Sleep duration and quality during the COVID-19 pandemic and the association with physical activity and screen time among Brazilian college students.

BACKGROUND: As a result of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in sleep patterns have been observed in many countries, as well as changes in physical activity and screen time. The objective was to investigate sleep duration and quality during the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with physical activity and screen time. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with students from a University in Rio de Janeiro who answered an online questionnaire between August 2020 and March 2021. Physical activity was assessed using IPAQ-SF. Sleep was investigated based on questions about duration and sleep quality change, and screen time through self-reported questions. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to assess the association between physical activity and screen time with sleep duration and quality. Secondary analyses investigated the influence of the isolation time on this association. The confounding factors used were diagnosis of COVID-19, time of isolation, anxiety, depression, skin color, and gender. RESULTS: A total of 771 college students with a mean age of 24.5 years (±8.6) answered the questionnaire. About 75% reported more than 8 h of screen time per day and 49.8% were physically inactive. Regarding sleep, 54.9% had worsening sleep, while 40.6% had inadequate sleep duration during the pandemic. Physical activity was associated with improved sleep quality (Odds ratio (OR) 1.72; confidence interval (95% CI) 1.05-2.97). Also, physically active students who spent more than 14 weeks in social isolation demonstrated improved sleep quality (OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.02-3.78) compared to physically inactive individuals. No association was observed for sleep duration. No association was observed between screen time and sleep quality, or sleep duration. CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was considerable worsening of sleep quality, and physical activity was positively associated with improved sleep quality.

Rosacea Topical Treatment and Care: From Traditional to New Drug Delivery Systems.

Rosacea is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory dermatosis characterized by flushing, nontransient erythema, papules and pustules, telangiectasia, and phymatous alterations accompanied by itching, burning, or stinging, the pathophysiology of which is not yet fully understood. Conventional topical treatments usually show limited efficacy due to the physical barrier property of the skin that hinders skin penetration of the active ingredients, thereby hampering proper drug skin delivery and the respective therapeutic or cosmetic effects. New advances regarding the physiopathological understanding of the disease and the underlying mechanisms suggest the potential of new active ingredients as promising therapeutic and cosmetic approaches to this dermatosis. Additionally, the development of new drug delivery systems for skin delivery, particularly the potential of nanoparticles for the topical treatment and care of rosacea, has been described. Emphasis has been placed on their reduced nanometric size, which contributes to a significant improvement in the attainment of targeted skin drug delivery. In addition to the exposition of the known pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and preventive measures, this Review covers the topical approaches used in the control of rosacea, including skin care, cosmetics, and topical therapies, as well as the future perspectives on these strategies.

Association of Physical Activity With Maximal and Submaximal Tests of Exercise Capacity in Middle- and Older-Aged Adults.

Although physical activity (PA) is an important determinant of exercise capacity, the association between these constructs is modest. The authors investigated the associations of self-reported and objectively measured PA with maximal and submaximal tests of exercise capacity. Participants aged ≥40 years (N = 413; 49.6% female) completed a PA questionnaire, wore a uniaxial accelerometer (5.2 ± 1.1 days), and performed maximal (cardiopulmonary exercise test [CPET]) and submaximal (long-distance corridor walk) tests with indirect calorimetry (oxygen consumption, V˙O2). Linear regression models were fitted to assess the variation in exercise capacity explained (partial eta squared, η2) by PA variables. Accelerometer-measured vigorous (η2 = 22% female; η2 = 16% male) and total PA (η2 = 17% female; η2 = 13% male) explained the most variance in CPET V˙O2 (p < .001). All η2 values were lower for long-distance corridor walk V˙O2 (η2 ≤ 11%). Age contributed more to CPET V˙O2 than any PA variable in males (η2 = 32%), but not in females (η2 = 19%). Vigorous and total PA play important roles in CPET V˙O2 in mid to late life.

Effectiveness of a school-based randomized controlled trial aimed at increasing physical activity time in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of obesity prevention educational activities, isolated or combined with the modification of the school environment on total physical activity time. METHODS: This is a school-based randomized controlled trial, conducted with 2511 students from fifth and sixth-grade in Brazil, that employed a parallel, three-group experimental arms: control group (CG), PAAPPAS group (PG) and PAAPPAS-environment group (PEG). During the 2016 school year, the PG received educational activities in the classroom, providing a general basis for a healthy lifestyle. The PEG received the same educational activities and also modifications in the school environment to stimulate physical activity practice during one month. Physical activity was evaluated through a validated physical activity questionnaire. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed to evaluate the rate of change of physical activity time between groups using PROC GENMOD procedure. All analyses were performed using SAS. RESULTS: Total physical activity time increased by 22% in PEG compared with CG (P = 0.003). No difference was observed between PEG and PG (Δ = 60.20 vs. 36.37, respectively; P = 0.27) and between PG and CG (Δ = 36.37 vs. 9.70, respectively; P = 0.23). The proportion of individuals who attended at least 150 min week-1 of physical activity increased in PEG compared with PG (P = 0.04); however, no difference was observed between PEG and CG (P = 0.19) and between PG and CG (P = 0.26). For 300 min week-1, no difference was observed between groups. CONCLUSION: A school-based multi-component intervention including modification of the school environment was effective for increasing physical activity time among adolescents.

Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of orthodontic bands with or without silver soldered joints.

Stainless steel bands, with or without silver soldered joints, are routinely used in orthodontics. However, little is known about the toxic biological effects of these appliances. The aims of this study were to evaluate the cytotoxic, cytostatic, genotoxic and DNA damage-inducing effects of non-soldered bands (NSB) and silver soldered bands (SSB) on the HepG2 and HOK cell lines and to quantify the amount of ions released by the bands. The 24-h metallic eluates of NSBs and SSBs were quantified by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. An MTT reduction assay was performed to evaluate the cytotoxicity, alkaline and modified comet assays were employed to measure genotoxicity and oxidative DNA damage effects, and cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMN-Cyt) assays were used to verify DNA damage, cytostasis and cytotoxicity. Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn were detected in SSB medium samples, and Fe and Ni were detected in both the SSB and NSB medium samples. The SSB group induced stronger cytotoxic effects than the NSB group in both evaluated cell lines. NSB and SSB induced genotoxicity as evaluated by comet assays; stronger effects were observed in the SSB group. Both groups induced similar increases in the number of oxidative DNA lesions, as detected by the FPG and Endo III enzymes. Nucleoplasmic bridges, biomarkers of DNA misrepair and/or telomere end fusions, were significantly elevated in the SSB group. The SSB eluates showed higher amounts of Ni and Fe than NSB, and all the quantified ions were detected in SSB eluates, including Cd. The SSB eluates were more cytotoxic and genotoxic than the NSB samples. Based on these results, we propose that other brands, materials and techniques should be further investigated for the future manufacture of orthodontic appliances.

Chagas heart disease is associated with decreased physical activity levels: A cross-sectional analysis.

Background: Studies evaluating physical activity (PA) levels in individuals with Chagas disease (CD) are still scarce. The present study aimed to evaluate PA levels in CD individuals and examine their association with Chagas heart disease (ChHD). Methods: We included patients with CD regularly followed in a reference center for treatment of infectious diseases. PA levels were assessed using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). ChHD was determined following the Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease. The association between ChHD and levels of PA (total, walking, moderate, and vigorous) as a continuous variable was fitted using generalized linear models. Logistic regression models were fitted to evaluate the association between ChHD and meeting WHO's PA recommendations. Results: Among the 361 participants included in the analysis (60.7 ± 10.7 years; 56.2 % women), 58.1 % (n = 210) complied with the WHO's PA recommendations. After adjustments for potential confounders, regression analyses revealed that ChHD without heart failure was significantly associated with reduced vigorous PA (Exp ß 0.32 95 % CI 0.10 to 0.98). ChHD with heart failure had significantly lower levels of total (Exp ß 0.61 95 % CI 0.44 to 0.84) and moderate (Exp ß 0.59 95 % CI 0.39 to 0.89) PA. ChHD with heart failure had a lower odd of meeting the PA recommendation in comparison to those with no cardiac involvement (OR 0.48 95 % CI 0.24 to 0.97). Conclusions: We found low levels of PA among individuals with CD. Presence of ChHD (mainly with HF) was associated with decreased levels of PA.

Corrigendum: Home-based exercise program in the indeterminate form of Chagas disease (PEDI-CHAGAS study): a study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1087188.].

Trends in the interest in COVID-19 news of the local media and their readers: The case of Spain.

The COVID-19 has caused not just an unprecedented sanitary crisis but a social crisis, which has affected, among many other fields, the local journalism, which had to adapt to meet the public's information needs about coronavirus. In this study we analyzed the evolution of local news about COVID-19 in Spain throughout the pandemic by examining local news articles in social media. Using a unique dataset of over 230k Facebook posts published by Spanish local media organizations during 2020 and 2021, we found evidence that the interest of local media in COVID-19, measured as the proportion of the news related to COVID-19, changed as the pandemic evolved. Our results also show that the interest that local media readers had in COVID-19, measured as the proportion Facebook interactions related to COVID-19, was even higher, and also evolved during the pandemic. Although the interest in COVID-19 of local media and their readers essentially progressed in parallel, we also identified some periods in which they behaved differently. While a fatigue with COVID-19 related news would be expected after 2 years of pandemic, a clear decrease of interest was not observed neither in journalists nor in readers.

Ion release and surface roughness of silver soldered bands with two different polishing methods: An in-vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surface roughness and ion release of silver-soldered joints by using two polishing methods. METHODS: 174 orthodontic bands with and without silver-soldered joints were evaluated and divided into three groups: two experimental, with different polishing methods (SP1 and SP2), and one control (SS) composed of bands without silver solder. For ionic release, 50 bands of each group were immersed in saline solution and submitted to atomic absorption spectrophotometry to quantify the amount of Fe, Ni, Cr (in all the three groups), Ag, Cu, Cd, and Zn (in the two experimental groups). A rugosimeter was employed to verify the surface roughness. RESULTS: Ni and Cr were released in higher amounts after soldering. Cd, Ag, Zn, and Cu may be released from silver-soldered bands independently of the polishing method employed. Ag was released in higher amounts from the soldered bands that presented higher surface roughness. CONCLUSIONS: Differences exist in relation to the surface roughness of silver-soldered bands when distinct polishing methods are used. Toxic ions may be released from silver soldered joints and higher surface roughness may cause higher ionic release.

The effects of laser procedure in symptomatic patients with haemorrhoids: A systematic review.

Purpose: Haemorrhoids are normal structures in the human body, only seen as pathological when symptomatic. Nowadays, new techniques have surfaced using a diode laser which, after locating the target arteries, blocks the blood flow while hitting and shrinking the local mucosa/submucosa at a depth of 4 mm. Our work aimed to give a broad view over this new technique and its consequences in the post-operative follow-up with a systematic review. Methods: EMBASE and MEDLINE databases were consulted, retrieving clinical trials, which mentioned the use of 980 nm diode laser on the treatment of haemorrhoids. Results: Ten clinical trials analyzing the post-operative effects of laser haemorrhoidectomy were selected, including 2 randomized controlled clinical trials and 1 controlled clinical trial. The overall quality of the trials was low, indicating a high risk of bias. Conclusion: The laser haemorrhoidectomy procedure revealed a high therapeutic potential, considering the reduced number of postoperative complaints (bleeding/pain), the high symptom resolution and the reduced recurrence, albeit the high heterogeneity between the studies in terms of reported results. Future investigations with higher quality and controlled double-blinded studies obtaining better-categorized results should be conducted in order to better evaluate this procedure and compare it to the current paradigm.

Association of non-chronic low back pain with physical function, endurance, fatigability, and quality of life in middle- and older-aged adults: Findings from Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.

Low back pain (LBP) is an important condition associated with high healthcare burden. However, the relationship of this condition with physical function (PF) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remains unclear. This is a cross-sectional study that aims to investigate the association between presence and intensity of non-chronic LBP with PF and HRQoL in middle-and older-aged adults. Participants answered questions about presence and intensity of LBP in the previous year, self-reported their PF and HRQoL (SF-12), and underwent objective measures of PF ([ExSPPB] including usual gait speed, narrow walk, chair stands, and standing balance), endurance performance ([EP] long-distance corridor walk) and fatigability. Generalized linear models and logistic regression models were performed. A total of 1500 participants (52.5% women, 70.3% white) aged 69.0 (SD 13.1) years were included. Of those, 642 (42.8%) reported LBP and the mean pain intensity was 4.1 (SD 2.2). After adjustments for potential confounders, presence of LBP was associated with lower self-reported PF (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.27 to 2.37), lower physical component of HRQoL (ß -0.03, 95% CI -0.04 to -0.02) and poorer chair stand performance (ß -0.05, 95% CI -0.09 to -0.008). Higher intensity of LBP was associated with lower physical component of HRQoL (ß -0.01, 95% CI -0.02 to -0.007), poorer ExSPPB performance (ß -0.01, 95% CI -0.02 to -0.004), slower usual gait speed (ß -0.01, 95% CI -0.02 to -0.004), lower total standing balance time (ß -0.01, 95% CI -0.02 to -0.001) and higher fatigability (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.25). The presence of non-chronic LBP was more consistently associated with lower self-reported PF, while higher intensity non-chronic LBP was associated with poorer objectively measured PF and fatigability. Collectively, this evidence suggests that although presence of pain may affect perception of function, greater pain intensity appears more strongly associated with unfavorable functional performance in mid-to-late life.

Home-based exercise program in the indeterminate form of Chagas disease (PEDI-CHAGAS study): A study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected endemic disease with worldwide impact due to migration. Approximately 50-70% of individuals in the chronic phase of CD present the indeterminate form, characterized by parasitological and/or serological evidence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, but without clinical signs and symptoms. Subclinical abnormalities have been reported in indeterminate form of CD, including pro-inflammatory states and alterations in cardiac function, biomarkers and autonomic modulation. Moreover, individuals with CD are usually impacted on their personal and professional life, making social insertion difficult and impacting their mental health and quality of life (QoL). Physical exercise has been acknowledged as an important strategy to prevent and control numerous chronic-degenerative diseases, but unexplored in individuals with the indeterminate form of CD. The PEDI-CHAGAS study (which stands for "Home-Based Exercise Program in the Indeterminate Form of Chagas Disease" in Portuguese) aims to evaluate the effects of a home-based exercise program on physical and mental health outcomes in individuals with indeterminate form of CD. Methods and design: The PEDI-CHAGAS is a two-arm (exercise and control) phase 3 superiority randomized clinical trial including patients with indeterminate form of CD. The exclusion criteria are <18 years old, evidence of non-Chagasic cardiomyopathy, musculoskeletal or cognitive limitations that preclude the realization of exercise protocol, clinical contraindication for regular exercise, and regular physical exercise (≥1 × per week). Participants will be assessed at baseline, and after three and 6 months of follow-up. The primary outcome will be QoL. Secondary outcomes will include blood pressure, physical fitness components, nutritional status, fatigability, autonomic modulation, cardiac morphology and function, low back pain, depression and anxiety, stress, sleep quality, medication use and adherence, and biochemical, inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers. Participants in the intervention group will undergo a home-based exercise program whilst those in the control group will receive only general information regarding the benefits of physical activity. Both groups will receive the same general nutritional counseling consisting of general orientations about healthy diets. Conclusion: The findings from the present study may support public health intervention strategies to improve physical and mental health parameters to be implemented more effectively in this population. Clinical trial registration: [https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-10yxgcr9/], identifier [U1111-1263-0153].

Encephalitis: A rare complication of mediterranean spotted fever.

Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is an emerging zoonosis caused by Rickettsia conorii. The MSF typically presents with a triad of fever, generalized cutaneous rash and inoculation eschar, but its clinical spectrum may range from a mild febrile illness to a potentially life-threatening condition, being central nervous system involvement highly rare. We report the clinical case of a 63-year-old male patient with MSF complicated by acute encephalitis and multi-organic failure.

Functional capacity and rehabilitation strategies in Covid-19 patients: current knowledge and challenges.

Covid-19 is a novel infectious disease whose spectrum of presentation ranges from absence of symptoms to widespread interstitial pneumonia associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), leading to significant mortality. Given the systemic pattern of Covid-19, there are many factors that can influence patient's functional capacity after acute infection and the identification of such factors can contribute to the development of specific rehabilitation strategies. Pulmonary impairment is the primary cause of hospitalization due to Covid-19, and can progress to SARS as well as increase length of hospitalization. Moreover, cardiac involvement is observed in approximately 30% of hospitalized patients, with an increased risk of acute myocarditis, myocardial injury, and heart failure, which may compromise functional capacity in the long-term. Thromboembolic complications have also been reported in some patients with Covid-19 and are associated with a poor prognosis. Musculoskeletal complications may result from long periods of hospitalization and immobility, and can include fatigue, muscle weakness and polyneuropathy. Studies that address the functional capacity of patients after Covid-19 infection are still scarce. However, based on knowledge from the multiple systemic complications associated with Covid-19, it is reasonable to suggest that most patients, especially those who underwent prolonged hospitalization, will need a multiprofessional rehabilitation program. Further studies are needed to evaluate the functional impact and the rehabilitation strategies for patients affected by Covid-19.

Real-world analysis of acute decompensated heart failure outcomes in Portugal.

AIMS: In Portugal, in the last 5 years, no study has published recent data regarding outcomes of patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). We aimed to determine the characteristics and outcomes of a large contemporaneous Portuguese cohort of ADHF patients admitted to our emergency department (ED). METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a retrospective, study of all 1024 patients admitted to our ED with a discharge diagnosis of ADHF from November 2016 to December 2017. Baseline clinical data and outcomes {in-hospital, 30 day, and follow-up all-cause mortality, and readmissions; median follow-up, 5 months; interquartile range [(IQR), 3-11 months]} were determined. Mean age was 78 ± 10 years, and 53% were male; of the 1024 patients, 554 (54%) were hospitalized. The median hospitalization length was 9 (IQR, 5-15) days, and in-hospital mortality was 12.7%. Hospitalized patients were predominantly men (56% vs. 47%; P < 0.001), younger (77 ± 9 vs. 79 ± 11 years; P = 0.002) and had higher creatinine values and B-type natriuretic peptide values (P < 0.001) than discharged patients. Patients with prior hospitalization had lower 30 day readmission rate (8% vs. 14%; P = 0.01), same overall readmission rate (30% vs. 32%), and higher 30 day (13% vs. 5%; P < 0.001) and overall mortality rates (28% vs. 15%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of the patients admitted to the ED were hospitalized. Of these, only 8% were readmitted in the ED within 30 days. The clinical and analytical status in the ED are important predictors of hospitalization.

Macitentan in the treatment of severe digital ulcers.

Digital ulcers are one of the earliest and most disabling manifestations of systemic sclerosis (SSc). We report the clinical case of a female patient with SSc and severe digital ulcers, recurrent and refractory to the classic treatments to whom it was prescribed off-label macitentan with complete resolution of the condition.

Ischemic stroke in patients previously anticoagulated for non-valvular atrial fibrillation: Why does it happen? / Acidente vascular cerebral isquémico em doentes previamente anticoagulados por fibrilhação auricular não valvular: por que acontece?

INTRODUCTION: Oral anticoagulants have proved to be highly effective in preventing atrial fibrillation (AF)-related strokes. The occurrence of stroke despite oral anticoagulation is unexpected and little is known about the mechanisms responsible. The aim of this study was to assess possible mechanisms for stroke occurrence, such as poor treatment adherence and inappropriate dosage, in patients chronically anticoagulated for AF. METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study of 60 consecutive patients with non-valvular AF, chronically medicated with an oral anticoagulant and admitted due to ischemic stroke. Treatment adherence was assessed through the Brief Medication Questionnaire (BMQ) and the Medição da Adesão ao Tratamento (MAT) scales. Patient characteristics, stroke etiology, and appropriacy of anticoagulant dosage were also assessed. RESULTS: Patients' mean age was 78.6±8.0 years, and 51.7% were male. Overall, the proportion of patients with good adherence to anticoagulants was 63.3%. Adherent patients were more frequently illiterate (26.3% vs. 4.5%, p=0.012). The proportion of patients under vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) with good treatment adherence was significantly higher than that of patients under novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) (83.3% vs. 54.8%, respectively, for BMQ, p=0.035). However, 91.7% of patients under VKAs presented an admission INR <2. Subtherapeutic prescriptions were found in 43% of patients under NOACs. CONCLUSION: In the majority of patients, stroke occurrence despite chronic anticoagulation appears to be explained by subtherapeutic dosage, poor treatment adherence or non-cardioembolic etiology, and not by inefficacy of the anticoagulants.

Post-prandial hypoglycemia after bariatric surgery: pharmacological treatment with verapamil and acarbose.

Postprandial hypoglycemia is a common complication of bariatric surgery. It is usually caused by late dumping syndrome, but a few other causes have already been described, including insulinoma and noninsulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycemic syndrome (NIPHS). Considering that NIPHS is a recently described syndrome and is also very rare, therapeutic approaches are still not consensual. We report the case of a 26-year-old woman who was submitted to bariatric surgery and presented episodic postprandial hypoglycemic episodes after 16 months. Fasting C-peptide, insulin, and glucose were normal. Because of the possibility of NIPHS, clinical treatment was initiated with verapamil and acarbose, leading to a significant reduction of hypoglycemic episodes and also their severity. Surgery is the most common approach to NIPHS. However, in cases of mild or moderate symptoms, it is important to consider the possibility of pharmacological treatment. This approach may result, at least for some time, in an amelioration of symptoms without the need of an aggressive procedure.

Residual monomer of autopolymerized acrylic resin according to different manipulation and polishing methods. An in situ evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that no difference exists in the in situ levels of residual monomer of an autopolymerized acrylic resin, irrespective of the method of manipulation and polishing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty volunteers received the test specimens. The residual monomer was evaluated by means of gas chromatography using methylethylketone as extraction solvent. The samples of autopolymerized acrylic resin were submitted to two methods of manipulation--mass and addition--as well as to two types of polishing-mechanical and chemical. Four test groups were determined according to manipulation and polishing techniques: mass-mechanical; mass-chemical; addition-mechanical; addition-chemical. The data obtained were analyzed by the Student's t-test for paired samples as well as by analysis of variance. RESULTS: Residual methylmethacrylate was verified in high concentrations in the beginning of the testing as well as 24 hours after the test specimens had been worn. Mechanical polishing was associated with lower levels of residual monomer. The mass-mechanical group showed the lowest values. Mechanical polishing was associated with the lowest levels of residual monomer, and the lowest level of all occurred in mass-mechanical group. CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis is rejected. Variations of residual polymer were associated with variations in the manipulation and polishing, but high concentrations of residual monomer were present in all groups. These concentrations were reduced after 24 hours.

Cytotoxicity of two autopolymerized acrylic resins used in orthodontics.

OBJECTIVE: To test in vitro the null hypothesis that the toxic effect of different acrylic resins used in orthodontics cannot be reduced when a prior elution is performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three established cell lines were used (HeLa, NIH3T3, and Hep2) and cultured under standard conditions. Resin segments were immersed in a culture medium and left to elute for 24 and 48 hours. Cells were exposed to medium containing eluates for 24 or 48 hours. The 3-(4,5 dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2.5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used as the cytotoxicity test. Control cells contained standard medium with no eluate. Analysis of variance and Tukey test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Fibroblastic viability was not affected when the elution time was 24 hours, but treatments showed higher cell viability than controls when the elution time was 48 hours. When left to elute for 24 hours, both resins had a cytotoxic effect on epithelial cells, but this effect was not observed when the elution time was 48 hours. CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis was rejected as both tested materials showed lower cytotoxic effect when treated with 48-hour elutes compared with 24-hour elutes, which indicates that a longer elution time reduces resin toxicity.