Occurrence, isolation and differentiation of Candida spp. and prevalence of variables associated to chronic atrophic candidiasis.

The purpose of this study was to survey the frequency of Candida spp. in patients with chronic atrophic candidiasis (CAC), to differentiate Candida species and to assess the prevalence of certain infection-associated variables to this disease. Patients with CAC and wearing partial or complete dentures were recruited. Data were obtained by means of a questionnaire with details involving identification of the subject, demographic characteristics, behaviour and medical history, clinical and mycological evaluation and identification of yeast. The sample collection was carried out in the palate or palate and tongue of the subjects using sterilised swabs. Data were submitted to statistical analyses using Fischer's test. Forty-three (53%) cases of CAC showed the presence of Candida albicans. Females (75.2%) wearing complete dentures (60.1%) for more than 10 years (58%) were risk factors to CAC development. It could be concluded that: (a) the results did not confirm a significant difference among patients with CAC concerning the presence or absence of Candida spp.; (b) the occurrence of Candida was negatively related to important factors associated to this opportunistic infection; and (c) mycological findings did not indicate that the variables investigated have a significant effect on oral infections by C. albicans or other Candida species.

Microtensile bond strength of two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive systems on sound and artificial caries-affected dentin.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the microtensile bond strength of two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive systems on sound and artificial caries-affected dentin (CAD) produced by in vitro monoculture of Streptococcus mutans. METHODS: 10 recently extracted non-carious human third molars were ground to expose a flat dentin surface. Each tooth was sectioned through the long axis with a diamond saw to create two similar halves. One half was used as control (sound dentin - SD) while the other was submitted to caries lesion induction in vitro, using 40 mL of Brain Heart Infusion broth containing 1% sucrose and 40 microL of Streptococcus mutans UA159 inoculum (final bacterial concentration: 1-2 x 105 CFU/mL). The specimens were incubated at 37 degrees C for 4 weeks, and the culture medium was changed every 3 days for 4 weeks. Sound or CAD were alternatively restored as follow (n = 5): Single Bond 2/sound dentin (SB-SD); Single Bond 2/artificial caries-affected dentin (SB-CAD); Prime&Bond NT/sound dentin (PB-SD); and Prime&Bond NT/CAD (PB-CAD).The adhesives were applied to dentin according to manufacturers' instructions, and build-ups of resin composite (Filtek Z250) were prepared and polymerized with a LED light-curing unit (Radii). The restored teeth were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours and thereafter sectioned perpendicular to the bonded interface with a refrigerated low-speed diamond saw, obtaining three slices per half-tooth (n = 15). The microtensile bond strength (microTBS) test was performed in a universal test machine with a crosshead speed of 1 mm/minute. Bond strengths were calculated in MPa and analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Student-Newman-Keuls at a 0.05 level of significance. Failure patterns were examined with an optical microscope. RESULTS: SD produced significantly higher microTBS values than CAD for both adhesive systems. Furthermore, independently of the dentin condition, Single Bond 2 had higher values than Prime Bond NT (P < 0.05). Single Bond 2 showed higher microTBS than Prime Bond NT, in both substrates, and application to CAD reduced the adhesion.

Use of sulfonamides for the treatment of bovine neonatal diarrhea: clinical and performance parameters / Utilização de sulfonamidas para o tratamento de diarreia neonatal bovina: parâmetros clínicos e zootécnicos

This study was developed to evaluate the clinical, hematological, and performance parameters of calves affected by diarrhea caused by the bacterial enteric pathogen Escherichia coli, treated with three different protocols containing sulfonamides. Fourteen Holstein calves were monitored from birth to 60 days of age, and divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (n=5) animals were treated with 80 g of Kaopek®, Ibasa, Brazil, administered orally (BM), dissolved in 160 ml of water every 24 h; Group 2 (n=4) received IM sulfadiazine and trimethoprim (Ibatrim®, Ibasa, Brazil), and Group 3 (n=5) animals were treated with 80 g of Kaopek®, Ibasa, Brazil, which is made up of 16 g of phthalylsulfathiazole, associated with 2.28 g neomycin sulfate, 1.6 g of pectin, and 80 g of kaolin, dissolved in 160 ml of water and administered every 24 h by mouth, in addition to sulfadiazine and trimethoprim (Ibatrim®, Ibasa, Brazil), at a daily dose of 16 mg/kg live weight, through IM injection. During the study, the animals were clinically evaluated, and once they were diagnosed with diarrhea, feces samples were collected to identify the bacterial enteric pathogen, antibiogram, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and coproparasitological exams. Blood samples were collected to evaluate the hematological profile, and the performance profile was monitored weekly. In the clinical examination, all calves presented a reduction in body temperature (<39.2°C) and some improvement in hydration after treatment (p=0,31). However, group 2 had a better concentration of lymphocytes and TP concerning the other animals, as well as better performance. Besides, E.coli was detected in 100% of feces samples. Thus, the therapeutic protocols with sulfonamides used to treat bovine neonatal diarrhea were effective in the clinical improvement of the animals. Nonetheless, the protocol with systemic therapy using sulfadiazine and trimethoprim (Ibatrim®, Ibasa, Brazil) intramuscularly, provided better performance, with better weight gain, and body development of the animals.(AU)

Este estudo foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar parâmetros clínicos, hematológicos e zootécnicos de bezerras acometidas por diarreia provocada pelo agente bacteriano Escherichia coli, tratadas com três diferentes protocolos contendo sulfonamidas. Quatorze bezerras da raça Holandês foram monitoradas do nascimento até os 60 dias de vida e divididas em 3 grupos: Grupo 1 (n=5), animais tratados com a dose de 80g de Kaopek®, Ibasa, Brasil, por via oral (VO), dissolvido em 160ml de água a cada 24 horas; Grupo 2 (n=4) receberam sulfadiazina e trimetropim (Ibatrim®, Ibasa, Brasil), na dose de 16mg/Kg de peso vivo, por dia, por via intramuscular (IM); Grupo 3 (n=5) 80g de Kaopek®, Ibasa, Brasil, por VO dissolvido em 160ml de água, a cada 24 horas e com 16mg/Kg de peso vivo, por dia, de sulfadiazina e trimetoprim (Ibatrim®, Ibasa, Brasil), por via IM. Durante o estudo, os animais foram avaliados clinicamente e a partir do diagnóstico de diarreia foram coletadas amostras de fezes para a identificação do agente bacteriano, antibiograma, reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) e exames coproparasitológicos. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para avaliação do perfil hematológico e o perfil zootécnico foi acompanhado semanalmente. No exame clínico, todas as bezerras apresentaram redução na temperatura corporal (<39,2°C) e melhora na hidratação após o período de tratamento (p=0,31), porém o grupo 2 obteve maior concentração de linfócitos e PPT em relação aos demais, assim como melhor desempenho zootécnico, além disso em 100% das amostras de fezes foi detectado E. coli. Sendo assim, os protocolos terapêuticos com sulfonamidas utilizados para o tratamento da diarreia neonatal bovina foram eficazes na melhora clínica dos animais. Porém, o protocolo com terapia sistêmica com sulfadiazina e trimetoprim (Ibatrim®, Ibasa, Brasil) por via intramuscular proporcionou um melhor desempenho zootécnico, com melhor ganho de peso e desenvolvimento corporal dos animais.(AU)

[Twenty-four months of external control of fluoride levels in the public water supply in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil]. / Vinte e quatro meses de heterocontrole da fluoretação das águas de abastecimento público de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

The aim of the present study was monthly evaluation of fluoride levels in the public water supply in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, and the validity of forming external control groups. Pelotas was divided into 16 geographic regions, including the three public water treatment stations. Water samples were collected from November 1999 to October 2001. Two samples were drawn from each region. Samples were sent to the Fluoride Health Surveillance Laboratory at Universidade do Vale do Itajaí. Fluoride analysis used an electrometric method (Orion 920 A/Electrometer Orion 9609). After 24 months, 764 samples were collected, demonstrating a discontinuity in the fluoride levels. There was an increase in the number of samples with an ideal concentration of fluoride. However, several points with excessive fluoride levels (> 0.9ppmF) also appeared. Based on these results it was concluded that external control is essential for monitoring fluoride levels in the public water supply.

Dissolving efficacy of some organic solvents on gutta-percha.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the solubility of gutta-percha in four organic solvents used in endodontics. The solubility of gutta-percha (Dentsply) was assessed in xylol, orange oil, eucalyptol, chloroform and distilled water. A hundred and fifty samples of gutta-percha were prepared using a standardized stainless steel mould and divided into five groups for immersion in the different solvents tested and in distilled water (control group) for 2, 5 and 10 minutes. The means of gutta-percha dissolution in the solvents were obtained by the difference between the pre-immersion original weight and the post-immersion weight in a digital analytical scale (Gehaka-AG2000). Data were statistically analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and multiple comparisons with Scheffes test (p<0.05). The best solvency capacity was obtained with xylol. Chloroform, orange oil and eucalyptol presented similar results, and distilled water did not promote alterations in the gutta-percha.

One-bottle adhesives: in vitro analysis of solvent volatilization and sealing ability.

The aim of this study was to compare the solvent volatilization rate and evaluate the sealing ability of different one-bottle adhesives that were in constant clinical use--an ethanol/water-based adhesive (Single Bond, 3M/ESPE-SB) and an acetone-based adhesive (Prime & Bond 2.1, Dentsply/Caulk-PB). Nine bottles of each agent were collected from the clinics of a dental school, and new ones were used as controls. The weight of all bottles and of empty bottles was determined using an analytical balance. A drop of each solution was dispensed onto the balance, taking its initial weight (IW) and, after 10 min, its final weight (FW). The IW/FW ratio was used to determine the solvents volatilization rate. The bottles with the highest evaporation levels (SB Control and PB Control) and with the lowest evaporation levels (SB Test and PB Test) of each agent were applied in Class V restorations with margins in dentin. Specimens were thermocycled and immersed in a 0.5% basic fuchsin solution. Dye penetration was evaluated under magnification and the data were submitted to the Kruskal-Wallis test. Solvent volatilization was faster for the acetone-based adhesive. IW/FW ratios ranged from 1.239 to 1.515 for SB, and from 3.488 to 6.476 for PB. The PB-Control and SB-Control groups exhibited similar microleakage patterns. The highest dye penetration scores were found for the PB-Test group (p < 0.05). Results indicate that the sealing ability can be affected by the repeated opening of acetone-based adhesive bottles.

Diametral tensile strength of two brazilian resin-modified glass ionomers cements: influence of the powder/liquid ratio

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of powder/liquid ratio in the diametral tensile strength of two resin-modified glass ionomers cements (RMGIC). Two Brazilian brands of RMGIC: Resiglass R (RG: Biodinâmica) and Vitro Fil LC (VF: DFL) were used. Each product was mixed in two different powder/liquid ratios, (1:1) 1 scoop of powder to one drop of liquid or (1:2) 1 scoop of powder to 2 drops of liquid. The control was considered the powder/liquid ratio recommended by each manufacturer (RG 1:1 and VF 1:2 P/L). Four groups (n=5) with sample dimensions of 2.5 and 5.0 mm (thickness and diameter respectively) were tested. Diametral Tensile Test was performed in a mechanical testing machine (EMIC DL 500). Data obtained were submitted to One-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparisons test (α=5%). For both national RMGICs, the experimental variations in the powder/liquid ratio led to an increase in diametral tensile strength when compared to the ratios advocated by the manufacturers. Group VL manipulated with experimental ratio1:1 showed statistically the highest (25.54±2.38 MPa) DTS mean among the tested groups whereas Resinglass R manipulated with 1:1 ratio, as advocated by manufacturer, showed statistically the lowest DTS mean (9.27±1.37 MPa). A review and further adjustments in the ratios recommended by the manufacturers of both resin-modified glass ionomers cements investigated is necessary.

Dissolving efficacy of some organic solvents on gutta-percha

The aim of this study was to evaluate the solubility of gutta-percha in four organic solvents used in endodontics. The solubility of gutta-percha (Dentsply) was assessed in xylol, orange oil, eucalyptol, chloroform and distilled water. A hundred and fifty samples of gutta-percha were prepared using a standardized stainless steel mould and divided into five groups for immersion in the different solvents tested and in distilled water (control group) for 2, 5 and 10 minutes. The means of gutta-percha dissolution in the solvents were obtained by the difference between the pre-immersion original weight and the post-immersion weight in a digital analytical scale (Gehaka - AG2000). Data were statistically analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and multiple comparisons with Scheffe’s test (p < 0.05). The best solvency capacity was obtained with xylol. Chloroform, orange oil and eucalyptol presented similar results, and distilled water did not promote alterations in the gutta-percha.

O presente estudo avaliou a solubilidade da guta-percha em quatro solventes orgânicos empregados em endodontia. A solubilidade da guta-percha (Dentsply) foi testada em xilol, óleo de laranja, eucaliptol, clorofórmio e água destilada. Foram preparadas cento e cinqüenta amostras de guta-percha por meio de uma matriz metálica que foram divididas em cinco grupos para imersão nos diferentes solventes a serem testados e na água destilada (grupo controle) durante 2, 5 e 10 minutos. As médias da dissolução da guta-percha nos diferentes solventes foram obtidas pela diferença entre o peso inicial pré-imersão e o peso pós-imersão através de uma balança analítica digital (Gehaka - AG2000). Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente através da análise de variância (ANOVA) e comparações múltiplas com teste de Scheffe’s (p < 0,05). A melhor capacidade de solvência foi obtida com o xilol. Clorofórmio, óleo de laranja e eucaliptol apresentaram resultados semelhantes, e a água destilada não promoveu alterações na guta-percha.

One-bottle adhesives: in vitro analysis of solvent volatilization and sealing ability

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a taxa de volatilização do solvente e a capacidade de selamento de diferentes adesivos de frasco único que estavam em constante uso clínico – um à base de etanol/água (Single Bond, 3M/ESPE) e um à base de acetona (Prime & Bond 2.1, Dentsply/Caulk). Nove frascos de cada agente foram coletados das clínicas da faculdade e outros novos foram utilizados como controle. Os pesos de todos os frascos e de frascos vazios foram determinados em uma balança analítica. Uma gota de cada solução foi dispensada na balança, tomando-se seu peso inicial (PI) e, após 10 min, seu peso final (PF). A razão PI/PF foi utilizada para determinar a taxa de volatilização do solvente. Os frascos com os maiores níveis de evaporação (SB Controle e PB Controle) e com os menores níveis de evaporação (SB Teste e PB Teste) foram aplicados em restaurações Classe V com margens em dentina. Os espécimes foram termociclados e imersos em solução de fucsina básica a 0,5%. A penetração do corante foi avaliada sob magnificação e os dados foram submetidos ao teste de Kruskal-Wallis. A volatilização do solvente foi mais rápida para o adesivo à base de acetona. As razões PI/PF variaram de 1,239 a 1,515 para SB e de 3,488 a 6,476 para PB. PB-Controle e SB-Controle exibiram vedamento similar. Os maiores escores de penetração foram encontrados para o PB-Teste (p < 0,05). Os resultados indicam que a habilidade de selamento pode ser afetada pela repetida utilização dos frascos de adesivo à base de acetona.

Avaliação do teor de flúor em 14 águas engarrafadas comercializadas no município de Pelotas - RS / Evaluation of the fluoridade level in 14 bottled waters sold in Pelotas - RS

Como medida preventiva à cárie dental, o método de maior eficácia em saúde coletiva ainda é a fluoretação da água de abastecimento público. Porém, há um incremento cada vez maior de marcas comerciais de águas engarrafadas devido à maior preocupação com a qualidade da água a ser ingerida. No entanto, poucos trabalhos têm avaliado a qualidade destas águas com relação ao flúor existente. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o conteúdo de flúor em 14 águas engarrafadas adquiridas no comércio de Pelotas -RS. As amostras foram analisadas em triplicata, cada uma com 9mL da água e 1mL de TISAB III. Para a mensuração do flúor foi utilizado o método eletrométrico, por um Potenciômetro Microprocessado ( AN 2000), com eletrodo seletivo para fluoreto. Os dados foram avaliados pelo software analisador de íons ANALION do Departamento de Bioquímica da UFPel. Observou-se que a concentração de flúor indicada nos diferentes rótulos não é expressa na forma iônica do elemento, os valores encontrados não coincidiram com os rotulados na água, e em oito marcas a quantidade de flúor não estava presente no rótulo das garrafas. Algumas marcas apresentaram valores que oferecem risco à fluorose dental se ingeridas constantemente.