Fucoxanthin-Containing Cream Prevents Epidermal Hyperplasia and UVB-Induced Skin Erythema in Mice

Microalgae represent a source of bio-active compounds such as carotenoids with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. We aimed to investigate the effects of fucoxanthin (FX) in both in vitro and in vivo skin models. Firstly, its anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in LPS-stimulated THP-1 macrophages and TNF-α-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes, and its antioxidant activity in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. Next, in vitro and ex vivo permeation studies were developed to determine the most suitable formulation for in vivo FX topical application. Then, we evaluated the effects of a FX-containing cream on TPA-induced epidermal hyperplasia in mice, as well as on UVB-induced acute erythema in hairless mice. Our results confirmed the in vitro reduction of TNF-α, IL-6, ROS and LDH production. Since the permeation results showed that cream was the most favourable vehicle, FX-cream was elaborated. This formulation effectively ameliorated TPA-induced hyperplasia, by reducing skin edema, epidermal thickness, MPO activity and COX-2 expression. Moreover, FX-cream reduced UVB-induced erythema through down-regulation of COX-2 and iNOS as well as up-regulation of HO-1 protein via Nrf-2 pathway. In conclusion, FX, administered in a topical formulation, could be a novel natural adjuvant for preventing exacerbations associated with skin inflammatory pathologies as well as protecting skin against UV radiation

Influence of bruxism on survival of porcelain laminate veneers

Objectives: This study aims to determine whether bruxism and the use of occlusal splints affect the survival of porcelain laminate veneers in patients treated with this technique. Material and Methods: Restorations were made in 70 patients, including 30 patients with some type of parafunc - tional habit. A total of 323 veneers were placed, 170 in patients with bruxism activity, and the remaining 153 in patients without it. A clinical examination determined the presence or absence of ceramic failure (cracks, frac - tures and debonding) of the restorations; these incidents were analyzed for association with bruxism and the use of splints. Results: Analysis of the ceramic failures showed that of the 13 fractures and 29 debonding that were present in our study, 8 fractures and 22 debonding were related to the presence of bruxism. Conclusions: Porcelain laminate veneers are a predictable treatment option that provides excellent results, rec - ognizing a higher risk of failure in patients with bruxism activity. The use of occlusal splints reduces the risk of fractures

Zirconia in fixed prosthesis. A literature review

Statement of problem: Evidence is limited on the efficacy of zirconia-based fixed dental prostheses. Objective: To carry out a literature review of the behavior of zirconium oxide dental restorations. Material and Methods: This literature review searched the Pubmed, Scopus, Medline and Cochrane Library databases using key search words 'zirconium oxide,' 'zirconia,' 'non-metal restorations,' 'ceramic oxides,' 'veneering ceramic,' 'zirconia-based fixed dental prostheses'. Both in vivo and in vitro studies into zirconia-based prosthodontic restoration behavior were included. Results: Clinical studies have revealed a high rate of fracture for porcelain-veneered zirconia-based restorations that varies between 6% and 15% over a 3- to 5-year period, while for ceramo-metallic restorations the fracture rate ranges between 4 and 10% over ten years. These results provoke uncertainty as to the long-term prognosis for this material in the oral medium. The cause of veneering porcelain fractures is unknown but hypothetically they could be associated with bond failure between the veneer material and the zirconia sub-structure

Full maxillary rehabilitation with an all-ceramic system

With the appearance of all-ceramic systems, providing a choice of framework porcelains and allowing the same material to be used for the veneer, it is now possible to select the ideal structure in terms of both function and esthetics. Silicate ceramics allow porcelain laminate veneers and crowns to be used in the anterior region, providing excellent esthetics; while for the posterior area, where function takes precedence, oxide ceramics, specifically zirconium oxide, are preferred. The IPS e.max ceramic system, heir apparent to the IPS Empress 2 system, combines the advantages of zirconium oxide ceramics (IPS e.max Zircad) with the excellent esthetic qualities of silicate ceramics (IPS e.max Press). This paper presents a clinical case requiring complete maxillary rehabilitation for esthetic purposes. An overview of some of the porcelains used in this system, analyzed from both the clinical and laboratory perspective is provided. The esthetic advantages of a single ceramic veneer, the need to select appropriate ceramics for anterior and posterior regions, and cementation and surface treatments are discussed

A clinical longitudinal study 323 porcelain laminate veneers. Period of study from 3 to 11 years

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of 323 porcelain laminate veneers over a period of 3 to 11 years. Material and Methods: This study included 70 patients, aged between 18 and 74 years. Of the 323 total veneers, 124 were of a simple design and 199 were of a functional design. The condition of the soft tissues and hygiene, in addition to the condition of the abutment teeth, the restorations and patient satisfaction were all clinically examined. In carrying out the statistical analysis, a descriptive approach was taken in analyzing the data. The Kaplan Meier method was used for statistically analyzing the survival rates of the porcelain laminate veneers. Results: Analysis of the soft tissue revealed marginal recession in 7.7% of the cases, and in 21.6% of the cases, bleeding was detected on probing. Analysis of the condition of the abutment teeth revealed secondary caries and hypersensitivity in 3.1% of the cases, and changes in pulp vitality were observed in 2.8% of the cases. In studying the condition of the restorations, marginal integrity was observed to be excellent in 98% of the cases, slight marginal pigmentation was present in 39.3% of the cases, fractures were present in 4% of the cases and decementation in 9% of the cases. The degree of patient satisfaction was considered to be excellent in 97.1% of the cases. Conclusions: Porcelain laminate veneers are a predicable treatment option that offer excellent results

Cambios y pervivencias en las montañas del Noroeste de Castilla y León: El ejemplo de los Montes de León, La Cabrera y Sanabria

Este artículo se centra en el estudio de los cambios y de las pervivencias acaecidos durante las últimas décadas en las montañas del Noroeste de Castilla y León. Ha habido profundas transformaciones que quedan plasmadas en el conjunto de las estructuras y de los paisajes agrarios, en las nuevas fuentes de ingresos asociadas a los variados y ricos recursos naturales, en el crecimiento de la industria agroalimentaria o en la nueva valoración de los espacios culturales. A su vez, esa riqueza patrimonial, herencia de las sucesivas actuaciones humanas, se convierte en la base de la diversificación del origen de las rentas y del arraigo de los principios de la multifuncionalidad en los territorios rurales, tan necesarios para seguir avanzando en la propuesta de actuaciones encaminadas a afianzar el desarrollo rural sostenible

Influence of surface preparation on fracture load of resin composite-based repairs

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the fracture load of composite-based repairs to fractured zirconium oxide (Z) crowns and to ceramic-fused-to-metal (CM) crowns, comparing different mechanical surface preparation methods. A total of 75 crowns were repaired; samples then underwent dynamic loading and thermocycling. Final fracture load values for failure of the repaired crowns were measured and the type of fracture registered. Group I: CM: Surface preparation with a diamond bur + 9.5% Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) etching; Group II): CM: air-particle (Al 2 O 3 ) + 9.5% HF; Group III: CM: Silica coating (SiO 2 ); Group IV): Z: air-particle (Al 2 O 3 ) + HF 9.5%; Group V) Z: Silica coating (SiO 2 ). Of the three CM groups, Group I (CM-diamond bur) showed the highest mean failure value, with significant difference in comparison with Group III (CM-silica coating). For the zirconia groups, the highest value was obtained by Group V (silica coating)

Fractographic study of the behavior of different ceramic veneers on full coverage crowns in relation to supporting core materials

Objectives: To observe porcelain veneer behavior of zirconia and metal-ceramic full coverage crowns when subjected to compression testing, comparing zirconia cores to metal cores. Study Design: The porcelain fracture surfaces of 120 full coverage crowns (60 with a metal core and 60 with a zirconia core) subjected to static load (compression) testing were analyzed. Image analysis was performed using macroscopic processing with 8x and 12x enlargement. Five samples from each group were prepared and underwent scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis in order to make a fractographic study of fracture propagation in the contact area and composition analysis in the most significant areas of the specimen. Results: Statistically significant differences in fracture type (cohesive or adhesive) were found between the metalceramic and zirconia groups: the incidence of adhesive fracture was seen to be greater in metal-ceramic groups (92%) and cohesive fracture was more frequent in zirconium oxide groups (72%). The fracture propagation pattern was on the periphery of the contact area in the full coverage crown restorations selected for fractographic study. Conclusions: The greater frequency of cohesive fracture in restorations with zirconia cores indicates that their behavior is inadequate compared to metal-ceramic restorations and that further research is needed to improve their clinical performance

Topical Application of Glycolipids from Isochrysis galbana Prevents Epidermal Hyperplasia in Mice

Chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis have a significant impact on society. Currently, the major topical treatments have many side effects, making their continued use in patients difficult. Microalgae have emerged as a source of bio-active molecules such as glycolipids with potent anti-inflammatory properties. We aimed to investigate the effects of a glycolipid (MGMG-A) and a glycolipid fraction (MGDG) obtained from the microalga Isochrysis galbana on a TPA-induced epidermal hyperplasia murine model. In a first set of experiments, we examined the preventive effects of MGMG-A and MGDG dissolved in acetone on TPA-induced hyperplasia model in mice. In a second step, we performed an in vivo permeability study by using rhodamine-containing cream, ointment, or gel to determinate the formulation that preserves the skin architecture and reaches deeper. The selected formulation was assayed to ensure the stability and enhanced permeation properties of the samples in an ex vivo experiment. Finally, MGDG-containing cream was assessed in the hyperplasia murine model. The results showed that pre-treatment with acetone-dissolved glycolipids reduced skin edema, epidermal thickness, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17) in epidermal tissue. The in vivo and ex vivo permeation studies showed that the cream formulation had the best permeability profile. In the same way, MGDG-cream formulation showed better permeation than acetone-dissolved preparation. MGDG-cream application attenuated TPA-induced skin edema, improved histopathological features, and showed a reduction of the inflammatory cell infiltrate. In addition, this formulation inhibited epidermal expression of COX-2 in a similar way to dexamethasone. Our results suggest that an MGDG-containing cream could be an emerging therapeutic strategy for the treatment of inflammatory skin pathologies such as psoriasis.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad IPT-2012-1370-060000Junta de Andalucía P12-AGR-43

Shear bond strength of partial coverage restorations to dentin

Background: When partial coverage restorations (veneers, inlays, onlays...) must be cemented to dentin, bond strength may not reach the same predictable values as to enamel. The purpose of this study was: 1. To compare, with a shear bond test, the bond strength to dentin of a total-etch and a self-etching bonding agent. 2. To determine whether creating microretention improves the bond strength to dentin. Materials and methods: Two bonding agents were assayed, Optibond FL® (Kerr), two-bottle adhesive requiring acid etching, and Clearfil SE Bond® (Kuraray), two-bottle self-etching adhesive. The vestibular, lingual, distal and mesial surfaces of ten molars (n=10) were ground to remove all enamel and 40 ceramic samples were cemented with Variolink II® (Ivoclar Vivadent). Half the molar surfaces were treated to create round microretention (pits) to determine whether these could influence bond strength to dentin. The 40 molar surfaces were divided into four groups (n=10): Optibond FL (O); Clearfil SE (C); Optibond FL + microretention (OM); Clearfil SE + micro retention (CM). A shear bond test was performed and the bond failures provoked examined under an optical microscope. Results: O=35.27±8.02 MPa; C=36.23±11.23 MPa; OM=28.61±6.27 MPa; CM=27.01±7.57 MPa. No statistically significant differences were found between the adhesives. Optibond FL showed less statistical dispersion than Clearfil SE. The presence of microretentions reduced bond strength values regardless of the adhesive used. Conclusions: 1. Clearfil SE self-etching adhesive and Optibond FL acid-etch showed adequate bond strengths and can be recommended for bonding ceramic restorations to dentin. 2. The creation of round microretention pits compromises these adhesives’ bond strength to dentin