A Quality by Design Approach to Microbial Retention Validation.

Regulatory and manufacturing requirements exist for performance of product-specific microbial retention testing on sterilizing filters. The implementation of a Quality by Design approach to sterilizing filtration supports a paradigm that would obviate the need for product-specific testing for early-stage products that do not have the quantity of material required to perform such testing easily and efficiently. Process and product parameters were varied to determine their effect on microbial retention to define a design space. To minimize the burden of filter validation retention studies for early-stage (Phase 1) manufacturing, it is recommended that manufacturers perform a risk assessment to confirm their product and process conditions are within the established design space. For later stage product development prior to marketing authorization, product-specific filter validation testing is expected.

Long term antifungal efficacy of silver-zinc zeolite nanoparticles incorporated in two soft denture liners - An in vitro assessment.

Background: There is generally a lack of compliance in patients who report with oral candidiasis, as they are advised to temporarily stop wearing the prosthesis and are prescribed topical antifungals which are generally unpleasant to taste and follow a rigorous schedule. Furthermore, with the alarming evidence of drug resistance, there is a need for an enhanced drug and drug delivery system. The aim of the study was to determine the dose-dependent antifungal efficacy of silver-zinc zeolite nanoparticles (SZZ-NPs) when incorporated in two brands of soft denture liners against Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: A total of 72 samples were made to determine the in vitro antifungal efficacy of SZZ-NPs and fluconazole by measuring the mean inhibition diameter (MID). Two concentrations of SZZ-NPs were compared (0.5%, 2% w/w) with fluconazole 5%w/w which is routinely prescribed. The antifungals were incorporated in two types of commercially available soft denture liners (Visco gel, GC soft denture liner). The MIDs were measured at day 1, day 7, day 15, and day 30. The values obtained (P < 0.001) were analyzed with one-way ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc, and independent t-test. Results: A statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) was noted among all the antifungal agents at all the time intervals tested. The anti-fungal efficacy of SSZ-NPs 2% w/w incorporated in GC soft denture liner was significantly superior (P < 0.001) to all groups tested and it retained its antifungal efficacy even on day 30 (MID: 18.33 ± 2.44). Conclusion: SZZ-NPs 0.5%w/w, 2%w/w, and fluconazole 5%w/w can be incorporated with soft denture liners against C. albicans. Fluconazole 5%w/w is the recommended choice for short-term antifungal efficacy, while SZZ-NPs 2%w/w is recommended when long-term antifungal efficacy is needed. GC soft denture liner was the recommended choice.

Nanomaterials and their application in prosthodontics: A review

Objectives: The objective of this paper is to review the available literature on the novelties and applications of nanomaterials in Prosthodontics. Data and Sources: 125 articles were retrieved which included reviews and studies on various nanomaterials used in Dentistry especially Prosthodontics after Gray literature search, cross references and electronic database search in PubMed, MedLine and Google search using the following key words- Nanomaterials, Nanotechnology, Prosthodontics, Dentistry, Applications Study selection: 74 articles were selected and reviewed as they met the selection criteria. Conclusion: Within the scope of this review, reported literature showed that the emerging science of nanotechnology in Dentistry especially in the field of Prosthodontics has triggered growing interest in the potential applications and benefits compared to the conventional materials in use. The latest research progress on the applications of nanomaterials used in Prosthodontics was reviewed with detailed description, keeping in mind the limitations like challenges faced and the health implications.

[Knowledge and practices in Aedes aegypti control among different social subjects in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil]. / Saberes e práticas sobre controle do Aedes aegypti por diferentes sujeitos sociais na cidade de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil.

Due to the persistence of dengue and other arbovirus infections in Brazil, the government has stepped up measures to combat the Aedes aegypti mosquito vector. The responsibilities of community endemic disease workers (CEDW) and community health workers (CHW) include acting as intermediaries and disseminating knowledge in the community. The aim of this study was to analyze knowledge and practices in dengue control by different social subjects: residents and CEDW/CHW. Interviews were held with residents, field and mobilization CEDW, and CHW in two neighborhoods in Salvador, Bahia State, using focus groups. Residents expressed uncertainty on the form of transmission and hazards of dengue. Field CEDW voiced conflicting feelings due to the need to inform the community on issues over which they lack any control, while expressing personal dissatisfaction with their work and a feeling of underappreciation due to their lack of training. Mobilization CEDW blamed the population and emphasized their own importance as the solution to dengue control. CHW failed to reflect their field experience in their discourse and felt they had no responsibility over vector control. All the groups agreed that government is to blame for dengue and that the solution lies in education. There is an evident need for regular educational interventions, based on dialogue and awareness-raising to deal with residents' daily reality, drawing individuals (residents and CHW) into the knowledge-building process. Under the prevailing methodology, the dissemination of information and knowledge is insufficient to promote community improvements for dengue control.

Saberes e práticas sobre controle do Aedes aegypti por diferentes sujeitos sociais na cidade de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil / Knowledge and practices in Aedes aegypti control among different social subjects in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil / Conocimientos y prácticas sobre el control del Aedes aegypti realizado por diferentes sujetos sociales en la ciudad de Salvador, Bahía, Brasil

Resumo: Devido à persistência da dengue e de outras arboviroses no Brasil, o poder público tem intensificado as ações de combate ao mosquito vetor Aedes aegypti. Os agentes de combate às endemias (ACE) e agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS), dentre outras atribuições, tornaram-se interlocutores e disseminadores de conhecimento na comunidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar os saberes e práticas sobre controle da dengue por diferentes sujeitos sociais: moradores e agentes. Foram realizadas entrevistas com moradores, ACE de campo e de mobilização e ACS em dois bairros de Salvador, Bahia, por meio da metodologia de grupo focal. Os moradores demonstraram incerteza sobre a forma de contágio e o perigo da dengue. Os ACE de campo apresentam-se em conflito, pela necessidade de informar à comunidade sobre aspectos que não dominam e demonstram um descontentamento pessoal no trabalho com um sentimento de desvalorização pela falta de qualificação. Os ACE de mobilização culpam a população e enfatizam a importância de si próprios como solução para o controle da dengue. Os ACS não apropriaram sua experiência de campo em seu discurso e se sentem desobrigados com respeito ao controle vetorial. Todos os grupos entrevistados concordam que a culpa da dengue recai sobre o poder público, e a solução para o problema está na educação. Percebe-se uma grande necessidade de intervenções educativas regulares, pautadas no diálogo e na sensibilização para lidar com a realidade cotidiana dos moradores, trazendo os indivíduos (moradores e agentes) como sujeitos do processo de construção de conhecimento. Pois, na metodologia atual, a disseminação de informação e conhecimento não é suficiente para promover melhorias na comunidade para o controle da dengue.

Abstract: Due to the persistence of dengue and other arbovirus infections in Brazil, the government has stepped up measures to combat the Aedes aegypti mosquito vector. The responsibilities of community endemic disease workers (CEDW) and community health workers (CHW) include acting as intermediaries and disseminating knowledge in the community. The aim of this study was to analyze knowledge and practices in dengue control by different social subjects: residents and CEDW/CHW. Interviews were held with residents, field and mobilization CEDW, and CHW in two neighborhoods in Salvador, Bahia State, using focus groups. Residents expressed uncertainty on the form of transmission and hazards of dengue. Field CEDW voiced conflicting feelings due to the need to inform the community on issues over which they lack any control, while expressing personal dissatisfaction with their work and a feeling of underappreciation due to their lack of training. Mobilization CEDW blamed the population and emphasized their own importance as the solution to dengue control. CHW failed to reflect their field experience in their discourse and felt they had no responsibility over vector control. All the groups agreed that government is to blame for dengue and that the solution lies in education. There is an evident need for regular educational interventions, based on dialogue and awareness-raising to deal with residents' daily reality, drawing individuals (residents and CHW) into the knowledge-building process. Under the prevailing methodology, the dissemination of information and knowledge is insufficient to promote community improvements for dengue control.

Resumen: Debido a la persistencia del dengue y de otras arbovirosis en Brasil, el poder público ha intensificado las acciones de combate al mosquito vector Aedes aegypti. Los ACE (agentes de combate a endemias) y los ACS (agentes comunitarios de salud), entre otras atribuciones, se convirtieron en interlocutores y promotores de conocimiento sobre enfermedades en sus comunidades. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar los conocimientos y prácticas sobre el control del dengue por parte de los diferentes sujetos sociales implicados: residentes y agentes. Se realizaron entrevistas a residentes, ACE de campo y de movilización, así como ACS, en dos barrios de Salvador, Bahía, mediante una metodología de grupo focal. Los residentes mostraron inseguridad sobre la forma de contagio, así como el peligro que supone el dengue. Los ACE de campo se encontraron en conflicto, por su necesidad de informar a la comunidad sobre aspectos que no dominan, además de demostrar un descontento personal en el trabajo, unido a un sentimiento de desvalorización, por su falta de cualificación. Los ACE de movilización culpan a la población y enfatizan la importancia de ellos mismos como solución para el control del dengue. Los ACS no se apropiaron de su experiencia de campo en su discurso y no se sienten obligados al control vectorial. Todos los grupos entrevistados concuerdan en que la culpa del dengue recae sobre el poder público, y la solución para el problema está en la educación. Se percibe una gran necesidad de intervenciones educativas regulares, pautadas en el diálogo y en la sensibilización para lidiar con la realidad cotidiana de los residentes, considerando a los individuos (residentes y agentes) como sujetos del proceso de construcción del conocimiento. Así pues, en la metodología actual, la divulgación de información y conocimiento no es suficiente para promover mejoras en las comunidades, con el fin de controlar el dengue.

Evidence of Zika Virus RNA Fragments in Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) Field-Collected Eggs From Camaçari, Bahia, Brazil.

A major mosquito-borne viral disease outbreak caused by Zika virus (ZIKV) occurred in Bahia, Brazil, in 2015, largely due to transmission by the mosquito, Aedes aegypti (L.). Detecting ZIKV in field samples of Ae. aegypti has proven problematic in some locations, suggesting other mosquito species might be contributing to the spread of ZIKV. In this study, several (five) adult Aedes albopictus (Skuse) mosquitoes that emerged from a 2015 field collection of eggs from Camaçari, Bahia, Brazil, were positive for ZIKV RNA; however, attempts to isolate live virus were not successful. Results from this study suggest that field-collected Ae. albopictus eggs may contain ZIKV RNA that require further tests for infectious ZIKV. There is a need to investigate the role of Ae. albopictus in the ZIKV infection process in Brazil and to study the potential presence of vertical and sexual transmission of ZIKV in this species.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the stress distribution pattern in a mandibular first molar tooth restored with five different restorative materials.

INTRODUCTION: Badly broken or structurally compromised posterior teeth are frequently associated with crown/root fracture. Numerous restorative materials have been used to fabricate indirect full-coverage restorations for such teeth. This study aims to evaluate and compare the effect of restorative materials on the stress distribution pattern in a mandibular first molar tooth, under varying loading conditions and to compare the stress distribution pattern in five commonly used indirect restorative materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five three-dimensional finite element models representing a mandibular first molar tooth restored with crowns of gold, porcelain fused to metal, composite (Artglass), alumina-based zirconia (In-Ceram Zirconia [ICZ]), and double-layered zirconia-based materials (zirconia core veneered with porcelain, Lava) were constructed, using a Finite Element Analysis Software (ANSYS version 10; ANSYS Inc., Canonsburg, PA, USA). Two loading conditions were applied, simulating maximum bite force of 600 N axially and normal masticatory bite force of 225 N axially and nonaxially. RESULTS: Both all-ceramic crowns allowed the least amount of stress distribution to the surrounding tooth structure. In maximum bite force-simulation test, alumina-based all-ceramic crown displayed the highest von Mises stresses (123.745 MPa). In the masticatory bite force-simulation test, both all-ceramic crowns (122.503-133.13 MPa) displayed the highest von Mises stresses. CONCLUSIONS: ICZ crown displayed the highest peak von Mises stress values under maximum and masticatory bite forces. ICZ and Lava crowns also allowed the least amount of stress distribution to the surrounding tooth structure, which is indicative of a favorable response of the underlying tooth structure to the overlying full-coverage indirect restorative material. These results suggest that ICZ and Lava crowns can be recommended for clinical use in cases of badly damaged teeth.

Association between socio-demographic variables and partial edentulism in the Goan population: an epidemiological study in India.

CONTEXT: Although, incidence of complete edentulism has decreased, partial edentulism is still prevalent in the country. This study aims to establish a relationship between socio-demographic variables, etiological factors, and partial edentulism. It also evaluates the prevalence of different classes of partial edentulism according to Kennedy's classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted on a randomly selected population in the state of Goa, India. The study group included patients who attended the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Prosthodontics during September to October, 2009. Data were acquired based on a pre-formed pro-forma (inclusive of a structured questionnaire and clinical examination) and was statistically analysed using the chi-square test. RESULTS: A total of 423 participants were enrolled for this study. Three hundred and twenty-two individuals were partially edentulous indicating a prevalence rate of 76.12%. 54.97% were females. The peak was recorded in the age group of 24-34 years, 51.24% were un-employed, 54.97% belonged to the medium income group, 58.07% resided in urban areas, 48.45% belonged to the basic educational group and 54.35% had a fair oral hygiene status. Kennedy's class III group (50.30%) was the most frequent type of partial edentulism. An association between the aforementioned characteristics and partial edentulism was recorded with a statistically significant association between partial edentulism and two characteristics, namely monthly family income and education. CONCLUSION: Partial edentulism is dependent on a combination of socio-demographic factors and the present study reveals a high prevalence rate of partial edentulism in the studied population.

Vector control measures failed to affect genetic structure of Aedes aegypti in a sentinel metropolitan area of Brazil.

In order to evaluate subpopulation differentiation, effective population size (Ne) and evidence for population bottlenecks at various geographic levels, Aedes aegypti larvae were collected longitudinally from 2007 to 2009 from four areas in the city of Salvador, Brazil. The DNA from each larva was isolated and genotyped with five independent microsatellite markers. FST and Jost's D revealed significant population structuring (P<0.05) at the municipal and regional levels, while only RST was able to detect genetic differentiation at the level of strata within these areas. Ne analysis from longitudinal data did not show any evidence of significant change in population structure. The census population measured by the house index, however, showed a significant trend toward decrease in these areas. Active vector control measures did contribute to vector reduction, but this was not enough to decrease A. aegypti population genetic diversity in Salvador. The understanding of A. aegypti population dynamics may be helpful for planning and evaluation of control measures to make them more effective.

Types of implant surgical guides in dentistry: a review.

Various techniques have been proposed for the fabrication of surgical guide templates in implant dentistry. The objective of this paper is to review the associated literature and recent advancements in this field, based on design concept. An electronic and hand search of the literature revealed 3 categories, namely, nonlimiting, partially limiting, and completely limiting design. Most clinicians still adopt the partially limiting design due to its cost-effectiveness and credibility. Moreover, clinicians use cross-sectional imaging during the preimplant assessment of surgical sites.

Avaliação de parâmetros moleculares para vigilância entomológica do aeds (stegomyia)aegypti ( Linnaeus, 1762) / Evaluation of molecular parameters for entomological surveillance of AEDs (Stegomyia) aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762)

Apesar do combate recorrente ao mosquito vetor da dengue, o Aedes aegypti, mais de 80% dos estratos da cidade de Salvador-BA apresentam condição de alerta ou risco de surto de dengue. Visto que as abordagens tradicionais para controle do mosquito vetor da dengue não têm produzido os efeitos esperados, o presente estudo avaliou parâmetros moleculares para vigilância entomológica do A. aegypti utilizando ferramentas de geotecnologia e de genética de populações como forma de apoiar o trabalho de campo e ações integradas das instâncias responsáveis pelo controle da dengue. O desenho do estudo apresentou um componente transversal, descrevendo dados sobre a genética de população de larvas de A. aegypti coletadas em Salvador e amostras controle coletadas no ano de 2009 em Jacobina e Vitória da Conquista, além da cepa Rockfeller, e um longitudinal, sobre amostras de quatro áreas (Plataforma, Itapagipe, Tancredo Neves e Itapuã) durante quatro ciclos do LIRAa Salvador entre 2007 a 2009. O DNA de cada larva foi isolado pelo método DNAzol® e genotipado por 5 marcadores SSR através da técnica de PCR e eletroforese capilar. A distribuição espacial dos criadouros foi realizada utilizando-se ortofotos pelo programa Arcview v. 9.3. Para a análise da diferenciação populacional e teste de hipótese foram utilizados os programas GenePop, GenAlEx e Spade, e para inferência populacional utilizamos o programa structure. Os marcadores encontraram-se, em geral, em equilíbrio de H-W e comportaram-se como independentes. Quando utilizamos a estatística Φpt e RST foi possível discriminar significantemente (p<0,05) populações geneticamente diferenciadas de A. aegypti a nível de município, áreas do município de Salvador e estratos pertencentes a estas áreas. O programa structure indicou K igual a 2 populações como ideal para representar os dados, considerando a população de Salvador uma miscigenação de populações de A. aegypti de outras regiões do estado. Os resultados do estudo longitudinal mostraram uma diferenciação entre os ciclos de 2008.3 e 2009.4. As medidas de Ne variaram consideravelmente por área e ciclo evidenciando o efeito de gargalo de garrafa em diferentes períodos em cada área, apesar de não haver correlação com o IIP. A partir dos resultados obtidos, concluímos que o controle vetorial produz alterações sobre a estrutura populacional do A. aegypti, mas que não são efetivas. O uso do georreferenciamento e de informações genéticas do vetor poderiam contribuir para a definição das áreas de abrangência das populações do A. aegypti e para a tomada de decisões a respeito do manejo do tratamento.

A serial analysis of gene expression in sun-damaged human skin.

To study the phenotypic changes in human skin associated with repeated sun exposure at the transcription level, we have undertaken a comparative serial analysis of gene expression of sun-damaged preauricular skin and sun-protected postauricular skin as well as sun-protected epidermis. Serial analyses of gene expression libraries, containing multiple mRNA-derived tag recombinants, were made to poly(A+)RNA isolated from human postauricular skin and preauricular skin, as well as epidermal nick biopsy samples. 5330 mRNA-derived cDNA tags from the postauricular serial analysis of gene expression library were sequenced and these tag sequences were compared to cDNA sequences identified from 5105 tags analyzed from a preauricular serial analysis of gene expression library. Of the total of 4742 different tags represented in both libraries we found 34 tags with at least a 4-fold difference of tag abundance between the libraries. Among the mRNAs with altered steady-state(1) levels in sun-damaged skin, we detected those encoding keratin 1, macrophage inhibitory factor, and calmodulin-like skin protein. In addition, a comparison of cDNA sequences identified in the serial analysis of gene expression libraries obtained from the epidermal biopsy samples (5257 cDNA tags) and from both full-thickness skin samples indicated that many genes with altered steady-state transcript levels upon sun exposure were expressed in epidermal keratinocytes. These results suggest a major role for the epidermis in the pathomechanism of largely dermal changes in chronically sun-exposed skin.