Detrimental effects of chronic sugar-sweetened carbonated soft drink consumption on inflammatory response and the size of apical periodontitis: An animal-based study.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic consumption of two sugar-sweetened carbonated soft drinks - one containing caffeine (Coca-Cola®) and one without (Sprite®) - on the progression of periapical lesions and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in rats.

Methodology: Twelve Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n = 4): Control group, Coca-Cola group and Sprite group. The rats in Coca-Cola and Sprite groups were given ad libitum access to their respective soft drinks for 3 months, while the Control group received filtered water.

Gender analysis of editorial boards and authorship in leading endodontics journals.

Aim: To evaluate the presence of women on editorial boards and as authors in leading global endodontics journals from 2018 to 2023.

Methodology: The selection of journals was based on the impact factor from Journal Citation Reports (JCR) and CiteScore 2022, with criteria of JCR above 1 and CiteScore above 1.5.

Evaluation of a potential bidirectional influence of metabolic syndrome and apical periodontitis: An animal-based study.

Aim: This study aimed to explore the possible bidirectional interrelations between fructose-induced metabolic syndrome (MS) and apical periodontitis (AP).

Methodology: Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were distributed into four groups (n = 7, per group): Control (C), AP, Fructose Consumption (FRUT) and Fructose Consumption and AP (FRUT+AP). The rats in groups C and AP received filtered water, while those in groups FRUT and FRUT+AP received a 20% fructose solution mixed with water to induce MS.

Success rate of direct pulp capping on permanent teeth using bioactive materials: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the success rate of direct pulp capping (DPC) on permanent teeth, comparing the use of MTA with calcium hydroxide and calcium silicate-based cements. A systematic search was carried out in 4 databases until July 2023. The selection was based on PICOS criteria and only randomized clinical trials were included.

Micro-computed tomographic evaluation of dentinal microcracks in response to progressive taper enlargement in root canals of maxillary molars.

Aim: To investigate the development of dentinal microcracks resulting from the progressive enlargement of the buccal canals of maxillary molars with and without the MB2 canal employing instruments with the same tip and four different tapers.

Methodology: Twenty maxillary molars with (n = 10) and without (n = 10) the MB2 canal underwent micro-CT scanning. Their mesiobuccal and distobuccal canals were sequentially enlarged using nickel-titanium instruments with sizes 25/.