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The article is aimed at analyzing the available research and comparing the properties of bio-inductive materials in direct and indirect pulp capping procedures. The properties and clinical performances of four calcium-silicate cements (ProRoot MTA, MTA Angelus, RetroMTA, Biodentine), a light-cured calcium silicate-based material (TheraCal LC) and an enhanced resin-modified glass-ionomer (ACTIVA BioACTIVE) are widely discussed. A correlation of in vitro and in vivo data revealed that, currently, the most validated material for pulp capping procedures is still MTA. Despite Biodentine’s superiority in relatively easier manipulation, competitive pricing and predictable clinical outcome, more long-term clinical studies on Biodentine as a pulp capping agent are needed. According to available research, there is also insufficient evidence to support the use of TheraCal LC or ACTIVA BioACTIVE BASE/LINER in vital pulp therapy.

Background. In the era of biology-driven endodontics, vital pulp therapies are regaining popularity as a valid clinical option to postpone root-canal treatment. In this sense, many different materials are available in the market for pulp-capping purposes. Objectives. The main aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine literature regarding cytotoxicity and bioactivity of pulp-capping agents by exposure of human dental pulp cells of primary origin to these materials. A secondary objective was to evaluate the inflammatory reaction and reparative dentin-bridge formation induced by the different pulp-capping agents on human pulp tissue. Data sources. A literature search strategy was carried out on PubMed, EMBASE and the Web of Science databases. The last search was done on 1 May 2020. No filters or language restrictions were initially applied. Two researchers independently selected the studies and extracted the data. Study selection included eligibility criteria, participants and interventions, study appraisal and synthesis methods. In vitro studies were included when human dental pulp cells of primary origin were (in) directly exposed to pulp-capping agents. Parallel or split-mouth randomized or controlled clinical trials (RCT or CCT) were selected to investigate the effects of different pulp-capping agents on the inflammation and reparative bridge-formation capacity of human pulp tissue. Data were synthesized via odds ratios (95% confidence interval) with fixed or random effects models, depending on the homogeneity of the studies. The relative risks (95% confidence interval) were presented for the sake of interpretation. Results. In total, 26 in vitro and 30 in vivo studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively. The qualitative analysis of in vitro data suggested that resin-free hydraulic calcium-silicate cements promote cell viability and bioactivity towards human dental pulp cells better than resin-based calcium-silicate cements, glass ionomers and calcium-hydroxide cements. The meta-analysis of the in vivo studies indicated that calcium-hydroxide powder/saline promotes reparative bridge formation better than the popular commercial resin-free calcium-silicate cement Pro-Root MTA (Dentsply-Sirona), although the difference was borderline non-significant (p = 0.06), and better than calcium-hydroxide cements (p < 0.0001). Moreover, resin-free pulp-capping agents fostered the formation of a complete reparative bridge better than resin-based materials (p < 0.001). On the other hand, no difference was found among the different materials tested regarding the inflammatory effect provoked at human pulp tissue. Conclusions. Calcium-hydroxide (CH) powder and Pro-Root MTA (Dentsply-Sirona) have shown excellent biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo when tested on human cells and teeth. Their use after many years of research and clinical experience seems safe and proven for vital pulp therapy in healthy individuals, given that an aseptic environment (rubber dam isolation) is provided. Although in vitro evidence suggests that most modern hydraulic calcium-silicate cements promote bioactivity when exposed to human dental pulp cells, care should be taken when these new materials are clinically applied in patients, as small changes in their composition might have big consequences on their clinical efficacy. Key findings (clinical significance). Pure calcium-hydroxide powder/saline and the commercial resin-free hydraulic calcium-silicate cement Pro-Root MTA (Dentsply-Sirona) are the best options to provide a complete reparative bridge upon vital pulp therapy. Systematic review registration number. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020164374.

Introduction: The absence of a barrier in an open root apex makes endodontic treatment challenging as root‐filling material can easily reach the surrounding tissue. The aim of the study was to compare the apical microleakage associated with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), biodentine, custom‐made gutta‐percha with MTA plus and custom‐made gutta‐percha with Adseal in immature permanent teeth by dye penetration method. Methods: Apical 2 mm of 60 single‐rooted mandibular premolar teeth was resected to create divergent open apices and 10 teeth each were filled with Biodentine plug, MTA plug, custom‐made gutta‐percha with MTA plus sealer and custom‐made gutta‐percha with Adseal sealer. Ten teeth each acted as positive and negative controls. All the samples were stored at 37°C at 100% humidity for 5 weeks and then immersed in 2% Rhodamine B dye for 24 h. Transverse sectioning was done apically at 1 mm and 3 mm to evaluate dye penetration under a fluorescence microscope using ImageJ software. Results: There was a significantly greater microleakage at 1 mm cross section compared to 3 mm ( p < 0.0001). At 1 mm cross section, the apical microleakage was the highest for the MTA plug with a mean leakage percentage of 48.08 ± 16.38, a mean depth of leakage of 0.46 ± 0.10 mm and a mean area of leakage of 1.35 ± 0.74 mm 2 , compared to other groups, and the difference was statistically significant. However, at a 3 mm cross section, MTA plus sealer with gutta‐percha demonstrated the highest mean leakage percentage (25.01 ± 7.77) compared to other groups and the difference was statistically significant ( p = 0.03). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the 3‐mm‐thick apical plug provided better sealing of the open apex compared to the 1 mm apical plug and there was no significant difference in microleakage among the Biodentine plug, MTA plug and Adseal sealer with gutta‐percha plug at 3 mm cross section.

Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) has been a material of revolution in the field of dentistry since its introduction in the 1990s. It is being extensively used for perforation repairs, apexification, root-end filling, obturation, tooth fracture repair, regenerative procedures, apexogenesis, pulpotomies, and as a pulp-capping material because of its desired features such as biocompatibility, bioactivity, hydrophilicity, sealing ability, and low solubility. Even though its application is wide, it has its own drawbacks that prevent it from reaching its full potential as a comprehensive replacement material, including a long setting time, discoloration, mud-like consistency, and poor handling characteristics. MTA is a material of research interest currently, and many ongoing studies are still in process. In this review, the newer advancements of this versatile material by modification of its physical, chemical, and biological properties, such as change in its setting time, addressing the discoloration issue, inclusion of antimicrobial property, improved strength, regenerative ability, and biocompatibility will be discussed. Hence, it is important to have knowledge of the traditional and newer advancements of MTA to fulfill the shortcomings associated with the material.

Chickpea is one of the most consumed legumes due to its high nutritional value and accessibility to low-income populations. However, due to climate change, chickpea cultivation is exposed to various environmental stresses affecting its production and productivity. This study evaluates the agronomic performance of 168 MAGIC subset population across two Mediterranean environments, in Marchouch (Morocco) and Terbol (Lebanon). Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted to identify potential marker-trait associations (MTAs) using the general linear model (GLM), the mixed linear model (MLM), and the fixed- and random-effect circulant probability unification (FarmCPU), with kinship and principal components used as covariates. The results revealed high genetic variation among the genotypes tested, with significant genotype-by-environment interactions for most traits studied. Genotypes with good agronomic performance (M-1407, M-2038, M-2079, M-242, M-2551, and M-987) were identified under both environments. Early flowering and maturation resulted in a significant increase in grain yield of around 66%. Grain yield varied from 151.85 to 882.7 g m-2 and from 183.59 to 365.76 g m-2 under Marchouch and Terbol conditions, respectively, showing higher genetic variation under Marchouch than under Terbol. Correlation analysis revealed strong, significant correlations among the studied traits. GWAS revealed clear genetic variation across environments, with Marchouch showing stronger and more consistent association signals than Terbol. In total, 72 reliable MTAs were detected for phenological traits, 38 for plant height, 18 for grain yield, and 197 for hundred-seed weight across both sites. A major genomic hotspot on chromosome 4 (11.97–13.63 Mbp) harbored stable and pleiotropic MTAs. Functional annotation of regions surrounding significant SNPs revealed 59 putative candidate genes, highlighting potential biological processes related to growth, signaling, and stress responses that require further validation. These results provide a foundation for further research on marker-assisted selection to improve chickpea productivity and yield stability in stressed environments.

Apicectomy is a procedure indicated for the treatment of non-healing apical periodontitis after non-surgical Root Canal Treatment or certain clinical conditions; the procedure consists in the elimination of the last 3 mm of the RCS and creation of an apical preparation to finally seal it with a root-end filling material, like bioceramics. It has been reported that bioceramic materials (Gray-MTA, White-MTA and Biodentine) have adequate antibacterial properties. The aim of the study is to evaluate the colonization capacity and biofilm formation of E. faecalis over the surface of bioceramic materials In vitro. 180 dentin disks were employed and distributed in 3 experimental groups (G-MTA+E. faecalis, W-MTA E. faecalis and Biodentine+E. faecalis) and 3 control groups (G-MTA, W-MTA and Biodentine), the surface area covered by biofilm and microorganisms were evaluated by SEM. All samples of experimental groups showed a rough and irregular surface due to microorganism colonization and biofilm formation. G-MTA group showed better antimicrobial properties than W-MTA and Biodentine. The complete elimination and removal of damaged and contaminated periapical tissues during the surgical treatment is critical for long-term success. La apicectomía es un procedimiento indicado para el tratamiento de lesiones y periodontitis apical persistente después de un tratamiento de conductos; el procedimiento consiste en la eliminación de los últimos 3 mm apicales y posterior creación de una preparación para finalmente sellarlo con un material de obturación. Se ha reportado que los materiales biocerámicos (MTA-Gris, MTA-Blanco y Biodentine) tienen propiedades antibacterianas adecuadas. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la capacidad de colonización y formación de biofilm de E. faecalis sobre la superficie de materiales biocerámicos in vitro. Se emplearon 180 discos de dentina aleatorizados en 3 grupos experimentales (G-MTA+E. faecalis, W-MTA E. faecalis y Biodentine+E. faecalis) y 3 grupos control (G-MTA, W-MTA y Biodentine), El área/superficie cubierta por biofilm y microorganismos fue evaluada mediante SEM. Todas las muestras de los grupos experimentales mostraron una superficie rugosa e irregular debido a la colonización de microorganismos y la formación de biopelículas. El grupo de MTA-Gris mostró mejores propiedades antimicrobianas que MTA-Blanco y Biodentine. La eliminación y extirpación completa de los tejidos periapicales dañados y contaminados durante el tratamiento quirúrgico es fundamental para el éxito a largo plazo.

Microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) represent one of the most successful first-line therapies prescribed for cancer treatment. They interfere with microtubule (MT) dynamics by either stabilizing or destabilizing MTs, and in culture, they are believed to kill cells via apoptosis after eliciting mitotic arrest, among other mechanisms. This classical view of MTA therapies persisted for many years. However, the limited success of drugs specifically targeting mitotic proteins, and the slow growing rate of most human tumors forces a reevaluation of the mechanism of action of MTAs. Studies from the last decade suggest that the killing efficiency of MTAs arises from a combination of interphase and mitotic effects. Moreover, MTs have also been implicated in other therapeutically relevant activities, such as decreasing angiogenesis, blocking cell migration, reducing metastasis, and activating innate immunity to promote proinflammatory responses. Two key problems associated with MTA therapy are acquired drug resistance and systemic toxicity. Accordingly, novel and effective MTAs are being designed with an eye toward reducing toxicity without compromising efficacy or promoting resistance. Here, we will review the mechanism of action of MTAs, the signaling pathways they affect, their impact on cancer and other illnesses, and the promising new therapeutic applications of these classic drugs.

While the metabolic changes in cancer tissues were first observed by Warburg Otto almost a century ago, altered metabolism has recently returned as a focus of cancer research. 5'-Methylthioadenosine (MTA) is a naturally occurring sulfur-containing nucleoside found in numerous species. While MTA was first isolated several decades ago, a lack of sensitive and specific analytical methodologies designed for its direct quantification has hampered the study of its physiological and pathophysiological features. Many studies indicate that MTA suppresses tumors by inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and the induction of apoptosis while controlling the inflammatory micro-environments of tumor tissue. In this review, we assessed the effects of MTA and of related materials on the growth and functions of normal and malignant cells.