Adhesion and whitening efficacy of P11-4 self-assembling peptide and HAP suspension after using NaOCl as a pre-treatment agent

Background This study evaluated the adhesion and whitening efficacy of a mixture of hydroxyapatite and P11-4 self-assembling peptide (HAP-peptide) on bovine enamel after pre-treatment with low-concentrated sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Methods Fifty-two caries-free bovine incisors were selected. 50 teeth were randomly allocated to five groups (n = 10). The first group was treated with a mixture of 6.25 wt% HAP and 5 ml P11-4 peptide, using NaOCl 3% as pre-treatment. Second, third and fourth groups were treated with 6.25 wt% HAP, 5 ml P11-4 peptide, and NaOCl 3%, respectively. In the fifth group, only water was applied (control group). The color of samples was measured using a spectrophotometer (USB4000-VIS-NIR-ES, Ostfildern, Germany). To evaluate color changes, ΔE values were statistically analyzed. Finally, adherence of HAP particles on two enamel surfaces with and without pre-treatment with NaOCl was analyzed with SEM. Results It was observed that the ΔE of the HAP-peptide suspension after pre-treatment with NaOCl was significantly stronger than the control group. In contrast, the overall color changes of separate applications of HAP, peptide, and NaOCl did not differ notably from the control group. SEM observations confirmed that pre-treatment with NaOCl resulted in a more pronounced coverage of HAP on the enamel surface. Conclusions Pre-treatment with a low-concentrated NaOCl enhanced the adherence of the HAP layer on the enamel surface, resulting in a stronger whitening effect

CFTR-beyond the airways : Recent findings on the role of the CFTR channel in the pancreas, the intestine and the kidneys

With increased longevity of patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, and widespread lung transplantation facilities, the sequelae of defective CFTR in other organs than the airways come to the fore. This minireview highlights recent scientific progress in the understanding of CFTR function in the pancreas, the intestine and the kidney, and explores potential therapeutic strategies to combat defective CFTR function in these organs

Tooth whitening with an experimental toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite nanoparticles

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the postbrushing tooth-whitening effect of toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nano-HAPs). The impact of the concentration on the whitening performance of nano-HAP toothpaste was also investigated. Methods Two concentrations of nano-HAP (10 wt% and 1 wt%) were incorporated in nonabrasive toothpastes. Forty bovine incisors were randomly assigned into four groups: 10 wt% nano-HAP, 1 wt% nano-HAP, toothpaste without nano-HAP as a negative control and water as a blank control. Each tooth was treated with the toothpaste three times and hydrodynamic shear force (HSF) once. The teeth surfaces were observed by SEM after each application. Tooth color (L*, a* and b* values) was measured by a spectrophotometer, and color changes (△E, △L, △a and △b values) were calculated. Two-way mixed ANOVA was performed to evaluate the influence of the concentration and repeated application on the tooth-whitening effect of nano-HAP. Results We found that nano-HAP-treated enamel exhibited higher L* values and lower a* and b* values than the control groups (P < 0.05). The 10 wt% nano-HAP group showed significantly higher △E values than the 1 wt% nano-HAP group (P < 0.05). After three applications, the △E mean value of the 10 wt% nano-HAP group was 4.47. The △E and △L values were slightly reduced after HSF (P < 0.05). For both nano-HAP groups, HAP single crystallites and agglomerates were identified, and their sizes grew with nano-HAP reapplication. Conclusions In conclusion, nano-HAP toothpaste has a satisfying postbrushing whitening effect and good resistance to mechanical forces. The whitening effect seemed to be concentration-dependent

Adhesion and whitening effects of P11-4 self-assembling peptide and HAP suspension on bovine enamel

OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the adhesion and whitening effects of a combination of P11-4 self-assembling peptide and hydroxyapatite (peptide-HAP) on bovine enamel. METHODS Forty-six caries-free bovine teeth were selected, and 40 teeth were randomly allocated to one of five groups (n = 8). First, the effects of application frequency, exposure time, and storage in saliva on the whitening effects of an experimental low-concentrated peptide-HAP suspension (0.5 wt% HAP; Curodont, Credentis) were evaluated and compared with a commercial bleaching agent (VivaStyle Paint on Plus, VS, Ivoclar Vivadent). Tooth color was measured using a spectrophotometer (Gretag MacBeth), and color changes ΔE were statistically analyzed. Second, the effects of peptide-HAP concentration (low versus high: 6.25% HAP; Curodont Protect), and its interactions with saliva and postapplication restaining, were investigated. Third, enamel surfaces (n = 2) were treated with low concentration peptide-HAP and high-concentration peptide-HAP in polymeric and monomeric forms (Curodont Protect & Curodont Repair, Credentis) and analyzed by SEM. RESULTS The ΔE of the low-concentration peptide-HAP suspension did not differ from that of VS. Application frequency, exposure time, and storage in saliva did not have any significant impact on whitening efficacy of the peptide-HAP suspension. Increasing the concentration of the suspension did not promote overall ΔE. SEM observations confirmed the presence of the newly generated peptide and HAP on the enamel surface. CONCLUSIONS The peptide-HAP suspension is a mild tooth whitener, and the adhesion of peptide-HAP to enamel is concentration dependent. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This peptide-HAP suspension is effective in offsetting discoloration caused by restaining after treatment

The competition between enamel and dentin adhesion within a cavity: An in vitro evaluation of class V restorations

To gain more insight into the consequences of curing contraction within the tooth cavity, we assessed the margin behavior of 12 contemporary restorative systems in class V restorations with margins located on enamel and dentin after mechanical loading and water storage. Mixed class V cavities were prepared on extracted human molars and restored using five etch and rinse and seven self-etch adhesive systems with their corresponding composites. Marginal adaptation was evaluated by using a computer-assisted quantitative marginal analysis in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) on epoxy replicas before, after thermal and mechanical stressing and after 1year of water storage. The interactions of "testing conditions”, "adhesive-composite combination” and "tooth substrate” with "marginal adaptation” were evaluated by two-way ANOVA. Fatigue, stress and storage conditions had significant effects on the marginal adaptation. Only two groups (Optibond FL and G Bond) presented equal percentages of marginal adaptation on enamel and dentin; in the other groups, the rate of degradation was product dependent. All materials tested showed a distinct behavior on enamel and dentin. In addition to mechanical resistance and long-term stability, differences within materials also exist in their ability to simultaneously bond to enamel and denti

ER localized bestrophin1 activates Ca2+ dependent ion channels TMEM16A and SK4

Bestrophins form Ca2+ activated Cl- channels and regulate intercellular Ca2+ signaling1. We demonstrate that bestrophin 1 is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where it physically interacts with stromal interacting molecule 1 (Stim1), the ER-Ca2+ sensor2,3. Intracellular Ca2+ transients in HEK293 cells elicited by stimulation of purinergic P2Y2-receptors were augmented but more transient after expression of hBest1, in contrast to dominant negative hBest1-R218C, which attenuated Ca2+ increase. The p21-activated protein kinase Pak2 was found to phosphorylate hBest1, thereby enhancing Ca2+ signaling and activation of Ca2+ dependent Cl- (TMEM16A)4 and K+ (SK4)5 channels. Lack of bestrophin 1 expression in respiratory epithelial cells of mBest1 knockout mice caused expansion of ER cisterns and induced Ca2+ deposits. We propose that hBest1 is important for Ca2+ handling of the ER store, probably by controlling the function of Stim1 and by acting as a counter-ion channel to balance transient membrane potentials occurring through inositol trisphosphate (IP3) induced Ca2+ release and refill of the ER-Ca2+ store. Thus bestrophin 1 controls activation of Ca2+ dependent ion channels by regulation of compartmentalized Ca2+ signaling

Diagnostic validity of early proximal caries detection using near-infrared imaging technology on 3D range data of posterior teeth

OBJECTIVES This in vitro study analysed potential of early proximal caries detection using 3D range data of teeth consisting of near-infrared reflection images at 850~nm (NIRR). MATERIALS AND METHODS Two hundred fifty healthy and carious permanent human teeth were arranged pairwise, examined with bitewing radiography (BWR) and NIRR and validated with micro-computed tomography. NIRR findings were evaluated from buccal, lingual and occlusal (trilateral) views according to yes/no decisions about presence of caries. Reliability assessments included kappa statistics and revealed high agreement for both methods. Statistical analysis included cross tabulation and calculation of sensitivity, specificity and AUC. RESULTS Underestimation of caries was 24.8% for NIRR and 26.4% for BWR. Overestimation was 10.4% for occlusal NIRR and 0% for BWR. Trilateral NIRR had overall accuracy of 64.8%, overestimation of 15.6% and underestimation of 19.6%. NIRR and BWR showed high specificity and low sensitivity for proximal caries detection. CONCLUSIONS NIRR achieved diagnostic results comparable to BWR. Trilateral NIRR assessments overestimated presence of proximal caries, revealing stronger sensitivity for initial caries detection than BWR. CLINICAL RELEVANCE NIRR provided valid complement to BWR as diagnostic instrument. Investigation from multiple angles did not substantially improve proximal caries detection with NIRR

Paneth Cell Secretion in vivo Requires Expression of Tmem16a and Tmem16f

Background and Aims Paneth cells play a central role in intestinal innate immune response. These cells are localized at the base of small intestinal crypts of Lieberkuhn. The calcium-activated chloride channel TMEM16A and the phospholipid scramblase TMEM16F control intracellular Ca2+ signaling and exocytosis. We analyzed the role of TMEM16A and TMEM16F for Paneth cells secretion. Methods Mice with intestinal epithelial knockout of Tmem16a (Tmem16a−/−) and Tmem16f (Tmem16f−/−) were generated. Tissue structures and Paneth cells were analyzed, and Paneth cell exocytosis was examined in small intestinal organoids in vitro. Intracellular Ca2+ signals were measured and were compared between wild-type and Tmem16 knockout mice. Bacterial colonization and intestinal apoptosis were analyzed. Results Paneth cells in the crypts of Lieberkuhn from Tmem16a−/− and Tmem16f−/− mice demonstrated accumulation of lysozyme. Tmem16a and Tmem16f were localized in wild-type Paneth cells but were absent in cells from knockout animals. Paneth cell number and size were enhanced in the crypt base and mucus accumulated in intestinal goblet cells of knockout animals. Granule fusion and exocytosis on cholinergic and purinergic stimulation were examined online. Both were strongly compromised in the absence of Tmem16a or Tmem16f and were also blocked by inhibition of Tmem16a/f. Purinergic Ca2+ signaling was largely inhibited in Tmem16a knockout mice. Jejunal bacterial content was enhanced in knockout mice, whereas cellular apoptosis was inhibited. Conclusion The present data demonstrate the role of Tmem16 for exocytosis in Paneth cells. Inhibition or activation of Tmem16a/f is likely to affect microbial content and immune functions present in the small intestine

Molecular evolution and functional divergence of the bestrophin protein family

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Mutations in human bestrophin 1 are associated with at least three autosomal-dominant macular dystrophies including Best disease, adult onset vitelliform macular dystrophy and autosomal dominant vitreo-retinochoroidopathy. The protein is integral to the membrane and is likely involved in Ca²⁺-dependent transport of chloride ions across cellular membranes. Bestrophin 1 together with its three homologues forms a phylogenetically highly conserved family of proteins.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A bioinformatics study was performed to investigate the phylogenetic relationship among the bestrophin family members and to statistically evaluate sequence conservation and functional divergence. Phylogenetic tree assembly with all available eukaryotic bestrophin sequences suggests gene duplication events in the lineage leading to the vertebrates. A common N-terminal topology which includes four highly conserved transmembrane domains is shared by the members of the four paralogous groups of vertebrate bestrophins and has been constrained by purifying selection. Pairwise comparison shows that altered functional constraints have occurred at specific amino acid positions after phylogenetic diversification of the paralogues. Most notably, significant functional divergence was found between bestrophin 4 and the other family members, as well as between bestrophin 2 and bestrophin 3. Site-specific profiles were established by posterior probability analysis revealing significantly divergent clusters mainly in two hydrophilic loops and a region immediately adjacent to the last predicted transmembrane domain. Strikingly, codons 279 and 347 of human bestrophin 4 reveal high divergence when compared to the paralogous positions strongly indicating the functional importance of these residues for the bestrophin 4 protein. None of the functionally divergent amino acids were found to reside within obvious sequences patterns or motifs.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our study highlights the molecular evolution of the bestrophin family of transmembrane proteins and indicates amino acid residues likely relevant for distinct functional properties of the paralogues. These findings may provide a starting point for further experimental verifications.</p

Shrinkage vectors in flowable bulk-fill and conventional composites: bulk versus incremental application

OBJECTIVES Sufficient depth of cure allows bulk-fill composites to be placed with a 4-mm thickness. This study investigated bulk versus incremental application methods by visualizing shrinkage vectors in flowable bulk-fill and conventional composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cylindrical cavities (diameter = 6 mm, depth = 4 mm) were prepared in 24 teeth and then etched and bonded with OptiBond FL (Kerr, Italy). The composites were mixed with 2 wt% radiolucent glass beads. In one group, smart dentin replacement (SDR, Dentsply) was applied in bulk "SDR-bulk" (n = 8). In two groups, SDR and Tetric EvoFlow (Ivoclar Vivadent) were applied in two 2-mm-thick increments: "SDR-incrementa" and "EvoFlow-incremental". Each material application was scanned with a micro-CT before and after light-curing (40 s, 1100 mW/cm2), and the shrinkage vectors were computed via image segmentation. Thereafter, linear polymerization shrinkage, shrinkage stress and gelation time were measured (n = 10). RESULTS The greatest shrinkage vectors were found in "SDR-bulk" and "SDR-increment2," and the smallest were found in "SDR-increment1-covered" and "EvoFlow-increment1-covered." Shrinkage away from and toward the cavity floor was greatest in “SDR-bulk“ and “EvoFlow-increment2", respectively. The mean values of the shrinkage vectors were significantly different between groups (one-way ANOVA, Tamhane's T2 test, p < 0.05). The linear polymerization shrinkage and shrinkage stress were greatest in Tetric EvoFlow, and the gelation time was greatest in "SDR-bulk". CONCLUSIONS The bulk application method had greater values of shrinkage vectors and a higher debonding tendency at the cavity floor. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Incremental application remains the gold standard of composite insertion