Cellulose nanocrystals, a class of fascinating bio-based nanoscale materials, have received a tremendous amount of interest both in industry and academia owing to its unique structural features and impressive physicochemical properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, renewability, low density, adaptable surface chemistry, optical transparency, and improved mechanical properties. This nanomaterial is a promising candidate for applications in fields such as biomedical, pharmaceuticals, electronics, barrier films, nanocomposites, membranes, supercapacitors, etc. New resources, new extraction procedures, and new treatments are currently under development to satisfy the increasing demand of manufacturing new types of cellulose nanocrystals-based materials on an industrial scale. Therefore, this review addresses the recent progress in the production methodologies of cellulose nanocrystals, covering principal cellulose resources and the main processes used for its isolation. A critical and analytical examination of the shortcomings of various approaches employed so far is made. Additionally, structural organization of cellulose and nomenclature of cellulose nanomaterials have also been discussed for beginners in this field.

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Recent progress in cellulose nanocrystals: sources and production

Calcium hydroxide has been included within several materials and antimicrobial formulations that are used in a number of treatment modalities in endodontics. These include, inter-appointment intracanal medicaments, pulp-capping agents and root canal sealers. Calcium hydroxide formulations are also used during treatment of root perforations, root fractures and root resorption and have a role in dental traumatology, for example, following tooth avulsion and luxation injuries. The purpose of this paper is to review the properties and clinical applications of calcium hydroxide in endodontics and dental traumatology including its antibacterial activity, antifungal activity, effect on bacterial biofilms, the synergism between calcium hydroxide and other agents, its effects on the properties of dentine, the diffusion of hydroxyl ions through dentine and its toxicity. Pure calcium hydroxide paste has a high pH (approximately 12.5-12.8) and is classified chemically as a strong base. Its main actions are achieved through the ionic dissociation of Ca2+ and OH- ions and their effect on vital tissues, the induction of hard-tissue deposition and the antibacterial properties. The lethal effects of calcium hydroxide on bacterial cells are probably due to protein denaturation and damage to DNA and cytoplasmic membranes. It has a wide range of antimicrobial activity against common endodontic pathogens but is less effective against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. Calcium hydroxide is also an effective anti-endotoxin agent. However, its effect on microbial biofilms is controversial.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1365-2591.2011.01886.x

Properties and applications of calcium hydroxide in endodontics and dental traumatology.

Biomaterials for the restoration of oral function are prone to biofilm formation, affecting oral health. Oral bacteria adhere to hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces, but due to fluctuating shear, little biofilm accumulates on hydrophobic surfaces in vivo. More biofilm accumulates on rough than on smooth surfaces. Oral biofilms mostly consist of multiple bacterial strains, but Candida species are found on acrylic dentures. Biofilms on gold and amalgam in vivo are thick and fully covering, but barely viable. Biofilms on ceramics are thin and highly viable. Biofilms on composites and glass-ionomer cements cause surface deterioration, which enhances biofilm formation again. Residual monomer release from composites influences biofilm growth in vitro, but effects in vivo are less pronounced, probably due to the large volume of saliva into which compounds are released and its continuous refreshment. Similarly, conflicting results have been reported on effects of fluoride release from glass-ionomer cements. Finally, biomaterial-associated infection of implants and devices elsewhere in the body is compared with oral biofilm formation. Biomaterial modifications to discourage biofilm formation on implants and devices are critically discussed for possible applications in dentistry. It is concluded that, for dental applications, antimicrobial coatings killing bacteria upon contact are more promising than antimicrobial-releasing coatings.

Biofilm Formation on Dental Restorative and Implant Materials

Foeniculum vulgare Mill commonly called fennel has been used in traditional medicine for a wide range of ailments related to digestive, endocrine, reproductive, and respiratory systems. Additionally, it is also used as a galactagogue agent for lactating mothers. The review aims to gather the fragmented information available in the literature regarding morphology, ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of Foeniculum vulgare. It also compiles available scientific evidence for the ethnobotanical claims and to identify gaps required to be filled by future research. Findings based on their traditional uses and scientific evaluation indicates that Foeniculum vulgare remains to be the most widely used herbal plant. It has been used for more than forty types of disorders. Phytochemical studies have shown the presence of numerous valuable compounds, such as volatile compounds, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, and amino acids. Compiled data indicate their efficacy in several in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antinociceptive, antipyretic, antispasmodic, antithrombotic, apoptotic, cardiovascular, chemomodulatory, antitumor, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and memory enhancing property. Foeniculum vulgare has emerged as a good source of traditional medicine and it provides a noteworthy basis in pharmaceutical biology for the development/formulation of new drugs and future clinical uses.

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Foeniculum vulgare Mill: A Review of Its Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Contemporary Application, and Toxicology

Nano-sized cellulose materials has recently become topical in the sphere of sustainable materials. The two key groups of nanocelluloses (NCs) are (1) nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and (2) cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). They are often considered as second-generation renewable resources, which also serve as better replacements for petroleum-based products. More attention has been given to these materials because of their low density and high mechanical, renewable, and biodegradable properties. There are many works in the literature on the isolation of NFC and CNC from different sources like hard/soft wood and agriculture biomass. However, this is a comprehensive review dedicated to the properties of NFC and CNC extracted only from agriculture and industrial waste using mechanical, chemical, and enzymatic methods. This article explores in detail the importance of agriculture waste and pretreatments, methods involved in the production of nanocellulose, and the properties of NC prepared from crop and industri...

Importance of Agricultural and Industrial Waste in the Field of Nanocellulose and Recent Industrial Developments of Wood Based Nanocellulose: A Review

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are responsible for regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally. Are involved in several biological processes, such as wound healing. Understanding the miRNAs involved in this process is fundamental for the development of new therapies. So, due to the need to understand the role of these molecules, we aimed systematically review the literature in order to identify which miRNAs are involved in the wound healing and determine, through bioinformatics analysis, which signaling pathways are associated with these miRNAs. An electronic search was performed in the following databases: National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health (PubMed), Science Direct, Scifinder, Scopus and Web of Science, using the descriptors: “(microRNA [MeSH])” and “(skin [MeSH])” and “(wound healing [MeSH])”. After the search, two independent and previously calibrated reviewers selected the articles that analyzed the expression pattern of miRNAs in wound healing in in vivo studies, using the software Zotero bibliography manager. Following, bioinformatic analysis was performed using the software DIANA Tools, mirPath v.3 and the data was interpreted. The bioinformatics analysis revealed that on the day 1 there were 13 union pathways, eight of which were statistically significant. Still on the day 1, among the miRNAs that had a decrease in their expression, 12 of 17 union pathways found were statistically significant. On the day 5, among the miRNAs with an increase in expression, 16 union pathways were found, 12 of which were statistically significant. Finally, among the miRNAs with decreased expression, 11 of 15 union pathways found were statistically significant. Although it has been found substantial heterogeneity in the studies, with this systematic review, it was possible to study the panorama of miRNAs that may be altered in the wound healing. The present review summarizes existing evidence of miRNAs associated to wound healing, and these findings can contribute to new therapeutic approaches.

MicroRNAs expressed during normal wound healing and their associated pathways: A systematic review and bioinformatics analysis

This systematic review synthesizes the existing evidence in the literature regarding the association of propolis with controlled delivery systems (DDSs) and its potential therapeutic action in dental medicine. Two independent reviewers performed a literature search up to 1 June 2023 in five databases: PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Embase, to identify the eligible studies. Clinical, in situ, and in vitro studies that investigated the incorporation of propolis as the main agent in DDSs for dental medicine were included in this study. Review articles, clinical cases, theses, dissertations, conference abstracts, and studies that had no application in dentistry were excluded. A total of 2019 records were initially identified. After carefully examining 21 full-text articles, 12 in vitro studies, 4 clinical, 1 animal model, and 3 in vivo and in vitro studies were included (n = 21). Relevant data were extracted from the included studies and analyzed qualitatively. The use of propolis has been reported in cariology, endodontics, periodontics, stomatology, and dental implants. Propolis has shown non-cytotoxic, osteoinductive, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, propolis can be released from DDS for prolonged periods, presenting biocompatibility, safety, and potential advantage for applications in dental medicine.

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Propolis Controlled Delivery Systems for Oral Therapeutics in Dental Medicine: A Systematic Review

RFO, Passo Fundo, v. 19, n. 1, p. 107-114, jan./abr. 2014 * Aluno de graduação. Faculdade de Odontologia (UFPel), Pelotas/RS. Brasil. ** Professor adjunto, Departamento de odontologia restauradora. Faculdade de Odontologia (UFPel), Pelotas/RS. Brasil. *** Aluno de mestrado em Engenharia de Materiais. Faculdade de Engenharia de Materiais (UFPel), Pelotas/RS. Brasil. **** Professor adjunto, Departamento de odontologia restauradora. Faculdade de Odontologia (UFPel), Pelotas/RS. Brasil. ***** Professor adjunto, Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Biologia, Faculdade de Odontologia (UFPel). Pelotas/RS. Brasil. ****** Professor adjunto, Departamento de Odontologia Restauradora. Faculdade de Odontologia (UFPel). Pelotas/RS. Brasil. Monitoramento tecnológico dos agentes dessensibilizantes dentinários

Monitoramento tecnológico dos agentes dessensibilizantes dentinários Technological monitoring of dentin desensitizing agents

It is the purpose of this paper to report the experience of a multidisciplinary teaching project of Legal Dentistry and Forensic Sciences, aimed at university students and the academic community in general. The project, through biweekly meetings with short courses, a group of textbook studies and scientific articles as well as other activities, stimulated the discussion and learning of these thematic areas that are increasingly in focus. For didactic purposes, a sequence of subjects of Legal Dentistry and Forensic Sciences was set up, allowing students to experience criminal expertise, through contact with simple essays, whose legal and forensic concepts involved are present in the curriculum experienced in different university courses. The biweekly lectures enabled the public (undergraduates and teachers) to exchange knowledge about the different areas that comprise the project. The subjects covered in the lectures are especially important in the areas that encompass Forensic Sciences, especially Forensic Chemistry and Dentistry. The teaching project entitled “Legal and Forensic Dentistry” can play a fundamental role in the academic formation, both for future dental surgeons and future experts, enabling vast knowledge in different areas of Forensic Sciences.

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Odontologia Legal e Forense na formação de estudantes de Odontologia: relato de experiência de projeto de ensino multidisciplinar

O WebSaúde: Projeto de Extensão Tecnológica, Empreendedorismo e Inovação em Saúde abrange a extensão universitária e a inovação tecnológica na Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel). O objetivo deste relato de experiência é descrever o projeto e a importância de suas ações no ambiente acadêmico e na comunidade em geral no âmbito de inovação em saúde e empreendedorismo. As atividades de destaque são compostas por um Minicurso de Empreendedorismo e Inovação Tecnológica, a produção de material audiovisual divulgado nas redes sociais do projeto oriundos da participação em eventos de empreendedorismo e inovação e a implementação da Disciplina de Empreendedorismo com parceria do SEBRAE para os cursos de pós-graduação da UFPel. Foi evidenciado que cerca de 600 pessoas participaram diretamente das atividades desenvolvidas pelo projeto sendo a maioria acadêmicos de Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES). Além disso, foi percebido ampliação de iniciativas empreendedoras como criação de empresas juniores e startups pelos participantes do projeto. Dessa forma, conclui-se que as ações do projeto WebSaúde foram de extrema importância visto a necessidade de alargar o debate sobre o empreendedorismo e a inovação tecnológica nas IES e comunidade.   

Rafael Guerra Lund

Papers

MicroRNAs expressed during normal wound healing and their associated pathways: A systematic review and bioinformatics analysis

Propolis Controlled Delivery Systems for Oral Therapeutics in Dental Medicine: A Systematic Review

Monitoramento tecnológico dos agentes dessensibilizantes dentinários Technological monitoring of dentin desensitizing agents

Odontologia Legal e Forense na formação de estudantes de Odontologia: relato de experiência de projeto de ensino multidisciplinar

WebSaúde: projeto de extensão tecnológica, empreendedorismo e inovação em saúde