A Novel and Simple Method for a Differentiation of Alcohol Types.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol poisoning is a significant global problem that has become an epidemic. The determination of the alcohol type is hereby essential as it may affect the course of the treatment; however, there is no routine laboratory diagnostic method for alcohol types other than for ethanol. In this study, we aimed to define a simple method for alcohol type differentiation by utilizing a combination of breathalyzer and spectrophotometrically measured serum ethanol results. METHODS: A breathalyzer and spectrophotometry were used to measure four different types of alcohol: ethanol, isopropanol, methanol, and ethylene glycol. To conduct serum alcohol analysis, four serum pools were created, each containing a different type of alcohol. The pools were analyzed using the spectrophotometric method with an enzymatic ethanol test kit. An experiment was conducted to measure the different types of alcohol using impreg-nated cotton and a balloon, simulating a breathalyzer test. An algorithm was created based on the measurements. RESULTS: Based on the results, the substance consumed could be methanol or isopropanol if the breathalyzer test indicates a positive reading and if the blood ethanol measurement is negative. If both the breathalyzer and the blood measurements are negative, the substance in question may be ethylene glycol. CONCLUSIONS: This simple method may determine methanol or isopropanol intake. This straightforward and innovative approach could assist healthcare professionals in different fields with diagnosing alcohol intoxication and, more precisely, help reducing related morbidity and mortality.

Investigating the efficiency of electrocoagulation using similar/dissimilar electrodes for the detoxification of Coralene Rubine dye: a cost effective approach.

Efficient treatment of textile dyeing wastewater can be achieved through electrocoagulation (EC) with minimal sludge production; however, the selection of the appropriate electrode is essential in lowering overall costs. Also, the reuse of the treated aqueous azo dye solution from this process has not been explored in detail. With these objectives, this study aims to treat synthetic azo dye solutions and achieve high colour removal efficiency (CRE%) using similar (Ti-Ti) and dissimilar (Ti-Cu) metal electrodes through EC with an attempt to reduce the cost. The aqueous Coralene Rubine GFL azo dye was used to examine the efficiency and cost of the EC process. X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy was used to study the EC mechanism, while High Performance Liquid Chromatography was used to analyse the degradation of the dye and the formation of intermediate compounds. The concentration of metal ions in the treated dye solution was quantified using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), with Ti-Ti treated solution having 14.20 mg/L concentration of Ti and Ti-Cu treated solution having 0.078 mg/L of Ti and 0.001 mg/L of Cu, respectively. Colour removal efficiency of 99.49% was obtained for both electrode sets, with a lower operating time and voltage for dissimilar metal combination. Ecotoxicity studies showed negligible toxicity of Ti-Cu treated dye samples compared to untreated solutions. Survival rate, protein estimation, and catalase activity was used to validate the treatment method's efficacy. The study found that the dissimilar electrode material exhibited reduced toxicity due to the presence of heavy metals below the permissible limit.

Whitening toothpastes with hydrogen peroxide concentrations vs. at-home bleaching.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of whitening toothpastes with different hydrogen peroxide (HP) concentrations on HP permeability, color change, and physicochemical properties, compared to at-home bleaching treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-nine premolars were randomized into seven groups (n = 7): untreated (control); at-home bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide gel (AH; 10% CP) with 14 and 28 applications of 180 min each (AH [14 × 180 min] and AH [28 × 180 min]); three whitening toothpastes (3% HP; 4% HP and 5% HP) and 10% CP brushed 28 times for 90 s each (TB [28 × 90 s]). HP permeability was measured using a UV-VIS spectrophotometer and color change by a digital spectrophotometer (ΔEab, ΔE00, and ΔWID). Initial concentration, pH, and viscosity were measured through titration, digital pH meter, and rheometer, respectively. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA, Tukey's test, and Dunnett's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: 4% HP group showed acidic pH, the lowest viscosity and the highest HP concentration into the pulp chamber (p < 0.05). The 10% CP groups had lower HP in the pulp chamber and greater color change than other groups (p < 0.05), except the 5% HP group in ΔEab and ΔE00. For ΔWID, the 10% CP AH groups showed greater whitening than other groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Whitening toothpaste with up to 5% HP resulted in higher HP permeability and less color change compared to 10% CP. Higher HP commercial concentrations in toothpaste increased whitening effect; however, acidic pH toothpastes exhibited greater HP permeability. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Whitening toothpastes with high hydrogen peroxide concentrations were less effective than at-home bleaching, resulting in less color change and greater permeability of hydrogen peroxide, potentially increasing the risk of tooth sensitivity.

Assessing one-shade composite resin color stability in response to everyday drinks.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to measure the color changes in one-shade composite resins when exposed to common drinks, such as tea, cola and coffee. MATERIALS/METHODS: In our study, Omnichroma, Vitrra APS Unique, GC A'chord and Charisma Diamond One composite resins were used. Composite resins were placed in stainless steel molds with depths of 2 mm and diameters of 5 mm. Ten specimens were immersed in tea, 10 specimens were immersed in coffee, 10 specimens were immersed in cola and 10 specimens were immersed in distilled water in an incubator at 37 °C for 14 days. Color measurements were performed at the beginning of the study and after 24 h and 14 days. Color values ​​were measured using a CIE L*a*b* system with a spectrophotometer device. Color and translucency changes were calculated and data analyzed using one-way ANOVA, two-way ANOVA, and post-hoc Tukey test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The greatest color changes occurred in the tea and coffee groups; the smallest color change occurred in the control group. After 14 days, the greatest color change was observed in the Charisma + Coffee group; the smallest color change was observed in the Omnichroma + Water group. The transparency and contrast ratios changed in all groups, and the smallest change occurred in the Omnichroma control group. CONCLUSION: Significant differences were found in the composite color changes after immersion in beverages. The color variations significantly differed depending on the beverage in which the specimens were immersed. The initial contrast ratio was markedly different from the examined materials. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The study emphasizes the significance of common beverages on the color stability of one-shade composite resins, underlining the need of appropriate material selection for long-term aesthetic effects in one-shade composite resin restorations.

The decomposition rate and bleaching efficacy of in-office bleaching gels with different pHs: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the decomposition rate of active hydrogen peroxide (HP) and bleaching efficacy during in-office bleaching using high-concentration HP gels with different pHs. METHOD: A randomized, parallel, double-blind controlled trial was conducted with 40 volunteers randomized into four groups (pH 5.4; pH 7.0; pH 7.7, and pH 8.0). During the first session in-office bleaching, approximately 0.01 g of the gel was collected and titrated with potassium permanganate to obtain the concentration of active HP and pH values were measured using an electrode. Bleaching efficacy was assessed using a spectrophotometer [∆Eab, ∆E00, and WID], Vita Classical and Vita Bleachedguide scales [∆SGU]. The decomposition rate of HP concentration and pH values change were calculated using ANOVA one-way. The bleaching efficacy was assessed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Tukey's test was applied as a post-hoc test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: All gels experienced decreasing HP concentration over time. pH 5.4 gel showed greatest reduction after 50 min (p < 0.001). pH 8.0 and 7.7 gels remained stable; pH 5.4 remained acidic, while pH 7.0 turned acidic (p < 0.001). No significant difference in bleaching degree was observed among gels. They all showed a similar and clinically important color change after two clinical sessions, remained stable 1-month post-treatment (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: All bleaching gels kept at least 70% of their HP content after 50 min, suggesting that there is a surplus of HP. They provided similar whitening efficacy 1-month after bleaching. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: It is possible that lower HP concentrations may be equally effective in achieving desired results while reducing the potential for side effects. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME: RBR-35q7s3v.

EFFECTS OF ACID ETCHING ON COLOR CHANGES AND SURFACE MORPHOLOGY OF ENAMEL TO BE BLEACHED WITH DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES.

Aims - to compare the color changes, the surface roughness and morphology of the enamel bleached with two different bleaching solutions (chemical and laser activated), preceded or not with acid etching. Thirty teeth of bovine prepared and haphazardly assigned to 2 groups (n=15) depending on bleaching technique. Each group subdivided to 3 subgroup (n=5) consistent with acid etching by 37% phosphoric acid. Atomic force microscopy and VITA easy shade spectrophotometer were performed twice for all the specimens before and after bleaching. ANOVA, the Paired sample t-test, and the independent sample t-test used for statistical analysis. As for the color changes, the groups that were bleached by the chemical method, the difference among the three subgroups was statistically significant. This also applies to the groups bleached with the laser method. When comparing the results of the chemical bleaching subgroups with the laser bleaching ones, the difference was not significant. Roughness results showed significant differences between certain subgroups and non-significant differences among others. However, the difference was statistically significant between the chemical and laser groups, laser technique resulted in less surface roughness than the chemical one. Acid etching before bleaching produced better colour change in both the chemical and laser assisted bleaching. In chemical bleaching, surface roughness was higher when acid etching was used. This was also true for laser bleaching technique. In general, laser assisted bleaching produced less surface roughness than chemical bleaching.

Effect of Coffee Thermocycling on Color Stability and Translucency of CAD-CAM Polychromatic High Translucent Zirconia Compared With Lithium Disilicate Glass Ceramic.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of coffee thermocycling on color stability and translucency of CAD-CAM polychromatic high translucent zirconia compared with lithium disilicate glass ceramic. METHODS: Sixteen rectangular plates (14 × 16 × 1.0 mm) of two ceramic materials (IPS E.max CAD (IEC), IPS E.max ZirCAD Prime [IZP]) were prepared. Each specimen was measured for color coordinates using a spectrophotometer following 30,000 cycles of coffee thermocycling. CIELAB formula was used to determine color and translucency differences (ΔE and ΔTP). The means of ΔE and ΔTP were compared using independent samples t-test and were evaluated using their respective 50%:50% perceptibility and acceptability thresholds (PT and AT). One-way analysis of variance was performed to evaluate the translucency parameter (TP) and surface roughness (Ra) of each material. RESULTS: Mean ΔE values of IEC (4.69) and IZP (4.64) were higher than the AT (ΔE ≤ 2.7) with no significant difference found between the two groups (p = 0.202). Considering the TP, only IEC showed a statistically significant increase in TP value (p < 0.001). However, the mean ΔTP of IEC (3.25) remained within the range of acceptability (1.3 < ΔTP ≤ 4.4). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this current study, the color stability of all materials was clinically affected by coffee thermocycling. In terms of translucency, only lithium disilicate glass ceramic was influenced by coffee thermocycling. High translucent zirconia had superior translucency stability compared to lithium disilicate glass ceramic.

Effects of Different Concentrations of Carbamide Peroxide on Color, Surface Roughness, and Hardness of CAD/CAM Dental Ceramics.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the effects of 15% and 20% carbamide peroxide (CP) on color, surface roughness, and hardness of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) dental ceramics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This in vitro study was conducted on 120 Vita Mark II, Celtra Duo, and Suprinity CAD/CAM ceramic specimens. The ceramic specimens in each group (n = 40) were randomly assigned to two subgroups (n = 20) for polishing and glazing, and their baseline color, surface roughness (Ra), and hardness were assessed. In each subgroup, half of the specimens were exposed to 15% CP, while the other half were exposed to 20% CP. Their color change (ΔE), surface roughness, and hardness were then measured again. Surface roughness, hardness, and color were analyzed sequentially by profilometer, Vickers hardness tester, and spectrophotometer, respectively. Data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA, one-way ANOVA, and post hoc Bonferroni test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The surface roughness of all groups significantly increased after bleaching treatment (p < 0.05). Surface hardness of all groups decreased after bleaching treatment, but this reduction was only significant in Vita Mark II subgroups (glazed, polished, 15%, and 20% CP). The ΔE was not clinically and visually perceivable in any group. CONCLUSION: The present results revealed that concentration of CP and type of surface treatment affected the surface properties of CAD/CAM ceramics. Type of surface treatment only affected the surface hardness of Vita Mark II ceramics (p < 0.05). Concentration of CP had a significant effect only on polished Vita Mark II.

A spectrophotometric analysis of extracted water-soluble phenolic metabolites of lichens.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Rainwater most probably constitutes a relatively effective solvent for lichen substances in nature which have the potential to provide for human and environmental needs in the future. The aims were (i) to test the hypothesis on the potential solubility of lichen phenolic compounds using rainwater under conditions that partly reflect the natural environment and (ii) to propose new and effective methods for the water extraction of lichen substances. The results of spectrophotometric analyses of total phenolic metabolites in rainwater-based extracts from epigeic and epiphytic lichens, employing the Folin-Ciocalteu (F.-C.) method, are presented. The water solvent was tested at three pH levels: natural, 3, and 9. Extraction methods were undertaken from two perspectives: the partial imitation of natural environmental conditions and the potential use of extraction for economic purposes. From an ecological perspective, room-temperature water extraction ('cold' method) was used for 10-, 60-, and 120-min extraction periods. A variant of water extraction at analogous time intervals was an 'insolation' with a 100W light bulb to simulate the heat energy of the sun. For economic purposes, the water extraction method used the Soxhlet apparatus and its modified version, the 'tea-extraction' method ('hot' ones). The results showed that those extractions without an external heat source were almost ineffective, but insolation over 60- and 120-min periods proved to be more effective. Both tested 'hot' methods also proved to be effective, especially the 'tea-extraction' one. Generally, an increase in the concentration of phenolic compounds in water extracts resulted from an increasing solvent pH. The results show the probable involvement of lichen substances in biogeochemical processes in nature and their promising use for a variety of human necessities.

Exploring the efficacy of laser-assisted in-office tooth bleaching: A study on varied irradiation times and power settings utilizing a diode laser (445 nm).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a laser-assisted in-office tooth bleaching treatment, employing a diode laser (445 nm) using different power and time settings. Two hundred human incisors were collected for evaluating tooth color change (ΔΕ00) and whiteness index in dentistry (ΔWID) following laser-assisted tooth bleaching treatment. The specimens were distributed into 25 groups (n = 8) according to laser output power (0.5-2 W) and duration of irradiation (10-60 s) that was applied. ΔΕ00 and ΔWID were evaluated using a spectrophotometer at three points of time (24 h, 1 week and 1 month after treatments). Three-way ANOVA revealed that power, duration of laser irradiation, and time of measurement after bleaching treatments significantly affected both ΔΕ00 and ΔWID(p < 0.05). Furthermore, laser irradiation increased ΔΕ00 and ΔWID at all applied powers compared to the control group (p < 0.05), but this increase was dependent on the duration of irradiation. Laser irradiation significantly increased ΔΕ00 when the duration of operation was 50-60 s at 0.5-1 W, while at 1.5-2 W was significantly increased when the duration was 30-60 s. ΔWID was significant higher in the laser groups compared to the control group at all powers, except for 0.5 W where it was significant higher when the duration was 50-60 s. The outcomes of the study can help in selecting the suitable power settings and duration of laser exposure to achieve the optimal whitening results while ensuring the safety of the tooth pulp.

Evaluation of peri-implant perfusion in patients who underwent avascular augmentation or microvascular reconstruction using laser Doppler flowmetry and tissue spectrophotometry: a prospective comparative clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the peri-implant perfusion, such as oxygen saturation, the relative amount of hemoglobin, and blood flow, in implants placed in pristine bone and avascular and microvascular grafts using a non-invasive measurement method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 58 patients with 241 implants were included. Among them, 106 implants were based in native bone (group I), 75 implants were inserted into avascular bone grafts (group II), and 60 implants were placed in microvascular bone grafts (group III). Gingival perfusion was measured using laser Doppler flowmetry and tissue spectrophotometry (LDF-TS). Implants with signs of gingival inflammation were excluded to analyze healthy implant perfusion in different bony envelopes. RESULTS: The mean values for oxygen saturation, relative hemoglobin levels, and blood flow did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.404, p = 0.081, and p = 0.291, respectively). There was no significant difference in perfusion between implants that were surrounded by mucosa and implants based within cutaneous transplants (p = 0.456; p = 0.628, and p = 0.091, respectively). CONCLUSION: No differences in perfusion were found between implants inserted into native bone and implants involving bone or soft tissue augmentation. However, implants based in avascular and microvascular transplants showed higher rates of peri-implant inflammation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Peri-implant perfusion seems to be comparable for all implants after they heal, irrespective of their bony surroundings. Although perfusion does not differ significantly, other factors may make implants in avascular and microvascular transplants vulnerable to peri-implant inflammation.

Quantitative examination of factors influencing the colour reproduction ability of lithium disilicate glass-ceramics.

BACKGROUND: Effects of ceramic translucency, layer thickness, and substrate colour on the shade of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic restorations proved to be significant in several studies, however, quantitative, numerical results on the relationship between the colour difference and these parameters are still lacking. The purpose of this in vitro study was to quantitatively determine how the colour reproduction ability of a lithium disilicate glass-ceramic is affected by its translucency, layer thickness, and substrate colour. METHODS: Ceramic samples were prepared from A2 shade IPS e.max CAD blocks with high and low translucencies (HT and LT) in a thickness range of 0.5-2.5 mm (+/- 0.05 mm). Layered samples were acquired utilizing composite substrates in 9 shades; transparent try-in paste was used. The spectral reflectance of the specimens was assessed under D65 standard illumination with a Konica Minolta CM-3720d spectrophotometer. The CIEDE2000 colour difference (ΔE00) between two samples was analysed using perceptibility and acceptability thresholds set at 50:50%. Statistical analysis involved linear regression analysis and the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: An increase in the thickness of 0.5 mm reduced the ΔE00 of the HT samples to 72.8%, and that of the T samples to 71.1% (p < 0.0001). 7 substrates with HT and LT specimens had significantly different results from the mean (p < 0.05). A thickness of 0.5 mm is not sufficient to achieve an acceptable result at any level of translucency, while the low translucency ceramic at a thickness of 1.5 mm gave acceptable results, except for severely discoloured substrates (ND8 and ND9). CONCLUSIONS: The colour reproduction ability of lithium disilicate glass-ceramics is significantly affected by their translucency, layer thickness, and 7 substrates out of 9 substrates examined.

Spectrophotometric Assays for Measuring Photorespiratory Glutamate:Glyoxylate and Serine:Glyoxylate Aminotransferase Reactions.

Glutamate:glyoxylate aminotransferase (GGAT; EC 2.6.1.4) and serine:glyoxylate aminotransferase activities (SGAT; EC 2.6.1.45) are central photorespiratory reactions within plant peroxisomes. Both enzymatic reactions convert glyoxylate, a product of glycolate oxidase, to glycine, a substrate of the mitochondrial glycine decarboxylase complex. The GGAT reaction uses glutamate as an amino group donor and also produces α-ketoglutarate, which is recycled to glutamate in plastids by ferredoxin-dependent glutamate synthase. Using serine, a product of mitochondrial serine hydroxymethyltransferase, as an amino group donor, the SGAT reaction also produces hydroxypyruvate, a substrate of hydroxypyruvate reductase. The activities of these photorespiratory aminotransferases can be measured using indirect, coupled, spectrophotometric assays, detailed herein.

Determination of Phosphoglycolate Phosphatase Activity via a Coupled Reaction Using Recombinant Glycolate Oxidase.

Phosphoglycolate phosphatase (PGLP) dephosphorylates 2-phosphoglycolate to glycolate that can be further metabolized to glyoxylate by glycolate oxidase (GOX) via an oxidative reaction that uses O2 and releases H2O2. The oxidation of o-dianisidine by H2O2 catalyzed by a peroxidase can be followed in real time by an absorbance change at 440 nm. Based on these reactions, a spectrophotometric method for measuring PGLP activity using a coupled reaction with recombinant Arabidopsis thaliana GOX is described. This protocol has been used successfully with either purified PGLP or total soluble proteins extracted from Arabidopsis rosette leaves.

Spectrophotometric Assays for Measuring Hydroxypyruvate Reductase Activity.

Hydroxypyruvate reductase (HPR; EC 1.1.1.81) activity is integral to the photorespiratory pathway. Within photorespiration, HPR catalyzes the reduction of hydroxypyruvate, a product of the serine:glyoxylate aminotransferase reaction to glycerate, a substrate for glycerate kinase, using NADH as cofactor. Here we detail a spectrophotometric assay for measuring HPR activity in vitro by following the consumption of NADH at 340 nm.

Evaluation of staining potential of Silver Diamine Fluoride, Potassium Iodide, Nanosilver Fluoride: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The black staining effect of silver-containing solutions for use to arrest caries can have a negative aesthetic impact on children and parents. This study aims to assess the staining effects of Silver Diamine Fluoride/Potassium Iodide (SDF/KI), SDF and Nanosilver Fluoride (NSF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four extracted carious primary molars were collected and randomly divided into four groups (n = 11). The carious tissue in all teeth was removed using a chemo-mechanical caries removal agent with an excavator. After caries removal in all groups, SDF, SDF/KI, and NSF were applied to the different groups, while no solution was applied to the control group. Subsequently, the teeth in all groups were restored with compomer. Color values L*, a* and b* were measured using a spectrophotometer at three time points: immediately after compomer restoration (T0), one week later (T1), and four week later (T2). Changes in brightness (ΔL) and color (ΔE) over time were calculated and comparisons among groups were made. RESULTS: The SDF solution induced statistically significant black staining (p = 0.013) and a decrease in L* value (p < 0.001) on the compomer material compared to the other groups over time. CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that SDF/KI has the potential to reduce the black staining effect of SDF, though not entirely. Novel experimental solutions like NSF may offer an alternative to counteract the staining effect of SDF.

The effect of aging on the translucency of contemporary zirconia generations: in-vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The translucency of different zirconia generations at each time point after thermocycling aging is still lacking. METHODS: Four zirconia materials were used with a total of 60 samples produced from monolithic third generation (5Y) 5 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia polycrystalline ceramic and fourth generation zirconia (4Y) 4 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia polycrystalline ceramic, represented by [group1:[CM-5Y] Ceramill Zolid fx (3rd generation zirconia) (Amann Girrbach, Koblach, Austria), group 2:[CM-4Y] Ceramill Zolid HT + (4th generation zirconia) (Amann Girrbach, Koblach, Austria), group 3:[CC-5Y] Cercon XT/ML (Dentsply Sirona, Germany) (3rd generation), and group 4:[CC-4Y] Cercon HT/ML (Dentsply Sirona, Germany) (4th generation)]. The L*a*b* figures were measured by using a spectrophotometer at baseline and after 10,000, 30,000, and 50,000 cycles of thermocycling. At each interval, the translucency of the samples was estimated by using the translucency formula CIEDE2000. The Scheffe post-hoc compared differences among each of the four materials. The Repeated measures ANOVA tested the differences between the materials at each of the different thermocycling intervals (p < .001). Data analyses were evaluated at a significance level of p < .05 (CI 95%). RESULTS: Two-way ANOVA revealed that at baseline the third and fourth generation's zirconia showed statistically significant differences in translucency (P < .001). Translucency values at baseline and after thermocycling exhibited statistically significant changes (p = .003). At each of the time interval; CM-4Y had the highest translucency values followed by CM-5Y, CC-4Y and CC-5Y had the least translucency values. CONCLUSIONS: The third and fourth generations of zirconia displayed different translucencies. Thermocycling affected the translucency of both third and fourth generations of zirconia. At each of the time intervals group 2:[CM-4Y] had the highest TP followed by group1:[CM-5Y], while, group 3:[CC-5Y] and group 4:[CC-4Y] had the least TP.

In vitro study on the impact of various polishing systems and coffee staining on the color stability of bleach-shaded resin composite.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of different polishing techniques and coffee staining on the color stability of four commercially available bleach-shade composite resins, namely microhybrid, nanohybrid, nanofilled, and injectable nanohybrids. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 224 discs (8 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness) were fabricated from four different bleach-shade composite resins, namely microhybrid (Gradia Direct Anterior), nanohybrid (Palfique LX5), nanofilled (Filtek Universal), and injectable nanohybrid (flowable G-aenial universal injectable). The composite resin groups were polished via four techniques: no polishing, 4-step polishing using aluminum oxide discs, 3-step polishing using silicon rubber diamond discs, and one-step polishing. Half of each group was immersed in water, while the other half was immersed in coffee for 12 days (n = 7). Colors were measured using a clinical spectrophotometer, and color differences were calculated (ΔE). The results were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The alterations in color were significantly influenced by the techniques employed for finishing and polishing techniques, composite resin type, and degree of coffee staining. Regardless of the polishing technique and storage medium, different material types showed a significant color change (ΔE) at P < 0.001. Filtek exhibited the most significant color change, followed by Gradia and Palfique, with no significant differences between them. In addition, Different polishing techniques resulted in significant color changes (P < 0.001). The highest degree of color change was seen in the no-polishing group, followed by the 4-step and 1-step polishing groups, with negligible differences between each other. Also, Storage media had a significant effect on ΔE values. CONCLUSION: Appropriate finishing and polishing procedures can improve the color stability of bleach-shaded composite resins. Coffee has a deleterious effect on color; however, injectable flowable nanohybrid composites are more resistant to staining.

Spectrophotometric determination of celecoxib and tramadol in the new approved formulated dosage form using principle component regression assistive model.

Celecoxib and tramadol have been combined in a novel FDA-approved medication to address acute pain disorders requiring opioid treatment when other analgesics proved either intolerable or ineffective. The absorbance spectra of celecoxib and tramadol exhibit significant overlap, posing challenges for their individual quantification. This study introduces a spectrophotometric quantification approach for celecoxib and tramadol using a principle component regression assistive model to assist resolving the overlapped spectra and quantifying both drugs in their binary mixture. The model was constructed by establishing calibration and validation sets for the celecoxib and tramadol mixture, employing a five-level, two-factor experimental design, resulting in 25 samples. Spectral data from these mixtures were measured and preprocessed to eliminate noise in the 200-210 nm range and zero absorbance values in the 290-400 nm range. Consequently, the dataset was streamlined to 81 variables. The predicted concentrations were compared with the known concentrations of celecoxib and tramadol, and the errors in the predictions were evidenced calculating root mean square error of cross-validation and root mean square error of prediction. Validation results demonstrate the efficacy of the models in predicting outcomes; recovery rates approaching 100 % are demonstrated with relative root mean square error of prediction (RRMSEP) values of 0.052 and 0.164 for tramadol and celecoxib, respectively. The selectivity was further evaluated by quantifying celecoxib and tramadol in the presence of potentially interfering drugs. The model demonstrated success in quantifying celecoxib and tramadol in laboratory-prepared tablets, producing metrics consistent with those reported in previously established spectrophotometric methods.

Effect of multiple firings on optical and mechanical properties of Virgilite-containing lithium disilicate glass-ceramic of varying thickness.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of multiple firings on color, translucency, and biaxial flexure strength of Virgilite-containing (Li0.5Al0.5Si2.5O6) lithium disilicate glass ceramics of varying thickness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty discs were prepared from Virgilite-containing lithium disilicate blocks. Discs were divided according to thickness (n = 30) into T0.5 (0.5 mm) and T1.0 (1.0 mm). Each thickness was divided according to the number of firing cycles (n = 10); F1 (Control group): 1 firing cycle; F3: 3 firing cycles, and F5: 5 firing cycles. The discs were tested for color change (ΔE00) and translucency (TP00) using a spectrophotometer. Then, all samples were subjected to biaxial flexure strength testing using a universal testing machine. Data were collected and statistically analyzed (α = 0.5). For chemical analysis, six additional T0.5 discs (2 for each firing cycle) were prepared; for each firing cycle one disc was subjected to X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and another disc was subjected to Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). RESULTS: Repeated firing significantly reduced the translucency of F3 and F5 compared to F1 in T0.5 (p < 0.001), while for T1.0 only F5 showed a significant decrease in TP00 (p < 0.001). For ΔE00, a significant increase was recorded with repeated firings (p < 0.05) while a significant decrease resulted in the biaxial flexure strength regardless of thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated firings had a negative effect on both the optical and mechanical properties of the Virgilite-containing lithium disilicate glass ceramics. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Repeated firings should be avoided with Virgilite-containing lithium disilicate ceramics to decrease fracture liability and preserve restoration esthetics.