-CPM.

Material And Methods: Twenty-four mice (Rattus norvegicus) received subcutaneously polyethylene tubes filled with Portland cement clinker with or without 2% or 5% calcium sulfate and MTA. After 15, 30 and 60 days of implantation, the animals were killed and specimens were prepared for microscopic analysis.

Antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide and chlorhexidine on intratubular Candida albicans.

This study investigated the efficacy of calcium hydroxide and chlorhexidine gel for the elimination of intratubular Candida albicans (C. albicans). Human single-rooted teeth contaminated with C.

In vivo accuracy of conventional and digital radiographic methods in confirming root canal working length determination by Root ZX.

Objectives: To compare, in vivo, the accuracy of conventional and digital radiographic methods in determining root canal working length.

Material And Methods: Twenty-five maxillary incisor or canine teeth from 22 patients were used in this study. Considering the preoperative radiographs as the baseline, a 25 K file was inserted into the root canal to the point where the Root ZX electronic apex locator indicated the APEX measurement in the screen.

Influence of root canal sealer on the radiographic appearance of filling voids in maxillary single-rooted teeth.

Objective: This study compared the influence of three epoxy resin-based sealers with distinct radiopacities on the observers' ability to detect root canal filling voids during radiographic analysis.

Material And Methods: The root canals of 48 extracted maxillary canines were prepared and divided into three groups. Each group was laterally condensed with one sealer (AH Plus®, Acroseal® or a non-radiopaque sealer), and a longitudinal void was simulated in half of the specimens from each group (n=8).

The antimicrobial effect of new and conventional endodontic irrigants on intra-orally infected dentin.

Objectives: To evaluate if the incorporation of antimicrobial compounds to chelating agents or the use of chelating agents with antimicrobial activity as 7% maleic acid and peracetic acid show similar disinfection ability in comparison to conventional irrigants as sodium hypochlorite or iodine potassium iodide against biofilms developed on dentin.

Materials And Methods: The total bio-volume of live cells, the ratio of live cells and the substratum coverage of dentin infected intra-orally and treated with the irrigant solutions: MTAD, Qmix, Smear Clear, 7% maleic acid, 2% iodine potassium iodide, 4% peracetic acid, 2.5% and 5.

Effect of different radiopacifying agents on the physicochemical properties of white Portland cement and white mineral trioxide aggregate.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the pH, calcium ion release, setting time, and solubility of white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) and white Portland cement (WPC) combined with the following radiopacifying agents: bismuth oxide (BO), calcium tungstate (CT), and zirconium oxide (ZO).

Methods: Fifty acrylic teeth with root-end filling material were immersed in ultrapure water for measurement of pH and calcium release (atomic absorption spectrophotometry) at 3, 24, 72, and 168 hours. For evaluation of setting time, each material was analyzed according to the American Society for Testing and Materials guidelines 266/08.

Repair of rabbit femur defects with organic bovine bone cancellous block or cortical granules.

Purpose: To investigate the osseous repair in epiphyseal rabbit femur defects treated with organic bovine bone (OBB) cancellous block or OBB cortical granules.

Materials And Methods: Forty-eight trephined defects were made bilaterally in 30 rabbits. In 18 animals, the defects were filled with OBB cancellous block (experimental group 1) or OBB cortical granules (experimental group 2), and in 12 animals (control group), the defects on both sides were filled only with blood clot.

Micro-computed tomography study of the internal anatomy of mesial root canals of mandibular molars.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the mesiodistal and buccolingual diameter, apical volume, and the presence of isthmuses at the apical level of mesial root canals of mandibular molars.

Methods: Sixty extracted first and second mandibular molars were scanned by using a SkyScan 1076 micro-computed tomography system with a voxel size of 18 μm. The apical thirds of the samples were reconstructed to allow a perpendicular section of the apical third by using the multiplanar reconstruction tool of the OsiriX software.

Apical sealing of root canal fillings performed with five different endodontic sealers: analysis by fluid filtration.

Objectives: To evaluate the sealing ability of five root canal sealers, including two experimental cements (MBP and MTA-Obtura) using the fluid filtration method.

Material And Methods: Teeth were divided into 5 study groups: G1-AH Plus; G2-Acroseal; G3Sealapex; G4-MBP; G5-MTA-Obtura; and two controls. Chemical-mechanical preparation was performed with ProFile rotary nickel-titanium instruments 1 mm short of the apical foramen.

The influence of cone-beam computed tomography and periapical radiographic evaluation on the assessment of periapical bone destruction in dog's teeth.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of periapical radiographs, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) sections, and cone beam volumetric data on the determination of periapical bone destruction in endodontically treated distal root canals of premolar canine teeth. Nontreated mesial roots were used as controls.

Study Design: Enterococcus faecalis strain (ATCC 29212) was inoculated into 30 root canals of 2 mongrel dogs to induce apical periodontitis.

Effects of Gates-Glidden, LA Axxess and orifice shaper burs on the cervical dentin thickness and root canal area of mandibular molars.

This study evaluated the increase of the instrumented area and dentin thickness in the mesial and distal aspects of mesial canals of mandibular molars after the use of Gates Glidden (GG), LA Axxess (LA) and Orifice Shaper (OS) instruments. A total of 53 canals from 27 mandibular molars were embedded in resin and divided into 3 groups. The roots were sectioned 3 mm below the cementoenamel junction and the images were captured before and after instrumentation.

Removal efficiency of propolis paste dressing from the root canal.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the cleaning of root canal walls after the use of experimental propolis or calcium hydroxide root canal dressings.

Material And Methods: Twenty single-rooted teeth were used. After conventional cleaning and shaping procedures and removal of the smear layer with 17% EDTA, the teeth were divided into four groups according to the medication used (N=5): Group I (control) - No drug, Group II - Calcium hydroxide dressing, Group III - Propolis paste A70D and Group IV - Propolis paste D70D.

Scanning electron microscopy analysis of RinsEndo system and conventional irrigation for debris removal.

A new device for irrigation, which presents hydrodynamic activation based on the pressure-suction technology, has recently been introduced to the market: the RinsEndo system. This study compared the efficacy of the RinsEndo system and conventional (manual-dynamic) irrigation in the removal of debris from the root canal walls, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Twenty mandibular premolars with completely formed roots were selected and randomly divided into group 1 (irrigation with the RinsEndo system) and group 2 (conventional irrigation).

Comparison of GPX with or without solvent and hand files in removing filling materials from root canals--an ex vivo study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare GPX instruments and hand files for gutta-percha removal.

Study Design: Fifty maxillary central incisors with a single straight canal were instrumented and filled. The teeth were divided into 5 groups of 10 specimens each, according to the gutta-percha removal techniques: group 1: GPX (21-mm-long teeth); group 2: GPX and xylol as solvent (21-mm-long teeth); group 3: GPX (25-mm-long teeth); group 4: GPX and xylol as solvent (25-mm-long teeth); and group 5: hand files and xylol as solvent.

Heat release, time required, and cleaning ability of MTwo R and ProTaper universal retreatment systems in the removal of filling material.

Introduction: This ex vivo study evaluated the heat release, time required, and cleaning efficacy of MTwo (VDW, Munich, Germany) and ProTaper Universal Retreatment systems (Dentsply/Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and hand instrumentation in the removal of filling material.

Methods: Sixty single-rooted human teeth with a single straight canal were obturated with gutta-percha and zinc oxide and eugenol-based cement and randomly allocated to 3 groups (n = 20). After 30-day storage at 37 °C and 100% humidity, the root fillings were removed using ProTaper UR, MTwo R, or hand files.