Application Of Sealant Research Articles

Assessment of Pediatric First Permanent Molar Management under General Anesthesia at the King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background: The use of general anesthesia (GA) among children has seen an increase globally. Both tooth extraction and restoration treatments on children were done under GA, but there are consequences in using GA in children, which also include changes in the treatment plan. First permanent molar (FPM) treatment under GA is a very strategic treatment, but there is a notable lack of studies that assess in detail this type of treatment, especially its frequency of administration under GA. This study determines the treatment frequency and the type of FPM treatment in children under GA at the King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
 Methods: Our study is a cross-sectional study that reviewed the cases of dental rehabilitation in children between the ages of 5 and 14 years old from 2015 to 2018. These children had erupted first permanent molars and were treated under GA.
 Results: This study included 394 children, with 1330 FPMs treated under general anesthesia for (27%) preventive, (56%) restorative, and (17%) extraction treatments. The frequency of FPM treatments administered were color restoration (49%), fissure sealant application (37%), SSC (8.9%), and amalgam filling (4.5%). Low pulpal treatment was reported which was mostly involved indirect pulp capping. Most of the final restorations that were done covered only one surface, followed by the two-surface restorations, and then by SSC. 
 Conclusions: The pediatric dentists’ decision for FPMs treatment under general anesthesia at KAMC was following AAPD guideline and its frequency was mostly restorative followed by preventive, and the least treatment was extraction treatments. The type of FPMs treatment administered on children was significantly influenced by their ages, gender, and health conditions. The type of tooth restoration and pulp therapy treatments were significantly dependent on children’s age. KAMC pediatric dentist efforts should be directed to initiate more preventive programs and effective dental home care utilization at PHC centers.

Effectiveness of fibrin sealant after pulmonary resection: a propensity score matching analysis.

Alveolar air leak is a common and troublesome complication after pulmonary resection because it can lead to longer hospital stay and chest tube drainage time. As fibrin sealants are useful in the management of alveolar air leaks, we evaluated their benefit in patients undergoing pulmonary resection. This retrospective study included patients who underwent pulmonary resection in our hospital between 2016 and 2021. We grouped patients on the basis of whether fibrin sealant was used during surgery and compared outcomes between those with (fibrin sealant group) and without (control group) sealant use after propensity score matching (1 : 1). During the study period, 375 patients underwent pulmonary resection; of these, fibrin sealant was applied at the staple line in 107 patients (fibrin sealant group), whereas sealant was not used in 268 patients (control group). After propensity score matching (1 : 1), there were 95 patients in both groups. There were no differences between the two groups in duration of chest tube drainage (3 days vs. 3 days; p = 0.753) or length of hospital stay (5 days vs. 4 days; p = 0.499). However, the sealant group showed higher cost of hospitalization (USD 4,360 vs. 3,614; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis for identifying risk factors of persistent air leak revealed that male sex and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were associated. Our results indicate that application of fibrin sealant was not effective in reducing length of hospital stay, duration of chest drains or air leakage.

Fibrin glues — the current state of knowledge

Fibrin glue is a two-component biological material obtained as result of extemporaneous preparation of equal volumes of fibrinogen concentrate and thrombin solution. On a mass scale fibrin glue is acquired either commercially by way of plas ma fractionation, or in laboratory setting by chemical precipitation or cryoprecipitate method. Fibrin glue mimics the blood clotting mechanism. Thrombin converts fibrinogen into fibrin clot, which — due to hemostatic properties contributes to sealing the wound and supporting damaged tissue regeneration. The clot adheres to adjacent tissues, and the structure becomes a natural scaffold for precursor and effector cells as well as hematopoietic growth factors that actively promote wound healing. Fibrin glue has found application as wound sealant mostly for patients with coagulation factor deficiencies and problems with spontaneous wound repair. The material is commonly used i.a. in general surgery (wound sealing or vascular suture ), regenerative surgery (bone implant fixation), plastic surgery (better cosmetic results, prevention of unaesthetic scarring), skin tissue regeneration for burn injury, neurosurgery (prevention of cerebrospinal fluid leak and nerve repair), cardiovascular surgery and stomatology. Fibrin glue embedded with drugs, antibiotics, cytostatic agents or stem cells, may increase the effectiveness of therapy and facilitate targeted delivery of active substances for localized drug release. The aim of the article is to present the current state of knowledge on the methods of preparation and application of fibrin sealants as well as on other possible use in various fields of medicine.

A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind Trial of the Use of Fibrin Sealant for the Bilateral Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy (BSSRO)

Background: Bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy surgery (BSSRO) was done by splitting the mandibular ramus and re-positioning the Mandibular arch to achieve the proper dental occlusion. The common postoperative complication is bleeding and hematoma. The suction drains were used to prevent such problems. Fibrin sealant has been used in several surgical procedures to aid in hemostasis. Objective: The present study aims to study whether the intraoperative application of Fibrin sealant can reduce the amount of postoperative drainage in BSSRO operation. Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective, randomized, double-blind study of 20 patients who underwent BSSRO surgery or BSSRO with combined Le fort I and Genioplasty surgery between September 2018 and October 2019, so the total samples were 40 operative sides. Patients were randomly divided into one of two groups based on whether they received intraoperative Fibrin sealant. The volume of the wound drainage was recorded every 24 hours for 72 hours. Results: The amount of postoperative drainage of the first and second 24 hours was not significantly different. The difference in the pain score and satisfaction score between the two groups were also the same. Conclusion: The intraoperative fibrin sealant did not have a significant benefit in BSSRO to reduce bleeding. Retaining the vacuum drainage only is sufficient and cost-effective to prevent hematoma in BSSRO. Keywords: Fibrin glue; Fibrin sealant; BSSRO; Hunsuck; Hematoma

Evaluation of Dental Students' Awareness and Attitude About Preventive Dental Treatments: Survey Research

Aim: Determination of dental students' approaches to fissure sealant applications; the widespread use and evaluation of their effectiveness of protective dental practices is extremely important. This research aims to evaluate the level of understanding and clinical attitudes of 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students of Necmettin Erbakan University Faculty of Dentistry on preventive dental treatments. Methods: The first part of the questionnaire consists of 10 questions aimed at assessing the students' technical levels of knowledge with data on age, gender and educational level. In the second section analyzing students' clinical behaviors, 11 questions were asked for answers to multiple choices (always, often, sometimes, never). This questionnaire was used on the internet in an anonymous way. Results: The questionnaire was received by 68 3rd grade, 67 4th grade and 75 5th grade students who were previously educated on fissure sealant applications. The vast majority (96.2 percent) of the students involved in the study indicated that the effectiveness of fissure sealants in preventing the development of tooth decay was confirmed by strong scientific evidence. Again, 99.5 percent of the students participating in the study indicated that the justification of the application procedures for the fissure sealant was identified and understood. With the assumption that only new teeth can be applied to fissure sealants, a statistically significant difference between the classes was observed (p&lt;0.05); 3rd graders responded "yes" mainly. Conclusion: Although dental students have sufficient knowledge of protective dental practices and fissure sealants, variations in understanding and implementing clinical practice procedures may be found between classes. Standardization should be provided and education / lectures on preventive dental practices should be increased to obtain the equivalent of theoretical education at the clinical level.

The Effect of Resin-Based Dental Sealant Containing Vanillin on Biofilm Formation of &lt;i&gt;Candida albicans&lt;/i&gt;

Early childhood caries (ECC), or baby bottle tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases that affect young children at 6 years of age or younger. The disease is resulted from complex interactions between tooth structures and cariogenic microorganisms in dental biofilm after exposure to fermentable carbohydrates through improper feeding practices. This leads to a rapid development of demineralization of teeth shortly after they erupt in the oral cavity. Candida albicans have been reported recently to be associated with the pathogenesis of ECC. One of the general approaches currently used for the prevention of ECC is the application of dental sealant to occlusal (chewing surface) pits and fissures of caries-susceptible teeth. Many types of dental sealants have been extensively used and various antimicrobial agents were introduced to dental sealants to increase their caries preventive effect. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of vanillin incorporated resin-based dental sealant on C. albicans biofilm. Resin-based dental sealants (Clinpro; 3M ESPE, USA) containing different concentrations of vanillin (0%, 0.5%, 1% and 5% w/v) were prepared in 96-well plate. The suspension (107 colony forming unit/mL) of each strain of Candida albicans (ATCC 10231, ATCC 18804 and 2 clinical isolates) was added to saliva-coated sealant resin samples and incubated at 37°C in 5% CO2 atmosphere for 24 h to allow the Candida biofilm formation. The quantity of vital biofilm was determined by WST Microbial Cell Counting Kit (Dojindo Molecular Technologies, USA) at 460 nm. All tests were done in triplicate and repeated three times. Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn’s method were used to account for multiple comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p-value less than 0.05. The results showed that 0.5-5% vanillin-incorporated dental sealant resins showed a significant suppressive effect against all strains of Candida. No significant differences of anti-biofilm effects were found among Candida strains. Approximately 30-50% Candida biofilm reduction was noticed in sealant resins containing vanillin compared with controls without vanillin. In conclusion, the adding of vanillin (0.5-5% w/v) to dental sealant resins is effective in inhibiting biofilm formation of fungus related to early childhood caries, C. albicans. Therefore, the use of dental sealants containing vanillin has the potential to prevent this type of dental caries in young children and biofilm formation by oral Candida. Further clinical studies are required to investigate physical properties of this sealant and clinical evaluation in the patients.

The Effect of Parental Education and Socioeconomic Status on Dental Caries among Saudi Children.

Parental attitudes toward the importance of oral hygiene have an impact on the formation of their children’s oral habits and the prevalence of oral diseases. Our aim was to assess the association between parents’ education and socioeconomic status and their children’s oral health. A cross-sectional study was conducted between the years of 2018 and 2020 in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia among primary school children. Two pre-calibrated dentists performed the clinical examination of the children, and a self-administered validated questionnaire was obtained from their parents. Clinical examination was performed on 589 children with an age range of 3 to 14 years, where 47% were males and 53% were females, 70% with dental caries. Both parents with higher education and a high monthly income were significantly associated with lower prevalence of decayed teeth in their children, respectively. Mother’s education, age, gender and application of sealant were found significantly associated with the high prevalence of caries. High prevalence of tooth decay was reported among school children in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. A high educational level of parents and high income were correlated with a lower prevalence of decayed teeth, similarly to the situation in the case of presence of medical insurance.

Sealant Utilization and its Influence on Caries Reduction in First Permanent Molars in Saudi Female School Children

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the utilization of fissure sealants and their influence on caries reduction in first permanent molars (FPMs) among 6-9 years old female schoolchildren in Dammam, Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: First to fourth grade female children from public schools in Dammam participated in this cross-sectional study. Dental caries and fissure sealants in FPMs were examined clinically using the World Health Organization guidelines. In addition, the parents of the participants responded to a self-reported questionnaire. Results: The study analyzed the data of 449 children. Almost 44.3% of the participants had at least one FPM affected with caries. There were 8.7% of the participants who had fissure sealants in at least one FPM, and out of these, only 2.2% had four FPMs filled with sealants. A significantly greater proportion of participants with sealed FPMs had no caries than the lower proportion of participants without sealants who had caries (P=&lt;0.05). The use of sealants increased significantly from first grade (10.3%) to second grade (30.8%), third grade (38.5%), and fourth grade (20.5%) (P=0.006). High monthly family income (P= 0.047) and having insurance (P=0.017) were significantly associated with increased sealant application. Nearly 21.9% of participants’ parents were aware of caries protective effects of dental sealants. Conclusion: The application of sealants was significantly associated with reduced caries in FPMs. Class year, monthly family income, and insurance were significantly associated with having sealants. Caries prevention programs for children should incorporate sealant application.

CARIES PREVENTION THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF PIT AND FISSURE SEALANTS FOR MAKASSAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Background: Dental and oral diseases are progressive and accumulative diseases that can affect all age groups. Dental caries is the most common dental disease in Indonesia. One of the preventive measures is to apply pit and fissure sealants to teeth with deep pits and fissures. Objective: The purpose of this activity is to help improving the oral health of the community through preventive efforts in the form of pit and fissure sealant applications. Methods: The implementation of this community service activity was conducted through several stages, namely preparation, data collection, problem identification, and implementation of activities. Results: The average caries index of the targeted students was in the high category. There were 5 children who need pit and fissure sealant application. Conclusion: This community service activity had been conducted according to plan. The community, in this case elementary school students, got preventive services in the field of dental health, especially the application of pit and fissure sealants.

An In Vitro Microleakage Study for Comparative Analysis of Two Types of Resin-based Sealants Placed by Using Three Different Types of Techniques of Enamel Preparation.

BackgroundClinicians always experience dilemmas while choosing the type of pit and fissure sealant and the method of enamel preparation before the application of sealant. This study was accomplished using the unfilled and filled types of resin sealant deploying three different techniques of enamel preparation.Aim and objectiveTo do a comparative analysis of unfilled and filled sealants by deploying three techniques of enamel preparation.Materials and methodsThe total number of 60 extracted teeth were divided into 3 groups, each containing 20 samples. Conventional acid etching of enamel was labeled as (group I), laser application as (group II), and fissurotomy bur (group III). The samples of group I were prepared by conventional acid etching, the group II was subjected to Er:YAG lasing, while in group III fissurotomy followed by acid etching was done. The sealant placement was done using split tooth design in all the samples. Dye penetration using 5% methylene blue was used for microleakage assessment.ResultsThe highest microleakage was found with Gr. II whereas Gr. I exhibited the least microleakage. No statistical difference was observed between the unfilled and filled sealant (p = 0.652).ConclusionConventional acid etching alone or with fissurotomy weighed up appropriate option regardless of the type of sealant material used.Clinical significanceIn regard to the selection of material and proper technique of enamel preparation, this study will be useful to clinicians.How to cite this articleShingare P, Chaugule V. An In Vitro Microleakage Study for Comparative Analysis of Two Types of Resin-based Sealants Placed by Using Three Different Types of Techniques of Enamel Preparation. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(4):475–481.

Evaluation of Pit and Fissure Sealant With and Without Topical Fluoride Application

The majority of the detected increment in dental caries is confined to pit and fissure surfaces of teeth. Application of pit and fissure sealants and topical fluorides are widely used procedures in the prevention of decay.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pit and fissure sealant with and without topical fluoride application in the prevention of dental caries on the occlusal surfaces of teeth in children.93healthy cooperative children of both sexes with an average age (7-9 years) were included in this study, accordingly, 120 permanent first molars that were caries-free and fully erupted divided into two groups: sealant group (sealant applied on 60 permanent first molars) and sealant withfluoride group (sealant plus fluoride gel applied topically every three months intervals for 24 months on 60 permanent first molars). All children were recalled for assessment of fissure sealant and the presence or absent of dental caries at intervals of 6, 12, 18 and 24 months.The statistical analysis shows that there was no significant differences in the presence and absent of dental caries on the occlusal surfaces of the teeth between sealant group and sealant with fluoride group at baseline time and at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months intervals of recall assessment.There was some evidence about the superiority of pit and fissure sealant over topical fluoride application in the prevention of occlusal decay. However, it remained unclear to what extent there is differences between the effectiveness of pit and fissure sealant with and without topical fluoride application. No recommendation for the clinical practice could be given and the benefit of pit and fissure sealant with and without topical fluoride application should be considered locally and individually.

Synthesis and performance of moisture curable solvent free silane terminated polyurethanes for coating and sealant applications

AbstractPolyurethanes (PUs) constitute one of the most versatile class of polymers with respect to composition, properties, and applications. Having an excellent elastomeric performance, PUs has been used in a wide range of applications. Additionally, silane terminated modified polyurethanes (STPUs) combine advantageous characteristics of PUs and organosilicon. Two PUs and four STPUs modified by a silane end‐capper N‐ethyl‐3‐trimethoxysilyl‐2‐methylpropanamine and N‐cyclohexyl aminomethyltriethoxysilane were synthesized and acted as an adhesives or coatings which could be suitable for use in moisture‐curing compositions at room temperature without releasing CO2. The effect of isocyanate groups in the polyurethane backbone and organofunctional groups in the aminosilane structure (R1–NH–R2–Si[OC2H5]3), R1 (alkyl or aryl), the spacer R2 (α or γ) was examined. The chemical and physical structures of the PUs and STPUs were investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance (13C and 1H), dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and the mechanical properties were evaluated by universal tensile tests. The results showed that STPUs were successfully synthesized as moisture curable, exhibiting low viscosity with adequate tensile strength and elongation can be prepared environmentally benign by utilizing secondary aminosilane end‐cappers and an optimal combination of the polyol molecular weight and NCO/OH ratio.

Intraoperative anaphylaxis due to aprotinin after local application of fibrin sealant diagnosed by skin tests and basophil activation tests: a case report

BackgroundThere are few cases of anaphylaxis after local application of fibrin sealant diagnosed by skin tests.Case presentationA 49-year-old woman underwent partial lung resection under general anesthesia. Anesthesia was induced uneventfully. Shortly after applying absorbable suture reinforcement felt that contained fibrin sealant, her systolic blood pressure fell to approximately 70 mmHg, along with facial flushing. Anaphylaxis was diagnosed based on the clinical symptoms and high serum tryptase levels. Three months after the event, skin tests were performed with all agents and were positive only for fibrin sealant vial no. 2, whose main component is aprotinin. Subsequently, basophil activation tests using fibrin sealant vial no. 2 and pure aprotinin demonstrated that the causative agent was likely aprotinin.ConclusionsWe diagnosed aprotinin-induced anaphylaxis using skin tests and basophil activation tests. The occurrence of anaphylaxis should be considered when changes in vital signs are observed after the use of fibrin sealant.

A Comparative Analysis of Penetration and Adaptation of Two Types of Light Cure Pit and Fissure Sealants: An In-vitro Study

Background: Pit and fissure sealants are well-known for their ability to prevent occlusal caries. Given the difficulties of maintaining complete isolation for longer periods of time when treating young patients, a streamlined sealant application process is needed. As a result, the goal of the present study is to compare the penetration and adaption of 2 types of light cure sealants.&#x0D; Objectives:&#x0D; &#x0D; To evaluate the adaptation and penetration of Conseal f ‘pit and fissure sealant’.&#x0D; To evaluate the adaptation and penetration of PF seal SE ‘pit and fissure sealant’.&#x0D; To evaluate comparison of adaptation and penetration between two types of light cure sealants.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methodology: This will be an in-vitro comparative study, which will consist of 2 categories - Group I (acid-etch fissure sealant, Conseal f) and Group II (self-etch fissure sealant, PF seal SE). A total of 20 extracted permanent teeth will then be classified into 2 groups of 10 teeth respectively and stereomicroscope will be used to compare the penetration and adaptation between two types of light cure pit and fissure sealants.&#x0D; Expected Results: The study will evaluate the penetration and adaptation of two types of light cure sealants on the tooth surface which will provide the efficacy of the sealant.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study will determine the sealing and penetration and adaption capacity of the sealant by the light cure method. And the sealants are beneficial and biocompatible in preventing, stopping the advancement of non-cavitated carious lesions. Additional study is needed to determine the relative advantages of the various categories of sealant material. In practice, the benefits of sealing should be examined locally, and practitioners should follow specific standards.

Intelligent pH-responsive dental sealants to prevent long-term microleakage

ObjectivesMicroleakage is a determinant factor of failures in sealant application. In this study, DMAEM (dodecylmethylaminoethyl methacrylate), a pH-responsive antibacterial agent, was incorporated into resin-based sealant for the first time. The objectives of this study were to: (1) investigate the long-term performance of DMAEM-modified sealants against oral microbial-aging; and (2) investigate the long-term preventive effect of DMAEM-modified sealants on microleakage. MethodsDepth-of-cure and cytotoxicity of DMAEM-modified sealants were measured. Then, an aging model using biofilm derived from the saliva of high caries experience children was conducted. After aging, microhardness and surface roughness were measured. Biofilm activity, lactic acid production and exopolysaccharide (EPS) production were measured. 16S rRNA gene sequencing were also performed. The effects of DMAEM on microleakage were tested using an in vitro microleakage assessment. ResultsThe addition of DMAEM with a mass fraction of 2.5–10% did not affect depth-of-cure values and cytotoxicity of sealants. Adding 2.5–10% DMAEM did not affect the surface roughness and microhardness after aging. Compared to control, adding 2.5–10% DMAEM reduced biofilm metabolic activity by more than 80%. The lactic acid production and EPS production were reduced by 50% in DMAEM groups. DMAEM-modified sealants maintained the microbial diversity of biofilm after aging, they also inhibited the growth of lactobacillus. The 5% and 10% DMAEM groups exhibited a significant reduction in microleakage compared to control. SignificanceThe long-term antibacterial activities against oral microbial-aging and the long-term microecosystem-regulating capabilities enabled DMAEM-modified sealant to prevent microleakage in sealant application and thus prevent dental caries.

Using self-etch adhesive agents with pit and fissure sealants. In vitro analysis of shear bond strength, adhesive remnant index and enamel etching patterns.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro, the shear bond strength (SBS) and adhesive remnant index (ARI) of pit and fissure sealants (PFS) after enamel conditioning with different new-generation self-etching (SE) agents; additionally, enamel etching patterns were assessed.MethodsHealthy unerupted third molars surgically removed for therapeutic reasons (n = 25p/g), were randomly assigned to six groups. Conventional etching (CE) or SE was applied prior to pit and fissure sealants bonding. Enamel conditioned surfaces were evaluated by SEM at × 500, × 1000, and × 2000 magnification to determine etching patterns. Subsequently, 25 PFS blocks (3 × 2 × 1.5 mm) p/g were bonded to enamel surface.Samples were stored in water at 37 °C for 24 h, previous to SBS and ARI test. One-way ANOVA and Tamhane statistic tests were used for SBS; while Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis were employed for ARI (p ≤ 0.05).ResultsFor SBS test, CE_PFS_3M and SE1_PFS_Shofu groups showed the lowest values (8.74 ± 4.02 and 8.75 ± 3.90, respectively). The highest scores were observed in SE_PFS_Kuraray group (13.46 ± 5.83). Significant differences in SBS and ARI assessments were found. All experimental groups showed type 1 etching pattern.ConclusionThe etching pattern was less pronounced in self-etching groups, which showed an equal or superior in vitro performance compared to conventional etching agents. The clinical use of self-etching agents could be recommended before pit and fissure sealants application in new dental protocols. The best in vitro performance was observed when both applied materials, self-etching agent and pit and fissure sealant have 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate in their chemical composition.

An In vitro Comparative Evaluation of Microleakage of ACP Containing Pit and Fissure Sealant and Moisture Tolerant Pit and Fissure Sealant

Background: Pits and fissure sealants are widely used to prevent caries in children. Microleakage is one of the most crucial factors resulting in sealant compromise. Factors pertaining to microleakage like, pre-treatment of occlusal surfaces, moisture control, bonding systems, and flowability of the sealant, will determine the longevity of the treatment. In vitro microleakage studies are useful in predicting the marginal sealing ability of pit and fissure sealants.&#x0D; Aim: This in vitro study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the microleakage of ACP (Aegis®) containing pit and fissure sealant and moisture tolerant pit and fissure sealant (EmbraceTM WetbondTM).&#x0D; Study Design: In vitro study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Pune. between June 2020 and February 2021. Methodology: 26 permanent non- carious premolars extracted for orthodontic treatment were used. The sealants used for the analysis of microleakage were Aegis® and EmbraceTM WetbondTM pit and fissure sealants. The premolars were divided into two groups of 13 each. After sealant application, they were immersed in methylene blue dye. The teeth were subjected to thermocycling for 24 hours, after which The teeth were sectioned buccolingually and dye penetration was studied under a stereomicroscope (magnification 10X).&#x0D; Results: Both the groups were studied and statistically evaluated using Mann- Whitney U test. Aegis® showed higher microleakage in (46.2%) than Embrace (38%), though the results were not statistically significant.&#x0D; Conclusion: Both the materials showed microleakage, more In-vivo studies with longer follow- up periods are needed to evaluate and compare the clinical success of these pit &amp; fissure sealants.

Glass Ionomer Sealant versus Fluoride Varnish Application to Prevent Occlusal Caries in Primary Second Molars among Preschool Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Fissure sealant is a recommended preventive measure on permanent molars, but its efficacy on primary molars in preschool children is still in doubt. Sodium fluoride varnish (NaFV) enhances remineralization and is effective in preventing caries in smooth surfaces, but limited information is available regarding its use on occlusal surfaces of primary molars. The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of glass ionomer sealant (GIS) versus topical application of 5% NaFV in preventing and arresting occlusal caries in primary second molars among preschool children. One calibrated examiner examined children aged 3–4 years for visible plaque index (VPI), decayed-missing-filled primary surface (dmfs) index, and extent of carious lesions by the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). Subjects with 1 or more primary second molars that were sound or with incipient lesions (ICDAS 0–1), with distinct visual enamel changes (ICDAS 2), or with localized enamel breakdown (ICDAS 3) were recruited. The children were randomly assigned to either NaFV group – application of 5% NaFV at 3-monthly intervals or GIS group – 1 single placement of GIS. A parental questionnaire was used to collect information on the children’s sociodemographic background and oral health-related habits. Two blinded examiners conducted clinical examinations after 6 and 12 months to evaluate the development of occlusal caries and the retention of GIS. Negative binomial regression using generalized estimating equations was employed to adjust for the clustering effect and evaluate the influence of selected variables on the development of occlusal caries into dentin at 12 months. A total of 323 children with 1,159 primary second molars received the respective preventive measures at baseline. At 12 months, 280 children with 989 molars were evaluated. Caries had developed or progressed into dentin in 7.8% and 8.0% of the molars in the NaFV and GIS groups, respectively, with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.913). The overall retention rates of GIS were 24.6% and 13.5% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Regression analyses showed only baseline caries experience, and an ICDAS code had a significant association with occlusal caries progression. Quarterly NaFV application and single GIS placement showed similar effectiveness in the prevention of occlusal caries development among preschool children.

Effect of Pod Sealant Application on the Quantitative and Qualitative Traits of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Seed Yield

Field pea is used for human consumption or as livestock feed. The yield of pea seeds can be significantly decreased due to the genetically determined tendency of peas to pod shattering. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pod sealant application on the quantitative and qualitative traits of the seed yield of two pea cultivars: Arwena and Tarchalska grown in south-western Poland in the years 2018–2019. Pod sealant application showed higher values of analysed quantitative and qualitative traits: number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, seed weight per pod, 1000-seed weight, seed yield, dry matter of seeds, protein content in seeds, and total protein productivity, except the number of seeds per pod. For both years (2018–2019), the interaction of cultivar and pod sealant application showed a significant effect on the number of seeds per plant, total protein content, total protein productivity, and seed weight per pod in 2019. Therefore, the pod sealant application can be a relatively simple way to improve the yielding of field peas.

Development of alginate and gelatin-based pleural and tracheal sealants

Pleural and tracheal injuries remain significant problems, and an easy to use, effective pleural or tracheal sealant would be a significant advance. The major challenges are requirements for adherence, high strength and elasticity, dynamic durability, appropriate biodegradability, and lack of cell or systemic toxicity. We designed and evaluated two sealant materials comprised respectively of alginate methacrylate and of gelatin methacryloyl, each functionalized by conjugation with dopamine HCl. Both compounds are cross-linked into easily applied as pre-formed hydrogel patches or as in situ hydrogels formed at the wound site utilizing FDA-approved photo-initiators and oxidants. Material testing demonstrates appropriate adhesiveness, tensile strength, burst pressure, and elasticity with no significant cell toxicity in vitro assessments. Air-leak was absent after sealant application to experimentally-induced injuries in ex-vivo rat lung and tracheal models and in ex vivo pig lungs. Sustained repair of experimentally-induced pleural injury was observed for up to one month in vivo rat models and for up to 2 weeks in vivo rat tracheal injury models without obvious air leak or obvious toxicities. The alginate-based sealant worked best in a pre-formed hydrogel patch whereas the gelatin-based sealant worked best in an in situ formed hydrogel at the wound site thus providing two potential approaches. These studies provide a platform for further pre-clinical and potential clinical investigations. Statement of significancePneumothorax and pleural effusions resulting from trauma and a range of lung diseases and critical illnesses can result in lung collapse that can be immediately life-threatening or result in chronic leaking (bronchopleural fistula) that is currently difficult to manage. This leads to significantly increased morbidity, mortality, hospital stays, health care costs, and other complications. We have developed sealants originating from alginate and gelatin biomaterials, each functionalized by methacryloylation and by dopamine conjugation to have desired mechanical characteristics for use in pleural and tracheal injuries. The sealants are easily applied, non-cytotoxic, and perform well in vitro and in vivo model systems of lung and tracheal injuries. These initial proof of concept investigations provide a platform for further studies.