Self-extinguishing relay waves enable homeostatic control of human neutrophil swarming

Neutrophils exhibit self-amplified swarming to sites of injury and infection. How swarming is controlled to ensure the proper level of neutrophil recruitment is unknown. Using an ex vivo model of infection, we find that human neutrophils use active relay to generate multiple pulsatile waves of swarming signals. Unlike classic active relay systems such as action potentials, neutrophil swarming relay waves are self-extinguishing, limiting the spatial range of cell recruitment. We identify an NADPH-oxidase-based negative feedback loop that is needed for this self-extinguishing behavior. Through this circuit, neutrophils adjust the number and size of swarming waves for homeostatic levels of cell recruitment over a wide range of initial cell densities. We link a broken homeostat to neutrophil over-recruitment in the context of human chronic granulomatous disease.

A granular view of X-linked chronic granulomatous disease exploiting single-cell transcriptomics

X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (X-CGD) is a rare monogenetic immunodeficiency primarily affecting phagocytes. Precipitated by mutations in the CYBB gene, patients exhibit a compromised oxidative burst, leading to recurrent infections which can be life-threatening. Curiously, autoimmune manifestations are also common in patients and carriers. Here, exploiting the cell type-specific nature of this disorder, we characterize X-CGD on a transcriptional level using single-cell sequencing. Peripheral blood from 14 X-CGD probands and 10 carriers signed onto IRB approved protocol NCT00404560, as well as from 15 controls was sampled, and PBMCs and isolated monocytes were subjected to single-cell sequencing. Probands exhibited a strong differential expression signal relative to controls. This was composed of not only genes previously described to be up-regulated in X-CGD such as IFI27, and indeed an autoimmunity-associated broader type I interferon response, but also previously undescribed genes involved in monocyte function (ARG1), antimicrobial proteins (CAMP, SLPI), and inflammasome components (AIM2). Surprisingly, expression variability was not greater in carriers relative to probands or controls, indicating a lack of cell autonomous effects from the deletion of CYBB. Interestingly, aggregate expression of differentially expressed genes in the probands was able to classify carriers from sex-matched controls with high accuracy (AUROC = 0.92), indicating the presence of an X-CGD-specific gene signature. This gene signature was also strongly co-expressed across 17 chordate species, pointing towards the disruption of ancestral pathways important in antimicrobial immunity in X-CGD probands and carriers.

This work was partially supported by a Swiss National Science Foundation fellowship to S.M. 

Self-etching Increases Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression in the Dentin-Pulp Complex

In adhesive restorations, one major problem is hybrid layer degradation. At present, this deterioration is explained by the activation of the endogenous matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) present in dentin due to the acidic property of adhesive systems. We hypothesized that self-etching adhesive should also stimulate the expression of MMPs in odontoblasts. In cultured tooth slices, we evaluated the changes in MMP-2 and proMMP-9 expression in the dentin-pulp complex after self-etching adhesive treatment on dentin cavities in immunochemistry and by zymography. The treatment resulted in increased MMP-2 expression in odontoblasts, as shown by immunohistochemistry. Zymography showed increased proMMP-9 and MMP-2 in dentin under self-etching treatment when pulp was present. These results showed that self-etching adhesive stimulates the secretion of MMPs from the dentin-pulp complex and, more precisely, by odontoblasts, suggesting that odontoblasts participate in hybrid layer degradation.

Bond strengths of nine current dentine adhesive systems to primary and permanent teeth

The aim of this study was to compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of nine dentine bonding systems (DBS) of different classes to human primary and permanent dentine. Flat dentine occlusal surfaces were produced on human molars (100 primary, 100 permanent) by wet grinding on a 800-grit SiC paper. Nine DBS were applied following the manufacturers' instructions: One total etch multi-step system: Scotchbond Multipurpose Plus (3M/ESPE); Four total etch one-bottle system: Prime &Bond 2.1 (Dentsply), One Step (Bisco), Scotchbond 1 (3M/ESPE), and OptibondSolo Plus (Kerr); Three two-step self-etching primer systems: Clearfil Liner Bond 2 (Kuraray), Clearfil SE Bond (Kuraray), and Prime &Bond NT with NRC (Dentsply); An 'all-in-one' self-etching system: Prompt L-Pop (3M/ESPE). Composite (Z100; 3M/ESPE) cylinders (2 mm diameter, 3 mm high) were polymerized on the treated dentine surfaces and the specimens were stored at 37 degrees C for 24 h prior to testing. Twenty experimental groups were produced and tested. Statistical analysis revealed both a substrate and a bonding system effect. Two adhesive systems (One Step, Prime &Bond NT) had significantly higher bond strengths on permanent than on primary dentine. There was an effect of dentine bonding system on the mode of fracture. Although eight of the 10 DBS tested exhibited higher median SBS values on permanent dentine than on primary dentine, the dependent pairwise comparison identified a significant difference only for two groups. The use of simplified bonding systems does not necessarily result in improved bond strength to primary or to permanent dentine.

Influence of drying and HEMA treatment on dentin wettability

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of drying time and primer pre-application (35% HEMA in water) on water spreading/infiltration on dentin.

METHODS

Freshly extracted molars were embedded in resin and sectioned on their coronal side. Flat occlusal dentin surfaces were prepared using wet SiC paper from nos. 80-4000. A computerized contact angle device complementing a special software (Wingoutt) was used to measure the contact angle (theta) kinetics of a reference liquid (pure H(2)O) in the ten groups each of ten dentin surfaces during 120 s: Gp1: etched (37% phosphoric acid for 15 s) and blot-dried; Gp2: 3 s dried; Gp3: 5 s air-dried; Gp4: 10 s air-dried; Gp5: 20 s air-dried; Gp6: 30 s air-dried; Gp7: 1 min dried with hair dryer; Gp8: 5 s air-dried and HEMA treated; Gp9: 30 s air-dried followed by HEMA treatment; Gp10: HEMA treated prior to 30 s air-drying. three drops were applied on each sample. 40 contact angles were recorded for each drop with a frequency of one measure every 3 s. A one-way ANOVA test was used for data analysis. A PLSD test was conducted to identify statistical differences between pairs of groups at a reliability level of 95%.

RESULTS

At each measurement time, air-drying, whatever its duration, significantly decreased the wetting ability of the pure water on the etched dentin in comparison with the blot-dried group. The contact angle increases with drying time. No significant differences in water contact angle were obtained between 3, 5 and 10 s in spite of a slight decrease in the spreading/infiltration ability of water the longer the drying time. HEMA increases the spreading/infiltration ability of water on 5 or 30 s air-dried etched dentin surfaces; 30 s air-drying did not alter the spreading/infiltration ability of the water on etched and HEMA treated dentin.

SIGNIFICANCE

Dentin hydrophobicity increases depending on air-drying time. HEMA-based primer allows to prevent collagen collapse, which may be created by air-drying and partly rewet the collapsed collagen network.

Reliability of in vitro microleakage tests: a literature review

PURPOSE

The literature contains conflicting data about in vitro microleakage evaluations and their usefulness and reliability. No standardization has yet been established. Here we consider features of published studies that might affect the results of the in vitro microleakage tests.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed 144 in vitro microleakage studies, published in 14 international reviews between 1992 and 1998, which comprised 917 sets or groups of experiments. The published studies were entered in a database and compared using selected literature criteria: sample, cavities, restoration procedures, thermocycling and mechanical cycling, evaluation method.

RESULTS

The methods employed vary widely. The most frequent methodological choices (%) were (1) specimen storage after extraction: duration (unspecified, 59.2), medium (distilled or deionized water, 33.8), temperature (unspecified, 52.2), additives (none, 47.0); (2) aging method (79.1): duration before aging (< 24 h, 35.9); medium and temperature of storage before aging (distilled or deionized water, 26.8; 37 degrees C, 54.3); (3) medium of cycling (tap water, 50.5), number of cycles ([250-500], 34.6), number of baths (2, 84.0), bath temperature (5 degrees C to 55 degrees C, 60.6), immersion dwell time (30 s, 44.3); (4) tracer: type (basic fuchsin, 40.7), time of immersion (after thermocycling and/or mechanical cycles, 64.1), immersion duration (basic fuchsin: 24 h, 59.5); assessment of dye penetration of sections (91.7): direction (perpendicular, 88.5), number (1, 47.1).

CONCLUSION

The great variability in the methods used in these 144 studies prevented meta-analysis and comparison of the results, thus reducing the value of these methods.

Influence of the time-point of salivary contamination on dentin shear bond strength of 3 dentin adhesive systems

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the duration of salivary contamination at different stages during the bonding procedures on shear bond strengths (SBS) of 3 dentin adhesives.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Flat human dentin surfaces were produced by wet grinding on SiC paper 800. The adhesives used were Syntac Sprint (SS) (Vivadent), One Step (OS) (Bisco), Clearfil Liner Bond 2 (LB2) (Kuraray). Three durations of contamination (3 s, 10 s, and 20 s) at 3 stages (before adhesive application, after its application, and after its polymerization). In all cases the saliva was not rinsed off. Twenty-seven groups of 10 samples were studied according to 3 adhesives, 3 stages, and 3 durations of contamination. For each adhesive, 1 control group, 3 groups with contamination before adhesive application, 3 groups with salivary contamination on the uncured adhesive, and 3 groups with contamination after polymerization (except for SS) were studied. Composite cylinders (Z100, 3M; 3 mm Ø, 5 mm high) were polymerized on the surfaces and stored in 37 degrees C H2O for 48 hours prior to shear bond testing (v = 5 mm/min).

RESULTS

Anova and Scheffe tests showed that for the one-bottle systems tested, salivary contamination prior to adhesive application had no adverse effect on bonding efficacy, SBS decreased significantly when saliva contamination occurred after adhesive application. The self-etching primer tested was more tolerant to salivary contamination, except when the salivary contamination occurred before the polymerization of the adhesive.

CONCLUSIONS

Salivary contamination does not have the same influence at different stages of the bonding process with modern adhesives. Pending better knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the influence of salivary contamination on bonded assemblies, it seems necessary to continue to recommend using the rubber dam in adhesive dentistry.

Meta-analytical review of factors involved in dentin adherence

Literature data on adherence tests of dentin-bonding systems (DBS) may differ widely, even for the same DBS. The problem of bond testing is that materials are seldom compared with a standard, and experimental conditions often vary. We sought to identify the parameters that influence this variability. Using inclusion and exclusion criteria, we conducted a meta-analytical review of 75 articles, published between 1992 and 1996 in SCI reviews, that give bond strength data for 15 dentin-bonding agents of the so-called third and fourth generations. Seventeen selected parameters were classified into four groups: Group A includes factors related to the dentin substrate (i.e., nature of teeth); group B, composite and bonding area (i.e., composite stiffness); group C, storage conditions of the bonded samples (i.e., thermocycling); and group D, test design (i.e., crosshead speed). For each report, the experimental features, the bond strength means and standard deviations, and the failure mode were extracted and tabulated. Statistical Analysis System software was used to perform Pearson correlation analysis and analysis of variance, with bond strength as the dependent variable and experimental conditions as the independent variables. The meta-analytical review highlighted the significant influence of various parameters in the different groups: origin of dentin, types of teeth, pulpal pressure, tooth storage temperature, maximum storage time of teeth, and dentin depth in group A; type and stiffness of composite and bonding area in group B; storage of bonded samples (medium, temperature, and time) in group C, and testing mode and crosshead speed in group D. A significant positive correlation was observed between the mean bond strength and the rate of cohesive failure. It can be concluded from this study that some of these parameters should be controlled by the use of a standardized protocol. Unfortunately, the substrate-related variables are more difficult to control, even though their influence is consistent.

[Effect of water storage and intrapulpal pressure on microleakage of three restorative materials]

Three different restorative materials, Z100 composite, F2000 compomer and Vitremer glass ionomer cement are currently proposed for Class V restorations. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of water storage and the simulated intrapulpal pressure (sIP) on the quality of the margins of class V restorations located both in enamel and dentin. The water resorption of restorative materials containing hydrophilic groups (compomers and glass ionomer cements) can favourably modify the marginal sealing ability by hydroscopic expansion. The influence of the sIP was specific to the material. While F2000 compomer and Vitremer glass ionomer cement were un-influenced by sIP, with Z100 composite a significant difference could be observed. It was concluded that F2000 compomer and Vitremer glass ionomer cement showed significantly less microleakage, which means a better marginal sealing ability than Z100 composite.

Surface energy of etched ceramic

PURPOSE

In a previous article the authors examined the evolution of the bond strengths of 2 dental feldspathic ceramics. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of surface modifications with hydrofluoric acid gel (concentration 10%) on the surface energy of 2 dental feldspathic ceramics (GC and PVS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For an energy characterization, 30 samples of GC and 30 samples of PVS were built. This study comprised the measurement of contact angles to determine the work of adhesion (WA) of the 2 ceramics. The evolution of the work of adhesion depended on the action of the hydrofluoric acid gel on the roughness of the surface of the 2 ceramics.

RESULTS

In a polished state PVS presented a higher work of adhesion than GC. Etching the ceramics with hydrofluoric acid gel increased the work of adhesion, especially for GC, but this treatment was not sufficient to obtain a high work of adhesion.

CONCLUSION

Etching with hydrofluoric acid gel was not sufficient to raise the work of adhesion of the 2 ceramics. Silanization is preferable to etching.

Influence of surface treatment on adherence energy of alloys used in bonded prosthetics

Usually, shear or tensile tests are used to assess bond strengths between resin and metal. In this study, a cleavage test, the Double Cantilever Beam test, was performed to measure the adherence energy in air and in water between a 4-META resin, and five alloys (palladium, palladium-silver, gold, cobalt-chromium and nickel-chromium alloys) whose surfaces have been treated by sandblasting only or by two methods of silica coating (Silicoater MD, Rocatec) or by painting with a primer (V-Primer). Results showed that, after storage in water, it is difficult to divide the studied alloys into a dental base alloys group and a noble alloys group. Therefore, the silica coating has significantly limited the propagation of fissures in water. Higher values of adherence energy were recorded with the Rocatec system except with the palladium alloy which must be treated with the Silicoater MD system. The treatment with V-Primer was sensitive to hydrolytic attack.

Correlation of topography to bond strength of etched ceramic

PURPOSE

Bonding techniques are commonly used today to ensure the durability of porcelain laminate veneers and ceramic inlay-onlays, which are esthetically pleasing solutions to the problem of dental restoration. Acid etching and silanization of porcelain have been widely used to enhance the retention between bonding resins and ceramic restorations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of surface modifications with 10% hydrofluoric acid gel and a coupling agent (a dual component silane) on the bond strength of 2 dental feldspathic ceramics (GC and PVS) bonded with an unfilled resin (Super-Bond).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty samples of GC and eighty samples of PVS were built for a mechanical study. Mechanical tests were conducted using a Lloyd T 6000 R tensile machine, which determined the bond strengths of the 2 ceramics after different surface treatments (etching or silanization). In the next part of the study, 10 surfaces of GC and 10 surfaces of PVS were studied with a scanning mechanical microscope to evaluate the action of hydrofluoric acid gel on the roughness of the 2 ceramics.

RESULTS

Etching ceramic with hydrofluoric acid gel increased the developed surface of feldspathic ceramics, especially for PVS, but this treatment was not sufficient to obtain the highest shear bond strength. The highly positive influence of silanization was shown, particularly for GC ceramic bonded with an unfilled resin.

CONCLUSION

Silane combined with the action of hydrofluoric acid gel is the most effective surface treatment for ceramic.

Water resistance of resin-bonded joints with time related to alloy surface treatment

OBJECTIVES

This paper attempts to study the resistance of resin-bonded metallic joints to damage in water with time.

METHODS

Unlike the shear or tensile test, a cleavage test (Double Cantilever Beam test) allows us to follow the crack propagation in water, according to the fracture mechanics concept. Moreover, it is possible to follow the kinetic degradation of the metal/resin interface because this test is not totally destructive to the assembly. We have worked on 18 batches according to the nature of the alloys (Pd, Pd-Ag, Au, Co-Cr and Ni-Cr) and the surface treatment (sandblasting, Silicoater MD, Rocatec, V-Primer). The crack length was measured over a period of 20 days. The results are expressed in terms of adherence energy.

RESULTS

The adherence energy dramatically decreased with time in water. The slope of the regression straight line appears to be a good criterion for evaluating the durability of the alloy/adhesive interface. We have demonstrated the importance of silica coating and, especially, the effectiveness of the Rocatec system upon the degree of hydrolytic degradation, and have shown how the development of cracks depends upon surface treatment.

Electrochemical study of insulating properties of dental amalgam bonding polymers

The standard techniques used for amalgam restorations often result in a lack of adhesion to mineralized dental tissues. The bonding of amalgam with polymer has been suggested to improve its adaptation to dental tissues. Moreover the polymer involved in the bonding should inhibit the corrosion and the diffusion of metallic ions. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the capacity of bonded amalgam to prevent ionic diffusion and migration. In this respect, an original method employing electrochemical techniques was used to determine the leakage current of bonded amalgam restorations. The electrochemical behaviour of conventional and bonded amalgam restorations was compared using a potentiostat driven by a computerized system (Voltamaster, Radiometer Analytical) with software for specific applications such as chronoamperometry or cyclic voltammetry. Samples of recently extracted teeth of young patients were first examined, and then the results were checked by other experimental assays using protected and unprotected copper sticks. The measurements obtained with chronoamperometry (E = +300 mV/SCE) in Ringer's solution at 37 degrees C showed that after polarization for 30 h the oxidation current decreased threefold for bonded samples (10 microA cm(-2)) as compared with the unprotected samples (35 microA cm(-2)). These results, as well as those obtained with the copper wires, demonstrated that even with two layers of adhesive the bonded joint is permeable to ions probably as a result of the hydrophylic properties of HEMA, a component of the adhesive. However, using five layers of adhesive reduced the ionic current by a factor as large as 10(6).

Correlation between substratum roughness and wettability, cell adhesion, and cell migration

Cell adhesion and spreading of chick embryo vascular and corneal explants grown on rough and smooth poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were analyzed to test the cell response specificity to substratum surface properties. Different degrees of roughness were obtained by sand-blasting PMMA with alumina grains. Hydrophilic and hydrophobic components of the surface free energy (SFE) were calculated according to Good-van Oss's model. Contact angles were determined using a computerized angle meter. The apolar component of the SFE gamma s(LW), increased with a slight roughness whereas the basic component, gamma s-, decreased. The acido-basic properties disappeared as roughness increased. Incubation of PMMA in culture medium, performed to test the influence if the biological environment, allowed surface adsorption of medium proteins which annihilated roughness effect and restored hydrophilic properties. An organotypic culture assay was carried out in an attempt to relate the biocompatibility to substratum surface state. Cell migration was calculated from the area of cell layer. Cellular adhesion was determined by measuring the kinetic of release of enzymatically dissociated cells. A slight roughness raised the migration are to an upper extent no matter which cell type. Enhancement of the cell adhesion potential was related to the degree of roughness and the hydrophobicity.

Correlation between substratum roughness and wettability, cell adhesion, and cell migration

Cell adhesion and spreading of chick embryo vascular and corneal explants grown on rough and smooth poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were analyzed to test the cell response specificity to substratum surface properties. Different degrees of roughness were obtained by sand-blasting PMMA with alumina grains. Hydrophilic and hydrophobic components of the surface free energy (SFE) were calculated according to Good-van Oss's model. Contact angles were determined using a computerized angle meter. The apolar component of the SFE gamma s(LW), increased with a slight roughness whereas the basic component, gamma s-, decreased. The acido-basic properties disappeared as roughness increased. Incubation of PMMA in culture medium, performed to test the influence if the biological environment, allowed surface adsorption of medium proteins which annihilated roughness effect and restored hydrophilic properties. An organotypic culture assay was carried out in an attempt to relate the biocompatibility to substratum surface state. Cell migration was calculated from the area of cell layer. Cellular adhesion was determined by measuring the kinetic of release of enzymatically dissociated cells. A slight roughness raised the migration are to an upper extent no matter which cell type. Enhancement of the cell adhesion potential was related to the degree of roughness and the hydrophobicity.

Bonding of resin cements to a metal substrate: influence of pretreatment on the adherence energy

The adherence of resin cements to restoration as well as tooth structure is of prime importance for the longevity of cemented restorations. It was the aim of the study to investigate the effect of an acid and a base primer on (i) surface polarity of a nonprecious alloy and on (ii) adherence energy of resin cements bonded to the alloy. The beams were pretreated with a 3% acetone solution of either maleic acid or N,N-diethanol-p-toluidine, and the solvent evaporated. The polarity was determined by means of measurements of contact angles. The adherence energy was measured by means of the wedge test, according to which 2 beams were glued together with the resin cement. A wedge was introduced between the joined beams to create a fissure, and on the basis of the length of the fissure, the adherence energy was calculated. It was found that the polar component of the surface free energy of the alloy increased as a consequence of the pretreatments. The results also showed that the pretreatments gave rise to an increase in adherence energy of 11-15 J/m2, equivalent to relative increases of 22-54%. The observed increases in adherence energy may be due to an increase in polar interactions at the interface between adhesive and substrate.

Inlay restorations

This encyclopedic article on inlays reviews detailed clinical techniques, the spectrum of inlay materials, and supporting clinical performance data. Clinical recommendations are based on the results of laboratory and much clinical performance research.

Factors affecting the adherence energy of experimental resin cements bonded to a nickel-chromium alloy

Reliable adherence of resin-based cements is of prime importance for the longevity of cemented restorations. The present study investigated whether a relationship exists between adherence energy to a metal substrate and the degree of cross-linking and wetting characteristics of resin-based luting agents. The adherence energies between a sand-blasted metal surface and a series of experimental resin cements were measured by means of the wedge test. The degree of cross-linking was calculated from the monomer composition of the resin cements. The measured wetting characteristics were work of adhesion and surface tension, and their dispersive and polar components. Adherence energy varied between 22 and 81 J/m2 and was influenced by the nature of the resin cements: Those with a low degree of cross-linking resulted in high adherence values. Furthermore, resin cements whose monomers were relatively polar gave rise to high adherence values. Although other metals may not behave in exactly the same way, these results may help in the formulation of new, more retentive resin cements.

Effects of surface treatment on the free surface energy of dentin

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of six treatments on the dispersive, acid, and base components of the free surface energy of dentin.

METHODS

Occlusal dentin surfaces were polished with 4000 grit abrasive paper, washed and air dried. Characteristics of the surface energy were calculated by measuring contact angles of the four following liquids:alpha-bromonaphtalene, glycerol, ethylene glycol, and water. The dentin was then treated with aqueous solutions containing: (1) oxalic acid and glycine (OX/GLY),(2) oxalic acid, glycine, and HEMA (OX/GLY/HEMA), (3) phosphoric acid (PA), (4) maleic acid (MA),(5) EDTA, or (6) NaCIO. After treatment, washing and air drying, the energy characteristics of the samples were evaluated again.

RESULTS

Three kinds of wetting behavior were observed: an increase (OX/GLY/HEMA), a stabilization (PA, NaCIO) or a decrease (OX/GLY, MA, EDTA) of the wettability of the dentin surface. The calculations demonstrated that dentin surfaces are basic.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study of the evolution of the surface energy components gave information on adhesion mechanisms involving hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions. The results may be helpful in the formulation of conditioners and primers.

Bonding of luting materials for resin-bonded bridges: clinical relevance of in vitro tests

A retrospective clinical study on 78 resin-bonded bridges placed between 1981 and 1992 was used to validate the wedge test in the assessment of the bonding of resin-based luting material. According to the correlation obtained between the findings of the in vivo and the in vitro studies, the wedge test may be considered to be predictive of the clinical performance of resin bonds. The life expectancy of resin-bonded bridges bonded with the 4 META containing material tested appears to be longer than that for bridges bonded with conventional resin cements.

Adherence of resin-based luting agents assessed by the energy of fracture

The present study assessed the adherence of nine commercial resin cements by means of the wedge test. The beams of the test were made of a Ni-Cr-Be alloy, and the adhering surfaces were sandblasted with 250 microns Al2O3. The energy of fracture of the investigated cements varied from less than 10 J/m2 to 121 J/m2. The fracture energies were not influenced by 1) the thickness of the joint, 2) the width of the beams, 3) the use of an intermediary noncomposite resin, or 4) storage in water beyond 24 h. In spite of a rather high variability within groups, it is concluded that the wedge test may give relevant data on the performance of adhesive joints.

[Coronal filling biomaterials. Criteria for selection]

The aim of this paper is to assess filling biomaterials according to specification criteria, the foremost of which is the respective ability of each to form a tight seal along cavity walls. Their direct or indirect (cementing or bonding) adhesive potential is the determining factor in their durability and the biocompatibility of the restoration achieved. Gold inlay alloys and amalgams appear as yet to be the most reliable and well-tolerated biomaterials for posterior restorations. For filling small cavities in the anterior sector, microfilled composites are clearly indicated; bonded porcelain, while not yet validated over time, would seem to be a good alternative for more extensive restorations.