PURPOSE: This article is to describe a modified device for intraoral radiography which was developed to obtain reproducible radiographic images for assessment of distal osseous defects of the mandibular second molar (2 Mm) after impacted third molar (3 Mm) surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A commercial available alignment system for posterior region was modified by adding a reference gauge pin (millimetric) and threading a hollow acrylic cylinder at the ring of the radiographic positioner to attach the X-ray collimator. The design included customized resin acrylic stent for the occlusal surface of the 2Mm in maximum intercuspal position, individualizing the biteblock positioner. Periapical radiographs were taken before and after surgical extraction of 3 Mm, employing the radiographic technique of parallelism described by Kugelberg (1986) with this modified film holder and inserting the gauge pin on the deepest bone probing depth point. RESULTS: This technique permitted to obtain standardized periapical radiographs with a moderate to high resolution, repeatability, and accuracy. There was no difference between the measurements on the pre- and post-operative radiographs. This technique allowed better maintenance of the same geometric position compared with conventional one. The insertion of the gauge pin provided the same reference point and localized the deepest osseous defect on the two-dimensional radiographs. CONCLUSION: This technique allowed better reproducibility in posterior radiographic records (distal surface of 2 Mm) and more accurate measurements of radiographic bone level by the use of a millimetric pin.
Alveolar Bone Loss ; Molar ; Molar, Third ; Periodontal Attachment Loss ; Radiography, Dental ; Stents

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the physicochemical properties, cytotoxicity and penetration into dentinal tubules of ChlorCid™ Surf (3% sodium hypochlorite [NaOCl] with surfactant) in comparison to ChlorCid™ (3% NaOCl without surfactant). Materials and Methods: The physicochemical properties evaluated were pH, surface tension, free available chlorine (FAC) and contact angle. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in L929 fibroblasts exposed to the solutions by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and neutral red assays. Assessment of penetration into dentinal tubules was performed by staining single-rooted permanent human teeth with crystal violet (n = 9), which were irrigated with the solutions and analyzed in cervical, middle and apical segments. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post-test, 2-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's post-test or t-test (α = 0.05). Results: ChlorCid™ Surf and ChlorCid™ FAC values were close to those indicated by the manufacturer. ChlorCid™ Surf showed lower surface tension and contact angle on dentin, and higher pH than ChlorCid™ (p < 0.05). The penetration of ChlorCid™ Surf was higher in cervical and middle segments, compared with ChlorCid™ (p < 0.05). There was no difference in irrigant cytotoxicity (p > 0.05). Conclusions ChlorCid™ Surf showed lower surface tension, lower contact angle on root canal dentin, higher penetration into dentinal tubules and more alkaline pH, compared with ChlorCid™. However, both solutions showed similar cytotoxicity and FAC content.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the physicochemical properties, cytotoxicity and penetration into dentinal tubules of ChlorCid™ Surf (3% sodium hypochlorite [NaOCl] with surfactant) in comparison to ChlorCid™ (3% NaOCl without surfactant). Materials and Methods: The physicochemical properties evaluated were pH, surface tension, free available chlorine (FAC) and contact angle. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in L929 fibroblasts exposed to the solutions by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and neutral red assays. Assessment of penetration into dentinal tubules was performed by staining single-rooted permanent human teeth with crystal violet (n = 9), which were irrigated with the solutions and analyzed in cervical, middle and apical segments. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post-test, 2-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's post-test or t-test (α = 0.05). Results: ChlorCid™ Surf and ChlorCid™ FAC values were close to those indicated by the manufacturer. ChlorCid™ Surf showed lower surface tension and contact angle on dentin, and higher pH than ChlorCid™ (p < 0.05). The penetration of ChlorCid™ Surf was higher in cervical and middle segments, compared with ChlorCid™ (p < 0.05). There was no difference in irrigant cytotoxicity (p > 0.05). Conclusions ChlorCid™ Surf showed lower surface tension, lower contact angle on root canal dentin, higher penetration into dentinal tubules and more alkaline pH, compared with ChlorCid™. However, both solutions showed similar cytotoxicity and FAC content.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with both cardiovascular and bladder dysfunction. Insulin resistance (IR) and central obesity, in particular, are the main risk factors. In these patients, vicious pathological cycles exacerbate abnormal carbohydrate metabolism and sustain an inflammatory state, with serious implications for both the heart and bladder. Ketone bodies serve as an alternative energy source in this context. They are considered a “super-fuel” because they generate adenosine triphosphate with less oxygen consumption per molecule, thus enhancing metabolic efficiency. Ketone bodies have a positive impact on all components of MS. They aid in weight loss and glycemic control, lower blood pressure, improve lipid profiles, and enhance endothelial function. Additionally, they possess direct anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vasodilatory properties. A shared key player in dysfunction of both the heart and bladder dysfunction is the formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which ketone bodies inhibit. Interventions that elevate ketone body levels—such as fasting, a ketogenic diet, ketone supplements, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors—have been shown to directly affect cardiovascular outcomes and improve lower urinary tract symptoms derived from MS. This review explores the pathophysiological basis of the benefits of ketone bodies in cardiac and bladder dysfunction.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) is a tryptophan-derived microbial metabolite that has been associated with protective effects against inflammatory and metabolic diseases. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the effects of IPA under physiological conditions and at the intestinal level.MATERIALS/METHODS: Human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells were treated for 2, 24, and/ or 72 h with IPA or its precursors – indole, tryptophan, and propionate – at 1, 10, 100, 250, or 500 μM to assess cell viability, integrity, differentiation, and proliferation. RESULTS: IPA induced cell proliferation and this effect was associated with a higher expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) and a lower expression of c-Jun. Although indole and propionate also induced cell proliferation, this involved ERK2 and c-Jun independent mechanisms. On the other hand, both tryptophan and propionate increased cell integrity and reduced the expression of claudin-1, whereas propionate decreased cell differentiation. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, these findings suggested that IPA and its precursors distinctly contribute to the proliferation, differentiation, and barrier function properties of human intestinal epithelial cells. Moreover, the pro-proliferative effect of IPA in intestinal epithelial cells was not explained by its precursors and is rather related to its whole chemical structure.Maintaining IPA at physiological levels, e.g., through IPA-producing commensal bacteria, may be important to preserve the integrity of the intestinal barrier and play an integral role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis.

Objective To evaluate the antioxidant activity of the essential oil obtained from Rosmarinus officinalis (R. officinalis) in ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in vivo. Methods The antioxidant properties of the essential oil obtained from R. officinalis were evaluated against gastric injury induced by absolute ethanol. Gastric tissues were prepared to enzymatic assays. The levels of glutathione, lipid peroxides, and the activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and myeloperoxidase were measured. Results Ethanol produced severe hemorrhagic lesions in the stomach with ulcerative lesion of (140.2 ± 37.2) mm