Cafeteria Diet Can Affect Bone Microarchitecture in Sedentary and Trained Male Rats.

INTRODUCTION: Poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle can impair health. Regular physical activity improves the quality of life and is essential for bone health. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the cafeteria diet on bone quality of sedentary and exercised rats. METHODS: Sixty young male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=10) according to diet composition and activity level, being: SD+CON, standard diet and control; SD+SED, standard diet and sedentary; SD+EX, standard diet and exercised; CD+CON, cafeteria diet and control; CD+SED, cafeteria diet and sedentary; CD+EX, cafeteria diet and exercised. The exercise protocol consisted of 10 ladder-climbing sessions/day, 5 days/week, and the sedentary rats were maintained in individual cages with limited mobility. Body mass and food intake were evaluated weekly. After 10 weeks, the animals were euthanized, and white adipose tissue was collected. The bone structure was evaluated by densitometry, mechanical tests, histomorphometric, and micro-computed tomography analyses. RESULTS: The cafeteria diet increased adipose tissue (p<0.001), decreased bone mineral density (p=0.004), and impaired biomechanical properties (p<0.05) and histomorphometry parameters (p=0.044). The sedentarism decreased bone mineral density (p<0.001) and biomechanical properties (p<0.05), and the exercise did not improve bone properties. CONCLUSION: In this experimental model, it was concluded that the cafeteria diet and a sedentary lifestyle negatively affect bone, and ladder-climbing exercise could not prevent the effects of the unhealthy diet.

An in vitro study using confocal laser scanning microscopy to evaluate the marginal misfits of different implant-supported frameworks.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a simple, non-destructive method for assessing the misfit and passivity of implant-retained prostheses frameworks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To simulate the rehabilitation of a mandible posterior partially edentulous area using 3-unit screw-retained frameworks supported by two implants were fabricated and divided into the following five groups (n = 10 in each group): OP = one-piece framework cast in Co-Cr with the conventional method (control-group); Co-Cr frameworks sectioned and welded by laser (=LAS) or tungsten inert gas (=TIG); Co-Cr CAD-CAM = milled Co-Cr framework; Zir CAD-CAM = milled zirconia framework. The horizontal |X| and vertical |Y| misfits were measured using confocal laser scanning microscopy with one or both screws tightened. Data were analyzed by a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures and Bonferroni correction (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The greatest |X| misfit was observed in the OP group with both screws tightened (290 µm) and one screw tightened (388 and 340 µm). The conventional casting groups sectioned and welded by laser or TIG had lower mean values (235.35 µm, both screws tightened; and 275 µm, one screw tightened) than the OP framework. However, these values still exceeded those of the milled Co-Cr and zirconia frameworks (190 and 216 µm with both screws tightened). Across all reading conditions, every framework subjected to testing consistently maintained vertical |Y| misfit levels below the threshold of 53 µm; however, the milled frameworks exhibited higher vertical misfits than the frameworks obtained by the conventional cast method. CONCLUSIONS: The frameworks, whether cast and sectioned with laser welding or milled from Co-Cr, exhibit improved marginal misfit and enhanced passive fit when compared to other fabrication methods. Additionally, the use of confocal laser scanning microscopy is highly effective for passivity and misfit analysis.

Exercise training restores weight gain and attenuates hepatic inflammation in a rat model of non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Gluten intolerance is associated with several disorders in the body. Although research has grown in recent years, the understanding of its impact on different tissues and the effects of physical exercise in mitigating health problems in the condition of gluten intolerance are still limited. Therefore, our objective was to test whether gliadin would affect metabolism and inflammation in liver tissue and whether aerobic physical exercise would mitigate the negative impacts of gliadin administration in rodents. Wistar rats were divided into exercised gliadin, gliadin, and control groups. Gliadin was administered by gavage from birth to 60 days of age. The rats in the exercised gliadin group performed an aerobic running exercise training protocol for 15 days. At the end of the experiments, physiological, histological, and molecular analyzes were performed in the study. Compared to the control group, the gliadin group had impaired weight gain and increased gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, and inflammatory biomarkers in the liver. On the other hand, compared to the gliadin group, animals in the exercise-gliadin group had a recovery in body weight, improved insulin sensitivity, and a reduction in some gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, and inflammatory biomarkers in the liver. In conclusion, our results revealed that the administration of gliadin from birth impaired weight gain and induced an increase in hepatic inflammatory cytokines, which was associated with an impairment of glycemic homeostasis in the liver, all of which were attenuated by adding aerobic exercise training in the gliadin group.

Time-restricted feeding combined with resistance exercise prevents obesity and improves lipid metabolism in the liver of mice fed a high-fat diet.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, is estimated to be the most common liver disease worldwide. Obesity is a major risk factor and contributor, and, accordingly, weight loss can improve NAFLD. Previous studies in preclinical models of diet-induced obesity and fatty liver disease have shown the independent benefits of resistance exercise training (RT) and time-restricted feeding (TRF) in preventing weight gain and hepatic build-up of fat. Here, we tested the combined effect of TRF and RT on obesity and NAFLD in mice fed a high-fat diet. Our results showed that both TRF-8-h food access in the active phase-and RT-consisting of three weekly sessions of ladder climbing-attenuated body weight gain, improved glycemic homeostasis, and decreased the accumulation of lipids in the liver. TRF combined with RT improved the respiratory exchange rate, energy expenditure, and mitochondrial respiration in the liver. Furthermore, gene expression analysis in the liver revealed lower mRNA expression of lipogenesis and inflammation genes along with increased mRNA of fatty acid oxidation genes in the TRF + RT group. Importantly, combined TRF + RT was shown to be more efficient in preventing obesity and metabolic disorders. In conclusion, TRF and RT exert complementary actions compared with isolated interventions, with significant effects on metabolic disorders and NAFLD in mice.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Whether time-restricted feeding (TRF) combined with resistance exercise training (RT) may be more efficient compared with these interventions alone is still unclear. We show that when combined with RT, TRF provided additional benefits, being more effective in increasing energy expenditure, preventing weight gain, and regulating glycemic homeostasis than each intervention alone. Thus, our results demonstrate that TRF and RT have complementary actions on some synergistic pathways that prevented obesity and hepatic liver accumulation.

Comparative analysis of Candida spp. isolated from complete denture wearers with and without an HIV diagnosis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Denture-related stomatitis (DRS), an inflammation frequently present in human immunodeficiency virus-positive (HIV+) individuals, can be attributable to colonization by Candida spp., which is considered a main factor. The virulence factors of these species are often modulated by the systemic condition of their hosts. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the incidence, virulence, and morphology of Candida spp. isolated from biofilms of complete denture wearers with DRS, with and without an HIV diagnosis. In addition, the interaction of the systemic condition with the ability of Candida spp. to colonize was evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-five complete denture wearers diagnosed with DRS were divided into 2 groups: experimental (HIV+) and control (human immunodeficiency virus-noninfected participants [HIV-]). Biofilm was collected by a standardized method of ultrasonification of prostheses. The incidence was evaluated by a chromogenic method and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The virulence factors were assessed by using the capacity for biofilm formation by counting colony-forming units (CFUs/mL), biofilm metabolism by tetrazolium salt metabolization, and proteinase and phospholipase production by using a fluorimetric kit. Morphology was verified by using the hyphae-inducing test, and participants' health data were collected with a form. Data were analyzed by using the Student t, Mann-Whitney U, Spearman, and Fisher tests (α=.05). RESULTS: The results of incidence were related to 55 participants (22 experimental and 33 control); in total, 63 Candida spp. samples were isolated, showing 28 Candida albicans and 36 nonalbicans strains. No significant difference was found between groups in baseline CFU/mL counts, biofilm formation capacity, cell metabolism, and phospholipase production. Proteinase production was higher for C. albicans in the control (P=.031) and for nonalbicans in the experimental (P=.016) groups. Relative to health data, the experimental group showed a moderate negative correlation between the CFU count/mL at baseline for nonalbicans and DRS classification (P=.020). CONCLUSIONS: C. albicans was the most prevalent species. No difference was found in the Candida spp. of complete denture wearers with DRS, with and without an HIV diagnosis, with regard to virulence factors (except for proteinase production) and morphology.

Action of chitosan-based solutions against a model four-species biofilm formed on cobalt-chromium and acrylic resin surfaces.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anti-biofilm action of chitosan, nanoparticulate chitosan, and denture cleanser Nitradine™ against biofilms comprising Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus mutans. BACKGROUND: Biofilm removal from removable partial dentures (RPD) is important for success in prosthetic rehabilitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anti-biofilm action of the experimental chitosan-based solutions and Nitradine™ was evaluated on acrylic resin and cobalt-chromium alloy through assessing cell viability, cell metabolism, residual aggregated biofilm, and extracellular polymeric substance and biofilm morphology. RESULTS: Only chitosan reduced the viability of C. albicans on cobalt-chromium alloy surface, by 98% (a 1.7 log10 reduction in cfu). Chitosan-based solutions neither promoted substantial alteration of the metabolic activity of the four-species biofilm nor reduced the amount of the aggregated biofilm. After immersion in chitosan and nanoparticulate chitosan, viable microorganisms and extracellular polymeric substances distributed over the entire specimens' surfaces were observed. Nitradine™ reduced the viability and metabolic activity of biofilm grown on both surfaces, but it did not remove all aggregated biofilm and extracellular polymeric substances. After immersion in Nitradine™, approximately 35% of the specimens' surfaces remained covered by aggregated biofilm, mainly composed of dead cells. CONCLUSION: Although chitosan and Nitradine™ promoted changes in the viability of microorganisms, neither solution completely removed the four-species biofilm from the Co-Cr and acrylic resin surfaces. Thus, isolated use of hygiene solutions is not indicated for biofilm control on RPDs; this requires complementary mechanical removal.

Resistance exercise attenuates IKKε phosphorylation and hepatic fat accumulation of obese mice.

Obesity is associated with low-grade inflammation and disturbances in hepatic metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the effects of resistance exercise on inflammatory signalling related to IκB kinase (IKK) ɛ protein (IKKɛ) and on hepatic fat accumulation in obese mice. Male Swiss mice were distributed into three groups: control (CTL) fed with standard chow; obese (OB) mice induced by a high-fat diet (HFD); obese exercised (OB + RE) mice fed with HFD and submitted to a resistance exercise training. The resistance exercise training protocol consisted of 20 sets/3 ladder climbs for 8 weeks, three times/week on alternate days. The training overload was equivalent to 70% of the maximum load supported by the rodent. Assays were performed to evaluate weight gain, hepatic fat content, fasting glucose, insulin sensitivity, IKKɛ phosphorylation and proteins related to insulin signalling and lipogenesis in the liver. Mice that received the high-fat diet showed greater adiposity, impaired insulin sensitivity, increased fasting glucose and increased hepatic fat accumulation. These results were accompanied by an increase in IKKɛ phosphorylation and lipogenesis-related proteins such as cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) in the liver of obese mice. In contrast, exercised mice showed lower body weight and adiposity evolution throughout the experiment. In addition, resistance exercise suppressed the effects of the high-fat diet by reducing IKKɛ phosphorylation and hepatic fat content. In conclusion, resistance exercise training improves hepatic fat metabolism and glycaemic homeostasis, which are, at least in part, linked to the anti-inflammatory effect of reduced IKKɛ phosphorylation in the liver of obese mice.

Assessing equity and quality indicators for older people - Adaptation and validation of the Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE) checklist for the Portuguese care context.

BACKGROUND: Development has promoted longer and healthier lives, but the rise in the proportion of older adults poses new challenges to health systems. Susceptibilities of older persons resulting from lower knowledge about services availability, health illiteracy, lower income, higher mental decline, or physical limitations need to be identified and monitored to assure the equity and quality of health care. The aim of this study was to develop equity indicators for the Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE)-3 checklist and perform the first cross-cultural adaptation and validation of this checklist into Portuguese. METHODS: A scoping literature review of determinants or indicators of health (in)equity in the care of older people was performed. A total of 5 language experts and 18 health professionals were involved in the development and validation of the equity and quality indicators through expert opinion and focus groups. Data collected from focus groups was analyzed through directed or conventional content analysis. The usefulness of the indicators was assessed by analyzing the clinical records of 30 patients. RESULTS: The literature review revealed that there was a worldwide gap concerning equity indicators for older people primary health care. A structured and complete checklist composed of equity and quality indicators was obtained, validated and assessed. A significant number of non-screened quality or equity related potential occurrences that could have been avoided if the proposed indicators were implemented were detected. The percentage of non-registered indicators was 76.6% for quality and 96.7% for equity. CONCLUSIONS: Applying the proposed checklist will contribute to improve the monitoring of the clinical situation of vulnerable older people and the planning of medical and social actions directed at this group.

Photoelastic, microhardness and roughness analysis of zirconia and stainless steel crowns for primary molars.

PURPOSE: To compare the stress distribution through photoelasticity, microhardness and roughness of intact crowns of primary molars (CC) and the preformed crowns of stainless steel (SSC) and zirconia (ZC) used in dental restorations in pediatric dentistry. METHODS: Six healthy primary molars were selected. For the photoelastic models, the teeth were fixed in photoelastic resin. A load of 100 N was applied, and the models were analyzed by transmission polariscope. The Tardy method was used to quantify the fringe order which calculates the maximum stress (T) value in each selected point. The teeth were prepared for cementation of the crowns. The photoelastic test was repeated for each experimental crown. Knoop microhardness was assessed on the buccal surfaces of the CCs, SSCs, and ZCs using a microhardness tester. Parameters were 50 gf for 5 seconds. Roughness was evaluated using a confocal 3-D laser scanning microscope/software at 216x magnification. Roughness average (Ra) values from each model (expressed in µm) were collected and group means were calculated. The stress distribution, microhardness, and roughness data were compared by using one-way ANOVA and the Tukey's test (α= 0.05). RESULTS: There was no difference in the stress distribution for the CCs, SSCs and ZCs. For the microhardness analysis, the ZCs obtained the highest values compared to the CCs and the SSCs (P< 0.001). The CCs were significantly higher than the SSCs (P= 0.027). There was no difference in roughness for the three models (P= 0.615). The SSCs and ZCs showed satisfactory mechanical behavior. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of preformed crowns, especially those made of esthetic materials, is currently increasing in the field of pediatric dentistry. The knowledge of mechanical properties of stainless steel- and zirconia-prefabricated crowns provides scientific foundation for safe clinical application, especially in primary teeth.

Potential therapeutic effects of green tea on obese lipid profile - a systematic review.

Background: Green tea, obtained from the plant Camellis sinensis, is one of the oldest drinks in the world and contains numerous bioactive compounds. Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of green tea in preventing obesity and cardiovascular diseases that may be related to the reduction of lipid levels. Aim: This study aimed to evidence, through a systematic review, the therapeutic potential of green tea on the lipid profile in preclinical studies in obese animals and clinical studies in obese individuals. Methods: This systematic review follows the recommendations of the preferred report items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The electronic databases, PubMed (Medline), Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science were consulted. Articles from January 2009 to December 2019 were selected. Results: This search resulted in twenty-nine articles were included cirtically reviewed. In experimental studies, green tea administration has been shown to reduce total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in animals exposed to obesity-inducing diet. In humans' studies green tea was not shown to be effective for obese lipid control. Because supplementation with green tea extract reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein for three months at a specific dose. Conclusion: Therefore, green tea appears to act as a protective agent for dyslipidemia in obesity-induced animals. In human studies, green tea has not been shown to be effective in controlling obese lipids.

In vitro assessment of polyetheretherketone for an attachment component for an implant-retained overdenture.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Frequent maintenance because of the limited lifetime of overdenture attachments with O-rings has led to the development of materials that might improve their functionality and longevity. However, testing of newly developed attachment materials is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate a newly developed attachment made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) for an implant-retained overdenture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Specimens of PEEK, polyacetal, and Teflon O-ring materials were prepared for analysis of roughness, surface hardness, and compressive strength. For the fatigue resistance test, new specimens based on acrylic resin were subjected to 2880 insertion and removal cycles. Compression and roughness data were compared with the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn post hoc test; hardness data with ANOVA and t test; and fatigue and stereomicroscopy with ANOVA with repeated measures, t test, and Bonferroni adjustment (α=.05). RESULTS: Polyacetal had the lowest surface roughness (P=.038). There was a significant difference in hardness among the materials (P<.05). PEEK presented the highest compressive strength among the materials (P<.001). For the fatigue resistance, only polyacetal showed a difference between the initial time-point (P<.05) and subsequent time-points. Polyacetal had a higher fatigue resistance than Teflon (P<.001) and PEEK (P<.05). Regarding the internal deformation of the attachments, a significant difference was observed among the materials (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: PEEK showed promising results regarding the physicomechanical properties necessary for use as an overdenture attachment when compared with other evaluated materials. In addition, the PEEK attachment showed results comparable to those in the control group (O-rings) in terms of retention.

Stress Distribution Analysis of Novel Dental Mini-Implant Designs to Support Overdenture Prosthesis.

This study aimed to test and compare 2 novel dental mini-implant designs to support overdentures with a commercial model, regarding the stress distribution, by photoelastic analysis. Three different mini-implant designs (Ø 2.0 mm × 10 mm) were tested: G1-experimental threaded (design with threads and 3 longitudinal and equidistant self-cutting chamfers), G2-experimental helical (design with 2 long self-cutting chamfers in the helical arrangement), and G3-Intra-Lock System. After including the mini-implants in a photoelastic resin, they were subjected to a static load of 100 N under two situations: axial and inclined model (30°). The fringe orders (n), that represents the intensity of stresses were analyzed around the mini-implants body and quantified using Tardy's method that calculates the maximum shear stress (τ) value in each point selected. In axial models, less stress was observed in the cervical third mini-implants, mainly in G1 and G2. In inclined models (30°), higher stresses were generated on the opposite side of the load application, mainly in the cervical third of G2 and G3. All mini-implant models presented lower tensions in the cervical third compared with the middle and apical third. The new mini-implants tested (G1 and G2) showed lower stresses than the G3 in the cervical third under axial load, while loading in the inclined model generated greater stresses in the cervical of G2.

Effect of Denture Hygiene Protocols on Patient Satisfaction, Oral Health-Related Quality of Life, and Salivary Parameters: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: This randomized controlled trial compared four denture hygiene protocols in terms of patient satisfaction, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and salivary parameters in complete denture wearers with denture stomatitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial, 108 participants were assigned to soak their dentures in one of the following solutions: (1) 0.25% sodium hypochlorite (positive control), (2) 0.15% Triclosan, (3) denture disinfecting tablets, or (4) denture disinfecting tablets plus palatine mucosa brushing solution. The outcomes of patient satisfaction, OHRQoL, and salivary parameters (salivary flow rate and pH) were measured at baseline and after 10 days. The Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (between groups), and Wilcoxon test (between times) were used to compare the results. (α = 0.05). RESULTS: After the hygiene protocols, and when compared with baseline, the overall patient satisfaction, maxillary denture satisfaction, maxillary denture comfort, and maxillary denture retention were ameliorated. A significant improvement was noted in OHRQoL in 3 of 4 domains evaluated (orofacial pain and discomfort, masticatory discomfort and disability, and psychological disability and discomfort). The salivary flow rate (unstimulated and stimulated) and salivary pH were not significantly affected at the times evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Complete denture wearers may feel more satisfied with their complete dentures when treated for denture stomatitis. The tested treatments lead to similar improvement in terms of patient satisfaction and OHRQoL.

Comparative effects on acrylic resin properties of short- and long-term immersion in alkaline peroxide solution.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the color stability (ΔE), surface roughness (ΔRa), and flexural strength of denture base acrylic resin after short (20 minutes) and long-term (8 hours) immersions simulating a period of 5 years of use. METHODS: 120 disk-shaped (16 mm x 4 mm) and 120 rectangular (65 mm x 10 mm x 3.3 mm) specimens were prepared (Lucitone 550) and distributed into three groups (n=20): distilled water (Control); Corega Tabs (CT) and Polident (Po), for immersions of 20 minutes and 8 hours. ΔE were determined by a colorimeter, ΔRa by a profilometer and the flexural strength by a universal testing machine. Data were evaluated by two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test and Bonferroni correction (α= 0.05). RESULTS: Short-term immersions for 20 minutes resulted in significant differences in ΔE, as CT values (1.46 ± 1.41) were higher than Po (0.55 ± 0.25) and Control (0.47 ± 0.21). Specimens immersed for 8 hours showed more extensive alterations overall than the control (ΔE [Po: 7.27 ± 0.53; CT: 5.58 ± 0.49; Control: 1.26 ± 0.23]; 916;Ra [Po: 0.16 ± 0.08; CT: 0.12 ± 0.11; Control: 0.07 ± 0.06]; flexural strength [Po: 42.99 ± 9.34; CT: 63.96 ± 12.98; Control: 64.59 ± 12.87]). The tested alkaline peroxide-based solutions promoted significant alteration on acrylic resin properties after overnight immersion. Therefore, short-term immersions seem to be more suitable for daily denture hygiene. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Alkaline peroxides were able to alter color stability, surface roughness and flexural strength of acrylic resin after overnight immersions, in a 5-year-simulated period of use.

Brushing associated with oral irrigation in maintaining implants and overdentures hygiene - a randomized clinical trial.

Evaluate, through a randomized clinical trial, the efficacy of brushing associated with oral irrigation in maintaining implant and overdenture hygiene. Thirty-eight participants, who had a clinically acceptable conventional maxillary complete denture and mandibular overdenture retained by either implants or mini-implants using an O-ring-retained system, were enrolled to participate in the study. They were instructed to use two different hygiene methods, in a random sequence for a period of 14 days, with a 7-day wash-out interposed period: (I) mechanical brushing (MB); (II) association of mechanical brushing with oral irrigation (WP). Biofilms from both subgingival sulci and overdentures were collected and processed by Checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization method at baseline and after using the proposed hygiene protocols. Comparisons were performed using Wilcoxon test and Friedman test with Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate, followed by Conover post-hoc test (α = 0.05). In the subgingival sulci-related biofilm, a lower number of microbial cells were detected, after WP compared to the MB method (P < 0.001). The findings of overdenture-related biofilm suggest that both methods were similar (P = 0.607) being the identified microbiota qualitatively coincident after each method. Despite the number of microbial counts, it was concluded that the association of mechanical brushing with oral irrigation was more effective in reducing microorganisms in the subgingival sulci biofilm; however, the same outcome was not observed in the overdentures.

Effect of oxidation heat treatment with airborne-particle abrasion on the shear bond strength of ceramic to base metal alloys.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Oxidation heat treatment has been studied to increase the metal-ceramic bond strength. However, information about its use with cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloys is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of oxidation heat treatment and oxidation heat treatment with alumina airborne-particle abrasion on the metal-ceramic bond strength of Co-Cr alloys compared with that of nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) alloys. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 165 metal cylinders (∅5×8 mm) made of 5 base metal alloys were obtained by casting: 2 Ni-Cr (Fit Cast-SB and Fit Cast-V) and 3 Co-Cr alloys (Keragen, StarLoy C, and Remanium 2001). The specimens were divided into groups (n=11): no treatment, oxidation heat treatment, and oxidation heat treatment with airborne-particle abrasion. Oxidation heat treatment was performed starting at 650 °C and rising to 980 °C. The airborne-particle abrasion was performed with 100-µm alumina (0.2-MPa pressure, 5 seconds). One specimen had the surface topography and composition evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. The feldspathic ceramic was applied to the base metal alloy specimens (n=10). Shear tests were performed to obtain the metal-ceramic bond strength (MPa). The failure modes were evaluated. Data were evaluated by 2-way ANOVA and the Tukey post hoc test, Pearson correlation, and Fisher exact tests (α=.05). RESULTS: The group without treatment showed the highest roughness. The treatments increased oxygen and chromium levels and decreased nickel, molybdenum, and tungsten levels. Oxidation heat treatment provided an increase in metal-ceramic bond strength (P<.05) for base metal alloys with over 7% molybdenum (Fit Cast-SB, Fit Cast-V, and Remanium 2001). With oxidation heat treatment with airborne-particle abrasion, there was improvement only in Fit Cast-SB. No treatment was better for StarLoy C. A weak correlation was found between metal-ceramic bond strength and failure mode (ρ=.166; P=.043). The mixed failures were prevalent in Co-Cr alloys (P<.001) and oxidation heat treatment with airborne-particle abrasion (P=.008). CONCLUSIONS: The oxidation heat treatment was only beneficial for base metal alloy with a molybdenum content of over 7%. Although the oxidation heat treatment with alumina airborne-particle abrasion was a better treatment for Fit Cast-SB, its use is not justified because it showed no difference for oxidation heat treatment and requires another step in the surface treatment.

Antimicrobial activity of effervescent denture tablets on multispecies biofilms.

PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of peroxide-based solutions in reducing viability and metabolic activity of multispecies biofilms on denture base acrylic resin surfaces and for removing them from these surfaces. BACKGROUND: Denture cleansers are effective in reducing monospecies biofilm; however, studies evaluating their action on multispecies biofilms are scarce. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-nine denture base acrylic resin specimens (Ø 15 × 3 mm) were sterilised then contaminated with Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to form multispecies biofilms. Biofilms were grown for 24 hours; subsequently, specimens were immersed in three different cleansing solutions (n = 9): nitradine (NI), fixodent (FX) and phosphate-buffered saline (Control), according to the respective manufacturer's instructions. After applying the hygiene protocols, viability of microorganisms was evaluated by counting colony-forming units and assessing metabolic activity. Moreover, biofilm removal capacity was estimated based on extension of cell-covered areas visualised in fluorescent microscopy micrographics. RESULTS: Microbial counts were solution-dependent; NI was effective against all microorganisms (P < .05). FX exhibited moderate antimicrobial action, reducing P aeruginosa (P < .05) and S aureus (P < .05) viability by approximately 2 logs. Both peroxide-based solutions reduced metabolic activity (P < .001) and biofilm-covered areas on specimen surfaces (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Under the experimental conditions tested, these results demonstrated that peroxide-based solutions had favourable antimicrobial activity but promoted no broad elimination of aggregated multispecies biofilm. NI might be more suitable as complementary chemical agent for controlling multispecies denture biofilm.

Effectiveness of Brushing Associated With Oral Irrigation in Maintenance of Peri-Implant Tissues and Overdentures: Clinical Parameters and Patient Satisfaction.

Hygiene of implant-supported prostheses and the health of peri-implant tissues are considered to be predictive factors of successful prosthetic rehabilitation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of brushing associated with oral irrigation measured as biofilm-removing capacity, maintenance of healthy oral tissues, and patient satisfaction. A randomized, crossover clinical trial was conducted with 38 patients who wore conventional maxillary complete dentures and mandibular overdentures retained by the O-ring system. The patients were instructed to use the following hygiene methods for 14 days: mechanical brushing (MB; brush and dentifrice, control) and MB with oral irrigation (Waterpik [WP], experimental). Biofilm-removing capacity and maintenance of healthy oral tissues were evaluated by the modified plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing index (BP) recorded at baseline and after each method. In parallel, patients answered a specific questionnaire using a visual analog scale after each hygiene method. Data were analyzed by Friedman and Wilcoxon tests (α = .05). The results showed significantly lower PI, GI, PD, and BP after application of the hygiene methods (P < .001) than those observed at baseline. However, no significant difference was found between MB and WP. The responses to the satisfaction questionnaire for both methods showed high mean values for all questions, with no statistically significant difference found between the answers given after the use of MB and WP (P > .05). The findings suggest that WP was effective in reducing PI, GI, PD, and BP indices and provided a high level of patient satisfaction.

The Impact of an Ocular Prosthesis on the Quality of Life, Perceived Stress, and Clinical Adaptation of Anophthalmic Patients: A Clinical and Longitudinal Trial.

PURPOSE: This prospective study evaluated and correlated the impact of ocular prostheses on quality of life and stress with socioeconomic level and clinical characteristics. The clinical difficulties and perceptions of patients after ocular rehabilitation were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anophthalmic patients (at least 18 years of age) who were not users of ocular prostheses were recruited. The Medical Outcomes Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) questionnaires were administered before and after 3 and 6 months of prosthesis installation. Clinical characteristics, difficulties, and perceptions were evaluated by quantitative and descriptive analysis (7 days, 3 months, 6 months). Data were analyzed by the Friedman test and Pearson Correlation test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 26 patients. Quality of life showed improvement in the "Bodily Pain" and "General Health" domains. Wearing the prosthesis did not influence perceived stress. The clinical evaluation showed clinical discharge over 6 months and presence of pain only at 7 days. A weak correlation occurred between sociodemographic characteristics and the categories "Role-Physical" (r = 0.423) and "General Health" (r = 0.494); cause of anophthalmia and "Role-Physical" (r = -0.471); and type of surgery and "General Health" (r = -0.432). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, the provision of ocular prostheses showed positive influence in 2 domains of quality of life and weak correlations with socioeconomic level, type of surgery, and cause of loss. Ocular rehabilitation did not influence stress. The use and care of the prostheses did not affect tissue inflammation, but the discharge was continuous.

Local anesthetic improves individuals affected with herpes simplex type 1 labialis.

Infections caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), commonly called herpes simplex labialis (HSL), are a public health problem, reaching around 40% of the world's population. Thus, the search for effective therapeutic alternatives in the control of the limitations caused by this virus during the stages of evolution of the disease, is necessary, since they have a direct impact on the quality of life of the patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the in situ film precursor semisolid composition in the treatment of herpes simplex lesions in human HSV-1. Ninety-eight (n = 98) patients with HSV-1 were used for this study. The initial exclusion criteria left 81 patients to be considered in the present study. Three applications were performed, the first at time zero (T0) and the other two at 8 and 16 hours, after initial application (T8 and T16). Photographs were taken in the first appointment and 24 and 72 hours after the last application. After the three periods, each patient received a total amount of 90 mg of anesthetic and the prognosis of the patients was followed for 6 months and 1 year after the application. Frequency analysis showed that 40.3% of patients had remission of symptoms 24 hours after the last application. For the present study, the film presented a positive therapeutic potential and an esthetic benefit that is absent in the current products (ointments and gels). The invent presents dosage convenience (only three applications in a 24-hour period) and a low production cost, with a much shorter healing time than that reported using topical antiretrovirals.