Final irrigation protocols can be used to promote stable long-term bond strength of AH Plus to dentin.

Irrigation solutions might affect dentin surface characteristics and, consequently, endodontic sealers adhesion. This study analyzed the effect of different final irrigation protocols on push-out bond strength (BS) of AH Plus to dentin seven days and 20 months after obturation. Scanning electron micrographs were obtained from the dentin surface of one sample/group after final irrigation.

Expression Profiling and Functional Characterization of MicroRNAs in Apical Periodontitis.

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved small noncoding RNAs that may orchestrate the pathogenesis of apical periodontitis (AP). This study aimed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and investigate their target gene pathways in AP.

Methods: Total RNA was extracted from 10 human AP and 2 healthy apical tissues (controls) and subjected to miRNA sequencing for the identification of differentially expressed miRNAs (>1.

DNA methylation profiles of immune response-related genes in apical periodontitis.

Aim: To investigate the DNA methylation profiles of immune response-related genes in apical periodontitis (AP) lesions.

Methodology: The methylation profiles on the cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) regions of 22 gene promoters involved in inflammation and autoimmunity were assessed in 60 human AP lesions and 24 healthy periodontal ligaments (controls) using a pathway-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction array (EpiTect® Methyl Signature PCR Array Human Inflammatory Response). Differentially methylated genes were subsequently assessed for their mRNA expression.

Effect of the combination of several irrigants on dentine surface properties, adsorption of chlorhexidine and adhesion of microorganisms to dentine.

Aim: To investigate the effects of combinations of several irrigants on the roughness and wettability of dentine, adhesion of Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans and adsorption of chlorhexidine (CHX) to the dentine.

Methodology: Bovine dentine samples were prepared and their surface roughness standardized. The samples were distributed in groups (n = 10) and subjected to one of the following irrigation protocols: G1 - saline solution; G2 - sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); G3 - NaOCl + ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); G4 - NaOCl + peracetic acid (PAA); G5 - NaOCl + 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP); G6 - NaOCl + EDTA + CHX; G7 - NaOCl + PAA + CHX; G8 - NaOCl + HEDP + CHX; and G9 - mixture of NaOCl + HEDP.

Accuracy of 2 Endodontic Rotary Motors with Integrated Apex Locator.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro the efficacy of both the electronic apex locator (EAL) and auto apical reverse (AAR) functions of the endodontic motor MM Control (Micro-Mega, Besançon Cedex, France) compared with Root ZX II (J Morita, Tokyo, Japan).

Methods: After cervical preflaring, the actual lengths (ALs) of 36 single-rooted teeth were obtained up to the apical foramen. The EAL measurements at the marks "APEX" and "0.

Influence of the Calcium Hydroxide Intracanal Dressing on Dentinal Tubule Penetration of Two Root Canal Sealers.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a calcium hydroxide (CH) dressing on the tubular penetration of two endodontic sealers, AH Plus (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and MTA Fillapex (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil).

Methods: Seventy-two mandibular premolars with a single root canal were prepared with ProFile.04 rotary instruments (Dentsply Maillefer) and divided into four groups.

Expression levels of the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand and osteoprotegerin and the number of gram-negative bacteria in symptomatic and asymptomatic periapical lesions.

Objective: The study aimed to verify the potential correlation between the detected amount of gram-negative bacteria and the radiographic sizes of the lesions in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic apical periodontitis. Furthermore, to evaluate whether the expression of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) and the RANKL/OPG ratio are differentially regulated in both groups.

Design: Twenty patients with periapical lesions were divided into two groups: symptomatic (SYM) n=10 and asymptomatic (ASYM) n=10.