Antimicrobial effect and the mechanical and surface properties of a self-disinfecting and a chlorhexidine-incorporated Type IV dental stone.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Stone casts are subject to contamination, but whether disinfectants incorporated into the stone are effective is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and the mechanical and surface properties of self-disinfecting gypsum (SDG) and gypsum mixed with 2% chlorhexidine (GCHX). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Antimicrobial action was evaluated using the diffusion-disk technique on Streptococcus aureus and Candida albicans 1 hour and 24 hours after pouring the gypsum. The groups were SDG, GCHX, a positive control (PC) of gypsum mixed with distilled water, and a negative control (NC) of filter paper disk soaked with 2% chlorhexidine; n=8. Inhibition halos were measured using the ImageJ software program and statistically analyzed using the repeated measures mixed ANOVA with time×group interaction. Compressive strength (CS) in MPa and surface roughness (SR) in µm (parameters: Ra - roughness average; and Sa - 3-dimensional (3D) arithmetic mean of the surface profile) tests were performed to characterize the specimens (evaluated groups: SDG, GCHX, and PC; n=10). CS data were analyzed by a 2-way ANOVA with time×group interaction, and SR data by a 1-way ANOVA (α=.05). RESULTS: For S aureus, there were differences between GCHX and SDG at 1 hour and 24 hours (P<.05), but no significant differences were found for C albicans (P>.05). GCHX was better than PC, except for C albicans, and showed a reduction in CS when compared with PC and SDG (P<.05) at all time intervals. The SR of GCHX increased (Ra:1.76, Sa:2.08) when compared with PC (Ra:0.89, Sa:1.12) and SDG (Ra:1.03, Sa:1.35) (Ra: P<.004 and Sa: P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The antimicrobial activity of GCHX against S aureus was better than that of SDG, but neither had an effect against C albicans. As for CS and SR, GCHX presented a decrease in properties when compared with PC and SDG but was within the American Dental Association #25 specification values.

Impact of COVID-19 on dental practice and anxiety among increased risk group dentists: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The likelihood of infection with SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) in the dental office is considered high. OBJECTIVES: Assessing the impact of the COVID-19 on dental practices and anxiety levels in risk group Brazilian dentists. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed using an online questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed using the IBM SPSS 25.0 software (Pearson's Chi-square association test, multivariate logistic regression, and Poisson multiple regression), with subsequent calculation of the odds ratio at a 95% confidence interval, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Responses of 578 dentists distributed in all regions of Brazil were collected. Most of the dentists were female, with an average age of 35. Of the participants, 23.4% were part of the increased risk group for COVID-19. The professionals who belonged to the increased risk group had a greater chance of not feeling prepared to perform consultations (OR = 1.67) and were not performing any procedures during the pandemic (OR = 2.03). Belonging to the increased risk group did not influence anxiety levels among the dentists. The factors associated with increased anxiety were being female, being younger, working in the southeastern region of the country, being afraid of contracting COVID-19 while working, and being concerned for one's professional future. CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic has had a negative impact on the professional practice of individuals at risk, but the level of anxiety was like professionals who were not part of the increased risk group for COVID-19.

Effect of the incorporation of silica blow spun nanofibers containing silver nanoparticles (SiO2/Ag) on the mechanical, physicochemical, and biological properties of a low-viscosity bulk-fill composite resin.

OBJECTIVE: This work aimed at producing silica-blow-spun nanofibers containing silver nanoparticles (SiO2/Ag) and investigating the effect of their incorporation in different proportions, with or without pre-treatment with a silane coupling agent, on the mechanical, physicochemical, and biological properties of a commercial composite low-viscosity bulk-fill resin. METHODS: The production of SiO2/Ag nanofibers was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). A portion of the produced nanofibers was silanized. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle measurements, and agar diffusion tests against Streptococcus mutans were used to verify the differences between silanized and non-silanized nanofibers. Different proportions (0.5 wt% and 1 wt%) of silanized (SiO2/Ag-0.5S and SiO2/Ag-1S) and non-silanized (SiO2/Ag-0.5NS and SiO2/Ag-1NS) nanofibers were incorporated into the bulk-fill composite (Opus Bulk Fill Flow, FGM). A commercial composite was used as the control. Evaluation of the color parameters (L*, a*, and b*), radiopacity, contact angle, antimicrobial activity, Vickers microhardness, surface roughness (Sa and Sq), flexural strength, and SEM of the fractured surfaces were performed. The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test (fiber morphology), Kruskal-Wallis tests, with Dunn's post hoc test (antimicrobial activity of the specimen against S. mutans), Student's t-test (disk diffusion), one-way ANOVA and Tukey (color, radiopacity, and contact angle), and two-way ANOVA and Tukey (microhardness, surface roughness, and flexural strength) tests. All statistical analyses were performed at a significance level of 1% (α = 0.01). RESULTS: Porous nanometric SiO2/Ag fibers were successfully produced. The silanization process, confirmed by FTIR, increased the diameter and contact angle and reduced the growth inhibition halos of the nanofibers (p < 0.01). After the incorporation of nanofibers into the dental composite, all color parameters were altered in all the experimental groups (p < 0.01). All the groups presented adequate radiopacity values. No statistical difference was observed in the contact angles of the experimental composites (p > 0.01). The lowest microbial counts were obtained in the SiO2/Ag-0.5S group; although no significant difference was observed with the control group (p < 0.01). The SiO2/Ag-1S, SiO2/Ag-0.5S, and SiO2/Ag-0.5NS groups exhibited higher microhardness after 30 d of immersion in water (p < 0.01). The surface roughness (Sa-µm) resembled that of the control at baseline, except for the SiO2/Ag-1NS group. For the baseline evaluation of flexural strength, all the experimental groups exhibited lower values than the control, except for SiO2/Ag-0.5NS and SiO2/Ag-0.5S, but after 30 d of immersion in water, there was no difference (p < 0.01). SIGNIFICANCE: The incorporation of 0.5% wt. of silanized nanofibers in the commercial composite (SiO2/Ag-0.5S) seemed to be promising, especially for its greater inhibition of S. mutans, adequate roughness, and flexural strength, in addition to high hardness, even after aging in water.

Efficacy of essential oil of cinnamon for the treatment of oral candidiasis: A randomized trial.

AIM: It was analyzed the efficacy of mouthwash and spray containing essential oil (EO) of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume for the treatment of oral candidiasis. METHODS AND RESULTS: A randomized, controlled, and blinded clinical trial was conducted with 36 individuals (probabilistic sample) with oral candidiasis who were divided into two treatment groups: C. zeylanicum (0.5 mg/mL), n = 18; nystatin (100,000IU/mL), n = 18. The efficacy of the products was evaluated by two parameters: (a) clinical evolution recorded by calibrated examiners (Kappa = 0.822) according to Newton's classification and (b) reduction of colony-forming units/mL. Mycological and clinical parameters were analyzed before and at 15 days after treatment. Clinical examination of the mucosa showed that C. zeylanicum (p < 0.0339) and nystatin (p < .0139) had efficacy, resulting in a reduction of signs and symptoms (Mann-Whitney test). Mycological analysis showed that C. zeylanicum caused a reduction of 61% and 33% of Candida spp., isolates oral mucosa and dentures, respectively. Candida tropicalis strains were eliminated after C. zeylanicum, in both sites. The participants reported a pleasant taste and few product-related complaints. CONCLUSION: C. zeylanicum EO and nystatin exhibited clinical efficacy, according to the Newton classification, and reducing in Candida spp. The clinical trial has been registered (Registration number: NBR-33s6 × 5, ensaiosclinicos.gov.br).

Effectiveness of Core-Shell Nanofibers Incorporating Amphotericin B by Solution Blow Spinning Against Leishmania and Candida Species.

The aim of this study was to develop polymeric nanofibers for controlled administration of Amphotericin B (AmpB), using the solution centrifugation technique, characterizing its microstructural and physical properties, release rate, and activity against Leishmania and Candida species. The core-shell nanofibers incorporated with AmpB were synthesized by Solution Blow Spinning (SBS) and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry, X-Ray diffraction, and drug release assay. In vitro leishmanicidal and antifungal activity were also evaluated. Fibrous membranes with uniform morphology and smooth surfaces were produced. The intensity of the diffraction peaks becomes slightly more pronounced, assuming the increased crystallization in PLA/PEG at high AmpB loadings. Drug release occurred and the solutions with nanofibers to encourage greater incorporation of AmpB showed a higher concentration. In the results of the experiment with promastigotes, the wells treated with nanofibers containing concentrations of AmpB at 0.25, 0.5, and 1%, did not have any viable cells, similar to the positive control. Various concentrations of AmpB improved the inhibition of fungal growth. The delivery system based on PLA/PEG nanofibers was properly developed for AmpB, presenting a controlled release and a successful encapsulation, as well as antifungal and antileishmanial activity.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Oral Repercussions and its Possible Impact on Oral Health

Abstract Many viral infections cause oral manifestations, including disorders in odontogenesis, resulting in dental malformations. In this review, based on current knowledge, we will discuss the likely dental and oral consequences of COVID-19. In this article, we review currently available data associated with vertical transmission of COVID-19 and odontogenesis, oral manifestations, and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on a diagnosis of oral diseases. Owing to the severity of the pandemic, the population's anxiety and fear of becoming infected with COVID-19 may underestimate the signs and symptoms of serious illnesses, besides discourage patients from seeking health, medical or dental services to determine the diagnosis of oral lesions. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic could be an additional and aggravating factor for the delay of serious illness diagnosis, such as oral squamous cell carcinoma resulting in higher morbidity and worse prognosis. Several changes and oral lesions have been described as oral manifestations of COVID-19, such as dysgeusia, oral ulcers, petechiae, reddish macules, desquamative gingivitis, among others. Besides, it can cause major systemic changes and predispose opportunistic infections. As with other viral infections, oral manifestations, including dental anomalies, can occur as a direct result of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, further studies are needed to guide and clarify possible oral changes.

Antifungal activity and Shore A hardness of a tissue conditioner incorporated with terpinen-4-ol and cinnamaldehyde.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the anti-Candida activity and the Shore A hardness of a tissue conditioner (Softone™) modified by incorporation of terpinen-4-ol and cinnamaldehyde. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Agar diffusion, microdilution, and mechanism of action methods were performed to determine to evaluate the antifungal activity of phytoconstituents. Then, phytoconstituents in varying concentrations were incorporated into the tissue conditioner. The anti-Candida effect of the modified conditioner was evaluated through agar punch well and biofilm formation methods. Shore A hardness of the experimental liners was evaluated after baseline, 24 h, 48 h, 4 days, and 7 days immersion on artificial saliva. RESULTS: The phytoconstituents incorporated into Softone showed completely inhibited fungal growth in concentrations of 20-40% and did not present significant antifungal activity until their concentrations where higher than 5%. There were differences between non-modified Softone and M5, M10, C10, and T10% (p < 0.05). The groups containing 10-40% of cinnamaldehyde incorporated into Softone were able to completely inhibit the biofilm. Concentrations below 40% of terpinen-4-ol showed unsatisfactory biofilm inhibition. The T40% and C40% groups presented the lowest Shore A hardness values. Hardness values from groups T40% at 7 days (p = 0.476); C40% at 4 days (p = 0.058); and T20% (p = 0.058), C20% (p = 0.205), T30% (p = 0.154), and C30% (p = 0.874) after 48 h did not differ from the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Cinnamaldehyde incorporated into Softone inhibited Candida biofilm formation at concentrations of 10-40%, being more effective than terpinen-4-ol modification despite of halo inhibition observed by both products. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: All modifications showed a very similar pattern of hardness being useful for clinical practice.

Candida on oral cavity of pediatric individuals with ALL and its susceptibility to nystatin and amphotericin B / Candida na cavidade oral de indivíduos pediátricos com LLA e sua susceptibilidade à nistatina e à anfotericina B

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Candida colonizationon oral cavity of pediatric individuals with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and its susceptibility/resistance to nystatin and amphotericin B. Methods: This was a cross sectional study with observational, descriptive and analytic approach. Saliva was collected from40 individuals diagnosed with ALL and from40 healthy subjects, as a comparative group, matched by age and gender with ALL group. The mean age for both groups were 8 years-old. The isolation and identification of the Candidaspecies were performed using the CHROMagarCandidaTM and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. The samples were subjected to antifungal susceptibility by microdilution assay for nystatin and amphotericin B. Salivary alterations and chemotherapy-induced oralmucositis were evaluated using modifiedOral Assessment Guide. Results: The positivity to Candida was higher inALL individuals (32.5%,13/40)than in a comparative group(2.5%, 1/40) (p<0.001). Candida albicans was the most prevalent strain (86.6%). The mucositis was directly associated with positive Candidacolonization (p=0.017) in the ALL group but not related with salivary alterations (p= 0.479). Six strains of C. albicans (54.5%), on ALL group, were resistant to nystatin and all strains were not susceptible to amphotericin B. Conclusion: Candida colonization was associated with ALL condition and with oral mucositis in these individuals. C. albicans was the prevalent strain and most samples were resistant to antifungal agents tested, nystatin and amphotericin B.

RESUMO Objetivo: o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência e colonização de Candida na cavidade oral de indivíduos pediátricos com leucemia linfocítica aguda (LLA) e sua susceptibilidade/resistência à nistatina e à anfotericina B. Métodos: estudo transversal observacional com abordagem descritiva e analítica. A saliva foi coletada de 40 indivíduos diagnosticados com LLA e de 40 indivíduos saudáveis, como grupo comparativo, combinados por idade e sexo com o grupo LLA. A idade média para ambos os grupos foi de 8 anos de idade. O isolamento e a identificação das espécies de Candida foram realizados utilizando o CHROMagarCandidaTM e confirmados pela reação em cadeia da polimerase. As amostras foram submetidas a susceptibilidade antifúngica por meio de ensaio de microdiluição para nistatina e anfotericina B. As alterações salivares e a mucosite oral induzida por quimioterapia foram avaliadas utilizando o Guia de avaliação modificada. Resultados: A positividade para Candida foi superior aos indivíduos in situ (32,5%, 13/40) do que em um grupo comparativo (2,5%, 1/40) (p <0,001). Candida albicans foi a cepa mais prevalente (86,6%). A mucosite foi diretamente associada à colonização positive por Candida (p = 0,017) no grupo LLA, mas não relacionada com alterações salivares (p = 0,479). Seis estirpes de C. albicans (54,5%), no grupo LLA, eram resistentes à nistatina e todas as cepas não eram suscetíveis à anfotericina B. Conclusão: A colonização por Candida foi associada à condição LLA e à mucosite oral nesses indivíduos. C. albicans era a cepa predominante e a maioria das amostras eram resistentes aos agentes antifúngicos testados, nistatina e anfotericina B.

Multidisciplinaridade no cuidado e atenção à saúde bucal do idoso / Multidisciplinarity in the care and attention for the oral health of elderly individuals

Este artigo tem como objetivo revisar a literatura acerca da importância da equipe multidisciplinar no cuidado e atenção à saúde bucal do idoso. Foram realizadas buscas bibliográfi cas nas seguintes bases de dados: Bireme, SciELO, LILACS, PubMed e MedLine utilizando os seguintes descritores: "Odontologia geriátrica", "Assistência integral à saúde do idoso" e "Reabilitação bucal", assim como os respectivos termos em inglês: "Geriatric dentistry", "Comprehensive health care" e "Mouth reabilitation". Foram incluídos artigos científicos em inglês e português, bem como documentos de entidades públicas nacionais e internacionais, publicados entre 2000 e 2016. Foram excluídas as teses, dissertações e estudos que não abordavam a temática principal da presente pesquisa. Como resultado, a partir da revisão de literatura realizada, verificou-se que os idosos fazem parte de um grupo populacional que apresenta, frequentemente, alterações fisiológicas e patológicas diversas, tanto relacionadas à saúde geral como à saúde bucal, podendo estar associadas ao uso crônico de medicamentos, aos hábitos de alimentação e higiene e à própria motivação do paciente. Portanto, conclui-se ser necessária uma abordagem multidisciplinar em todas as fases de atendimento do idoso, desde o diagnóstico precoce, assim como durante o planejamento e tratamento integrado, para contribuir na melhoria de sua qualidade de vida.

To review the literature about the importance of multidisciplinary teams in the care and attention for the oral health of elderly people. The following databases were searched: Bireme, SciELO, LILACS, PubMed and MedLine, using specific keywords: "Geriatric dentistry", "Comprehensive health care" and "Mouth rehabilitation". Scientific articles both in English and Portuguese were included, and documents of national and international public entities, published between 2000 and 2016. Theses, dissertations and studies that did not address the main topic of this research were excluded. From the literature review, it was verified that the elderly represent a population group that often presents a high level of physiological and pathological alterations, both related to general health and oral health, and may be associated to the chronic use of medications, dietary and hygiene habits, and the patient's own motivation. A multidisciplinary approach is required in all stages of care for elderly patients, from early diagnosis to an integrated planning and treatment, contributing to the improvement of their quality of life.

Participação do Projeto de Extensão SaBuComu na Formação de Graduandos da Área da Saúde / Participation of the SaBuComu Extension Project on the Formation of Undergraduate Health Students

Construir um perfil quantitativo da participação dosextensionistas e avaliar o impacto do SaBuComu na formaçãoem saúde com ênfase nas percepções sobre humanização,cidadania, habilidades de organização e protagonismoestudantil. Metodologia: Utilizou-se uma abordagem indutiva,com procedimento histórico e técnica documental por meiode diários de campo e de questionário com perguntas abertas.Resultados: Observou-se nos diários de campo (n=45) que asfrequências dos registros e o número de atividades registradasvariaram, respectivamente, de 25-108 e de 21-99 porextensionista, predominando os relatos de reuniões (22,0). Asatividades registradas com maior frequência foram: campanhasde vacinação contra hepatite B (13,0%), desenhos e pinturas(9,0%) e corte e colagem (7,7%). Os tipos de participaçãomais observados foram: interação com crianças (19,3%),explicação sobre o tema abordado na atividade (16,8%) edivulgação da campanha de vacinação contra hepatite B(10,7%). Os problemas abordados mais frequentemente foram:problemas de saúde (9,5%), descontrole das crianças (9,1%) ebriga entre crianças (7,0%). Entre os 273 problemas registrados,48,7% não apresentou registro de solução. A partir dosquestionários (n=6), verificou-se que o projeto contribui paraampliar o conceito de saúde, formar profissionais maishumanizados, incentivar a participação em pesquisascientíficas e desenvolver a autonomia estudantil. Conclusão:Houve variação no número de registros por extensionista, assimcomo uma diversidade dos tipos de atividades e de participaçãonas mesmas, além da pluralidade dos problemas encontrados.O projeto contribui na formação em saúde, modificando apercepção de conceitos e realidades por meio de vivências.Há o incentivo à pesquisa científica, entretanto algunsextensionistas relataram dificuldades em desenvolver aautonomia no projeto...

To outline a quantitative profile of the studentsparticipating of SaBuComu extension project and evaluate itsimpact on health training focused on humanization, citizenshipvalues, organizational skills and student leadership. Materialand Methods: This study used an inductive approach, withhistorical procedure and documentary technique by means offield diaries and questionnaires with open questions. Results:According to the field diaries (n=45), the frequencies of recordsand the number of registered activities of each student rangedbetween 25-108 and 21-99, respectively. There was apredominance of reports about the meetings (22). The mostfrequently reported activities were: vaccination campaignsagainst hepatitis B (13.0%), drawings and paintings (9.0%),and collages (7.7%). The most frequent types of participationincluded interaction with children (19.3%), explanation on thetopics addressed in the activities (16.8%) and advertising ofthe hepatitis B vaccination campaign (10.7%). The problemsaddressed more often were: health issues (9.5%), uncontrolledchildren (9.1%) and fight among children (7.0%). Among the273 registered issues, 48.7% remained unsolved. Based onthe questionnaires (n = 6), it was found that the projectcontributes to extend the concept of health, form more humaneprofessionals, encourage participation in scientific research,and develop student autonomy. Conclusion: There was avariation in the number of records by each student, as well asa diversity of types of activities and participation beyond theplurality of the problems found. The project contributes tohealth education, changing the perception of concepts andrealities through experiences. It is reported to encourage theinvolvement of students in scientific research, although someof them reported difficulties in developing autonomy in theproject...