ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to assess the process of alveolar bone repair in rats subjected to sham surgery or ovariectomized rats, after alveolar filling with clot or with crystalline biosilicate. Sixty Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 15) according to the treatment: Group 1 - rats subjected to sham surgery with sockets filled with clot; Group 2- rats submitted to sham surgery with sockets filled with crystalline biosilicate; Group 3 ovariectomized rats with sockets filled with clot; Group 4 ovariectomized rats with sockets filled with crystalline biosilicate. After 7, 14 and 28 days, the animals were sacrificed, bone samples were taken, stained with hematoxylin-eosin and analyzed under a microscope to perform a histomorphometric analysis. The highest percentages of bone formation were presented in groups 1 (32 % at 7 days, 46 % at 14 days and 83.5 % at 28 days) and 4 (27.1 % at 7 days, 41.1 % at 14 days and 79.7 % after 28 days). In the sockets filled with clot, the rats subjected to sham surgery showed the best results, while in the sockets filled with biosilicate, the ovariectomized rats had significantly higher percentages. In this study, the crystalline biosilicate behaved as an adequate biomaterial for bone repair, favoring osteoconduction.

RESUMEN: Evaluar el proceso de reparación alveolar en ratas sometidas a cirugía de simulacro u ovariectomizadas tras el relleno alveolar con coágulo o con biosilicato cristalino. Sesenta ratas Wistar fueron divididas en cuatro grupos (n=15) de acuerdo con el tratamiento: Grupo 1- ratas sometidas a cirugía de simulacro con alveolos rellenados con coágulo; Grupo 2- ratas sometidas a cirugía de simulacro con alveolos rellenados con biosilicato cristalino; Grupo 3- ratas ovariectomizadas con alveolos rellenados con coágulo; Grupo 4- ratas ovariectomizadas con alveolos rellenados con biosilicato cristalino. Después de 7, 14 y 28 días, los animales fueron sacrificados, se tomaron muestras óseas que fueron teñidas con hematoxilina-eosina y analizadas al microscopio para realizar un análisis histomorfométricos. Los mayores porcentajes de formación de hueso se presentaron en los grupos 1 (32 % a los 7 días, 46 % a los 14 días y 83.5 % a los 28 días) y 4 (27,1 % a los 7 días, 41,1 % a los 14 días y 79,7 % a los 28 días). En los alveolos rellenados con coágulo, las ratas sometidas a cirugía de simulacro mostraron los mejores resultados, mientras que, en los alveolos rellenados con biosilicato, las ratas ovariectomizadas tenían porcentajes significativamente mayores. En este estudio, el biosilicato cristalino se comportó como un biomaterial adecuado para la reparación ósea, favoreciendo la osteoconducción.

GlassPanacea is an efficient software tool that combines several attractive technical features with ease of use. Its configuration leads to the intuitive handling and learning with accurate results, providing the users with flexibility in the selection of suitable chemicals for the formulation of glassy, partially glassy or crystalline ceramic materials, as well as speed and accuracy in the calculation of the relative proportions of each chemical in a batch. The software runs directly from an executable file with multiplatform support. Hence, it can be used on different operating systems, such as Windows, Linux and Mac OS, without installation. One of its highlights is the user-friendly interface that enables immediate application, even for operators with little computer experience. This makes GlassPanacea a very valuable tool for students, researchers and engineers who work on the development of ceramic materials using different synthesis techniques, such as melting, solid-state reaction, sintering and sol-gel processing. The archive containing the software, information for use and logo can be downloaded, free of charge, from http://www.certev.ufscar.br/research-1/glasspanacea-glass-and-ceramic-formulation-software.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou o efeito de uma vitrocerâmica bioativa para o controle de lesões de erosão e cárie. Fragmentos (n=10) de esmalte bovino e dentina radicular receberam aplicação diária de diferentes tratamentos (Biosilicato; Fluoreto de Fosfato Acidulado - APF; não tratado - controle) durante a realização de ciclos erosivos. As superfícies foram analisadas com profilometria óptica 3D para quantificar a perda superficial em quatro períodos (1, 7, 14 e 21 dias), bem como a profundidade da lesão com microscopia confocal de varredura a laser. Para a avaliação da progressão de cárie, foi obtida a microdureza Knoop inicial de fragmentos de esmalte bovino. As lesões cariosas iniciais foram desenvolvidas e os espécimes foram divididos em três grupos (n =10), de acordo com a aplicação tópica diária (Biosilicato; APF; sem aplicação - controle) durante os ciclos de desmineralização por 14 dias. A microdureza final foi obtida para calcular a perda da microdureza superficial. A desmineralização sub-superficial foi analisada utilizando microdureza transversal (profundidades 10, 30, 50, 70, 90, 110 e 220 μm). Os dados foram testados utilizando ANOVA e teste de Tukey (α=5%). Os resultados da avaliação erosiva mostraram que o Biosilicato promoveu os menores valores (p <0,05) de perda superficial, independente do tempo, tanto para o esmalte como para a dentina; APF promoveu menor (p <0,05) perda de superfície do que controle; analisando os períodos de tempo, APF não mostrou diferença (p>0,05) entre 14 e 21 dias de desmineralização. Os resultados da avaliação da cárie no esmalte mostraram que o Biosilicato resultou em maiores (p<0,05) valores de microdureza superficial e subsuperficial do que as aplicações APF e controle. Pode-se concluir que a aplicação de Biosilicato apresentou maior potencial de redução da perda superficial e desenvolvimento de lesões de erosão e cárie.

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of a bioactive glass ceramic for the control of erosion and caries lesions. Fragments (n=10) of bovine enamel and root dentin received daily application of different treatments (Biosilicate; Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride- APF; Untreated - control) during the performance of erosive cycles. Surfaces were analyzed with 3D optical profilometry to quantify the superficial loss in four periods (1, 7, 14 and 21 days), as well as the lesion depth with confocal laser scanning microscopy. For caries progression assessment, initial Knoop microhardness was measured on enamel bovine fragments. Initial carious lesions were developed and specimens were divided into three groups (n=10), according to the daily topical application (Biosilicate; APF; no application - control), during the de-remineralization cycles for 14 days. Final microhardness was obtained to calculate the change of surface microhardness. Subsurface demineralization was analyzed using cross-sectional microhardness (depths 10, 30, 50, 70, 90, 110 and 220 µm). Data were tested using ANOVA and Tukey’s test (a=5%). Results of erosive evaluation showed that Biosilicate promoted the lowest (p<0.05) values of surface loss, regardless of time, for both enamel and dentin; APF promoted lower (p<0.05) surface loss than control; analyzing different periods of time, APF did not show difference (p>0.05) between 14 and 21 days of demineralization. Results of enamel caries assessment showed that Biosilicate resulted in higher (p<0.05) surface and subsurface microhardness than both APF and control-applications. It may be concluded that Biosilicate application showed a higher potential to reduce surface loss and development of erosion and caries lesions.

The protective effect of infectious agents against allergic reactions has been thoroughly investigated. Current studies have demonstrated the ability of some helminths to modulate the immune response of infected hosts. The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between Toxocara canis infection and the development of an allergic response in mice immunised with ovalbumin (OVA). We determined the total and differential blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cells using BALB/c mice as a model. To this end, the levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-10 and anti-OVA-IgE were measured using an ELISA. The inflammatory process in the lungs was observed using histology slides stained with haematoxylin and eosin. The results showed an increase in the total number of leukocytes and eosinophils in the blood of infected and immunised animals at 18 days after infection. We observed a slight lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate in the portal space in all infected mice. Anti-OVA-IgE levels were detected in smaller proportions in the plasma of immunised and infected mice compared with mice that were only infected. Therefore, we concluded that T. canis potentiates inflammation in the lungs in response to OVA, although anti-OVA-IgE levels suggest a potential reduction of the inflammatory process through this mechanism.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of casting produced in an experimental short-term heating-cycle investment. Thus, reaction layer and castability of titanium casting using an experimental spinel-based investment (VR) with short heating cycle were compared with the commercial short-heating-cycle spinel-based investment Trinell (TR), the silica-phosphate-based investment Rematitan Plus (RP), and the conventional spinel-based investment Rematitan Ultra (RU). VR has polymeric fibers added to inorganic particles. Reaction layer assessments were carried out using Vickers hardness and elemental analysis using dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). Mesh patterns were used for castability test, and powder characterization was made by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Hardness evaluation showed no difference among the investments between 100 and 200 µm. The most important contaminant element for VR, TR, and RU was oxygen. Higher levels of mold filling were found for TR, VR, and RU compared with that obtained with RP. The quality of castings, characterized by means of the assessments of reaction layer and castability, made from the VR was similar to the commercial investments TR and RU but superior to the RP.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar experimentalmente a biocompatibilidade de cones de biovidro e biovitrocerâmico em cavidades evisceradas de coelhos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 45 coelhos albinos submetidos à cirurgia de evisceração do olho direito, seguida da inclusão de cones de biovidro e dois tipos de biovitrocerâmicos (chamados de FI e FII) na cavidade escleral. Os animais foram sacrificados em três momentos (7, 90 e 180 dias). Os parâmetros avaliados foram: peso, exame clínico diário, exames bioquímicos, avaliação histológica, exame morfométrico. RESULTADOS: Os animais mantiveram-se saudáveis durante o experimento, não tendo ocorrido extrusão do implante em nenhum animal. O exame morfológico mostrou que houve a formação de pseudocápsula ao redor dos cones, com superioridade dos cones de biovidro e biovitrocerâmico FI, os quais apresentaram menor reação inflamatória e menor formação da pseudocápsula ao redor dos cones que os demais. A reação inflamatória foi mais intensa após 7 dias da colocação dos cones, diminuindo em direção aos 180 dias, sendo menos intensa nos coelhos que receberam cones de biovidro. CONCLUSÃO: Os cones de biovidro e biovitrocerâmico FI e FII podem ser úteis para a reparação da cavidade anoftálmica, com melhor resposta quando se usa cones de biovidro e de biovitrocerâmico FI.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate bioglass, bioglassceramic biocompatibility in rabbit's eviscerated cavities. METHODS: Forty- five rabbits were submitted to right eye evisceration, followed by the inclusion of bioglass and bioglassceramic I e II prosthesis in the escleral cavity. The animals were sacrificed at seven, 90 and 180 days after surgery. The animals had daily clinical exam; biochemical exam, histological analysis and morphometric evaluation. RESULTS: The animals stayed healthy during the expriment, with good cone integration to the host tissue. None cone extrusion were observed. Histologically, it was observed pseudocapsule formation around the cones and the inflammatory reaction was higher at M1, getting progressively lower while getting at M3, being the lowest in rabbits which received bioglass cones (GA) than at any other groups. CONCLUSION: Bioglass and bioglassceramic I e II cones can be useful to repair anophthalmic cavity.

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a painful response to stimulus applied to the open dentinal tubules of a vital tooth. It's a common oral condition, however, without an ideal treatment available yet. This work evaluated in vitro the effect of micron-sized particles from a novel bioactive glass-ceramic (Biosilicate) in occluding open dentinal tubules. A dentin disc model was employed to observe comparatively, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dentinal tubule occlusion by different products and deposition of hydroxyl carbonate apatite (HCA) on dentin surface by Biosilicate, after a single application: G1 - Dentifrice with potassium nitrate and fluoride; G2 - Two-step calcium phosphate precipitation treatment; G3 - Water-free gel containing Biosilicate particles (1%); G4 - Biosilicate particles mixed with distilled water in a 1:10 ratio; all of them after 1, 12 and 24 hours of immersion in artificial saliva. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed to detect HCA formation on dentin discs filled with Biosilicate after 2 minutes, 30 minutes and 12 hours of immersion in artificial saliva. SEM showed a layer of HCA formed on dentin surface after 24 hours by G4. G1, G2 and G3 promoted not total occlusion of open dentinal tubules after 24 hours. FTIR showed HCA precipitation on the dentin surface induced by Biosilicate after 30 minutes. The micron-sized particles from the bioactive glass-ceramic thus were able to induce HCA deposition in open dentinal tubules in vitro. This finding suggests that Biosilicate may provide a new option for treating DH.

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar histologicamente e histomorfometricamente a resposta óssea a três diferentes fases cristalinas do Biosilicato®, comparando-os aos implantes de Bioglass®45S5 utilizados como controles. Implantes de cerâmicas de Biosilicato® e implantes de Bioglass®45S5 foram inseridos bilateralmente em fêmures de coelho e avaliações histológicas realizadas após 8 e 12 semanas. As avaliações histológicas não revelaram inflamação persistente ou reação de corpo estranho nos sítios de implantação dos biovidros. A formação de tecido ósseo pôde ser observada em maior quantidade na porção cortical, com tecido conjuntivo sendo observado em íntimo contato com as superfícies dos implantes apenas na porção medular. O tecido conjuntivo apresentou células com forma alongada e fibras de colágeno localizado paralelamente à superfície do implante. A porção cortical (após 8 semanas) foi a única área que demonstrou diferença significante entre os materiais estudados, com o Biosilicato 1F e o Biosilicato 2F demonstrando maior formação de tecido ósseo em contato com a superfície quando compardos aos implantes de Bioglass®45S5 e Biosilicato®vítreo (p=0,02). As outras áreas estudadas nos diferentes períodos não foram consideradas estatisticamente significantes (p>0,05). Pode-se concluir que todos os materiais testados foram considerados biocompatíveis, com formação óssea na superfície e comportamento em ambiente biológico satisfatório.

The aim of this study was to investigate the histological and histomorphometrical bone response to three Biosilicates with different crystal phases comparing them to Bioglass®45S5 implants used as control. Ceramic glass Biosilicate and Bioglass®45S5 implants were bilaterally inserted in rabbit femurs and harvested after 8 and 12 weeks. Histological examination did not revealed persistent inflammation or foreign body reaction at implantation sites. Bone and a layer of soft tissue were observed in close contact with the implant surfaces in the medullary canal. The connective tissue presented few elongated cells and collagen fibers located parallel to implant surface. Cortical portion after 8 weeks was the only area that demonstrated significant difference between all tested materials, with Biosilicate 1F and Biosilicate 2F presenting higher bone formation than Bioglass®45S5 and Biosilicate® vitreo (p=0.02). All other areas and periods were statistically non-significant (p>0.05). In conclusion, all tested materials were considered biocompatible, demonstrating surface bone formation and a satisfactory behavior at biological environment.

As alterações, destruições e interrupções da arquitetura da cadeia ossicular da orelha média podem ser causadas por infecções, trauma, tumores, alterações congênitas ou cirurgias prévias. Entretanto os processos inflamatórios e infecciosos, focais ou generalizados que acometem a orelha média são os mais prevalentes, gerando uma enorme demanda de ossiculoplastias. O Biosilicato® é um novo material que pode ser usado em orelhas médias com o objetivo de reconstruir a cadeia ossicular. Constitui-se de uma vitrocerâmica bioativa do tipo A, ou seja, que se liga a tecido ósseo ou a tecido mole em algumas horas, devido à formação de hidroxicarbonatoapatita em sua superfície de contato quando em contato com fluidos corpóreos. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a ototoxicidade e vestibulotoxicidade do Biosilicato em cobaias, para posterior utilização em humanos. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo clínico e experimental, onde foram realizadas emissões otoacústicas antes e após a colocação de Biosilicato na orelha média de cobaias e realizada microscopia eletrônica de varredura da cóclea, sáculo, utrículo e máculas dos canais semicirculares após 30 e 90 dias para avaliar a oto e vestibulotoxicidade. RESULTADOS: Não houve sinais de oto ou vestibulotoxicidade em nenhum dos grupos relacionados ao Biosilicato. CONCLUSÃO: O Biosilicato é um material seguro para ser usado em ossiculoplastias.

Changes, destructions and interruptions in middle ear ossicular chain architecture may be caused by infection, trauma, tumors, congenital alterations or prior surgeries. Nonetheless, infectious and inflammatory processes, focal or generalized which affect the middle ear are the most prevalent, causing a great demand for ossiculoplasty. Biosilicato® is a new material which can be used in the middle ear with the goal of reconstructing the ossicular chain. It is a bioactive type A vitroceramic, in other words, it binds to bone or soft tissue in a matter of a few hours, thanks to the formation of hydroxy-carbonateapatatie in its contact surface when in contact with body fluids. AIMS: The goal of the present paper is to assess biosilicate ototoxicity and vestibular toxicity in experimental animals, for later use in humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This a clinical and experimental study in which otoacoustic emissions were performed before and after the placement of Biosilicate in the middle ear of experimental animals and a scanning electron microscopy was carried out in the cochlea, saccule, utriculus and macula of the semicircular canals after 30 and 90 days to assess oto and vestibular toxicity. RESULTS: There were no signs of oto or vestibular toxicity in any of the groups associated with biosilicate. CONCLUSION: Biosilicate is a safe material to be used in ossiculoplasties