Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pomegranate solution (Punica granatum) on eroded dentin through antioxidant action, shear bond strength (SBS) and interface morphology. Materials and Methods: The 10% pomegranate peel extract was prepared by the lyophilization method. Punicalagin polyphenol was confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by capturing the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. For the SBS, 48 dentin fragments were divided into sound or eroded, and subdivided according to the pretreatment (n = 12): water or P. granatum. The surfaces were restored with self-etch adhesive and a bulk-fill resin (Ecosite; DMG). The SBS was done immediately (24 hours) and after thermal cycling + water storage (12 months). For scanning electron microscopy, 48 dentin fragments (24 sound and 24 eroded) received the same treatments as for SBS (n = 6), and they were analyzed after 24 hours and 12 months. Results: The P. granatum had antioxidant action similar (p = 0.246) to the phenolic standard antioxidants. After 24 hours, eroded dentin had lower SBS than sound dentin (p < 0.001), regardless of the pretreatment. After 12 months, P. granatum maintained the SBS of sound dentin (13.46 ± 3.42 MPa) and eroded dentin (10.96 ± 1.90 MPa) statistically similar. The lowest values were found on eroded dentin treated with water (5.75 ± 1.65 MPa) (p < 0.001). P. granatum on eroded dentin caused peritubular demineralization and hybrid layer with resin tags. Conclusions The pomegranate extract had antioxidant action and preserved the adhesive interface of the eroded dentin.

Background/Aims: Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is the most commonly used endoscopic treatment for gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE). Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) has emerged as an alternative therapy. Our goal was to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of APC and EBL for the treatment of GAVE. This is the first systematic review that included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on this topic. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed using electronic databases to identify RCTs comparing APC and EBL for the treatment of GAVE following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Results: Four RCTs were included, with a total of 204 patients. EBL was related to higher endoscopic eradication rates risk difference [RD], 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.14, 0.44]; I2=0%) and less bleeding recurrence than APC (RD, 0.29; 95% CI [0.15, 0.44]; I2=0%). Patients treated with EBL required fewer blood transfusions (mean difference [MD], 1.49; 95% CI [0.28, 2.71]; I2=96%) and hospitalizations (MD, 0.29; 95% CI [0.19, 0.39]; I2=0%). The number of sessions required for the obliteration of lesions was higher with APC. There was no difference in the incidence of adverse events. Conclusions EBL is superior to APC in the treatment of GAVE in terms of endoscopic eradication rates, recurrence of bleeding, and transfusion requirements.

Background/Aims: Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is the most commonly used endoscopic treatment for gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE). Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) has emerged as an alternative therapy. Our goal was to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of APC and EBL for the treatment of GAVE. This is the first systematic review that included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on this topic. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed using electronic databases to identify RCTs comparing APC and EBL for the treatment of GAVE following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Results: Four RCTs were included, with a total of 204 patients. EBL was related to higher endoscopic eradication rates risk difference [RD], 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.14, 0.44]; I2=0%) and less bleeding recurrence than APC (RD, 0.29; 95% CI [0.15, 0.44]; I2=0%). Patients treated with EBL required fewer blood transfusions (mean difference [MD], 1.49; 95% CI [0.28, 2.71]; I2=96%) and hospitalizations (MD, 0.29; 95% CI [0.19, 0.39]; I2=0%). The number of sessions required for the obliteration of lesions was higher with APC. There was no difference in the incidence of adverse events. Conclusions EBL is superior to APC in the treatment of GAVE in terms of endoscopic eradication rates, recurrence of bleeding, and transfusion requirements.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is one of the most valuable spices that has been used for centuries as food preservative and for many medicinal purposes. Clove is native of Indonesia but nowadays is cultured in several parts of the world including Brazil in the state of Bahia. This plant represents one of the richest source of phenolic compounds such as eugenol, eugenol acetate and gallic acid and posses great potential for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and agricultural applications. This review includes the main studies reporting the biological activities of clove and eugenol. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of clove is higher than many fruits, vegetables and other spices and should deserve special attention. A new application of clove as larvicidal agent is an interesting strategy to combat dengue which is a serious health problem in Brazil and other tropical countries. Pharmacokinetics and toxicological studies were also mentioned. The different studies reviewed in this work confirm the traditional use of clove as food preservative and medicinal plant standing out the importance of this plant for different applications.