Resumo O desenvolvimento, estabelecimento e reparo da periodontite apical (PA) depende de vários fatores, que incluem a susceptibilidade do hospedeiro, infecção microbiana, resposta imune, bem como a qualidade do tratamento do canal radicular e a capacidade de reparo do organismo. A compreensão das contribuições genéticas para o risco de desenvolver a PA e apresentar PA persistente tem sido extensivamente explorada na Endodontia moderna. Assim, este manuscrito pretende fornecer uma revisão da literatura em relação aos mediadores bioquímicos envolvidos na sinalização da resposta imune, osteoclastogênese e neoformação óssea, bem como os componentes genéticos envolvidos no desenvolvimento e reparo da PA. Uma revisão narrativa da literatura foi realizada através de uma pesquisa nas bases PUBMED/MEDLINE e uma pesquisa manual nos principais livros sobre a PA. O conhecimento sobre as células, receptores e moléculas envolvidas na resposta imuno-inflamatória do hospedeiro durante a progressão da PA somado ao conhecimento da biologia óssea, especialmente o papel dos osteoblastos, osteócitos e osteoclastos no turnover ósseo, permite a identificação de fatores inerentes ao hospedeiro que podem interferir tanto na progressão como no reparo destas lesões. Os principais resultados dos estudos avaliados na revisão que investigaram a correlação entre polimorfismos genéticos e PA, nos últimos cinco anos, demonstram que os fatores genéticos do indivíduo estão envolvidos no sucesso do tratamento do canal radicular. A discussão desta revisão fornece subsídios que podem ajudar a vislumbrar o desenvolvimento de novas terapias baseadas na identificação de alvos terapêuticos e no desenvolvimento de materiais e técnicas destinadas a atuar a nível molecular para o sucesso clínico, radiográfico e histológico do tratamento endodôntico.

Abstract The development, establishment and repair of apical periodontitis (AP) is dependent of several factors, which include host susceptibility, microbial infection, immune response, quality of root canal treatment and organism's ability to repair. The understanding of genetic contributions to the risk of developing AP and presenting persistent AP has been extensively explored in modern Endodontics. Thus, this article aims to provide a review of the literature regarding the biochemical mediators involved in immune response signaling, osteoclastogenesis and bone neoformation, as the genetic components involved in the development and repair of AP. A narrative review of the literature was performed through a PUBMED/MEDLINE search and a hand search of the major AP textbooks. The knowledge regarding the cells, receptors and molecules involved in the host's immune-inflammatory response during the progression of AP added to the knowledge of bone biology allows the identification of factors inherent to the host that can interfere both in the progression and in the repair of these lesions. The main outcomes of studies evaluated in the review that investigated the correlation between genetic polymorphisms and AP in the last five years, demonstrate that genetic factors of the individual are involved in the success of root canal treatment. The discussion of this review gives subsides that may help to glimpse the development of new therapies based on the identification of therapeutic targets and the development of materials and techniques aimed at acting at the molecular level for clinical, radiographic and histological success of root canal treatment.

Abstract: In this study, we evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and psychosocial impacts among Brazilian pediatric dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study with primary data collection was carried out using an online structured questionnaire. Data were submitted to descriptive analysis by using absolute and relative frequencies. A chi-square test was used for association analysis and log-linear regression models to estimate the prevalence ratio (5%). The population comprised mostly women and knowledge regarding COVID-19 was satisfactory (above 80% in most items). N95 masks and faceshields were used, albeit 64.22% reported difficulty in providing dental care to children due to the need for extra Personal Protective Equipment. Thirty eight percent provided urgency/emergency dental care, 59.78% performed invasive procedures, 59.56% used high speed handpieces, 8.44% started using cariostatics, and 6.22% introduced the use of chemomechanical caries removal agents. Fear for the future (PR = 1.21) and use of medications (for anxiety, depression, or insomnia) increased (PR = 1.16) among the ones who had wage losses. Brazilian pediatric dentists have knowledge about COVID-19, and attitudes in their clinical routines changed due the pandemic. Financial life was harmed and a negative impact of the pandemic in psychosocial aspects of workers was found.

Aim To evaluate the psychological impact of COVID-19 on undergraduate and graduate students of the Dental School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. Methods Three questionnaires were used: sociodemographic, WHO Abbreviated Quality of Life Inventory, and General Anxiety Disorder-7. Data were analyzed using Graph Pad Prism 7a (α = 5%). Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn post-tests were used for statistical comparisons. The Spearman test was used as the correlation test. Results 257 students responded to the online form that assessed their quality of life and anxiety level. On a scale from 1 to 100, with 100 being the best quality of life, the average obtained was 64.71 (± 13.36). In addition, 87.6% of the students rated their quality of life as good or very good. 74.7% reported good or very good health. The anxiety analysis resulted in an average of 10.04 (± 4.5), indicating moderate anxiety levels. There was an inversely proportional correlation between age and degree of anxiety (p = 0.008, r = -0.1628) and self-perceived learning and student commitment (r = 0.69). Conclusion Despite the good quality of life and the students’ good self-perception of health, they showed a moderate degree of anxiety during the social distancing caused by COVID-19, also demonstrating a decrease in interest and commitment during distance education.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo in vivo foi avaliar a contaminação bacteriana de protetores bucais esportivos, a rugosidade da superfície e a eficácia do spray de gluconato de clorexidina na desinfecção desses dispositivos. Um ensaio clínico randomizado, cego, cruzado foi realizado com vinte crianças de 9 a 13 anos, que praticavam artes marciais, participaram de todas as fases do estudo. As crianças foram orientadas a usar o protetor bucal por 3 dias alternados durante 1 hora e, após o uso, borrifar água de torneira estéril ou clorexidina 0,12%. Os protetores foram analisados por ensaio MTT, Hibridização DNA-DNA e microscopia confocal a laser antes e após o uso por 2 semanas. Os dados foram analisados pelos teste de Wilcoxon, teste t de Student, e correlação de Pearson, com nível de significância de 5%. Observou-se que os protetores bucais do grupo controle estavam mais contaminados com microrganismos cariogênicos do que os do grupo experimental (clorexidina) (p <0,05). O uso de protetores bucais com spray de clorexidina reduziu significativamente a contaminação bacteriana em relação ao grupo controle (p = 0,007). A rugosidade da superfície dos protetores bucais aumentou significativamente após o uso, independentemente da aplicação de spray de clorexidina. Uma correlação moderada (r = 0,59) foi observada entre a rugosidade da superfície e a contaminação do micro-organismo apenas para o grupo controle. Os protetores bucais esportivos apresentam intensa contaminação microbiana e aumento da rugosidade superficial após o uso. O uso de spray de clorexidina foi eficaz para reduzir a contaminação dos protetores bucais usados por crianças.

Abstract The aim of the present in vivo study was to evaluate the bacterial contamination of sports mouthguards, surface roughness, and the efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate spray in the disinfection of these devices. A randomized, blinded cross-over clinical trial was performed with twenty 9 to 13 years old children who practiced martial arts and participated in all phases of the study. They were instructed to wear mouthguards 3 alternated days a week for 1 hour and, after use, to spray sterile tap water or chlorhexidine 0.12%. The mouthguards were analyzed by MTT assay, Checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization, and confocal laser microscopy prior and after use for 2 weeks. Data were analyzed by Wilcoxon and t-Student, and Pearson correlation tests, with 5% significance level. Were observed that mouthguards of the control group were more contaminated with cariogenic microorganisms than those of the chlorhexidine group (p<0.05). The mouthguards use of spray of chlorhexidine reduced significantly the bacteria contamination compared with control group (p = 0.007). The surface roughness of the mouthguards increased significantly after use, irrespective of application of chlorhexidine spray. A moderate correlation (r=0.59) was observed between surface roughness and the cariogenic microorganism’s contamination only for control group. Sports mouthguards had intense microbial contamination and increased surface roughness after its use. The use of chlorhexidine spray was effective for reducing the mouthguards contamination used by children.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resposta subcutânea do tecido conjuntivo de camundongos isogênicos após o implante de diferentes cimentos à base de ionômero de vidro (EQUIA® Forte Fil, EQUIA® Fil e Ketac ™ Universal Aplicap ™). Oitenta e sete camundongos isogênicos BALB/c foram alocados em 12 grupos, 9 como grupos experimentais (Ketac, E. Fil e E. Forte aos 7, 21 e 63 dias) e 3 controles (tubos de polietileno vazios aos 7, 21 e 63 dias). Após os períodos experimentais, o tecido conjuntivo subcutâneo ao redor do material implantado foi removido e submetido ao processamento histotécnico e coloração com hematoxilina e eosina. Uma descrição histopatológica da reação tecidual envolvendo cada material e uma análise semi-quantitativa da fibrose e infiltrado inflamatório foram realizadas. Além disso, foi realizada a mensuração da espessura do tecido granulomatoso em contato com cada material. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente (α=0,05) pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis, seguido do pós-teste de Dunn. Inicialmente, a fibrose não foi diferente entre todos os materiais testados (p>0,05), mas foi diferente aos 21 dias, com o grupo controle apresentando o estágio mais avançado de fibrose. Aos 63 dias, o grupo EQUIA® Forte Fil apresentou o estágio mais avançado de fibrose, comparado ao grupo EQUIA® Fil (p<0,05). O infiltrado inflamatório não foi diferente entre os materiais testados em nenhum período experimental (p>0,05). A espessura do tecido granulomatoso foi maior no grupo E. Forte, comparado ao controle em todos os períodos. Todos os cimentos à base de ionômero de vidro apresentaram compatibilidade tecidual, de acordo com os parâmetros avaliados.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the subcutaneous connective tissue response of isogenic mice after implantation of different glass ionomer-based cements (EQUIA® Forte Fil, EQUIA® Fil and Ketac™ Universal Aplicap™). Eighty-seven isogenic BALB/c mice were allocated in 12 groups, 9 were considered as experimental groups (Ketac, E. Fil and E. Forte at 7, 21 and 63 days) and 3 controls (empty polyethylene tubes at 7, 21 and 63 days). After the experimental periods, the subcutaneous connective tissue surrounding the implanted material was removed and subjected to histotechnical processing and staining with hematoxylin and eosin. A histopathological description of the tissue reaction surrounding each material and a semi-quantitative analysis of collagen fiber formation and inflammatory infiltrate were performed. Additionally, the thickness of the granulomatous tissue in contact with each material was measured. Data were analyzed statistically (α=0.05) by the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by Dunn post-test. Initially, the collagen fiber formation was not different among all the tested materials (p>0.05) but was different at 21 days with the control group presenting the most advanced stage of collagen fiber formation. At 63 days, EQUIA® Forte Fil group showed the most advanced stage of collagen fiber formation, compared to EQUIA® Fil group (p<0.05). The inflammatory infiltrate was not different among the tested materials in any experimental period (p>0.05). The thickness of the granulomatous tissue was greater in the E. Forte group, compared to control in all periods. All glass ionomer-based cements showed tissue compatibility, according to the evaluated parameters.

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on the endodontic treatment of apical periodontitis (AP). AP was induced in 48 premolars of 6 dogs. After biomechanical preparation, the teeth were divided into 4 groups: Calcium-Hydroxide (CH)/120d and CH/180d: root canals filled with CH-based dressing for 15 days before obturation; aPDT/120d and aPDT/180d: conditioning with phenothiazine photosensitizer (10 mg/mL) for 1 minute and irradiation with diode laser in the same session as obturation. Root filling was performed with AH Plus sealer. After the experimental periods, animals were euthanized and teeth were submitted for histology. HE staining was performed for descriptive analysis of the periapical region, measurement of apical periodontitis and for inflammatory cells, and blood vessels count. Immunohistochemistry was performed for osteopontin (OPN) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Data were analyzed statistically by two-way ANOVA and chi-square test (α = 5%). Teeth in Group CH/120d presented only a slightly enlarged periodontal ligament (PL) with advanced repair. Group aPDT/120d presented the PL moderately enlarged, with moderate inflammatory infiltrate and few collagen fibers. The same pattern was observed at 180 days. AP lesions in CH-treated groups were smaller than those in aPDT-treated groups (p < 0.001) with more blood vessels (p < 0.0001), regardless of the evaluation period, without significant differences in the number of inflammatory cells (p > 0.05). CH-treated groups showed significantly more intense immunostaining for ALP and OPN (p < 0.001) in both periods. Although aPDT stimulated angiogenesis and expression of bone formation markers, the two-session endodontic treatment with CH-based dressing promoted better apical periodontitis repair.

Abstract Objectives: Miniscrew has been frequently used, considering that anchorage control is a critical point in orthodontic treatment, and its failure, the main adverse problem. Using two groups of stable (successful) and unstable (failed) mini-implants, this in vivo study aimed to quantify proinflammatory cytokines IL-1 α, IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α and osteoclastogenesis marker RANK, RANKL, and OPG in gingival tissue, using the real-time polymerase chain reaction technique. Methodology: Thirteen patients of both sexes (11-49 years old) under orthodontic treatment were selected, obtaining 11 successful and 7 failed mini-implants. The mini-implants were placed and removed by the same surgeon, in both jaws. The mean time of permanence in the mouth was 29.4 months for successful and 7.6 months for failed mini-implants. At removal time, peri-mini-implant gingival tissue samples were collected and processed for quantification of the proinflammatory cytokines and osteoclastogenesis markers. Nonparametric Wilcoxon rank-sum test considering the clusters and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for statistical analysis (α=0.05). Results: No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed between the groups for either quantification of cytokines or osteoclastogenesis markers, except for IL-6 (p<0.05). Conclusions: It may be concluded that the expression of IL-1α, IL-17, TNF-α, RANK, RANKL, and OPG in peri-implant gingival tissue were not determinant for mini-implant stability loss, but the higher IL-6 expression could be associated with mini-implant failure.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a expressão de MMP2 e MMP9 durante a progressão da periodontite apical (AP) em camundongos knockout para TLR2 (TLR2 KO) e MyD88 (MyD88 KO) comparados aos camundongos wild type (WT). A AP foi induzida nos primeiros molares inferiores dos camundongos TLR2 KO (n = 18), MyD88 KO (n = 18) e WT (n = 18). Após 7, 21 e 42 dias, os animais foram eutanaziados e as mandíbulas foram dissecadas e submetidas a processamento histotécnico. As lâminas foram coradas por imuno-histoquímica e analisadas para a detecção de MMP2 e MMP9. A análise estatística semi-quantitativa da imuno-histoquímica foi realizada pelo teste qui-quadrado (α = 0,05). Nos períodos iniciais de progressão AP, foi observada uma expressão aumentada de MMP9 nos camundongos TLR2 KO e MyD88 KO. Nos períodos finais de progressão AP, observou-se uma redução da expressão de MMP2 e um aumento da expressão de MMP9 nos camundongos TLR2 KO. A produção de MMP2 e MMP9 foi modulada por TLR2 e MyD88 durante a progressão da periodontite apical.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of MMP2 and MMP9 during apical periodontitis (AP) progression in TLR2 (TLR2 KO) and in MyD88 (MyD88 KO) knockout mice compared to wild type (WT) mice. AP was induced in mandibular first molars of TLR2 KO (n= 18), MyD88 KO (n= 18), and WT mice (n= 18). After 7, 21, and 42 days, the animals were euthanized and the jaws were dissected and subjected to histotechnical processing. Subsequent sections were stained by immunohistochemistry and evaluated for detection of MMP2 and MMP9. Statistical analysis of the semi-quantitative analysis of immunohistochemistry was performed using chi-square test (α = 0.05). In the initial periods of AP progression, an increased expression of MMP9 in the TLR2 KO and MyD88 KO mice was observed. In the final periods of AP progression, a reduction of MMP2 expression and an increase of MMP9 expression in the TLR2 KO mice were observed. MMP2 and MMP9 production was modulated for TLR2 and MyD88 during apical periodontitis progression.

Abstract Objective To evaluate and correlate, in the same research, the mRNA expression and the staining of RANK, RANKL, OPG, TLR2 and MyD88 by immunohistochemistry in the apical periodontitis (AP) progression in mice. Material and Methods AP was induced in the lower first molars of thirty-five C57BL/6 mice. They were assigned to four groups according to their euthanasia periods (G0, G7, G21 and G42). The jaws were removed and subjected to histotechnical processing, immunohistochemistry and real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). Data were analyzed with parametric and nonparametric tests (α=0.05). Results An increase of positive immunoreactivity for RANK, RANKL, OPG, TLR2 and MyD88 was observed over time (p<0.05). The RANKL expression was different between the groups G0 and G42, G21 and G42 (p=0.006), with G42 presenting the higher expression in both comparations. The OPG expression was statistically different between the groups G0 and G7, G7 and G21 and G7 and G42 (p<0.001), with G7 presenting higher expression in all the time points. The TLR2 expression was different between the groups G0 and G42 (p=0.03), with G42 showing the higher expression. The MyD88 expression presented a statistical significant difference between groups G7, G21 and G42 compared with G0 (p=0.01), with G0 presenting the smallest expression in all the comparisons. The Tnfrsf11/Tnfrsf11b (RANKL/OPG) ratio increased with the AP progression (p=0.002). A moderate positive correlation between MyD88 and RANKL (r=0.42; p=0.03) and between MyD88 and TLR2 (r=0.48; p<0.0001) was observed. Conclusion The expression of the RANK, RANKL, OPG, MyD88 and TLR2 proteins as well as the ratio Tnfrsf11/Tnfrsf11b (RANKL/OPG) increased with AP progression. There was also a moderate positive correlation between the expression Myd88-Tnfrsf11 and Tlr2-Myd88, suggesting the relevance of Tlr2-Myd88 in bone loss due to bacterial infection.

Abstract Objectives Using two groups of mini-implants (successful and failed) the objectives of this in vivo study were: to evaluate the microbial contamination by the checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization technique and to quantify the bacterial endotoxin by the limulus amebocyte lysate assay. Material and Methods The 15 successful and 10 failed mini-implants (1.6 mm diameter × 7.0 or 9.0 mm long), placed in the maxilla and/or mandible, were obtained from 15 patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Data were analyzed statistically by the Wilcoxon rank-sum test using the SAS software (a=0.05). Results All 40 microbial species were detected in both groups of mini-implants, with different frequencies. No differences were observed between the groups with respect to microbial complexes (blue, purple, yellow, green, orange, red and other species) and endotoxin quantification (p>0.05). Conclusion Neither microbial contamination nor endotoxin quantification was determinant for the early loss of stability of the mini-implants.

Abstract Bacterial endotoxin (LPS) adhesion to orthodontic brackets is a known contributing factor to inflammation of the adjacent gingival tissues. Objective The aim of this study was to assess whether LPS adheres to orthodontic adhesive systems, comparing two commercial brands. Material and Methods Forty specimens were fabricated from Transbond XT and Light Bond composite and bonding agent components (n=10/component), then contaminated by immersion in a bacterial endotoxin solution. Contaminated and non-contaminated acrylic resin samples were used as positive and negative control groups, respectively. LPS quantification was performed by the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate QCL-1000™ test. Data obtained were scored and subjected to the Chi-square test using a significance level of 5%. Results There was endotoxin adhesion to all materials (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between composites/bonding agents and acrylic resin (p>0.05). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) among commercial brands. Affinity of endotoxin was significantly greater for the bonding agents (p=0.0025). Conclusions LPS adhered to both orthodontic adhesive systems. Regardless of the brand, the endotoxin had higher affinity for the bonding agents than for the composites. There is no previous study assessing the affinity of LPS for orthodontic adhesive systems. This study revealed that LPS adheres to orthodontic adhesive systems. Therefore, additional care is recommended to orthodontic applications of these materials.

Resumo A mordida aberta anterior apresenta uma etiologia multifatorial causada pela interação entre hábitos de sucção e fatores genéticos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação entre mordida aberta anterior e polimorfismo nos genes que codificam as metaloproteinases da matriz (MMPs) e seus inibidores teciduais (TIMPs). Foram avaliadas 472 crianças que apresentvam pelo menos um hábito de sucção. As crianças foram clinicamente examinadas para avaliar a presença de mordida aberta anterior. DNA genômico foi extraído da saliva. A genotipagem dos polimorfismos selecionados em MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, TIMP1 e TIMP2 foi realizada por PCR em tempo real, usando o método de TaqMan. As frequências alélicas e genotípicas foram comparadas entre os grupos com e sem mordida aberta anterior usando o software PLINK®. Duzentas e dezenove crianças apresentavam mordida aberta anterior enquanto 253 não a apresentavam. O polimorfismo rs17576 em MMP9 estava significativamente associado com mordida aberta anterior (p=0,009). No modelo recessivo (GG versus AG+AA) o genótipo GG foi um fator protetor para mordida aberta anterior (p=0,014; OR 4,6; 95%CI 1,3- 16,2). Concluindo, o polimorfismo rs17576 (substituição de glutamina por arginina) em MMP9 está associado com mordida aberta anterior. Os resultados obtidos suportam a hipótese de que fatores genéticos estão envolvidos com a etiologia da mordida aberta anterior.

Abstract Anterior open bite (AOB) has a multifactorial etiology caused by the interaction of sucking habits and genetic factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between AOB and polymorphisms in genes that encode Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). Four hundred and seventy-two children that presented at least one sucking habit were evaluated. Children were examined clinically for the presence of AOB. Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva. Genotyping of the selected polymorphisms in MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, TIMP1 and TIMP2 was carried out by real-time PCR using the TaqMan method. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared between the groups with and without AOB using the PLINK® software in a free and in a recessive model using a chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was implemented (p≤0.05). Two hundred nineteen children had AOB while 253 did not. The polymorphism rs17576 in MMP9 was significantly associated with AOB (p=0.009). In a recessive model GG genotype was a protective factor for AOB (p=0.014; OR 4.6, 95%CI 1.3-16.2). In the logistic regression analysis, none of the genes was associated with AOB. In conclusion, the polymorphism rs17576 (glutamine for arginine substitution) in MMP9 was a protective factor for AOB.

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os testes comerciais de consultório Saliva-Check Mutans e ClinproTM Cario L-PopTM, em estudantes de Odontologia de alto risco à cárie, comparado à técnica convencional semi-quantitativa baseada em contagem de colônias, como método de referência. Amostras de saliva de 93 estudantes de ambos os sexos, entre 18 e 26 anos de idade, foram semeadas em placas contendo meio de cultura SB-20M e 12 pacientes de alto risco à cárie foram selecionados. Estes 12 indivíduos foram submetidos à determinação de risco à cárie por dois testes comerciais de rápida detecção (Saliva-Check Mutans e ClinproTM Cario L-PopTM), seguindo as instruções dos fabricantes. Os resultados foram analisados pelo teste de correlação Kappa, por meio do software estatístico SAS. Houve uma concordância perfeita (Kappa=1) entre os três métodos de avaliação de risco á cárie - testes comerciais e contagem semi-quantitativa de UFC (controle) - em todos os pacientes. O resultado sugere que os testes comerciais de consultório avaliados neste estudo podem ser práticos e úteis para identificar indivíduos de alto risco microbiológico à cárie.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the commercial chair-side assays Saliva-Check Mutans and ClinproTM Cario L-PopTM in high microbiological caries-risk dental students compared with conventional semi-quantitative colony counting culture-based technique as the reference method. Saliva samples from 93 subjects of both sexes aged 18-26 years were seeded (Köhler and Bratthall method) on plates containing SB-20M culture medium method and 12 subjects with high caries risk were selected. These 12 individuals were subjected to determination of caries risk using two commercial rapid detection chair-side assays (Saliva-Check Mutans and ClinproTM Cario L-PopTM) according to the manufacturers' instructions. The results were analyzed by the Kappa correlation test using SAS statistical software. There was a perfect agreement (Kappa=1) among the three caries risk evaluation methods - chair-side assays and semi-quantitative CFU count (control) - in all subjects. The results suggest that the commercial chair-side assays evaluated in this study may be practical and useful to identify high microbiological caries-risk subjects.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os níveis de estresse transitório e o estado de ansiedade em crianças submetidas à anestesia dental convencional e computadorizada. Vinte crianças (7 a 12 anos de idade) foram randomicamente designadas para receber anestesia dental convencional e computadorizada. Para investigar a hipótese que o estresse transitório poderia ser menor após a anestesia computadorizada, comparada à anestesia convencional, os níveis de cortisol na saliva foram medidos antes e depois de cada técnica. A ansiedade também foi avaliada individualmente por meio do State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC). Os dados numéricos foram analisados estatisticamente pelo teste não paramétrico de Mann-Whitney (nível de significância de 5%). Os níveis salivares de cortisol aumentaram em 8 (40%) pacientes após anestesia convencional e em 9 (45%) pacientes após anestesia computadorizada, sem diferença estatisticamente significante entre os dois tipos (p=0,34). Da mesma maneira, não foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significante entre as técnicas (p=0,39) com relação à análise psicológica baseada nos escores STAIC. Anestesia local usando tanto a anestesia convencional quanto o sistema de aplicação computadorizado produziu nível similar de estresse/ansiedade em pacientes infantis, utilizando análises quantitativa e qualitativa.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the transitory stress levels and the anxiety state in children submitted to conventional and computerized dental anesthesia. Twenty children (7 to 12 years) were randomly assigned to receive conventional and computerized dental anesthesia. To investigate the hypothesis that transitory stress could be lower after using computerized anesthesia compared to conventional anesthesia, cortisol levels in saliva were measured before and after each technique. Anxiety was also evaluated individually by answering the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC). Numerical data were analyzed statistically by the Mann-Whitney non-parametric test (5% significance level). Salivary cortisol levels increased in 8 (40%) patients after conventional anesthesia and in 9 (45%) patients after computerized anesthesia, with no statistically significant difference between the two types (p=0.34). In the same way, no statistically significant difference was found between the techniques (p=0.39) related to the psychological analysis based on the STAIC scores. Local anesthesia using either conventional anesthesia or a computerized delivery system produced similar level of stress/anxiety in pediatric patients, using both quantitative and qualitative analyses.

O presente estudo foi conduzido para avaliar a eficácia da irrigação por pressão apical negativa (ANP), irrigação ultrassônica passiva (PUI) e irrigação por pressão positiva (PP) na redução do número de bactérias presentes nos canais radiculares de dentes de cães com necrose pulpar e lesão periapical. Um total de 80 canais radiculares foram aleatoriamente distribuídos em 3 grupos experimentais e 2 grupos controles, de acordo com o sistema de irrigação empregado: grupo ANP (n=20), grupo PUI (n=20), grupo PP (n=20), grupo PC (controle positivo – irrigação com solução salina; n=10) e grupo NC (controle negativo – tecido pulpar com vitalidade, não submetido à contaminação bacteriana; n=10). A primeira amostra (S1) foi coletada no início do estudo, e a segunda amostra (S2) foi coletada após a utilização dos protocolos de irrigação. Todas as amostras foram semeadas em meio de cultura para micro-organismos anaeróbios. As contagens de unidades formadoras de colônia (cfu) foram analisadas estatisticamente por meio dos testes de Kruskal-Wallis, pós-teste de Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner e teste do qui-quadrado seguido do teste Tukey like para comparações múltiplas (α=0,05). Todos os grupos experimentais foram efetivos na redução de micro-organismos Gram-positivos, comparados ao grupo PC (p<0,05). Com relação à redução de microorganismos Gram-negativos, o grupo ANP foi significantemente melhor que o PP (p<0,05). Não foi possível observar diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos PP e PUI (p>0,05). Conclui-se que, em dentes de cães com periodontite apical, os sistemas de irrigação ANP e PUI podem ser considerados métodos promissores, uma vez que ambos os protocolos promoveram uma redução bacteriana significante.

The present in vivo study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of apical negative pressure irrigation (ANP), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and positive pressure irrigation (PP) in the reduction of intracanal bacteria of dogs' teeth with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis. Eighty root canals were randomly distributed into 3 experimental and 2 control groups according to the irrigation delivery system: group ANP (n=20), group PUI (n=20), group PP (n=20), group PC (positive control – sterile saline irrigation; n=10) and group NC (negative control - vital pulps not subjected to bacterial inoculation; n=10). The first sample (S1) was collected at baseline, and the second sample (S2) was collected after the disinfection protocols. All samples were seeded in culture media for anaerobic bacteria. CFU counts were analyzed statistically by the Kruskal-Wallis, Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner post-hoc and Chi-square followed by Tukey like multiple comparisons for proportions (α=0.05). All experimental groups were effective in reducing Gram-positive bacteria compared with PC (p<0.05). Regarding the reduction of Gram-negative bacteria, group ANP was significantly better than PP (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference could be found between PP and PUI (p>0.05). In dog's teeth with apical periodontitis, the use of ANP and PUI can be considered promising disinfection protocols as both delivery systems promoted a significant bacterial reduction.