Effect of a calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medicament containing N-2-methyl pyrrolidone as a vehicle against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the effect of a calcium hydroxide (CH) paste (CleaniCal®) containing N-2-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) as a vehicle on Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) biofilms compared with other products containing saline (Calasept Plus™) or propylene glycol (PG) (Calcipex II®). METHODOLOGY: Standardized bovine root canal specimens were used. The antibacterial effects were measured by colony-forming unit counting. The thickness of bacterial microcolonies and exopolysaccharides was assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Morphological features of the biofilms were observed using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Bovine tooth blocks covered with nail polish were immersed into the vehicles and dispelling was observed. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: CleaniCal® showed the highest antibacterial activity, followed by Calcipex II® (p<0.05). Moreover, NMP showed a higher antibacterial effect compared with PG (p<0.05). The thickness of bacteria and EPS in the CleaniCal® group was significantly lower than that of other materials tested (p<0.05). FE-SEM images showed the specimens treated with Calasept Plus™ were covered with biofilms, whereas the specimens treated with other medicaments were not. Notably, the specimen treated with CleaniCal® was cleaner than the one treated with Calcipex II®. Furthermore, the nail polish on the bovine tooth block immersed in NMP was completely dispelled. CONCLUSIONS: CleaniCal® performed better than Calasept Plus™ and Calcipex II® in the removal efficacy of E. faecalis biofilms. The results suggest the effect might be due to the potent dissolving effect of NMP on organic substances.

Effect of a calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medicament containing N-2-methyl pyrrolidone as a vehicle against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm

Abstract This study investigated the effect of a calcium hydroxide (CH) paste (CleaniCal®) containing N-2-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) as a vehicle on Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) biofilms compared with other products containing saline (Calasept Plus™) or propylene glycol (PG) (Calcipex II®). Methodology Standardized bovine root canal specimens were used. The antibacterial effects were measured by colony-forming unit counting. The thickness of bacterial microcolonies and exopolysaccharides was assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Morphological features of the biofilms were observed using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Bovine tooth blocks covered with nail polish were immersed into the vehicles and dispelling was observed. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey tests (p<0.05). Results CleaniCal® showed the highest antibacterial activity, followed by Calcipex II® (p<0.05). Moreover, NMP showed a higher antibacterial effect compared with PG (p<0.05). The thickness of bacteria and EPS in the CleaniCal® group was significantly lower than that of other materials tested (p<0.05). FE-SEM images showed the specimens treated with Calasept Plus™ were covered with biofilms, whereas the specimens treated with other medicaments were not. Notably, the specimen treated with CleaniCal® was cleaner than the one treated with Calcipex II®. Furthermore, the nail polish on the bovine tooth block immersed in NMP was completely dispelled. Conclusions CleaniCal® performed better than Calasept Plus™ and Calcipex II® in the removal efficacy of E. faecalis biofilms. The results suggest the effect might be due to the potent dissolving effect of NMP on organic substances.

Sub-minute determination of rifampicin and isoniazid in fixed dose combination tablets by capillary zone electrophoresis with ultraviolet absorption detection.

A validated sub minute capillary zone electrophoresis method with direct ultraviolet absorption detection for simultaneous determination of isoniazid and rifampicin in fixed-dose combination tablets was developed. Background electrolyte was defined based on the analytes effective mobility curve and it was composed by 20 mmol/L of sodium carbonate/sodium bicarbonate at pH 10.2. A careful validation procedure considering the main figures of merit was performed. Regression models were satisfactory for isoniazid and rifampicin, showing no lack of fit within 95% significance interval. Interday and intraday precision were evaluated in standard and sample and slight relative standard deviations were achieved for concentration, area, and migration time. Recovery values for accuracy in two levels were 99.97 and 90.08% for isoniazid and 95.45 and 95.12% for rifampicin. The limits of detection for isoniazid and rifampicin were 0.22 and 0.34 mg/L, respectively, and the limits of quantification were 0.74 and 1.13 mg/L, respectively. Method selectivity was verified by injecting diluent, background electrolyte, a standard mixture, and a sample, confirming no interferent peaks. The method proved to be simple, environmentally friendly, sensitive, and was successfully applied for simultaneous quantification of isoniazid and rifampicin in fixed-dose combination tablets.

Humic acid attenuation of silver nanoparticle toxicity by ion complexation and the formation of a Ag3+ coating.

The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) result in an inevitable contact with aquatic environments. Here we study the behavior of AgNPs and the developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos exposed to these nanoparticles (0-10 mg/L) with and without the presence of HA (20 mg/L), using zebrafish facility water (ZFW) and zebrafish growing media (ZGM). The presence of cations and HA gave rise to a decrease in Ag ion release and ζ-potential, an increase in the hydrodynamic diameter and oxidation of the AgNP surface. The results show that the presence of HA and cations in the media, as well as the silver speciation, i.e., the unusual presence of Ag3+, decreases the toxicity of AgNPs (LC50AgNPs: 1.19 mg/L; LC50AgNPs + HA: 3.56 mg/L), as well as silver bioavailability and toxicity in zebrafish embryos. Developmental alterations and the LC50 (1.19 mg/L) of AgNPs in ZFW were more relevant (p ≤ 0.05) than for AgNPs in ZGM (LC50 ˃ 10 mg/L). It was demonstrated that the bioaccumulation and toxicity of AgNPs depends on several factors including AgNPs concentration, nanoparticle aggregation, dissolved silver ions, speciation of silver ions, the amount of salt in the environment, the presence of humic substances and others, and different combinations of all of these factors.

Safety, osseointegration, and bone ingrowth analysis of PMMA-based porous cement on animal metaphyseal bone defect model.

Bone defects created after curettage of benign bone tumors are customarily filled with solid poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) or other bone substitutes. In this study, we depicted a porous PMMA-based cement (produced by mixing sodium bicarbonate and citric acid) and evaluated the prospect of its clinic application. Cement samples were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to mass spectrometry and its cytotoxicity evaluated in fibroblast cultures. Implantation in rabbits allowed the histologic analysis of bone, kidneys, and liver for toxicity and coagulation tests, and MRI images for hemostasis evaluation. Osseointegration was analyzed through radiography, microtomography (micro-CT), SEM, and histology of sheep specimens. Rabbit specimens were analyzed 1, 4, and 7 days after implantation of porous or solid bone cement in 6.0 mm femoral defects. Sheep specimens were analyzed 3 and 6 months after implantation or not of porous or solid cement in 15.0 mm subchondral tibial defects. The production process did not release any detectable toxic substance but slightly reduced fibroblast proliferation in vitro. Until 7 days after surgery, no local or systemic alterations could be detected in histology, or hematoma formation in histology or MRI. Sheep implants showed 6 mm linear ingrowth from the bone-cement interface and 20% bone ingrowth considering the whole defect area. Radiography, micro-CT, SEM, and histology confirmed these findings. We conclude that our porous PMMA-based cement is an attractive alternative treatment for bone defect filling that combines osseointegration and early weight bearing. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 649-658, 2018.

Dentin pretreatment and adhesive temperature as affecting factors on bond strength of a universal adhesive system.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of dentin pretreatment and temperature on the bond strength of a universal adhesive system to dentin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-six extracted non-carious human third molars were randomly divided into 12 groups (n=8) according to Scotchbond Universal Adhesive (SbU) applied in self-etch (SE) and etch-and-rinse (ER) mode, adhesive temperature (20°C or 37°C) and sodium bicarbonate or aluminum oxide air abrasion. After composite build up, bonded sticks with cross-sectional area of 1 mm2 were obtained to evaluate the microtensile bond strength (µTBS). The specimens were tested at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min on a testing machine until failure. Fractured specimens were analyzed under stereomicroscope to determine the failure patterns in adhesive, cohesive (dentin or resin) and mixed fractures. The microtensile bond strength data was analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=5%). RESULTS: Interaction between treatment and temperature was statistically significant for SbU applied in self-etch technique. Both dentin treatments showed higher bond strength for ER mode, regardless of adhesive temperature. When compared to control group, sodium bicarbonate increased bond strength of SbU in SE technique. Adhesive temperature did not significantly affect the µTBS of tested groups. Predominantly, adhesive failure was observed for all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Dentin surface treatment with sodium bicarbonate air abrasion improves bond strength of SbU, irrespective of adhesive application mode, which makes this approach an alternative to increase adhesive performance of Scotchbond Universal Adhesive to dentin.

Dentin pretreatment and adhesive temperature as affecting factors on bond strength of a universal adhesive system

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the effects of dentin pretreatment and temperature on the bond strength of a universal adhesive system to dentin. Material and Methods: Ninety-six extracted non-carious human third molars were randomly divided into 12 groups (n=8) according to Scotchbond Universal Adhesive (SbU) applied in self-etch (SE) and etch-and-rinse (ER) mode, adhesive temperature (20°C or 37°C) and sodium bicarbonate or aluminum oxide air abrasion. After composite build up, bonded sticks with cross-sectional area of 1 mm2 were obtained to evaluate the microtensile bond strength (μTBS). The specimens were tested at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min on a testing machine until failure. Fractured specimens were analyzed under stereomicroscope to determine the failure patterns in adhesive, cohesive (dentin or resin) and mixed fractures. The microtensile bond strength data was analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=5%). Results: Interaction between treatment and temperature was statistically significant for SbU applied in self-etch technique. Both dentin treatments showed higher bond strength for ER mode, regardless of adhesive temperature. When compared to control group, sodium bicarbonate increased bond strength of SbU in SE technique. Adhesive temperature did not significantly affect the μTBS of tested groups. Predominantly, adhesive failure was observed for all groups. Conclusions: Dentin surface treatment with sodium bicarbonate air abrasion improves bond strength of SbU, irrespective of adhesive application mode, which makes this approach an alternative to increase adhesive performance of Scotchbond Universal Adhesive to dentin.

Influência do tempo de aplicação do bicarbonato de sódio a 10% na adesão ao esmalte bovino clareado: estudo in vitro / Effect of the application time of 10% sodium bicarbonate on bleached enamel: an in vitro study

Este estudo in vitro avaliou a influência do tempo de aplicação do bicarbonato de sódio a 10% na qualidade da união de um sistema adesivo universal unido ao esmalte bovino clareado por meio de testes de resistência de união (microtração imediata e após 6 meses) e grau de conversão na interface adesiva (espectroscopia micro-Raman). Cento e dez blocos de esmalte bovino (4x4 mm) foram planificados e distribuídos aleatoriamente em 5 grupos: C: controle, sem clareamento; B: clareamento com peróxido de hidrogênio 35% (HP); BS3: clareamento com HP seguido de tratamento com a solução de bicarbonato de sódio 10% (BS) por 3 min; BS5: clareamento com HP seguido de tratamento com BS por 5 min; BS10: clareamento com HP seguido de tratamento com BS por 10 min. O HP foi aplicado duas vezes (20 minutos cada, com exceção do grupo C) e em seguida as restaurações adesivas foram realizadas. Após 24 horas, 20 espécimes de cada grupo foram seccionados em palitos (1x1 mm) e submetidos ao teste de resistência de união (imediato e após 6 meses) em máquina de ensaios universal com velocidade de 0,5 mm/min (n=10). Os dados foram analisados por ANOVA a dois critérios (p <0,05). As médias das análises imediata e após 6 meses foram: C: 26,77 / 25,32; B: 26,42 / 26,42; BS3: 23,95 / 22,98; BS5: 23,65 / 26,64; BS10: 23,42 / 29,30. Nenhum dos fatores testados apresentou significância: tratamento (p=0,349) e tempo (p=0,234), não havendo interação entre estes (p=0,198). Falhas adesivas foram predominantes nos dois períodos de avaliação. Para a análise do grau de conversão, após 24 horas da restauração, 2 espécimes de cada grupo foram seccionados em fatias de 1mm, sendo apenas 3 fatias selecionadas. Os seguintes parâmetros foram utilizados: excitação dos espécimes com laser de argônio operando a 538 nm, espectro obtido a uma resolução ~4cm-1, sob uma região de espectro entre 1580-1660cm-1, verificando a altura dos picos 1608cm-1 e 1637cm-1. Os dados foram analisados por ANOVA a um critério (p <0,05) e as médias do grau de conversão foram: C: 71,10%; B: 72,11%; BS3: 73,98%; BS5: 69,25%; BS10: 70,56%. O fator de estudo tratamento não apresentou significância estatística (p=0,808). A adesão no esmalte clareado parece não ter sido afetada negativamente quando restaurações adesivas foram feitas imediatamente após o clareamento, independente da aplicação ou não da substância antioxidante. Mais estudos que avaliem a adesão em esmalte clareado, principalmente no que diz respeito ao grau de conversão e aos diferentes tipos de sistemas adesivos universais se fazem necessários para fins comparativos e para que possamos indicar seguramente as restaurações imediatas (quando necessárias) na prática clínica.(AU)

The present in vitro study evaluated the influence of the application time of 10% sodium bicarbonate in the adhesion quality of a universal adhesive system bonded to bleached enamel through microtensile bond strength testing (immediate and after 6 months) and the degree conversion (micro-Raman spectroscopy). One hundred and ten bovine enamel blocks (4x4mm) were flattened and randomly allocated into 5 groups: C: control, without bleaching; B: bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP); BS3: bleached and treated with 10% sodium bicarbonate solution (BS) for 3 min; BS5: bleached and treated with BS for 5 min; BS10: bleached and treated with BS for 10 min. HP was applied twice (20 minutes each, except in group C) and the adhesive restorations were performed. After 24 hours, 20 specimens from each group were sectioned into sticks (1x1 mm) and submitted to microtensile bond strength testing (immediately and after 6 months) in a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min (n = 10). Data was analyzed by two-way ANOVA (p <0.05). The means of the immediate and 6 months analysis were: C 26.77 / 25.32; B: 26.42 / 26.42; BS3: 23.95 / 22.98; BS5: 23.65 / 26.64; BS10: 23.42 / 29.30. None of the tested factors showed significance: treatment (p = 0.349) and time (p = 0.234), with no interaction between them (p = 0.198). Adhesive failures were predominant in both evaluation periods. For the degree of conversion analysis, 2 specimens of each group were sectioned into 1 mm slices after 24 hours of the restorative procedure, and 3 slices were selected. The following parameters were used: excitation of specimens with argon laser operating at 538 nm, spectrum obtained at a resolution of ~4cm-1, under a spectrum region between 1580-1660cm-1, evaluating the height of the peaks at 1608cm-1 and 1637cm-1. Data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA (p <0.05). The means of degree of conversion were: C: 71.10%; B: 72.11%; BS3: 73.98%; BS5: 69.25%; BS10: 70.56%. The study factor "treatment" was not statistically significant (p = 0.808). The results of bonding to bleached enamel was not negatively affected when adhesive restorations were made immediately after bleaching, regardless of the application of the antioxidant substance. Further studies to evaluate the adhesion on bleached enamel, mainly with regard to the degree of conversion and different types of universal adhesive systems are needed for comparative purposes. Only after this, the immediate restoration (if necessary) in clinical practice can be safely and indicated.(AU)

Efeito de antioxidantes na resistência adesiva à microtração do esmalte bovino clareado após 7 dias e 6 meses de armazenamento / Effect of antioxidants on bleached enamel microtensile bond strength after 7 days and 6 months storage

Este estudo in vitro avaliou o efeito do bicarbonato de sódio 10% (BS) e do hidrogel de ascorbato de sódio 10% (AS) na resistência adesiva à microtração de uma resina composta unida à superfície de esmalte bovino clareado com peróxido de hidrogênio 35% (PH). Cento e vinte superfícies de esmalte vestibular com dimensões de 4mmX4mm de incisivos bovinos foram planificadas e separadas em cinco grupos: C - não clareado e restaurado; OI - clareado com PH e restaurado imediatamente; O7 - clareado com PH, armazenado por 7 dias em água destilada e restaurado; OBS - clareado com PH, BS 10% durante 5 min e restaurado; OAS - clareado com PH, AS 10% durante 15 min e restaurado. O gel de PH (Total Blanc Office, Nova DFL) foi aplicado duas vezes de 20 minutos em cada espécime e as restaurações foram confeccionadas com sistema adesivo restaurador (Natural Bond DE + Natural Look, Nova DFL). Após uma semana, os espécimes foram seccionados para obtenção de palitos com 1,00 mm2 de área média e submetidos ao teste de microtração em máquina de teste universal a 0,5mm/min, imediatamente e após 6 meses. As falhas foram avaliadas em estereomicroscópio digital (200x) e classificadas em: adesiva, coesiva em esmalte, coesiva em resina e mista. Os dados foram analisados por ANOVA a dois critérios e teste de Tukey para comparações múltiplas (p<0,05). Os valores médios de resistência adesiva (MPa ± DP; imediatamente / 6 meses) foram: C (24,22 ± 7,74 Ba / 20,13 ± 6,43 BCa); OI (18,29 ± 5,88 Ca / 25,85 ± 5,23 Ab); O7 (40,88 ± 7,95 Aa / 24,61 ± 7,83 ABb); OBS (19,95 ± 5,67 BCa / 15,94 ± 5,57 CDa); OAS (24,43 ± 6,43 Ba / 13,69 ± 5,58 Db). Das estratégias antioxidantes avaliadas após 7 dias, os grupos OAS e OBS não diferiram estatisticamente do grupo C, nem OBS diferiu estatisticamente do grupo OI. Nesse período de avaliação, somente o grupo O7 apresentou diferença significativa em relação aos demais grupos. Após 6 meses de envelhecimento, apenas O7 e OBS apresentaram desempenho semelhante...

This "in vitro" study evaluated the effect of 10% sodium bicarbonate (SB) and 10% sodium ascorbate (SA) hydrogel on the composite resin microtensile bond strength of bleached bovine enamel with 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP). One hundred and twenty buccal enamel surfaces with dimensions of 4mmX4mm of bovine incisors were flattened and separated into five groups: C - not bleached and restored, OI - bleached with HP and immediately restored; O7 - bleached with HP, stored for 7 days in distilled water and restored; OBS - bleached with HP, 10% SB for 5 min and restored; OAS - bleached with HP, 10% SA for 15 min and restored. HP gel (Total Blanc Office, Nova DFL) was applied twice for 20 minutes on each specimen and the restorations were performed with an adhesive restorative system (Natural Bond DE + Natural Look, Nova DFL). After a week, the specimens were sectioned into sticks with a 1.00 mm2 average area and submitted to a microtensile test in a universal testing machine at 0.5 mm/min, immediately and after 6 months. The failures were evaluated in a digital stereoscope (200x) and classified as: adhesive, cohesive in enamel, cohesive in resin and mixed. Data was analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test for multiple comparisons (p <0.05). The average values of the bond strength (MPa ± SD; immediately / 6 months) were: C (24.22 ± 7.74 Ba / 20.13 ± 6.43 BCa) OI (18.29 ± 5.88 Ca / 25.85 ± 5.23 Ab); O7 (40.88 ± 7.95 Aa / 24.61 ± 7.83 ABb), OBS (19.95 ± 5.67 BCa / 15.94 ± 5.57 CDa), OAS (24.43 ± 6.43 Ba / 13.69 ± 5.58 Db). Among the antioxidant strategies evaluated after 7 days, the OAS and OBS groups did not differ from group C and neither OBS group differed from the OI group. In the same evaluation period, only the O7 group presented a significant difference compared to the other groups. After 6 months of aging, only the O7 and OBS groups performed statistically similar to group C. The percentage of failures (7 days / 6 months) was: adhesive (65.26% / 67.06%); ...

Influence of professional prophylaxis on reducing discoloration of different aesthetic restorative materials.

OBJECTIVES: Color match is one of the most important characteristics of aesthetic restorative materials. Integrity of the restoration and color stability throughout its functional duration are of paramount importance to ensure treatment longevity. These features, however, are not consistent among the different dental restorative materials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of professional prophylaxis on reducing wear discoloration of four aesthetic restorative materials after their immersion in coffee solution for 15 days. METHODS: Seventy-one disc-shaped specimens (17 mm in diameter and 1mm thick) were fabricated and divided into five groups according to each restorative material: direct composite resin (G1: Tetric Ceram(®)), three indirect composite resins (G2: Targis; G3: Resilab Master; G4: belleGlassTM HP) and one ceramic system (G5: control: IPS Empress(®) 2). The specimens were immersed in coffee staining solution for 15 days at 37° ± 1°C in a dark environment. Afterwards, they were subjected to professional prophylaxis using sodium bicarbonate jet. Evaluations were made by means of a reflectance spectrophotometer, at three time-intervals: baseline, immediately after staining (15 days), and after prophylaxis. Data were subjected to two-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's test (α=0.05). RESULTS: Significant difference was observed between G1/G3 and the other groups, between G2/G4 and the other groups, and between G5 and all the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that G1 and G3 showed the greatest color changes, followed by G2 and G4, while G5 showed the smallest changes. Professional prophylaxis seemed to minimize the wear discoloration, which might result in increasing aesthetic restoration longevity.

The effect of prophylaxis method on microtensile bond strength of indirect restorations to dentin.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different materials used for dentin prophylaxis on the microtensile bond strengths (µTBS) of adhesively cemented indirect composite restorations. Sixty bovine incisors had the buccal surface ground with wet #600-grit silicon carbide abrasive paper to obtain a flat exposed superficial dentin and were submitted to different prophylaxis protocols, as follows: 3% hydrogen peroxide (HydP); 0.12% chlorhexidine (Chlo); sodium bicarbonate jet (SodB); 50-µm aluminum oxide air abrasion (AirA); pumice paste (PumP), and control group-water spray (Cont). After prophylaxis protocols a resin composite block (3.0 mm × 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm) was adhesively cemented using dual resin cement (Rely X ARC). After 24 hours of water storage, specimens were serially sectioned perpendicular to the bonded interface into 1-mm-thick slices. Each specimen was trimmed with a diamond bur to an hourglass shape with a cross-sectional area of approximately 1.0 mm(2) at the bonded area. Specimens were tested (µTBS) at 0.5 mm/min using a universal testing machine. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the effects of prophylaxis techniques on dentin. Bond strength data (MPa) were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and failure mode by Fisher test (α=0.05). µTBS data, means (SD), were (different superscripted letters indicate statistically significant differences): AirA, 25.2 (7.2)(a); PumP, 24.1 (7.8)(a); Chlo, 21.5 (5.6)(a); Cont, 20.6 (8.1)(a); HydP(,) 15.5 (7.6)(b); and SodB(,) 11.5 (4.4)(c). The use of aluminum oxide air abrasion, pumice paste, and chlorhexidine before acid etching did not significantly affect µTBS to dentin; however, the use of hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate jet significantly reduced µTBS.

Effect of sodium bicarbonate air abrasive polishing on attrition and surface micromorphology of ceramic and stainless steel brackets.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frictional resistance of ceramic and metal brackets using rectangular stainless steel orthodontic wires before and after using sodium bicarbonate air abrasive polishing and to evaluate the surface micromorphology of these brackets by means of scanning electron microscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two commercial brands of metal brackets and two commercial brands of ceramic brackets were evaluated. The specimens were divided into eight groups (n  =  10) according to brackets and the application or not of sodium bicarbonate airborne particle abrasion for 10 seconds. A device adapted to a universal testing machine was used to simulate the movement of retraction in sliding mechanics, measuring the traction force needed to slide 10 mm of the wire over the test specimen brackets. The test speed was 5 mm/min. The data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test. RESULTS: There was higher frictional resistance after airborne particle abrasion irrespective of the type of bracket (P < .05). One of the ceramic brackets showed higher frictional resistance before and after airborne application than the other metal and ceramic brackets. The micromorphologic analysis showed that airborne particle abrasion caused alterations on the metal bracket surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: It may be concluded that it is not recommended to apply airborne particle abrasion on the slots of ceramic or metal brackets.

Recovery of uranium from mine waste by leaching with carbonate-based reagents.

Waste materials, stored in inappropriate places, are one of the most significant environmental issues concerning mining activities. In Brazil, one closed uranium mine has faced such a problem. The waste, produced during the neutralization of acid drainage and containing several metals including uranium, has been disposed into the mine opening as a temporary alternative for over 20 years. The present work aimed at the recovery of the uranium present in the aforementioned waste. The effect of the following parameters on the leaching procedure was investigated: solid/liquid ratio, time, temperature, extracting agents, concentration of reagents, and the use of oxidants. The chemical characterization showed that the main constituents of the sample are Ca, S, Mn, and Al. Uranium is around 0.25%. The crystallized phases are ettringite (Ca(6)Al(2)(SO(4))(3)·(OH)(12)·26H(2)O) as the major phase followed by gypsum (CaSO(4)·2H(2)O), calcite (CaCO(3)), and bassanite (CaSO(4)·0.5H(2)O). Carbonate and bicarbonate were observed to be effective extractants for the uranium. However, a combination of both reagents proved to be a better option than their individual use, and extractions around 100% were achieved. The optimum experimental condition for attaining the maximum dissolution is 0.11 solid/liquid ratio, 0.50 mol L(-1) Na(2)CO(3), 1.00 mol L(-1) NaHCO(3), 20 h, and room temperature.

Prophylactic agents and bacterial adherence to titanium.

AIMS: An evaluation was made of surface alterations of commercially pure titanium and Ti6Al4V alloy caused by fluoride at the concentration present in dentifrices and oral mouth washes (1500 ppm), and by prophylactic use of airborne particle abrasion with bicarbonate of soda. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For each material, 60 pre-fabricated disk-shaped test specimens with industrial metallographic finish, measuring 5 mm in diameter and 3 mm thick, were divided into four groups, according to the storage solutions: artificial saliva pH 7.0 (G1), fluoridated artificial saliva pH 5.5 (G2), airborne particle abrasion with bicarbonate of sodium (G3), airborne particle abrasion with bicarbonate of sodium followed by storage in fluoridated artificial saliva (G4). The surface roughness (Ra) was measured with a profilometer, before and after the storage periods. Afterwards, the test specimens were submitted to Streptococcus mutans adherence. RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction in surface roughness was observed in commercially pure titanium in G1, G4 and in Ti6Al4V alloy, G1, G2, G4, and no statistically significant reduction in G3. DISCUSSION: With a mean initial roughness surface of Ra=0.2 µm, fluoride promoted homogenization. Microscopy images confirmed these results. In the groups without significant homogenization, S. mutans adherence was greater, whereas it was lower in the groups in which the test specimens were stored previously in fluoridated saliva. CONCLUSION: The greater homogenization that occurred, as well as the antimicrobial effect of fluoride, proved that bacterial adherence and effects of fluoride were both dependent on the roughness of the surface topography.

Changes on the color parameters of air-abraded resin composite exposed to different colored beverages.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of prophylaxis using sodium bicarbonate and colored beverages on the color parameters of a resin composite. METHODS: Eighty specimens (Z350-3M ESPE) were randomly allocated into eight groups (n = 10), according to the combination of staining solution (artificial saliva, cola, red wine, or coffee) and air-powder abrasion with sodium bicarbonate (either performed or not performed). Specimens were immersed in the staining solution for 48 h (two 24-h cycles). Color evaluation was based on the CIELab system. Two measurements were carried out using a spectrophotometer (Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage L* a* b* system) before and after the immersion period. Final measurement data were analyzed by two-way anova/Tukey's test, and comparisons were made between initial and final measurements by anova/Dunnett's test, with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: Most comparisons between initial and final measurements were statistically significant. Red wine and coffee significantly affected the color parameters (L*, b*, and ΔE). However, only coffee significantly increased a* values. When compared with untreated surfaces, air-powder abrasion resulted in alterations of b* and a* parameters, but did not affect L* and ΔE. CONCLUSIONS: Both colored beverage solutions and air-powder abrasion can affect the color of composite resin restorations.

Effect of sodium bicarbonate on Candida albicans adherence to thermally activated acrylic resin.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 5% sodium bicarbonate on the adherence of Candida albicans to thermally activated acrylic resin. Fifty 4 mm(2) specimens of acrylic resin were obtained using a metallic matrix. The specimens received chemical polishing, were sterilized and then immersed in Sabouraud broth, inoculated with Candida albicans standardized suspension. After 24 hours of incubation at 37 degrees Celsius, the specimens were divided into four groups according to the substance used for disinfection (5% sodium bicarbonate, 0.12% digluconate chlorhexidine, vinegar and Corega Tabs). A control group was included, in which distilled water was used. The adhered microorganisms were dispersed, diluted and plated onto culture media to determine the number of colony-forming units (cfu/mL). The results were analyzed through the Mann-Whitney statistical test at the 5% level of significance. Only 0.12% digluconate chlorhexidine and 5% sodium bicarbonate presented a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0010 and p = 0.0156, respectively) compared to the control group, decreasing the number of cfu/mL. However, when the different disinfecting solutions were compared with each other, only 0.12% digluconate chlorhexidine presented a statistically significant difference in the reduction of cfu/mL. It was concluded that although 0.12% digluconate chlorhexidine was more effective in the reduction of Candida albicans adherence values to thermally activated acrylic resin, 5% sodium bicarbonate also proved to be a viable alternative.

Effect of sodium bicarbonate on Candida albicans adherence to thermally activated acrylic resin

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 5 percent sodium bicarbonate on the adherence of Candida albicans to thermally activated acrylic resin. Fifty 4 mm² specimens of acrylic resin were obtained using a metallic matrix. The specimens received chemical polishing, were sterilized and then immersed in Sabouraud broth, inoculated with Candida albicans standardized suspension. After 24 hours of incubation at 37ºC, the specimens were divided into four groups according to the substance used for disinfection (5 percent sodium bicarbonate, 0.12 percent digluconate chlorhexidine, vinegar and Corega Tabs). A control group was included, in which distilled water was used. The adhered microorganisms were dispersed, diluted and plated onto culture media to determine the number of colony-forming units (cfu/mL). The results were analyzed through the Mann-Whitney statistical test at the 5 percent level of significance. Only 0.12 percent digluconate chlorhexidine and 5 percent sodium bicarbonate presented a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0010 and p = 0.0156, respectively) compared to the control group, decreasing the number of cfu/mL. However, when the different disinfecting solutions were compared with each other, only 0.12 percent digluconate chlorhexidine presented a statistically significant difference in the reduction of cfu/mL. It was concluded that although 0.12 percent digluconate chlorhexidine was more effective in the reduction of Candida albicans adherence values to thermally activated acrylic resin, 5 percent sodium bicarbonate also proved to be a viable alternative.

Sustained delivery of captopril from floating matrix tablets.

The development of a controlled release formulation of captopril has been a challenge for some time. In this work, the in vitro sustained release of captopril from Metolose SH 4000 SR/sodium bicarbonate floating tablets has been studied, varying the proportions of Metolose and bicarbonate. This was studied at two different compaction pressures. Other studied variables include the kinetics of the hydration volume, the matrices floating time and the matrix density. The results show that matrices compacted at 55 MPa float in the dissolution medium for more than 8h while those compacted at 165 MPa float only when sodium bicarbonate is included in the formulation. The increase of the matrix polymer proportion increases the maximal hydration volume as well as the time to attain this maximum. The matrices hydration volume increases with the inclusion of sodium bicarbonate in the formulation. The matrix density is lower when compacted at 55 MPa. The drug release constant (k) decreases and the exponent indicative of the release mechanism (n) increases with increasing polymer contents. The drug released with time is lesser when sodium bicarbonate is included in the formulation. Carbon dioxide bubbles obstruct the diffusion path and decrease the matrix coherence. The effect of compaction pressure to reduce the drug release rate has to be made clear in further studies.

Relative bioavailability of new formulation of paracetamol effervescent powder containing sodium bicarbonate versus paracetamol tablets: a comparative pharmacokinetic study in fed subjects.

OBJECTIVE: the aim of this relative bioavailability study was to determine the rate and extent of absorption of Alikal Dolor (effervescent powder containing paracetamol 500 mg/sodium bicarbonate 2318 mg)--test formulation (T) in relation to Parageniol (paracetamol 500 mg coated tablets)--reference formulation (R). METHODS: 18 healthy volunteers (10 male and 8 female aged between 21 and 46 years) received, after 2 h of standardized breakfast, a single oral dose with 220 ml of water, in an open, randomized, crossover study, with a 7-day wash-out period. Paracetamol concentrations were established at 0, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 75, 90 min and at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 h postdose by HPLC with an ultraviolet detector. RESULTS: the regression coefficient determined for paracetamol calibration curves was 0.9983 +/- 0.0034 and the working range was from 0.2 to 50 microg/ml. The quantification limit was 0.2 microg/ml. The rate of absorption was significantly greater (p < 0.03) for T (T(max) = 20.4 min) compared with R (T(max) = 38.4 min). Extent of absorption over the first 30 min postdose AUC((0-30 min)) was 4.21-fold greater (p < 0.03) for T compared with R, without differences between C(max.) The 90% CI on the geometric mean for C(max), AUC((0-10 h)) and AUC((0-)) ratios (T/R) were within the limits of 0.80-1.25, indicating both formulations were bioequivalent with respect to these parameters. CONCLUSION: paracetamol was absorbed at least twice as fast from T-containing sodium bicarbonate compared with R. This pharmacokinetic feature could prove crucial from the therapeutic point of view as it would allow a lower latency in the action time of paracetamol in producing its analgesic and antithermal effect.