Impact of polyacrylamide supplementation on intake, nutrient digestion and growth of lambs.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of polyacrylamide (PAM) supplementation on the intake, digestion, weight gain, metabolism and growth of lambs. A total of ten 30 days old male small-tailed Han lambs with a body weight of 7.7±0.5 kg were divided into two equal groups (n = 5 each) and fed a basal diet or diet supplemented with 2.0 g of PAM per kg diet. The duration of the experiment was 210 days and experimental diets were fed ad libitum throughout the experimental period. Voluntary feed intake (VFI) was measured on daily basis, while body weight was measured on every ten days of the experiment.Two digestive and metabolic trials were conducted at the lamb's age of 95 to 103 days (Trial 1) and at the age of 210 to 218 days (Trial 2). At the end of experiment, all lambs were slaughtered to determine carcass characteristics. Results of the current study showed that supplementation of PAM in the diet of lambs increased the VFI and daily body gain by 14.4% (P < 0.05) and 15.2% (P < 0.01), respectively. In Trial 1, PAM supplementation in the diet increased the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), cellulose, energy, and nitrogen retention by 7.9%, 5.4%, 6.4%, 9.6%, 4.3% and 30.3% (P < 0.01), respectively, and in Trial 2, PAM supplementation in the diet increased the digestibility of DM, OM, CP, cellulose, energy, and nitrogen retention by 9.3%, 7.9%, 7.7%, 11.6%, 6.9% and 38.5% (P < 0.01), respectively. Results of carcass parameter explored that supplementation of PAM in the diet increased the carcass, net meat and lean meat weights by 24.5%, 25.5%, and 30.6% (P < 0.01), respectively, however, PAM supplementation in the diet did not influence the contents of DM, OM, or CP in fresh liver, leg muscle, and rumen tissue; in addition, the CP contents in the Longissimus dorsi muscle was decreased by the supplementation of PAM in the diet. In summary, supplementation of 2.0 g of PAM per kg diet increased the VFI, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention, and carcass yield of lambs.

Determining growth inhibition of Candida albicans biofilm on denture materials after application of an organoselenium-containing dental sealant.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Denture stomatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by the formation of Candida albicans biofilm on denture bases. It is associated with aggravating intraoral pain, itching, and burning sensations. It can also potentiate cardiovascular diseases and aspiration pneumonia. The problem has thus far eluded efficient, toxic-free, and cost-effective solutions. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effectiveness of organoselenium to inhibit the formation of C. albicans biofilm on the surface of acrylic resin denture base materials when it is either incorporated into the acrylic resin material or coated on the denture surface as a light-polymerized surface sealant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty heat-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate disks were fabricated and assigned to 4 groups (n=15): disks coated with a light-polymerized organoselenium-containing enamel surface sealant (DenteShield), disks impregnated with 0.5% organoselenium (0.5% selenium), disks impregnated with 1% organoselenium (1% selenium), and disks without organoselenium (control). C. albicans biofilm was grown on each disk which had been placed in a well of the microtiter plate containing 1-mL brain heart infusion broth inoculated with C. albicans. The plates were incubated aerobically at 37 °C for 48 hours. A confocal laser scanning microscope was used to determine the biofilm thickness, biomass, and live/dead cell ratio. Biofilm morphology was examined with scanning electron microscopy, whereas microbial viability was quantified by the spread plate method. The data were analyzed by using ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer multiple comparisons (α=.05). RESULTS: The microbial viability, biofilm thickness, biofilm biomass, and live/dead cell ratio were lower (P<.001) on disks in the test groups (DenteShield, 0.5% selenium, 1% selenium) when compared with the control group, with these variables being lowest in the 0.5% selenium and 1% selenium groups. The 0.5% selenium and 1% selenium groups did not differ significantly from each other in any of the variables (P>.05). Scanning electron microscope images showed inhibition of both biofilm growth and yeast to hyphae transition in the DenteShield, 0.5% selenium, and 1% selenium groups, with visible disruption of the biofilm morphology. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that organoselenium, whether incorporated into or coated on the surface of an acrylic resin denture base material, has the potential to inhibit Candida albicans biofilm growth on denture surfaces and as such can be clinically useful for the prevention of denture stomatitis.

Remineralisation of enamel white spot lesions pre-treated with chitosan in the presence of salivary pellicle.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the remineralisation of chitosan pre-treated enamel white spot lesions (WSLs) by bioglass in the presence of the pellicle layer. METHODS: 50 artificial enamel white spot lesions were created by acidic gel. Two lesions were used to investigate the formation of the pellicle layer by treating with human whole saliva for 3 min. 48 lesions were assigned to 6 experimental groups (n = 8): (1) bioactive glass slurry, (2) bioactive glass containing polyacrylic acid (BG + PAA) slurry, (3) chitosan pre-treated WSLs with BG slurry (CS-BG), (4) chitosan pre-treated WSLs with BG + PAA slurry (CS-BG + PAA), (5) "standard" remineralisation solution (RS) and (6) de-ionised water (negative control, NC). Remineralisation was carried out using a pH-cycling model for 7 days. Before each treatment using remineralising agents, 3-min pellicle was formed on lesions' surfaces. Mineral content changes, surface and subsurface microhardness and ultrastructure were evaluated by Raman intensity mapping, Knoop microhardness and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Data were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's test (p < 0.05 is considered as significant). RESULTS: Despite the heterogeneously formed pellicle layer, all groups showed an increase in surface mineral content after pH-cycling. Chitosan pre-treatment enhanced the subsurface remineralisation of WSLs using bioglass as both pre-treated groups showed greater surface and subsurface microhardness compared to NC. CS-BG exhibited denser subsurface structure than BG, while in CS-BG + PAA the crystals were bigger in size but resemble more enamel-like compared to BG + PAA as shown in SEM observations. Remineralisation of RS was limited to the surface as no significant subsurface changes of mechanical properties and structure were found. CONCLUSIONS: Chitosan pre-treatment can enhance WSL remineralisation with bioglass biomaterials when a short-term salivary pellicle is present. A further investigation using a long-term pH-cycling model with mature pellicle is suggested with regards to clinical application. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Chitosan pre-treatment has the potential in clinical application to remineralise subsurface lesions to achieve lesion consolidation.

Non-sticky and antimicrobial zwitterionic nanocomposite dressings for infected chronic wounds.

Zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine acrylamide) (pSBAA)-based nanocomposite hydrogels impregnated with germicidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized and implemented for the treatment of infected chronic wounds. The zwitterionic hydrogels exhibited excellent non-sticky properties and had reinforced mechanical properties by the addition of hectorite nanoclay and poly(ethylene glycol)dimethacrylate as physical and chemical crosslinkers, respectively. In addition, AgNPs were grown within the intercalated clay/polymer structure by in situ free radical reduction, as confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The silver-containing pSBAA nanocomposite hydrogels (pSBAA/Ag) exhibited germicidal properties against Gram-positive S. epidermidis and Gram-negative P. aeruginosa. The zwitterionic hydrogels show higher water content than 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (pHEMA) hydrogels, owing to the strong hydration via ionic solvation. The negligible cytotoxicity of pSBAA/Ag hydrogels was assessed with human fibroblasts by the MTT assay. Moreover, the zwitterionic hydrogels demonstrated excellent resistance to the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA). To evaluate the feasibility of the hydrogels for clinical application as wound dressings, we created infected diabetic rat models and compared with commercial wound dressings. The results show that pSBAA/Ag hydrogels did not adhere to the newly formed tissue, and were readily removed from the wounds after treatment for 3 days. Moreover, the healing recovery was evaluated by visual observation of infected dorsal wounds on rats with induction of diabetes by streptozotocin. The finding indicates complete healing with the pSBAA/Ag hydrogels after 15 days, faster than other dressings. A histological examination also proved that the zwitterionic hydrogels facilitated epithelialization and collagen distribution in the infected diabetic wounds. Consequently, these novel non-sticky and antimicrobial zwitterionic nanocomposite hydrogels can have high potential for the treatment of infected chronic wounds.

Safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with embospheres in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with embospheres for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Patients with unresectable HCC who were treated with TACE followed by embosphere treatment (Embo-TACE) or conventional TACE (cTACE) between May 2010 and March 2014 were retrospectively included in this study. The Embo-TACE group received lipiodol and chemotherapeutic agent emulsion, followed by embospheres. The cTACE group received lipiodol and chemotherapeutic agent emulsion, followed by gelatin sponge pellets. Time to progression (TTP), overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), and safety were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses of the factors affecting survival were conducted. RESULTS: The median TTP and OS in the Embo-TACE group were significantly longer than those in the cTACE group (TPP: 7.0 months vs 5.4 months, P = 0.035; OS: 15 months vs 12 months, P = 0.032). Seven days after the first TACE treatment, alanine aminotransferase level was higher in the cTACE group than in the Embo-TACE group (P = 0.015). The ORR did not significantly differ between the two groups (P = 0.827). Additional therapy and local responses one month after the first TACE treatment were associated with OS. CONCLUSIONS: Embo-TACE resulted in a significant improvement in TTP and OS for patients with unresectable HCC, compared with cTACE. Furthermore, Embo-TACE was better tolerated. Additional therapy and local responses one month after the first TACE were independent prognostic factors for OS.

Dispositivo acrílico simples para medir as alterações nos tecidos moles da maxila após procedimentos implantares ou restauradores protético-periodontais / A simple acrylic device to measure maxillary soft tissue alterations after implant and/or restorative periodontal and prosthetic procedures

Alterações nos tecidos moles, na zona estética, podem ocorrer por procedimentos restauradores associados ou não à Implantodontia. Os autores propuseram um dispositivo acrílico simples associado a uma sonda periodontal, para verificação destes níveis em todos os momentos do tratamento reabilitador. O dispositivo em questão também pode ser desenhado e confeccionado em qualquer sistema CAD/CAM.

Soft tissue changes in the esthetic zone can occur after restorative procedures associated or not to implant dentistry. The authors describe a simple acrylic device associated to a periodontal probe to verify those levels during all treatment procedure steps. Also, this device can be design and milled at any CAD/CAM system.

Functional Outcomes of Patients Treated with Intensive Medications for Bowel and Pain Control for Low-Lying Rectal Cancer Who Received Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the functional outcomes of patients treated with intensive medications for bowel and pain control for low-lying rectal cancer who received preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT). METHODS: The inclusion criterion was sphincter-preserving surgery following CRT for T3 middle and low rectal cancer. Postoperative defecation control was conducted using calcium polycarbophil and loperamide, and anal pain control was conducted using oxycodone hydrochloride hydrate. The functional outcomes were determined by an annual questionnaire after stoma closure. RESULTS: Of 64 patients evaluated, 33 were reconstructed using the double stapling technique (DST) and 31 were reconstructed using the intersphincteric resection (ISR) technique. The median Visual Analogue Scale at ISR was improved from 7 to 1.5 at 1 year after surgery. The median Wexner scores were 6.0, 6.0, 5.0 and 5.0 for DST and 14.5, 12.0, 10.0 and 8.0 for ISR for the first 4 years, respectively. The only independent predictor of a poor bowel function (Wexner score >10) according to a multivariate analyses was pelvic infection (OR 3.994, 95% CI 1.235-13.52, p = 0.021), while ISR was not a predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Anal pain following ISR can be controlled with oxycodone hydrochloride hydrate therapy. ISR is feasible following CRT for low-lying rectal cancer.

Polyacrylic acid attenuates ethylene glycol induced hyperoxaluric damage and prevents crystal aggregation in vitro and in vivo.

The study explores calcium oxalate crystal inhibiting characteristic of polyacrylic acid (pAA), an anionic polymer in in vitro and in vivo. Animals were divided into 5 groups where group 1 served as control, group 2 were made hyperoxaluric by supplementing with Ethylene glycol (EG) 0.75% (v/v) for 30 days. Group 3, 4 & 5 were also given with EG and treated simultaneously with 2.5, 5 & 10 mg of pAA/kg of body weight, respectively. Urine, serum and tissue analyses along with histological studies were performed at the end of the 30 days study. In vitro crystallization was significantly inhibited by pAA and further it was supported by particle size analyses, XRD and FT-IR studies. Toxicological analyses showed that pAA was safe to use in animals at concentrations below 100 mg/kg BW. In vivo anti-urolithic study showed significant improvement in urinary lithogenic factors (calcium, oxalate, phosphate, citrate & magnesium) and renal function parameters (creatinine, urea and protein). Tissue analyses on anti-oxidant enzyme activity and lipid peroxides showed maintenance of tissue antioxidant status in the pAA supplemented rats and histological studies demonstrated the nephroprotection offered by pAA and were concurrent to the biochemical analyses. Supplementation of pAA not only reduces the crystal aggregation but also regulates the expression and localization of crystal inhibiting proteins and gene expression of inflammatory cytokines in experimental animals. In summary, pAA is a potent anti-urolithic agent in rats and we can propose that 10 mg/kg body weight is the effective dosage of pAA and this concentration can be used for further studies.

A trans-well-based cellular model for the rapid pre-evaluation of tympanic membrane repair materials.

It is important to have a standardized tympanic membrane (TM) perforation platform to evaluate the various myringoplasty materials that have been studied and developed extensively during recent years. However, currently there are no cellular models specifically designed for this purpose, and animal models remain unsatisfactory. The purpose of this study is to propose an inexpensive, readily available, well-controlled, and easy-to-create cellular model as a substitute for use in the evaluation of TM repairing materials. A trans-well model was created using a cell culture insert with a round hole created at the center of the polycarbonate membrane. HaCaT cells were cultured on the fenestrated culture insert, and the desired myringoplasty graft was placed at the center of the window for one week and observed by fluorescent microscopy under vital staining. Under this cellular model, there was notable migration of HaCaT cells onto the positive control graft (rabbit fascia), while only a few cell clusters were observed on the negative control graft (paper). Model validation showed that the cell migration ratio for the PLLA + 1% hyaluronic acid (HA) graft is significantly higher than using myringoplasty paper, poly L-lactide (PLLA), or PLLA + 0.5% HA (p < 0.05). This trans-well-based cellular model might be a useful pre-evaluation platform for the evaluation of TM repairing materials. The model is inexpensive, readily available, easy to create, and standardized for use.

Uso de resina bisacrílica en la resolución estética en adolescente: caso clínico / The use of bisacrylic resin for the esthetic resolution in an adolescent: report of a clinical case

La estética constituye uno de los motivos de consulta de urgencia más frecuentes durante la adolescencia. Recientemente, fueron introducidos en el mercado, productos a base de resinas bisacrílicas. Tienen como componente principal metacrilatos multifuncionales con relleno de vidrio y/o sílice que constituyen la principal diferencia con los acrílicos convencionales. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar un caso clínico de un paciente de 10 años de edad, resuelto en la Cátedra de Odontología Integral Niños de la Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, utilizando para la confección de restauraciones dentales temporales, una resina bisacrílica autopolimerizable.

Aesthetics is one of the most frequent reasons for urgent consultation during adolescence. Recently, products based on bisacrylic resins have been introduced on the market. They have as main component multifunctional methacrylates with filling of glass and / or silica that constitute the main difference with conventional acrylics. The objective of this work is to present a clinical case of a 10-year-old patient, resolved in the Chair of Integral Dentistry of the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Buenos Aires, using for the preparation of temporary dental restorations a bisacrylic resin self-cured.

Effect of EDTA conditioning on cervical restorations bonded with a self-etch adhesive: A randomized double-blind clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the 18-month retention rates of composite restorations in non-carious cervical lesions [NCCLs] bonded with a self-etch adhesive with and without preliminary conditioning with EDTA. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with two similar-sized NCCL were selected and randomly allocated to one of two groups. Two calibrated operators placed 96 restorations with a one-step self-etch adhesive (Adper Easy One, 3M ESPE). Half of the restorations were placed according to the manufacturer's instructions while, for the other half, the surfaces of the lesions were conditioned with 17% EDTA for 2 min prior to adhesive application. Two blinded and independent examiners evaluated the restorations at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months, according to the FDI criteria. The comparison between groups in each period was conducted with the Fisher's exact test, and the performance of each group at the different periods was evaluated by McNemar's test (α=0.05). RESULTS: After 18 months, significantly higher retention rates (95% CI) were observed for the EDTA group (95.5 [84.9-98.7]) than the control group (79.6% [65.5-88.9]) (p=0.02). Significant deterioration of the marginal adaptation and marginal discoloration were observed for both groups over the 18-month evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary conditioning with EDTA before application of a one-step self-etch adhesive significantly improved the retention rates of composite restorations in cervical lesions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Conditioning with EDTA is an alternative that improves the 18-month retention rate of cervical restorations bonded with a self-etch adhesive.

Bacterial leakage in root canals filled with AH Plus and dentine bonding agents.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of different dentine adhesives in delaying the coronal bacterial leakage of Enterococcus faecalis in filled root canals. Materials and methods. Ninety-five lower incisors of patients >65 years of age were instrumented using the ProTaper system and were irrigated with 1 mL of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) alternated with 1 mL 17% EDTA between each file change. Final irrigation was performed with 5 mL of 17% EDTA and then flushed with 5 mL of distilled water. The teeth were randomly divided into five experimental groups (n = 15/group) and one of the following dentine adhesives was applied: (1) AdheSE; (2) Excite DSC; (3) Clearfil Protect Bond; (4) One Coat 7.0; or (5) Control group without adhesive. After filling the root canals, the samples were mounted on a double chamber device to evaluate the bacterial filtration of E. faecalis during a period of 240 days. The results underwent non-parametric Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and comparisons among groups were done using the Log-Rank test. RESULTS: At 240 days, E. faecalis was detected in samples of all groups in the lower chamber. The highest survival value was obtained by One Coat 7.0, giving statistically significant differences from the other groups, whereas Clearfil Protect Bond, AdheSE and Excite DSC showed similar behaviours, likewise similar to the Control group. CONCLUSIONS: One Coat 7.0 adhesive system provides the longest survival value to delay E. faecalis coronal leakage in filled root canals.

Characterization of water sorption, solubility, and roughness of silorane- and methacrylate-based composite resins.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness (SR), water sorption (WS), and solubility (SO) of four composite resins after finishing/polishing and after one year of water storage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two low-shrinkage composites (Filtek Silorane [3M ESPE] and Aelite LS [Bisco Inc]) and two composites of conventional formulations (Heliomolar and Tetric N-Ceram [Ivoclar Vivadent]) were tested. Their respective finishing and polishing systems (Sof-Lex Discs, 3M ESPE; Finishing Discs Kit, Bisco Inc; and Astropol F, P, HP, Ivoclar Vivadent) were used according to the manufacturers' instructions. Ten disc-shaped specimens of each composite resin were made for each evaluation. Polished surfaces were analyzed using a profilometer after 24 hours and one year. For the WS and SO, the discs were stored in desiccators until constant mass was achieved. Specimens were then stored in water for seven days or one year, at which time the mass of each specimen was measured. The specimens were dried again and dried specimen mass determined. The WS and SO were calculated from these measurements. Data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc test (α=0.05). RESULTS: Filtek Silorane showed the lowest SR, WS, and SO means. Water storage for one year increased the WS means for all composite resins tested. CONCLUSIONS: The silorane-based composite resin results were better than those obtained for methacrylate-based resins. One-year water storage did not change the SR and SO properties in any of the composite resins.

Novel bulking agent for faecal incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Various injectable bulking agents have been used for the treatment of faecal incontinence (FI). However, encouraging early results are not maintained over time. This study aimed to assess short- and medium-term results of a new bulking agent for the treatment of FI. METHODS: The Gatekeeper(™) prosthesis comprises a thin solid polyacrylonitrile cylinder that becomes thicker, shorter and softer within 24 h after implantation. Fourteen patients with FI underwent treatment with Gatekeeper(™) under local anaesthesia. Four prostheses were implanted in the intersphincteric space in each patient, under endoanal ultrasound guidance. Number of episodes of major FI, Cleveland Clinic FI score (CCFIS), Vaizey score, anorectal manometry, endoanal ultrasonography (EUS), health status and quality of life (Short Form 36 and Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life questionnaires) were assessed before and after treatment. RESULTS: Mean(s.d.) follow-up was 33·5(12·4) months. There were no complications. There was a significant decrease in major FI episodes from 7·1(7·4) per week at baseline to 1·4(4·0), 1·0(3·2) and 0·4(0·6) per week respectively at 1-month, 3-month and last follow-up (P = 0·002). CCFIS improved significantly from 12·7(3·3) to 4·1(3·0), 3·9(2·6) and 5·1(3·0) respectively (P < 0·001), and Vaizey score from 15·4(3·3) to 7·1(3·9), 4·7(3·0) and 6·9(5·0) respectively (P = 0·010). Soiling and ability to postpone defaecation improved significantly, and patients reported significant improvement in health status and quality of life. At follow-up, manometric parameters had not changed and EUS did not demonstrate any prosthesis dislocation. CONCLUSION: The Gatekeeper(™) anal implant seemed safe, reliable and effective. Initial clinical improvement was maintained over time, and follow-up data were encouraging.

Produção de água eletrolisada ácida para uso em Odontologia / Production of electrolyzed acid water for dentistry

O objetivo desse trabalho foi desenvolver um aparelho experimental de baixo custo para produção de água eletrolisada ácida (AEA) e verificar sua eficácia nadesinfecção de resina acrílica termo polimerizável (RA). Além disso, verificou-se a influência da AEA nas seguintes propriedades da RA. Sorção, Solubilidade, Resistência Flexural, Microdureza Knoop e Rugosidade Superficial. A AEA foiproduzida através do processo de eletrólise de uma solução de NaCl a 5% numa célula eletrolítica de dois compartimentos separados por uma membrana semipermeável. Foram utilizados eletrodos de grafite e a diferença de potencial aplicada entre eles foi de 30 V, gerada por um alimentador com capacidade máxima de corrente de 2 A. Após 20 minutos de eletrólise a solução anódica (AEA) apresentou os seguintes parâmetros: pH 3,0 e potencial de óxi-redução de 1150mV. O tempo de imersão na solução para o ensaios de desinfecção bem como os de propriedades características da RA foi de 10 minutos. A AEA foi eficaz nadesinfecção da RA pois os corpos desinfectados não provocaram a turvação dos meios de cultura. A imersão em AEA aumentou estatisticamente (p<0,05) a sorção ea solubilidade da resina acrílica, porém os valores permaneceram dentro dos parâmetros estabelecidos pela ISO 1567. As demais propriedades da resina ficaram inalteradas (p>0,05).

The aim of this research was to develop a low cost experimental apparatus able to produce Electrolyzed Acidic Water (EAW) and verify its efficacy for disinfection of a denture base acrylic resin (AR). It was also verified the influence ofEAW on the following properties of AR: Sorption, Solubility, Flexural Strength, Knoop Hardness and Superficial Rugosity. EAW was produced through an electrolysisprocess of an aqueous NaCl solution (5%) in an electrolytic two chambers cell with a separation membrane between the chambers. Graphite electrodes were used andthe potential difference between them was 30 V, provided by a power supply with maximum amperage capacity of 2 A. 20 minutes after the begging of the electrolysis process the anodic solution (EAW) showed the following parameters: pH 3.0 andoxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of 1150 mV. The immersion time in the solution for the disinfection test and also for the evaluation of AR properties was 10 min. EAW was able to disinfect AR as the infected specimens did not cause turbidity ofthe culture medium. Immersion in EAW increased the sorption and decreased the solubility of the AR in a statistically significant way (p<0.05) but it was within the range required by ISO 1567. All the other AR properties suffered no changes(p<0.05).

Efficiency of different polyacrylic acid concentrations on the smear layer, after ART technique, by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

AIM: To assess the efficiency of different polyacrylic acid concentrations on the removal of the smear layer after caries removal with hand and rotary instruments in affected dentine of primary teeth. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro study. METHODS: Six exfoliated primary molars with carious lesions were divided into two groups for caries removal: (1) hand instrument or (2) low speed bur. Each tooth was cut into four pieces. One piece assigned as control surface and the other three surfaces were actively treated with either 40% Fuji IXGP Liquid (GC America), or 40% Fuji IXGP Liquid diluted with water, and 25% Ketac Molar(TM) Conditioner (3M-ESPE). Surfaces were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All images were submitted to an analysis by an experienced SEM professional, regarding presence or absence of smear layer and dentinal demineralization pattern. Chi-squared test was carried out (5% significance). RESULTS: There was no difference concerning the presence of a smear layer in relation to the method of caries removal, and 40% Fuji IXGP diluted with water causes a higher demineralization when compared with the control group of teeth (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Treatments with polyacrylic acid are indicated prior to glass ionomer cement application in primary teeth.

[Effect of Novonukutskaya mineral water extracts on the clinical course of wound disease and wound healing in experiment].

The objective of the present work was to study the wound-healing potential of the new preparation, Extramin (a 32% ethanol extract of organic substances from Novonukutskaya mineral water) in a series of experiments on a model of chemical burns in rabbits. The wound healing process was monitored based on biochemical, hematiological, and morphological indicators. Analysis of the results allows for the conclusion that Extramin is a powerful stimulator of the wound-healing processes and can be recommended for further clinical studies.

In vitro and in vivo activity of Melaleuca alternifolia mixed with tissue conditioner on Candida albicans.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify in vitro and in vivo activity of Melaleuca alternifolia oil mixed with different tissue conditioners on the Candida albicans strain. STUDY DESIGN: Microbiological tests were used to isolate Candida albicans from patients with denture stomatitis. The in vitro antifungal activity of Melaleuca alternifolia against Candida albicans was determined when it was applied directly and when it was mixed with tissue conditioners (Fitt, Lynal, Coe-Comfort). The responses of 27 denture stomatitis patients treated with Melaleuca alternifolia mixed with Coe-Comfort (n = 9), Nystatin mixed with Coe-Comfort (n = 9), and Coe-Comfort (Control Group, n = 9), were evaluated over a period of 12 days. RESULTS: In the in vitro study, Coe-Comfort or Fitt conditioners mixed with 1 mL, 20% (vol/vol) of Melaleuca alternifolia oil exhibited a total inhibition of Candida albicans. Patients treated with M. alternifolia mixed with Coe-Comfort showed a significant decrease in palatal inflammation compared with those treated with Coe Comfort (P = .001). In addition, a significant inhibition of C. albicans growth was observed with M. alternifolia mixed with Coe-Comfort compared with only Coe-Comfort (P = .000004). CONCLUSION: M. alternifolia oil mixed with Coe-Comfort tissue conditioner is effective in treating denture stomatitis.

Re-attachment of anterior tooth fragment using a self-etching adhesive: a case report.

AIM: The purpose of this case report is to describe the re-attachment of an anterior tooth fragment using a self-etching adhesive. BACKGROUND: Fracture of anterior teeth by trauma is a common problem in children and teenagers due to their active lifestyle. Restoration of these teeth often presents a challenge because of the large pulp in young teeth and open apical foramen depending on the age of the child. New dental adhesive materials offer an alternative solution for the treatment of some anterior tooth fractures. REPORT: A 17-year-old female patient presented for treatment of a fractured maxillary left central incisor. The clinical examination revealed the exposure of dentin, but there was no exposure of the pulp. The patient saved the tooth fragment making it available for re-attachment to the remaining tooth structure. Under local anesthesia and rubber dam isolation the tooth fragment was re-attached using a self-etching adhesive and a microhybrid composite. SUMMARY: The re-attached tooth fragment was assessed clinically, radiographically, and using photographs at one, six, 12, 24, and 36 month intervals. The tooth remained vital, and there was no change in the color of the tooth at the three-year recall.

Long-term outcome from uterine fibroid embolization with tris-acryl gelatin microspheres: results of a multicenter study.

PURPOSE: To determine the long-term outcome of uterine fibroid therapy (UFE) using tris-acryl gelatin microspheres (TAGM). MATERIALS: This was a multicenter prospective study of patients undergoing UFE with TAGM, and during this phase of the study, the clinical outcomes 3 years after treatment were assessed. Measures of outcome included the Ruta Menorrhagia Questionnaire, patient self-assessments of symptoms and impact on activities, patient satisfaction and health-related quality of life as measured by the SF-12. Long-term re-intervention rates were also assessed. The data were analyzed at each interval compared to baseline using appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: Of the 102 patients enrolled, 96 patients had complete baseline data and of these, 69 (72%) had known outcomes at 3 years after treatment. Sixty-one patients (64%) completed long-term follow-up without major intervention. An additional 8 patients (8.3%) underwent fibroid surgery (7 hysterectomies and 1 myomectomy). Among those without intervention, at 3 years after treatment, the mean Ruta Questionnaire Score was 19.3, compared to 47.9 at baseline and 24.5 at 3 months (P <.01). At baseline, 57% of patients had extremely heavy bleeding, while only 2% had that complaint at 36 months. At 36 months, much or moderate improvement in pelvic pain occurred in 83% of patients, pelvic discomfort in 83%, and urinary problems in 69% and 84% were moderately or very satisfied with their outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Over the long-term, UFE using TAGM is effective and safe, with high levels of durable symptom control, improved health-related quality of life and patient satisfaction.