Comparative cytocompatibility and mineralization potential of Bio-C Sealer and TotalFill BC Sealer.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the cytocompatibility and mineralization potential of two premixed hydraulic endodontic sealers compared with an epoxy resin-based root canal sealer. The cellular responses and mineralization capacity were studied in human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) that were exposed to premixed hydraulic sealers, Bio-C Sealer (Angelus, Londrína, PR, Brazil), TotalFill BC Sealer (FKG Dentaire SA, La-Chaux-de-fonds, Switzerland) and an epoxy resin-based material, AH Plus (Dentsply De Trey, Konstanz, Germany). Non-exposed cultures served as the control. The endodontic sealers were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). Statistical analyses were done using Analisis of Variance (ANOVA), with Bonferroni adjusted pairwise comparison (p = 0.05). AH Plus reduced cell viability and cell migration, whereas increased cell viability and cell migration were observed in the Bio-C Sealer and the TotalFill BC Sealer (p < 0.05). The lowest cell attachment and spreading were observed for all concentrations of AH Plus, whereas the highest were observed for TotalFill BC Sealer. At the end of 21 days, only the Bio-C Sealer and the TotalFill BC Sealer supported matrix mineralization (p < 0.05). Additionally, SEM-EDX revealed high content of calcium, oxygen, and silicon in the Bio-C Sealer and the TotalFill BC Sealer. Based on the results from this study, Bio-C Sealer and TotalFill BC Sealer demonstrated better cytocompatibility in terms of cell viability, migration, cell morphology, cell attachment, and mineralization capacity than AH Plus

Biological effeects of new hydraulic materials on human periodontal ligament stem cells

Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was: to evaluate the biological properties of new hydraulic materials: Bio-C Repair and Bio-C Sealer. Methods: Periodontal ligament stem cells were exposed to several dilutions of Bio-C Repair and Bio-C Sealer. The ion release profile and pH were determined. Metabolic activity, cell migration and cell survival were assessed using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), wound-healing assays and Annexin assays, respectively. Cells were cultured in direct contact with the surface of each material. These were then analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). Statistical differences were assessed using a two-way ANOVA (α < 0.05). Results: Similar pH was observed in these cements. Bio-C Sealer released significantly more Ca and Si ions (p < 0.05) in comparison with Bio-C Repair. Undiluted Bio-C Sealer induced a significant reduction on cellular viability, cell survival and cell migration when compared to the control (p < 0.05). Moreover, SEM showed abundant cells adhered on Bio-C Repair and a moderate number of cells attached on Bio-C Sealer. Finally, EDX analysis identified higher percentages of Ca and O in the case of Bio-C repair than with Bio-C sealer, while other elements such as Zr and Si were more abundant in Bio-C sealer. Conclusions: Bio-C Repair displayed higher cell viability, cell adhesion and migration rates than Bio-C Sealer

In Vitro Effect of Putty Calcium Silicate Materials on Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells

New bioactive materials have been developed for retrograde root filling. These materials come into contact with vital tissues and facilitate biomineralization and apical repair. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytocompatibility and bioactivity of two bioactive cements, Bio-C Repair (Angelus, Londrina, Pr, Brazil) and TotalFill BC RRM putty (FGK, Dentaire SA, La-Chaux-de-fonds, Switzerland). The biological properties in human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) that were exposed to Bio-C Repair and TotalFill BC RRM putty were studied. Cell viability, migration, and cell adhesion were analyzed. Moreover, qPCR and mineralization assay were performed to evaluate the bioactivity potential of these cements. The results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and the Tukey test (p < 0.05). It was observed that cell viability and cell migration in Bio-C Repair and TotalFill BC RRM putty were similar to the control without statistically significant differences, except at 72 h when TotalFill BC RRM putty was slightly lower (p < 0.05). Excellent cell adhesion and morphology were observed with both Bio-C Repair and TotalFill BC RRM putty. Both cements promoted the osteo- and cementogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs. These results suggest that Bio-C Repair and TotalFill BC RRM putty are biologically appropriate materials to be used as retrograde obturation material

Comparative biological properties and mineralization potential of three endodontic materials for vital pulp therapy: Theracal PT, Theracal LC, and Biodentine on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs)

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the biological properties and mineralization potential of the new Theracal PT (Bisco Inc, Schaumburg, IL) compared with its predecessor Theracal LC (Bisco Inc) and the hydraulic silicate-based cement Biodentine (Septodont, Saint-Maur-des-Fosses, France) on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) in vitro. Methods: Standardized sample discs were obtained for each material (n 5 30) together with 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4 material eluates. Previously characterized hDPSCs were cultured with the different materials in standardized conditions, and the following assays were performed: a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, a wound healing assay, Annexin-V-FITC and 7-AAD staining (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA), reactive oxygen species production analysis, cell adhesion and morphology evaluation via scanning electron microscopy and immunofluorescence, quantification of the expression of osteo/odontogenic markers via real-time quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and alizarin red S staining. Statistical significance was established at P , .05. Results: All of the tested dilutions of Theracal LC exhibited a significantly higher cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species production (P , .001) and a lower cell migration rate than the control group (hDPSCs cultured in growth medium without material extracts) at all of the measured time points (P , .001). Both 1:4 Theracal PT and Biodentine-treated hDPSCs exhibited similar levels of cytocompatibility to that of the control group, a significant up-regulation of at least 1 odontogenic marker (Biodentine: dentin sialophosphoprotein (P , .05); Theracal PT: osteonectin and runt-related transcription factor 2 [P , .001]), and a significantly higher mineralized nodule formation (P , .001). Conclusions: The newly introduced TheraCal PT offers an improved in vitro cytocompatibility and mineralization potential on hDPSCs compared with its predecessor, TheraCal LC, and comparable biological properties to Biodentin

Physicochemical characteristics of milk sold in family production units in the Atoyac River Basin in Puebla and Tlaxcala, Mexico

Objective: To determine the physicochemical characteristics and possible adulteration of raw milk marketed in dairy family systems located in the Atoyac River Basin in Puebla-Tlaxcala. Design/methodology/approach: The physical characteristics of milk were determined: pH, acidity and freezing point; and chemical characteristics: fat, protein, lactose, minerals, non-fat solids, total solids and water content. This milk is produced and sold by 264 family production units to three cheese companies in the Atoyac River Basin in the states of Puebla and Tlaxcala. The data were analyzed by company and subsequently grouped with the Cluster technique of the SAS software. Results: Significant differences (p&lt;0.05) were found in the physical and chemical characteristics of the milk marketed by the producers with the three processing companies. In general, the milk is acid and adulterated with an average of 11.49% water; this results in a loss of $0.67/liter and in a dilution of its components, particularly protein and lactose, which leaves it outside the parameters established by normativity. The multivariate analysis generated four groups of producers and suggests the possibility that a group of producers adulterates with water, but also adds some kind of compound to increase the fat content to mask the adulteration. Limitations on study/implications: The study of this topic, where the economic interests of the primary actors in the production chain can be affected, is delicate and difficult to carry out; however, it is necessary in order to know the quality of the products that are generated and their implication in the economy and the health of consumers. Findings/conclusions: This study showed that the milk marketed by producers to processing companies does not comply with current regulations due to adulteration with water and the possible addition of compounds that replace fat; therefore, verification programs for compliance of the regulations are required, hoping with this that producers will receive a fair price for their production and will not have the need to adulterate the milk

Euglena International Network (EIN):Driving euglenoid biotechnology for the benefit of a challenged world

Euglenoids (Euglenida) are unicellular flagellates possessing exceptionally wide geographical and ecological distribution. Euglenoids combine a biotechnological potential with a unique position in the eukaryotic tree of life. In large part these microbes owe this success to diverse genetics including secondary endosymbiosis and likely additional sources of genes. Multiple euglenoid species have translational applications and show great promise in production of biofuels, nutraceuticals, bioremediation, cancer treatments and more exotically as robotics design simulators. An absence of reference genomes currently limits these applications, including development of efficient tools for identification of critical factors in regulation, growth or optimization of metabolic pathways. The Euglena International Network (EIN) seeks to provide a forum to overcome these challenges. EIN has agreed specific goals, mobilized scientists, established a clear roadmap (Grand Challenges), connected academic and industry stakeholders and is currently formulating policy and partnership principles to propel these efforts in a coordinated and efficient manner

Positive correlation between the nuclear expression of GPER and pGLI3 in prostate cancer tissues from patients with different Gleason scores

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent cause of death in the male population worldwide. The G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER) has been gaining relevance in the development of PCa. Hedgehog (Hh) pathway activation is associated with aggressiveness, metastasis, and relapse in PCa patients. To date, no studies have evaluated the crosstalk between the GPER and the Hh pathway along different group grades in PCa. We conducted an analysis of paraffin-embedded tissues derived from patients with different prognostic grade of PCa using immunohistochemistry. Expression and correlation between GPER and glioma associated oncogene homologue (GLI) transcriptional factors in the parenchyma and stroma of PCa tumors were evaluated. Our results indicate that GPER is highly expressed in the nucleus and increases with higher grade groups. Additionally, GPER’s expression correlates with pGLI3 nuclear expression across different grade groups in PCa tissues; however, whether the receptor induces the activation of GLI transcriptional factors, or the latter modulate the expression of GPER is yet to be discovered, as well as the functional consequence of this correlation

The evolution of the ventilatory ratio is a prognostic factor in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 ARDS patients

Background: Mortality due to COVID-19 is high, especially in patients requiring mechanical ventilation. The purpose of the study is to investigate associations between mortality and variables measured during the first three days of mechanical ventilation in patients with COVID-19 intubated at ICU admission. Methods: Multicenter, observational, cohort study includes consecutive patients with COVID-19 admitted to 44 Spanish ICUs between February 25 and July 31, 2020, who required intubation at ICU admission and mechanical ventilation for more than three days. We collected demographic and clinical data prior to admission; information about clinical evolution at days 1 and 3 of mechanical ventilation; and outcomes. Results: Of the 2,095 patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU, 1,118 (53.3%) were intubated at day 1 and remained under mechanical ventilation at day three. From days 1 to 3, PaO2/FiO2 increased from 115.6 [80.0-171.2] to 180.0 [135.4-227.9] mmHg and the ventilatory ratio from 1.73 [1.33-2.25] to 1.96 [1.61-2.40]. In-hospital mortality was 38.7%. A higher increase between ICU admission and day 3 in the ventilatory ratio (OR 1.04 [CI 1.01-1.07], p = 0.030) and creatinine levels (OR 1.05 [CI 1.01-1.09], p = 0.005) and a lower increase in platelet counts (OR 0.96 [CI 0.93-1.00], p = 0.037) were independently associated with a higher risk of death. No association between mortality and the PaO2/FiO2 variation was observed (OR 0.99 [CI 0.95 to 1.02], p = 0.47). Conclusions: Higher ventilatory ratio and its increase at day 3 is associated with mortality in patients with COVID-19 receiving mechanical ventilation at ICU admission. No association was found in the PaO2/FiO2 variation

Treatment with tocilizumab or corticosteroids for COVID-19 patients with hyperinflammatory state: a multicentre cohort study (SAM-COVID-19)

Objectives: The objective of this study was to estimate the association between tocilizumab or corticosteroids and the risk of intubation or death in patients with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) with a hyperinflammatory state according to clinical and laboratory parameters. Methods: A cohort study was performed in 60 Spanish hospitals including 778 patients with COVID-19 and clinical and laboratory data indicative of a hyperinflammatory state. Treatment was mainly with tocilizumab, an intermediate-high dose of corticosteroids (IHDC), a pulse dose of corticosteroids (PDC), combination therapy, or no treatment. Primary outcome was intubation or death; follow-up was 21 days. Propensity score-adjusted estimations using Cox regression (logistic regression if needed) were calculated. Propensity scores were used as confounders, matching variables and for the inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTWs). Results: In all, 88, 117, 78 and 151 patients treated with tocilizumab, IHDC, PDC, and combination therapy, respectively, were compared with 344 untreated patients. The primary endpoint occurred in 10 (11.4%), 27 (23.1%), 12 (15.4%), 40 (25.6%) and 69 (21.1%), respectively. The IPTW-based hazard ratios (odds ratio for combination therapy) for the primary endpoint were 0.32 (95%CI 0.22-0.47; p < 0.001) for tocilizumab, 0.82 (0.71-1.30; p 0.82) for IHDC, 0.61 (0.43-0.86; p 0.006) for PDC, and 1.17 (0.86-1.58; p 0.30) for combination therapy. Other applications of the propensity score provided similar results, but were not significant for PDC. Tocilizumab was also associated with lower hazard of death alone in IPTW analysis (0.07; 0.02-0.17; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Tocilizumab might be useful in COVID-19 patients with a hyperinflammatory state and should be prioritized for randomized trials in this situatio

Clustering COVID-19 ARDS patients through the first days of ICU admission. An analysis of the CIBERESUCICOVID Cohort

Background Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can be classified into sub-phenotypes according to different inflammatory/clinical status. Prognostic enrichment was achieved by grouping patients into hypoinflammatory or hyperinflammatory sub-phenotypes, even though the time of analysis may change the classification according to treatment response or disease evolution. We aimed to evaluate when patients can be clustered in more than 1 group, and how they may change the clustering of patients using data of baseline or day 3, and the prognosis of patients according to their evolution by changing or not the cluster.Methods Multicenter, observational prospective, and retrospective study of patients admitted due to ARDS related to COVID-19 infection in Spain. Patients were grouped according to a clustering mixed-type data algorithm (k-prototypes) using continuous and categorical readily available variables at baseline and day 3.Results Of 6205 patients, 3743 (60%) were included in the study. According to silhouette analysis, patients were grouped in two clusters. At baseline, 1402 (37%) patients were included in cluster 1 and 2341(63%) in cluster 2. On day 3, 1557(42%) patients were included in cluster 1 and 2086 (57%) in cluster 2. The patients included in cluster 2 were older and more frequently hypertensive and had a higher prevalence of shock, organ dysfunction, inflammatory biomarkers, and worst respiratory indexes at both time points. The 90-day mortality was higher in cluster 2 at both clustering processes (43.8% [n = 1025] versus 27.3% [n = 383] at baseline, and 49% [n = 1023] versus 20.6% [n = 321] on day 3). Four hundred and fifty-eight (33%) patients clustered in the first group were clustered in the second group on day 3. In contrast, 638 (27%) patients clustered in the second group were clustered in the first group on day 3.Conclusions During the first days, patients can be clustered into two groups and the process of clustering patients may change as they continue to evolve. This means that despite a vast majority of patients remaining in the same cluster, a minority reaching 33% of patients analyzed may be re-categorized into different clusters based on their progress. Such changes can significantly impact their prognosis