Association of sociodemographic characteristics, mental health, and sleep quality with COVID-19 fear in an elderly Brazilian population

Aim: This study determined whether COVID-19 fear is correlated with sociodemographic characteristics, general health, mental health, and sleep quality in an elderly Brazilians. Methods: Elderly people aged ≥ 60 years replied to an online survey containing questions about their sociodemographic characteristics; general health; levels of stress, anxiety, and depression; sleep quality; and COVID fear. Results: Data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics (α = 5%). In total, 705 elderly people with mean age of 66 ± 5 years, and most (82.7%) respondents were women, graduated and from southeastern Brazil. COVID-19 fear correlated positively and moderately with sleep quality and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress (all p < 0.001). It was associated with females. Elderly people from northern and northeastern Brazil and diabetics had increased COVID-19 fear (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: The fear of COVID-19 exists among Brazilian female old people, diabetics, increases anxiety and stress symptoms, and worsen sleep quality in elderly people

Do dual-cure bulk-fill resin composites reduce gaps and improve depth of cure

Abstract This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the gaps length and depth of cure of dual-cure bulk-fill resin composites inserted in box-shaped preparations. Box-shaped preparations (4 mm deep) were made in fifteen human third-molars and divided into three groups according to the resin composites (n=5): Dual-cure bulk-fill BulkEZ (BEZ); Dual-cure bulk-fill HyperFIL (HF); and Tetric Evoceram Bulk-fill (TETRIC), as control. Gaps length (%) was evaluated in tooth-restoration interface with micro-computed tomography (µCT). The restorations were sectioned, and the degree of conversion (DC) and Knoop microhardness were evaluated at five depths (0.3, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm). Microhardness data were statistically evaluated using absolute values (KHN) and relative values (microhardness percentages in relation to top). Gaps length (%) increased in the following order: BEZ=TETRIC<HF. The microhardness percentages in relation to top significantly decreased from 2 mm for TETRIC and 3 mm for HF. BEZ had constant microhardness and DC at all depths, while HF and TETRIC presented a significant decrease on DC at 4 mm. Dual-cure bulk-fill composites did not reduce gaps compared to light-cure bulk-fill, but they can improve depth of cure of bulk-filled restorations.

Resumo O objetivo neste estudo in vitro foi mensurar as fendas e a profundidade de polimerização de compósitos resinosos bulk-fill duais inseridos em preparos em forma de caixa. Os preparos em forma de caixa (4 mm de profundidade) foram realizados em quinze terceiros molares e separados em 3 grupos, de acordo com o compósito resinoso (n = 5): Bulk-fill dual BulkEZ (BEZ); Bulk-fill dual HyperFIL (HF); Tetric Evoceram Bulk-fill (TETRIC). O comprimento das fendas (%) foi avaliado na interface dente-restauração por meio de micro-tomografia computadorizada (µCT). As restaurações foram seccionadas e o grau de conversão (GC) e microdureza Knoop foram avaliados em cinco profundidades (0,3, 1, 2, 3 e 4 mm). Os dados de microdureza foram avaliados estatisticamente por meio de valores absolutos e relativos (porcentagens de microdureza em relação ao topo). O comprimento das fendas (%) aumentou na seguinte ordem: BEZ = TETRIC <HF. O percentual de microdureza em relação ao topo diminuiu significativamente a partir de 2 mm para TETRIC e 3 mm para HF. BEZ apresentou percentuais de microdureza e de GC constantes em todas as profundidades, enquanto HF e TETRIC apresentaram decréscimo significativo no GC em 4 mm. Os compósitos resinosos bulk-fill duais não reduziram as fendas formadas quando comparados a um compósito bulk-fill fotopolimerizável; entretanto, os mesmos podem melhorar a profundidade de polimerização em restaurações de incremento único.

Rubbing ethanol and time of use: critical factors compromising latex gloves structure / Desinfecção com etanol e tempo de uso: fatores críticos que comprometem a estrutura das luvas de látex

Abstract Introduction Personal protective equipment is mandatory to protect patients and professionals from diseases, especially in the dental environment. The risk of gloves micro-perforations is imminent when using sharp instruments or cleaning them up during lengthy clinical procedures. Objective This study evaluated the integrity of sterile and non-sterile gloves before clinical use and clarified whether friction with disinfectant solution modifies surface morphology and integrity. Material and method Samples of gloves from four different brands were divided into two groups: (1) Sterile surgical gloves (n=260) and (2) Non-sterile gloves (n=260). They were scissored and placed in Ostby's arch so that three solutions - distilled water, ethanol 70°, ethanol 96° - were rubbed with a cotton swab. After 30s, 5, 10, and 15 minutes of solution rubbing, samples were verified by a Scanning Electron Microscope. The pore sizes were measured by Image J software. Result Regardless of the brands, all gloves have been significantly affected by solutions and assessment periods. In general, remarkable changes were evident with ethanol 70° and 96°, and higher pore diameters were observed compared to distilled water. Conclusion Rubbing disinfectant solutions increases gloves' pores sizes, and time negatively influenced its quality.

Resumo Introdução Para proteger pacientes e profissionais de doenças, o uso de equipamentos de proteção individual é obrigatório, principalmente no ambiente odontológico. O risco de microperfurações das luvas é iminente ao usar instrumentos cortantes ou na tentativa de limpar as luvas durante longos procedimentos clínicos. Objetivo Este estudo avaliou a integridade das luvas cirúrgicas e de procedimento antes do uso clínico e esclareceu se o atrito com a solução desinfetante modifica a morfologia e integridade da superfície. Material e método Amostras de luvas de quatro marcas diferentes foram divididas em dois grupos: (1) Luvas cirúrgicas (n = 260) e (2) Luvas descartáveis não estéreis (n = 260). As luvas foram cortadas e colocadas em arco de Ostby, de modo que três soluções - água destilada, etanol 70 °, etanol 96 ° foram esfregadas com um cotonete. Após 30s, 5, 10 e 15 minutos de fricção das soluções, as amostras foram verificadas utilizando um microscópio eletrônico de varredura. Os tamanhos dos poros foram medidos pelo software Image J. Resultado Independentemente das marcas, todas as luvas foram significativamente afetadas por soluções e períodos de avaliação. Em geral, maiores alterações foram evidenciadas com o uso do etanol 70° e 96°, e maiores diâmetros dos poros foram observados quando comparados à água destilada. Conclusão Esfregar soluções desinfetantes aumenta o tamanho dos poros das luvas e o tempo influenciou negativamente sua qualidade.

Removable prostheses improve oral health-related quality of life and satisfaction of elderly people with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects joint tissues and causes severe physical and functional impairments on quality of life due to muscular and articular pain. The involvement of temporomandibular joint in RA interferes with mouth opening and masticatory process. However, no studies addressed the impact of RA on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and satisfaction with prostheses use in elderly people. Aim: This study assessed the impact of oral rehabilitation with conventional dentures on the OHRQoL and prostheses satisfaction in elderly patients with RA, associated or not with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Methods: Forty-five elderly were enrolled and divided into three groups: (1) RA and TMD (n=15, experimental), (2) RA without TMD (n=15, experimental), and (3) without RA and without TMD (n=15, control). The OHRQoL and the prostheses satisfaction were evaluated before and after new oral rehabilitation with partial and/or complete dentures. The OHRQoL and prosthesis satisfaction were assessed and verified through OHIP-14 questionnaire and visual analogue scale, respectively. Results: TMD group exhibited the worst mean values (P<0.05) for all OHIP-14 domains before insertion of new dentures. Group 2 showed worst means (P<0.05) compared to controls for functional limitation and physical pain domains of the OHIP-14, but not in the general score. Patients showed better outcomes of satisfaction with prostheses use only after the new rehabilitation. Conclusion: The use of new and well-fitted dentures improves all domains of OHRQoL in patients with RA and TMD and all groups were satisfied with prostheses use after the new rehabilitation with conventional dentures

Mandibular single-implant overdenture as an alternative for full arch rehabilitations: a literature review

Oral rehabilitation with mandibular single-implant overdentures (SIO) has been characterized as a solution to improve retention and stability of conventional complete dentures (CD). Among the benefits of this therapy, it can be mentioned minimally invasive surgery, simple prosthetic technique, better retention, and significantly reduced costs. However, the application of this protocol in daily clinic is still not widespread. Aim: Thus, this study aimed to perform a literature review to address the clinical characteristics of this rehabilitation, when compared to two-implant mandibular overdentures and CD. Methods: For this, a search was conducted in the PubMed database, considering articles published in English language, without date limitation. Results: It was found 243 manuscripts, of which 20 were compatible with the aim of this study after title/abstract reading. The selected papers focused on masticatory muscles function, satisfaction levels and self-reported quality of life, as well as surgical and prosthetic outcomes, such as maintenance, repair and implant failure rates. All evaluated manuscripts showed similar masticatory function and patient's satisfaction with SIO and two-implant overdenture, while results for a SIO were greater when compared to rehabilitations with CD. In addition, SIO have proven to do not damage the implant, being implant loss close to zero. However, the prosthesis fracture adjacent to the implant was a recurrent clinical outcome, which requires further studies to solve this impairment. Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that SIO represents an alternative treatment for frail elders or low-income patients, leading to higher masticatory function, as well as improved quality of life