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The aim of this study was to compare the number of CD57 + natural killer (NK) cells and CD8 + T lymphocytes between periapical granulomas (PGs) and radicular cysts (RCs). Twenty-fives cases of PGs and 25 of RCs were submitted to histological analysis and immunohistochemistry using anti-CD57 and anti-CD8 biomarkers. Positive cells were counted in 10 fields (400× magnification) and the median value was calculated for each case. Statistical tests were used to evaluate differences in the number of CD57+ NK cells and CD8 + T lymphocytes according to type of lesion, intensity of the infiltrate and thickness of the lining epithelium. The number of CD57 + NK cells and CD8 + T lymphocytes was higher in PGs than in RCs (p = 0.129 and p = 0.541, respectively). Comparison of the number of CD57 + NK cells in atrophic and hyperplastic epithelium revealed a larger number of cells in the atrophic epithelium (p = 0.042). A larger number of CD57 + NK cells and CD8 + T lymphocytes were observed in grade III infiltrates compared to grade I/II (p = 0.145 and p = 0.725, respectively). CD8 + T lymphocytes were more prevalent than CD57 + NK cells in most cases when PGs and RCs were analyzed separately or in combination (p < 0.0001). CD57+ NK cells and CD8 + T lymphocytes play a key role in antiviral defense and the presence of these cells supports evidence suggesting the participation of these microorganisms in the pathogenesis of PGs and RCs. The response mediated by CD8 + T lymphocytes was more frequent, indicating greater participation of the adaptive immunity in these chronic lesions.

Background and Objective To evaluate the effects of Chinese scalp acupuncture in patients diagnosed with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) on pain, sleep and quality of life (QOL), and compare these results with the results from traditional therapies. Methods Sixty patients diagnosed with TMD using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) were allocated into four treatment groups: Counselling (C = 15), Occlusal Splint (OS = 15), Scalp acupuncture (SA = 15) and Manual Therapy (MT = 15). Participants were re-evaluated within one month. Three questionnaires were used to access sleep disorders, QOL and pain: The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-bref) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), respectively. The data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science program (SPSS 22.0). Results The SA group significantly improved pain (p = 0.015), as well as the OS (p = 0.01) and MT groups (p = 0.014). Only the OS (p = 0.002) and MT (p = 0.029) groups improved sleep. MT group significantly improved QOL in terms of the physical domain of the WHOQOL-bref (p = 0.011) and the OS group in the psychological domain (p = 0.012). Conclusion The scalp acupuncture proved to be another alternative for pain relief in patients with TMD, demonstrating positive results in the short term. However, it was not as effective in improving quality of life and sleep.

Objective To evaluate the morphology of filler particles, chemical composition, microhardness (MH), water sorption (WSp), and solubility (WSl) of a regular viscosity bulk fill and traditional composite resins. Methods Eighty samples (Ø:5 mm; height: 4 mm) were prepared according to the factors “composite” (Aura/SDI, FiltekZ250 XT/3M, Aura Bulk Fill/SDI, and Filtek Bulk Fill/3M) and “filling technique” (incremental and bulk) (n = 10). Vickers MH was measured on the top and bottom surfaces of each samples, and then WSp and WSl were obtained by means of mass gain and loss. Morphology of filler particles and chemical characteristics of composites were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersity spectroscopy (EDS) in additional samples (n = 1/group). Data were analyzed using two‐ and three‐way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p < .05). Results No significant difference was found for WSp among the groups. Comparing composites in the incremental technique, Aura bulk fill composite showed lower WSI than the other materials and in the bulk fill technique, Filtek Bulk Fill showed the lowest value. Filtek Bulk Fill showed higher MH than the other composites on the bottom surface when samples were produced by bulk filling. Conclusion The composites presented good physical properties, but the bulk fill ones showed better results for the bottom microhardness and solubility, although chemical elements and morphology were similar in general.

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