Long-term care facilities for older people and the COVID-19 pandemic: epidemiological data and preventive measures / Instituições de longa permanência para idosos e a pandemia de COVID-19: dados epidemiológicos e medidas preventiva

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged society, especially residents of long-term care facilities (LTCF). This study investigated rates of infection, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19 among LTCF residents and staff in Minas Gerais, Brazil and identified strategies to control the spread of the disease.Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from 164 LTCF (6017 older adults). The owners or managers were invited to answer an electronic questionnaire. The questionnaire included 55 items, divided into 3 sections.Results: Of the participating LTCF, 48.7%, 39.6%, and 32.3% reported COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths, respectively, among residents, while 68.9%, 7.3%, and 1.2% reported COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths, respectively, among staff. Preventive measures were identified and classified as organizational, infrastructural, hygiene items/personal protective equipment, and staff training.Conclusion: The strategies used in the daily routines of LTCF during the pandemic were classified. The challenges experienced in Brazilian facilities were similar to those observed worldwide. The results highlight the importance of continuity and the need to improve protective measures for LTCF residents, especially in low- and middle-income countries

Objetivos: A pandemia da COVID-19 tem sido desafiadora para a sociedade, principalmente para aqueles que residem em Instituições de Longa Permanência (ILPI). Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever as taxas de infecção, hospitalização e óbito por COVID-19 entre idosos e funcionários de ILPI de Minas Gerais/Brasil e identificar estratégias de prevenção e controle da disseminação da doença.Metodologia: Este estudo transversal foi realizado com 164 ILPI (6.017 idosos). Os gestores ou proprietários foram convidados a responder ao questionário eletrônico. O questionário incluiu 55 itens, divididos em três seções.Resultados: Entre as ILPI estudadas, 48,7% confirmaram a infecção por COVID-19 em idosos, resultando em 39,6% de internação e 32,3% de óbito entre os infectados. Além disso, 68,9% das ILPI confirmaram infecção por COVID-19 na equipe, com 7,3% de internação e 1,2% de óbito. As medidas preventivas foram identificadas e classificadas como organizacionais, infraestrutura, itens de higiene e equipamentos de proteção individual e treinamento de pessoal contra a COVID-19.Conclusão: Essas medidas revelaram estratégias e barreiras vivenciadas no cotidiano das ILPI durante a pandemia. As ILPI no Brasil passaram por desafios semelhantes aos observados mundialmente. Os resultados destacaram a importância da continuidade e melhoria das medidas de proteção para idosos em ILPI, especialmente em países de baixa e média renda

Modificação e avaliação de gel de ácido fosfórico 35% com agente aromatizante / Modification and evaluation of 35% phosphoric acid gel with flavoring agent

Objetivos: O condicionamento da superfície dos tecidos dentários duros com ácido fosfórico 35% é normalmente utilizado para fornecer retenção micromecânica para adesivos odontológicos. Quando lavado da superfície, o ácido pode gerar gosto amargo e desagradável ao paladar do paciente. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o efeito da adição de um agente aromatizante à composição do gel de ácido fosfórico 35% e investigar se existe alteração de características fundamentais deste material, como sua capacidade de desmineralizar a superfície dentária. Métodos: Além de um grupo controle (sem flavorizante), foram testados grupos de ácido fosfórico 35% com a adição de 0,5% ou 3% do aromatizante (Aroma Abacaxi Pó; Bio Green Ingredients). Foram realizadas análises de viscosidade, estabilidade do pH e de desmineralização da superfície de esmalte condicionada por microscopia eletrônica de varredura, além de teste de resistência de união ao esmalte por microcisalhamento. Resultados: Apesar dos grupos apresentarem pequenas diferenças entre si, nenhuma das alterações se mostrou significativa, exceto o aumento da viscosidade do gel contendo 3% do aromatizante. Conclusões: A adição de agente aromatizante ao gel condicionador de ácido fosfórico 35% parece ser alternativa viável para reduzir os problemas relacionados ao contato com o sabor desagradável do material, uma vez que não promoveu alteração negativa significativa nas características e comportamento do ácido(AU)

Objectives: Etching of dental hard tissues surfaces with 35% phosphoric acid is usually used to provide micromechanical interlocking with dental adhesives. When washed from the surface, the acid can cause a bitter taste unpleasant to the patient. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the addition of a flavoring agent to 35% phosphoric acid gel and investigate whether there is change in the fundamental characteristics of this material, including its ability to demineralize dental surfaces. Methods: In addition to a control group (without flavoring agent), groups were tested with the addition of 0.5% or 3% of the flavoring compound (pineapple flavor powder, Bio Green Ingredients) to 35% phosphoric acid. Analyses of viscosity, pH stability and demineralization of enamel surfaces by scanning electron microscopy were carried out, as well microshear bond strength to enamel. Results: Although the groups had minor differences among themselves, none of the changes were significant, except the increased viscosity of the gel containing 3% of the flavoring agent. Conclusions: The addition of flavoring agent to 35% phosphoric acid gel conditioner seems to be a viable alternative to reduce the problems related to contact with the unpleasant taste of the material, since it promoted no negative changes in the characteristics and behavior of the acid(AU)

Chemical cleaning agents and bonding to glass-fiber posts

The influence of chemical cleaning agents on the bond strength between resin cement and glass-fiber posts was investigated. The treatments included 10% hydrofluoric acid, 35% phosphoric acid, 50% hydrogen peroxide, acetone, dichloromethane, ethanol, isopropanol, and tetrahydrofuran. Flat glass-fiber epoxy substrates were exposed to the cleaners for 60 s. Resin cement cylinders were formed on the surfaces and tested in shear. All treatments provided increased bond strength compared to untreated control specimens. All failures were interfacial. Although all agents improved the bond strength, dichloromethane and isopropanol were particularly effective.

Chemical cleaning agents and bonding to glass-fiber posts.

The influence of chemical cleaning agents on the bond strength between resin cement and glass-fiber posts was investigated. The treatments included 10% hydrofluoric acid, 35% phosphoric acid, 50% hydrogen peroxide, acetone, dichloromethane, ethanol, isopropanol, and tetrahydrofuran. Flat glass-fiber epoxy substrates were exposed to the cleaners for 60 s. Resin cement cylinders were formed on the surfaces and tested in shear. All treatments provided increased bond strength compared to untreated control specimens. All failures were interfacial. Although all agents improved the bond strength, dichloromethane and isopropanol were particularly effective.