The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro the antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] in combination with different vehicles against endodontic pathogens. For such purpose, a broth dilution test was performed. Pastes were prepared with Ca(OH)2 powder and the following vehicles: sterile water, glycerin, camphorated monochlorophenol (CMCP), CMCP + glycerin, polyethyleneglyco...

Long wavelength voltage-sensitive dyes (VSDs) called Pittsburgh (PGH) dyes were recently synthesized by coupling various heterocyclic groups to a styryl-thiophene intermediate forming extended, partially rigid chromophores. Unlike most styryl VSDs, dyes with a sulfonic acid anchor directly attached to the chromophore showed no solvatochromic absorption shifts. The limited water solubility of ma...

BACKGROUND/AIMS Drinking red wine is associated with a decreased mortality from coronary heart diseases. This study examined whether polyphenols contained in a grape skin extract (GSE) triggered the endothelial formation of nitric oxide (NO) and investigated the underlying mechanism. METHODS Vascular reactivity was assessed in organ chambers using porcine coronary artery rings in the presence...

Quantum dots (QD) nanoparticles have been widely used in biomedical and electronics fields, because of their novel optical properties. Consequently it confers enormous potential for human exposure and environmental release. To increase the biocompatibility of QDs, a variety of surface coatings or functional groups are added to increase their bioactivity and water solubility. Human adult low cal...

Excessive inflammation and failed resolution of the inflammatory response are underlying components of numerous conditions such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Hence, therapeutics that dampen inflammation and enhance resolution are of considerable interest. In this study, we demonstrate the proresolving activity of sub-100-nm nanoparticles (NPs) containing the anti-inflammator...

PURPOSE This study was aimed at the synthesis, formulation and in vitro evaluation of folate receptor (FR)-targeted solid-lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) as a carrier for a lipophilic derivative of the photosensitizer hematoporphyrin (Hp), in FR-overexpressing tumor cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS FR-targeted hematoporphyrin-stearylamine (HpSa) SLN composed of Triolein:Egg-phosphatidylcholine (EPC):T...