Effect of the use of bromelain associated with bioactive glass-ceramic on dentin/adhesive interface.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of bromelain associated with Biosilicate on the bond strength (BS) of a universal adhesive system to sound (SD) and caries-affected dentin (CAD), and on the proteolytic activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cavities were prepared in 360 molars, half submitted to cariogenic challenge. Teeth were separated into groups (n=20): Control-No treatment; CHX-0.12% chlorhexidine; NaOCl-5% sodium hypochlorite; Br5%-5% bromelain; Br10%-10% bromelain; Bio-10% Biosilicate; NaOClBio-NaOCl+Bio; Br5%Bio-Br5%+Bio; Br10%Bio-Br10%+Bio. Following treatments, the adhesive system was applied, and cavities were restored. Samples were sectioned into sticks and stored at 37 °C for 24 h, 6 months, and 1 year. Microtensile BS (2-way ANOVA, Bonferroni's test, α=0.05), fracture patterns (SEM), and adhesive interfaces (TEM) were evaluated. Bacterial collagenase assay and in situ zymography were performed. RESULTS: In CAD, Br10% presented higher BS (p=0.0208) than Br5%Bio. Br5% presented higher BS (p=0.0033) after 6 months than after 24 h; and association of treatments, higher BS (p<0.05) after aging than after 24 h. Mixed fractures were the most prevalent. Association of treatments promoted a more uniform hybrid layer with embedded Bio particles. Experimental groups presented lower (p<0.0001) relative fluorescence units than Control. Bromelain, associated or not with Bio, showed collagenolytic degradation. CONCLUSIONS: Bromelain associated with Biosilicate did not affect the BS to SD. In CAD, Br5%Bio decreased immediate BS but had no long-term influence. This association decreased the proteolytic activity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bromelain and Biosilicate may enhance the longevity of adhesive restorations by inhibiting endogenous proteases.

The Role of Neutrophils in Biomaterial-Based Tissue Repair-Shifting Paradigms.

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are pursuing clinical valid solutions to repair and restore function of damaged tissues or organs. This can be achieved in different ways, either by promoting endogenous tissue repair or by using biomaterials or medical devices to replace damaged tissues. The understanding of the interactions of the immune system with biomaterials and how immune cells participate in the process of wound healing are critical for the development of successful solutions. Until recently, it was thought that neutrophils participate only in the initial steps of an acute inflammatory response with the role of eliminating pathogenic agents. However, the appreciation that upon activation the longevity of neutrophils is highly increased and the fact that neutrophils are highly plastic cells and can polarize into different phenotypes led to the discovery of new and important actions of neutrophils. In this review, we focus on the roles of neutrophils in the resolution of the inflammatory response, in biomaterial-tissue integration and in the subsequent tissue repair/regeneration. We also discuss the potential of neutrophils for biomaterial-based immunomodulation.

The Use of Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators in Biomaterial-Based Immunomodulation.

The implantation of a biomaterial will lead to the immediate onset of an acute inflammatory response, which is of key importance in shaping the quality of the repair process. However, the return to homeostasis is critical to prevent a chronic inflammatory response that may impair the healing process. The resolution of the inflammatory response is now recognized as an active and highly regulated process, being described as specialized immunoresolvents that have a fundamental role in the termination of the acute inflammatory response. These mediators collectively coined as specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) are a family of endogenous molecules that include lipoxins (Lx), resolvins (Rv), protectins (PD), maresins (Mar), Cysteinyl-SPMs (Cys-SPMs) and n-3 docosapentaenoic acid-derived SPMs (n-3 DPA-derived SPMs). SPMs have important anti-inflammatory and pro-resolutive actions such as decreasing the recruitment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), inducing the recruitment of anti-inflammatory macrophages, and increasing macrophage clearance of apoptotic cells through a process known as efferocytosis. Over the last years, the trend in biomaterials research has shifted towards the engineering of materials that are able to modulate the inflammatory response and thus stimulate appropriate immune responses, the so-called immunomodulatory biomaterials. These materials should be able to modulate the host immune response with the aim of creating a pro-regenerative microenvironment. In this review, we explore the potential of using of SPMs in the development of new immunomodulatory biomaterials and we propose insights for future research in this field.

First Description of Acaricide Resistance in Populations of Rhipicephalus microplus Tick from the Lower Amazon, Brazil.

There is limited information on the resistance to acaricidal drugs of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus in the Lower Amazon region. Thus, we aimed to determine the efficiency of three widely used acaricide products (Amitraz, Cypermethrin, and Deltamethrin) in the control of this tick species. The adult immersion test was used on engorged female ticks sampled on farms in the Lower Amazon region, Brazil. For the test, homogeneous batches of 10 engorged females were placed in Petri dishes and immersed in the tested acaricidal drugs, using four replicates of each acaricide and three replicates as a negative control, immersed in distilled water. The acaricides were diluted as recommended by the manufacturers, and the ticks were submerged for five minutes. Mortality of engorged females, production of eggs, and percentage of larval hatching were evaluated. Tick mortality was 2.5%, 7.5%, and 0% for Amitraz, Cypermethrin, and Deltamethrin, respectively. The percentage of larval hatching was 53.7% for Amitraz, 88.7% for Cypermethrin, and 80.0% for Deltamethrin. As recommended by the FAO, for the acaricide to be considered effective, it must have a control rate ≥95%. Among the tested acaricides, Amitraz showed an efficacy of 90.5%, Cypermethrin 10.4%, and Deltamethrin 26.6%. Ticks from the lower Amazon showed marked resistance to Cypermethrin and Deltamethrin and mild resistance to Amitraz. This is the first report of acaricidal resistance in the region.

Immunomodulatory biomaterial-based wound dressings advance the healing of chronic wounds via regulating macrophage behavior.

Successful wound healing is a process that has three overlying phases: inflammatory, proliferative and remodeling. Chronic wounds are characterized by a perpetuated inflammation that inhibits the proliferative and remodeling phases and impairs the wound healing. Macrophages are key modulators of the wound healing process. Initially, they are responsible for the wound cleaning and for the phagocytosis of pathogens and afterwards they lead to the resolution of the inflammatory response and they express growth factors important for angiogenesis and cytokines and growth factors needed for cell proliferation and deposition of extracellular matrix. The phenotype of the macrophage changes gradually throughout the healing process from the initial M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype characteristic of the acute response to the M2 pro-regenerative phenotype that allows an accurate tissue repair. In chronic wounds, M1 pro-inflammatory macrophages persist and impair tissue repair. As such, immunomodulatory biomaterials arise as promising solutions to accelerate the wound healing process. In this review, we discuss the importance of macrophages and their polarization throughout the different phases of wound healing; macrophage dysfunction in chronic wounds and the use of immunomodulatory biomaterials to overcome the critical problem of chronic wounds-the continued inflammatory phase that impairs healing.

Fisioterapia pélvica em paciente infectada pelo vírus linfotrópico de células T humanas do tipo 1: Um relato de caso / Pelvic physiotherapy in a patient infected with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1: A case report

Introdução: O vírus linfotrópico de células T humanas do tipo 1 (HTLV-1) é o agente etiológico da Paraparesia Espástica Tropical/Mielopatia associada ao HTLV-1 (PET/MAH) que faz o indivíduo apresentar comprometimentos motores, sensoriais e disfunção do trato urinário. Métodos: Paciente feminina, 58 anos, residente de Belém/PA, com diagnóstico clínico de Paraparesia espástica tropical associada ao vírus linfotrópico de células T humana tipo 1 (HTLV-1) e doença de Parkinson, apresentava quadro disfuncional de bexiga neurogênica e realizou 10 sessões de um protocolo fisioterapêutico. Resultados: O protocolo de intervenção afetou positivamente na qualidade de vida da paciente, havendo diminuição nos valores de escore de 6 domínios avaliados pelo questionário King 's Health e nos sintomas urinários relatados pela paciente. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem que a fisioterapia pélvica é uma opção viável na melhora da qualidade de vida de pacientes com bexiga neurogênica.

Effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate and thermal cycling on the bond strength of resin cements to the root dentin.

This study evaluated the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) solution and thermal cycling on the bond strength (BS) of fiber posts to the root dentin using two different resin cements (conventional or self-adhesive). One hundred and forty-four bovine roots were endodontically treated. After post space preparation, specimens were randomly divided into six groups (n = 24) according to dentin pretreatment [distilled water, 0.05% EGCG solution or 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) solution] and resin luting agent used for fiber post cementation (RelyX ARC or RelyX U200-3 M ESPE). Then, the samples were separated into two subgroups (n = 12): storage in distilled water at 37 °C for 24 h and thermal cycling (5 °C/55 °C, dwell time 30 s-12,000 cycles) during 6 months. After that, the specimens were subjected to the pull-out BS test (Universal Testing Machine-0.5 mm/min) and the failures pattern was analyzed in a stereomicroscope. According to the BS results (three-way ANOVA, Tukey's test, α = 0.05), the highest values were reported in the group EGCG + RelyX U200, showing significant statistical differences compared to all the other experimental groups. For Control and CHX groups BS values, there was no significant difference (p > .05) between the resin cements. For conventional resin cement, there was no significant difference among treatment solutions (p > .05). The thermal cycling did not influence the BS results (p > .05). As reported by the failure mode analysis, adhesive failure was predominant in all groups. EGCG solution improved the bond strength of self-adhesive resin cement to root dentin.

Effect of thermo-mechanical cycling and chlorhexidine on the bond strength of universal adhesive system to dentin.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the influence of thermo-mechanical cycling (TMC) on the bond strength (BS) of a universal adhesive system (UAS - Adper Single Bond Universal, 3M ESPE) to dentin treated or not with 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX). METHODS: Eighty human molars were flattened until reach the dentin and separated into 4 groups according to the bonding protocol: ENR Group: 37% phosphoric acid + 3-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system (ENR); UAS Group: UAS in self-etch mode; ENR + CHX Group: 37% phosphoric acid + CHX + ENR; UAS + CHX Group: CHX + UAS in self-etch mode. After treatments, teeth were restored (Filtek Z350, 3M ESPE). Samples (n = 10) were submitted to aging process: stored in distilled water at 37°C/30 days or TMC (ERIOS - 98N/1.6Hz + thermal cycling 5/37/55 °C - 1,200,000 cycles). Specimens were sectioned into sticks (1.0 mm2) and submitted to the microtensile test (Mechanical Test Machine - 0.5 mm/min). Fracture patterns and hybrid layer integrity were analyzed under Stereomicroscope and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: The BS results (3-way ANOVA, Bonferroni's test, α = 5%) showed that groups treated with CHX presented higher BS values than control groups; significant in all cases (p < .05), except for ENR submitted to TMC (p > .05). When CHX was applied and samples were cycled, UAS revealed higher BS (p < .05) than ENR. After TMC, cohesive fractures increased for UAS, regardless of CHX application. SEM analysis demonstrated different hybridization patterns for the adhesive systems tested. CONCLUSION: The performance of the universal adhesive system used in self-etch mode was better than that of the 3-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Universal adhesive systems have been developed in order to simplify the dentin hybridization protocol. It is important to determine the longevity of the adhesive interface using these bonding materials after chewing.

Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the potential systemic effects of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) on the nervous system. We designed a study aiming to assess the frequency and clinical predictors of cognitive impairment in AS patients. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional case-control study composed of consecutive patients with AS. Trained and blinded interviewers registered clinical-epidemiological data and applied a standardized neurological assessment for each subject of the study. At baseline, functional limitations were characterized using the Health Assessment Questionnaire. Cognitive impairment was evaluated with the Brief Cognitive Screening Battery, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and the Clinical Dementia Rating, while neuropsychiatric symptoms were investigated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Healthy controls were matched for age, educational attainment, sex, and comorbidities. We compared the neurological outcomes between case and controls, and we determined the clinical predictors of cognitive decline. RESULTS: We included 40 patients (mean: 49.3 years) with AS and 40 healthy controls (mean: 48.8 years) in our study. In Brief Cognitive Screening Battery, patients with AS presented a statistically significant poor performance in the clock drawing test and in the verbal fluency. The mean Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores were significantly lower in AS subjects compared to the control group. Also, the prevalence of subjects classified as cognitively impaired according to MoCA was significantly higher in the AS group (90.0% vs. 57.5%, p = 0.02). Moreover, neuropsychiatric symptoms were more prevalent in AS patients. Worse functional limitations were associated with poor cognitive performance as well. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AS might be more vulnerable to cognitive decline.

Experimental primers containing synthetic and natural compounds reduce enzymatic activity at the dentin-adhesive interface under cyclic loading.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of experimental primers (chlorhexidine, enriched mixture of proanthocyanidins, and doxycycline) on the adhesive properties and gelatinolytic activity at dentin-resin interfaces of occlusal Class I restorations. METHODS: The inactivation of enzymes by the experimental primers was assessed by fluorescence assay and gelatin zymography. To assess the adhesive properties, occlusal Class I cavities were prepared in sound human molars, etched with phosphoric acid and restored with one of the primers and an etch-and-rinse adhesive system (Adper Single Bond Plus-3M ESPE). After the restorative procedures, specimens were divided into two subgroups (n=6) consisting of storage in incubation buffer or axial cyclic loading at 50N and 1,000,000 cycles. Then, the specimens were sectioned and slices were assigned to in situ zymography assay and microtensile bond strength (TBS) test. RESULTS: Fluorescence assay and gelatin zymography revealed that the experimental primers inactivated rMMPs. In situ zymography (2-way ANOVA, Tukey, p<0.05) showed that cyclic loading increased the gelatinolytic activity at the resin-dentin interface and the experimental primers decreased the gelatinolytic activity at the adhesive interface. The experimental primers had no significant effects on dentin-adhesive bond strengths with or without cyclic loading (2-way ANOVA, p>0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: The use of experimental primers impaired the enzymatic activity at the dentin-adhesive interface after cyclic loading and the activity of rMMPs. Cyclic loading did not have a significant effect on the bond strength.

Microtensile bond strength of silorane-based composite specific adhesive system using different bonding strategies.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-etching on the bond strength of silorane-based composite specific adhesive system to dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty human molars were randomly divided into 5 groups according to the different bonding strategies. For teeth restored with silorane-based composite (Filtek Silorane, 3M ESPE), the specific self-etching adhesive system (Adhesive System P90, 3M ESPE) was used with and without pre-etching (Pre-etching/Silorane and Silorane groups). Teeth restored with methacrylate based-composite (Filtek Z250, 3M ESPE) were hybridized with the two-step self-etching system (Clearfil SE Bond, Kuraray), with and without pre-etching (Pre-etching/Methacrylate and Methacrylate groups), or three-step adhesive system (Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose, 3M ESPE) (Three-step/Methacrylate group) (n = 6). The restored teeth were sectioned into stick-shaped test specimens (1.0 × 1.0 mm), and coupled to a universal test machine (0.5 mm/min) to perform microtensile testing. RESULTS: Pre-etching/Methacrylate group presented the highest bond strength values, with significant difference from Silorane and Three-step/Methacrylate groups (p < 0.05). However, it was not significantly different from Preetching/Silorane and Methacrylate groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-etching increased bond strength of silorane-based composite specific adhesive system to dentin.

New therapeutic modalities to modulate orthodontic tooth movement

Modulation of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is desirable not only to patients because it shortens treatment time, but also to orthodontists, since treatment duration is associated with increased risk of gingival inflammation, decalcification, dental caries, and root resorption. The increased focus on the biological basis of tooth movement has rendered Orthodontics a more comprehensive specialty that incorporates facets of all fields of medicine. Current knowledge raises the possibility of using new therapeutic modalities for modulation of OTM, such as corticotomy, laser therapy, vibration (low-intensity pulsed ultrasound), local injections of biomodulators and gene therapy; with the latter being applicable in the near future. They are intended to enhance or inhibit recruitment, differentiation and/or activation of bone cells, accelerate or reduce OTM, increase stability of orthodontic results, as well as assist with the prevention of root resorption. This article summarizes recent studies on each one of these therapeutic modalities, provides readers with information about how they affect OTM and points out future clinical perspectives.

A modulação do movimento dentário ortodôntico (MDO) é desejável para os pacientes, pois reduz o tempo de tratamento, e também para ortodontistas, uma vez que a duração do tratamento tem sido associada a um aumento do risco de inflamação gengival, descalcificação, cárie dentária e reabsorção radicular. O crescente foco sobre os mecanismos biológicos da movimentação dentária levou a Ortodontia a ser uma especialidade mais abrangente, que hoje incorpora aspectos de todas as áreas da Medicina. Com o conhecimento atual, o uso de novas modalidades terapêuticas que visam a modulação da MDO, como a corticotomia, terapia a laser de baixa intensidade e vibração (ultrassom pulsátil de baixa intensidade) já são uma realidade clínica. Outras, como injeções locais de biomoduladores e a terapia genética, serão utilizadas em breve. Elas destinam-se a aumentar ou inibir o recrutamento, à diferenciação e/ou ativação das células ósseas, a acelerar ou reduzir a MDO, a aumentar a estabilidade dos resultados ortodônticos, bem como auxiliar na prevenção da reabsorção radicular. Esse artigo resume os estudos mais recentes sobre cada uma dessas novas modalidades terapêuticas, fornecendo informações aos leitores a respeito de como afetam a MDO e aponta futuras perspectivas clínicas.

New therapeutic modalities to modulate orthodontic tooth movement.

Modulation of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is desirable not only to patients because it shortens treatment time, but also to orthodontists, since treatment duration is associated with increased risk of gingival inflammation, decalcification, dental caries, and root resorption. The increased focus on the biological basis of tooth movement has rendered Orthodontics a more comprehensive specialty that incorporates facets of all fields of medicine. Current knowledge raises the possibility of using new therapeutic modalities for modulation of OTM, such as corticotomy, laser therapy, vibration (low-intensity pulsed ultrasound), local injections of biomodulators and gene therapy; with the latter being applicable in the near future. They are intended to enhance or inhibit recruitment, differentiation and/or activation of bone cells, accelerate or reduce OTM, increase stability of orthodontic results, as well as assist with the prevention of root resorption. This article summarizes recent studies on each one of these therapeutic modalities, provides readers with information about how they affect OTM and points out future clinical perspectives.

Effect of various aging protocols and intermediate agents on the bond strength of repaired composites.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of two adhesive systems and different aging protocols on the bond strength of a -repaired microhybrid composite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty test specimens (n = 20) and 10 control specimens measuring 8 x 4 mm were fabricated of a microhybrid composite (4 Seasons, shade A2) and grouped according to time/aging protocol: G1: 24 h in artificial saliva; G2: 7 days in artificial saliva; G3: 30 days in artificial saliva; G4: artificial accelerated aging (AAA) for 384 h; G5: control. After aging, samples were submitted to three types of surface treatment: SB2: Adper Single Bond 2, a two-step adhesive (3M ESPE); SB3: Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose, a three-step adhesive (3M ESPE); C: without application of adhesive (control). After this, test specimens were repaired with the same composite of a different shade (C3), and submitted to the microtensile test at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Failure modes were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (Jeol JSM 7500). Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: G2/SB2 presented significantly lower bond strength values in comparison with the other groups (p < 0.05). The control group presented the highest bond strength values, which differed statistically significantly from SB3, G3/SB2, and G4/SB2 (p < 0.05). Fractographic analysis demonstrated that most samples presented predominantly cohesive failures, excepting GI/SB2, which presented mixed and cohesive failures, and G4/SB2 and G1/SB3, which showed adhesive failures. CONCLUSION: The repair was more effective when performed after a short period of time and when the 3-step adhesive system (SB3) was used.

Color stability of modern composites subjected to different periods of accelerated artificial aging

The aim of this study was to evaluate the color stability of composites subjected to different periods of accelerated artificial aging (AAA). A polytetrafluorethylene matrix (10 x 2 mm) was used to fabricate 24 test specimens of three different composites (n=8): Tetric Ceram (Ivoclar/Vivadent); Filtek P90 and Z250 (3M ESPE), shade A3. After light activation for 20 s (FlashLite 1401), polishing and initial color readout (Spectrophotometer PCB 687; BYK Gardner), the test specimens were subjected to AAA (C-UV; Comexim), in 8-h cycles: 4 h exposure to UV-B rays at 50°C and 4 h condensation at 50°C. At the end of each cycle, color readouts were taken and the test ended when the mean value of ΔE attained a level ≥3.30. Tetric Ceram presented alteration in ΔE equal to 3.33 in the first aging cycle. For Filtek P90 and Z250, two (ΔE=3.60) and four (ΔE=3.42) AAA cycles were necessary. After each cycle, there was a reduction of luminosity in all the samples (ΔL). It was concluded that a short period of AAA was sufficient to promote clinically unacceptable color alteration in composites, and that this alteration was material-dependent.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar estabilidade de cor de compósitos submetidos a diferentes períodos de envelhecimento artificial acelerado (EAA). Foram confeccionados, em matriz de teflon (10x2 mm), 24 corpos-de-prova de três compósitos (n=8): Tetric Ceram (Ivoclar/Vivadent); Filtek P90 e Z250 (3M ESPE), cor A3. Após fotoativação por 20 s (FlashLite 1401), polimento e leitura inicial de cor (espectrofotômetro PCB 687; BYK Gardner), os corpos-de-prova foram submetidos ao EAA (C-UV, Comexim), com ciclos de 8 h: 4 h de exposições a raios UV-B a 50°C e 4 h de condensação a 50°C. Ao final de cada ciclo, leituras de cor eram realizadas e quando o valor médio de ΔE atingisse índice ≥3,30, o ensaio era encerrado. Observou-se que Tetric Ceram apresentou alteração de ΔE igual a 3,33 já no primeiro ciclo de envelhecimento. Com Filtek P90 foram necessários dois ciclos de EAA (ΔE=3,60) e para Z250 quatro (ΔE=3,42). Observou-se que a cada ciclo ocorria diminuição na luminosidade de todas as amostras (ΔL). Concluiu-se que um curto período de EAA já é suficiente para que compósitos apresentem alteração de cor inaceitável clinicamente e que esta alteração é material dependente.

Influence of increment thickness on the similarity of composite shade: a pilot study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the similarity in shade between increments of different composite thicknesses. Fifty test specimens 12 mm in diameter were fabricated and separated into five groups (n = 10) according to sample thickness: 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, and 2.5 mm. Specimens were polished with water abrasive papers and silicone points. Next, based on the CIE L*a*b* system, test specimens were submitted to color readouts, and the values obtained for the coordinates L*, a*, and b* for each thickness were compared using one-way ANOVA and a Tukey test (P < 0.05). The results demonstrated that there was a reduction in coordinate L* as the test specimen thickness increased, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05), except for 2.0 mm and 2.5 mm thicknesses (P > 0.05). Samples 1.5 mm thick presented less variation of a*, while a greater variation occurred for samples 2.5 mm thick, with a significant difference in comparison with the other thicknesses (P < 0.05), except for 2.0 mm (P > 0.05). Samples 0.5 mm thick presented a greater variation of b*, while the lowest variation in this coordinate occurred for samples 2.5 mm thick, which was significantly different from the other samples (P < 0.05). It was concluded that different composite thicknesses do not present similarity of color and have an influence on the final result of esthetic restorations.

Color and opacity of composites protected with surface sealants and submitted to artificial accelerated aging.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the color similarity, stability and opacity of composites (TPH, Charisma, and Concept, shade A2) protected with surface sealants (Fortify Plus and Biscover) and cyanoacrylate (Super Bonder). METHODS: Forty specimens of each composite were made and separated into 4 groups (n=10) according to the surface protection: GI - without sealant; GII - cyanoacrylate; GIII - Fortify Plus; GIV - Biscover. Color and opacity readings were taken before and after Artificial Acelerated Aging (AAA) and the values obtained for color stability were submitted to statistical analysis by 2-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's test (P<.05). The values acquired for color similarity were submitted to 1-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (P<.05). The specimen sufaces were compared before and after AAA using Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: Studied composites did not present the same values for the coordinates L*, a* and b * before AAA, indicating that there was no color similarity among them. All composites presented color alteration after AAA with clinically unacceptable values. Protected groups presented lower opacity variation after AAA, in comparison with the control goup. SEM evaluation demonstrated that AAA increased the surface irregularities in all of the studied groups. CONCLUSION: Surface sealants were not effective in maintaining composite color, but were able to maintain opacity.

Color stability of modern composites subjected to different periods of accelerated artificial aging.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the color stability of composites subjected to different periods of accelerated artificial aging (AAA). A polytetrafluorethylene matrix (10 x 2 mm) was used to fabricate 24 test specimens of three different composites (n=8): Tetric Ceram (Ivoclar/Vivadent); Filtek P90 and Z250 (3M ESPE), shade A3. After light activation for 20 s (FlashLite 1401), polishing and initial color readout (Spectrophotometer PCB 687; BYK Gardner), the test specimens were subjected to AAA (C-UV; Comexim), in 8-h cycles: 4 h exposure to UV-B rays at 50°C and 4 h condensation at 50°C. At the end of each cycle, color readouts were taken and the test ended when the mean value of ΔE attained a level ≥3.30. Tetric Ceram presented alteration in ΔE equal to 3.33 in the first aging cycle. For Filtek P90 and Z250, two (ΔE=3.60) and four (ΔE=3.42) AAA cycles were necessary. After each cycle, there was a reduction of luminosity in all the samples (ΔL). It was concluded that a short period of AAA was sufficient to promote clinically unacceptable color alteration in composites, and that this alteration was material-dependent.

Influence of artificial accelerated ageing on the colour stability of paints used for ocular prosthesis iris painting.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the colour stability of paints used for ocular prosthesis iris painting submitted for accelerated artificial ageing (AAA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty specimens of acrylic resin for sclera (16 × 2 mm) were made and separated into eight groups (n = 10) according to the type of paint (gouache, GP; oil, OP; acrylic AP; and composite resin for characterisation, CR) and the colours used (blue/brown). After drying (72 h), a new layer of colourless acrylic resin was applied and the initial colour readout was performed (Spectrophotometer PCB 6807). New colour readouts were performed after AAA, and ΔE was calculated. RESULTS: Statistical analysis (two-way anova-Bonferroni, p < 0.05) demonstrated that the brown colour showed lower ΔE means in comparison with the blue colour, with statistically significant difference for AP only. Blue colour showed no statistically significant difference with regard to the type of paint used. Brown AP showed lower ΔE than the other groups, with significant difference for OP and GP. GP showed greater alteration in ΔE for the brown colour, being statistically similar only to OP. CONCLUSIONS: Only the AP group for brown pigment shows clinically acceptable values for colour stability after AAA.