Evaluation of flexural strength and antibacterial effect of orthodontic acrylic resins containing Galla chinensis extract

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate different concentrations of Galla chinensis extract (GCE) added to poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), which is widely used for fabrication of removable orthodontic appliances, regarding the effectiveness of this herbal extract on antimicrobial effect and flexural strength of PMMA. Methods: Acrylic resin samples containing 0.4%, 0.8% and 1.6% GCE were prepared. Flexural strength was investigated via three-point flexural strength test for the 15 acrylic resin blocks of each concentration. Disk diffusion test was used to evaluate antibacterial effects of incorporating the same concentrations of GCE into acrylic resin. All these three groups were compared with the control group, with no added GCE, regarding flexural strength and antibacterial properties. Results: Comparison of flexural strength between the three study groups and the control group showed significant differences between the groups (P=0.018). However, there was no significant difference between the groups containing GCE. There were significant differences in antimicrobial activity between the four groups (P=0.026). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it is suggested that incorporation of GCE into PMMA would be beneficial for antimicrobial activity and flexural strength of PMMA, but further studies on other physical properties and antimicrobial effects on other bacterial strain would be beneficial prior to clinical investigations.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar se diferentes concentrações de extrato de Galla chinensis (EGC) adicionado ao polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA), que é amplamente utilizado para a fabricação de aparelhos ortodônticos removíveis, interferem no efeito antimicrobiano desse extrato e na resistência à flexão do PMMA. Métodos: Foram preparadas amostras de resina acrílica com concentrações de 0,4%, 0,8% e 1,6% de EGC. Para a avaliação da resistência à flexão, utilizou-se o teste de flexão em três pontos para as 15 amostras de resina em cada concentração. O teste de disco-difusão foi utilizado para avaliar os efeitos antibacterianos da incorporação das mesmas concentrações de EGC na resina acrílica. Esses três grupos foram comparados ao grupo controle, sem adição do EGC, em relação à resistência à flexão e quanto às propriedades antimicrobianas. Resultados: As comparações dos três grupos com o grupo controle mostraram diferenças significativas (p=0,018) para a resistência à flexão. Entretanto, não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos contendo EGC. Foram encontradas diferenças significativas na atividade antimicrobiana entre os quatro grupos (p=0,026). Conclusão: Dentro das limitações desse estudo, parece que a incorporação de EGC no PMMA seria benéfica para a atividade antimicrobiana e a resistência à flexão do PMMA. Porém, estudos adicionais sobre outras propriedades físicas e sobre os efeitos antimicrobianos contra diferentes cepas de bactérias seriam interessantes antes de se fazer pesquisas clínicas.

Viral etiology of acute respiratory infections in children in Southern Iran

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Prevalence of influenza A virus (Flu-A), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) was assessed in children with acute respiratory infections (ARIs). METHODS: Nasopharyngeal aspirates and throat swabs were subjected to real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect RSV and Flu-A and to conventional PCR to detect hMPV. RESULTS: Of the 156 children assessed, 93 (59.6%) carried at least one virus, with 35.9% positive for RSV, 14.1% for hMPV, and 9.6% for Flu-A. The prevalence of co-infections was 2.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The high detection rate may reflect increased sensitivity of real-time PCR compared to traditional PCR and viral culture.