Air abrasion before and/or after zirconia sintering: surface characterization, flexural strength, and resin cement bond strength

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of air-abrasion/zirconia sintering order on the yttria partially stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) surface characterization (roughness, morphology, and phase transformation), flexural strength (FS), and shear bond strength (SBS) to a resin cement. Y-TZP specimens were air abraded with 50-μm Al2O3 particles after (AS), before (BS), or before and after zirconia sintering (BAS). For roughness (Ra), 30 block specimens (12×12×3.0 mm; n=10) had their surfaces analyzed by a profilometer. Next, on the air-abraded surfaces of these specimens, composite resin discs (n=30) were bonded with RelyX ARC. The bonded specimens were stored for 24 hours in distilled water at 37°C before shear testing. Failure mode was determined with a stereomicroscope (20×). The surface morphology (n=2) was evaluated by SEM (500×). For the four-point flexural strength test (EMIC DL2000), 39 bar-shaped specimens (20×4.0×1.2 mm; n=13) were air abraded according to the three conditions proposed, and an additional group (nonabraded) was evaluated (n=13). The quantitative analysis of phase transformation (n=1) was completed with Rietveld refinement with X-ray diffraction data. Ra (μm) and SBS (MPa) data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey test (α=0.05). Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine if there was a correlation between roughness and SBS. For FS (MPa) data, one-way ANOVA and the Dunnett C-test (α=0.05) were used. The air-abrasion/zirconia sintering order influenced significantly (p<0.001) Ra, SBS, and FS. The BS and AS groups presented the highest (1.3 μm) and the lowest (0.7 μm) Ra. The highest SBS (7.0 MPa) was exhibited by the BAS group, followed by the AS group (5.4 MPa) and finally by the BS group (2.6 MPa). All groups presented 100% adhesive failure. A weak correlation (r=−0.45, p<0.05) was found between roughness and SBS. The air-abrasion/zirconia sintering order provided differences in the surface morphology. The nonabraded (926.8 MPa) and BS (816.3 MPa) groups exhibited statistically similar FS values but lower values than the AS (1249.1 MPa) and BAS (1181.4 MPa) groups, with no significant difference between them. The nonabraded, AS, BS, and BAS groups exhibited, respectively, percentages of monoclinic phase of 0.0 wt%, 12.2 wt%, 0.0 wt%, and 8.6 wt%. The rougher surface provided by the air-abrasion before zirconia sintering may have impaired the bonding with the resin cement. The morphological patterns were consistent with the surface roughness. Considering the short-term SBS and FS, the BAS group exhibited the best performance. Air abrasion, regardless of its performance order, provides tetragonal to monoclinic transformation, while sintering tends to zero the monoclinic phase content.

Interference of the assessment method in pH values of an epoxy-based cement

Introduction: Alkalinization potential is a fundamental property of endodontic epoxy-based cements containing calcium hydroxide. Studies have shown discrepant pH results for same materials at different evaluation periods. A possible reason accounting for these differences may be the assessment procedures. Objective: To evaluate the pH value of an epoxy-based cement (Sealer 26) in different periods of analysis, using two assessment methods. Material and methods: Sealer 26 was manipulated and immediately placed into polyethylene tubes (n=10, each group) and immersed in distilled water. In G1, the tubes were kept in the same water during all experiment; and in G2, the tubes were removed and placed into another flask with an equal amount of water after the pH evaluation. The pH of these solutions was measured at 24 hours, 7, 14 and 28 days. Analysis were made within the same group according to the experimental periods and between groups in each experimental period. Data were submitted to ANOVA (α = 5%) and t test, respectively. Results: For G1 and G2, all periods showed different pH values (p < 0.05), except between 14 and 28 days (p > 0.05) and between 7 and 14 days (p > 0.05), respectively. In each period, no significant differences were observed between the groups. Conclusion: The method to obtain the pH values in different experimental periods no interfered in the final results. However, difference was observed when the results were analyzed at same group.

The association of chlorhexidine digluconate and calcium chloride to use as vehicle of a silicate calcium-based cement

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the addition of 2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) associated with 5% calcium chloride (CaCl2 ) on antimicrobial activity, setting time, pH and calcium release of gray mineral trioxide aggregate (GMTA). Materials and Methods: GMTA powder was mixed with water, 2% CHX alone or 2% CHX combined with 5% CaCl2 . Antimicrobial activity was determined against Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) strains by agar diffusion test. Data obtained were submitted to kruskal wallis tests. Analysis of the setting time was evaluated by American society for testing and materials C266-03 requirements. The pH and calcium release analysis were evaluated, in 24 h, 7, 14 and 28 days using pH meter equipment and atomic absorption spectrophotometer, respectively. Data obtained were analyzed by ANOVA, in 5% significance level. Results: Significant differences were seen (P < 0.01) among the zones of bacterial growth inhibition produced by 5% CaCl2 + 2% CHX combination against E. faecalis when compared with water (P < 0.05). Regarding the setting time, that combination had the shortest setting time (P < 0.05). All associations were alkaline and released calcium. No statistical difference was observed between the experimental groups at the different periods of analysis (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Combination of 5% CaCl2 + 2% CHX reduced the setting time and enhanced the antimicrobial activity of GMTA without changing the pH and calcium release.

Ph and antimicrobial activity of portland cement associated with different radiopacifying agents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and pH changes induced by Portland cement (PC) alone and in association with radiopacifiers. Methods. The materials tested were pure PC, PC + bismuth oxide, PC + zirconium oxide, PC + calcium tungstate, and zinc oxide and eugenol cement (ZOE). Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by agar diffusion test using the following strains: Micrococcus luteus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. After 24 hours of incubation at 37°C, inhibition of bacterial growth was observed and measured. For pH analysis, material samples (n=10) were placed in polyethylene tubes and immersed in 10 mL of distilled water. After 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours, the pH of the solutions was determined using a pH meter. Results. All microbial species were inhibited by the cements evaluated. All materials composed of PC with radiopacifying agents promoted pH increase similar to pure Portland cement. ZOE had the lowest pH values throughout all experimental periods. Conclusions. All Portland cement-based materials with the addition of different radiopacifiers (bismuth oxide, calcium tungstate, and zirconium oxide) presented antimicrobial activity and pH similar to pure Portland cement.

Organic farm does not improve neither soil, or water quality in rural watersheds from southeastern Brazil

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Chlorophyll a fluorescence in Annona emarginata (Schltdl.) H. Rainer plants subjected to water stress and after rehydration

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Can Application of Universal Primers Alone Be a Substitute for Airborne-Particle Abrasion to Improve Adhesion of Resin Cement to Zirconia?

Purpose: To determine whether universal primers alone can deliver similar levels of adhesion of resin cement to zirconia ceramic when compared to their application in conjunction with airborne-particle abrasion.Materials and Methods: Sintered zirconia blocks (N = 160) (Lava, 3M ESPE), (5.25 x 5.25 x 3 mm(3)) were embedded in acrylic resin, polished, and randomly distributed into 16 groups (n = 10 per group), according to the factors "universal primer" (8 levels) and "air-particle abrasion" (2 levels): 1. ctr: control, without application of a universal primer; 2. AP: Alloy Primer; 3. MP: Monobond Plus; 4. MZP: Metal Zirconia Primer; 5. MZ: MZ Primer; 6. Sg: Signum Zirconia Bond; 7. SbU: Singlebond Universal; 8. ZP: Z Prime Plus. The universal primers were also used after air abrasion (A) of zirconia to form the following 8 groups: Ctr-A, AP-A, MP-A, MZP-A, MZ-A, Sg-A, SbU-A, and ZP-A. After ultrasonic cleaning, air abrasion was performed using Al2O3 particles (110 mu m, 2.5 bar, 20 s at 10 mm) in a chairside air-abrasion device. After ultrasonic cleaning again, universal primers were applied according to each manufacturer's recommendation. The resin cement (RelyX ARC, 3M ESPE) was built up incrementally and photo-polymerized on the zirconia surface using a silicone mold (empty set = 3.5, height = 3 mm). All specimens were stored in distilled water (60 days at 37 degrees C) and then subjected to shear bond strength testing (SBS) in a universal testing machine (1 mm/min). On a separate set of zirconia specimens, contact angle measurements were made using the sessile drop technique with a goniometer after the application of universal primers on control and air-abraded zirconia surfaces. Data (MPa) were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Tukey's test, and Student's t-test (alpha = 0.05).Results: When universal primers were used alone, SbU presented significantly higher mean SBS (19.5 +/- 5.8) that did the other primers (0 to 9.9 +/- 6.6) (p = 0.001). When air abraded, the groups AP-A (14.1 +/- 6.1), MP-A (15.9 +/- 5.4), ZP-A (16.9 +/- 7.3), SG-A (19.1 +/- 2.1), SbU-A (12 +/- 1.5) showed significant differences (p = 0.03). Adhesive performance of all universal primers was enhanced after air abrasion, with the exception of the SbU and MZ primers. After air abrasion, contact angle measurements were lower for the each primer (without air abrasion: 28.9 to 83.9; with air abrasion: 27.1 to 63.0), except for MZP.Conclusion: Air abrasion with 110 mu m Al2O3 followed by universal primer application increased the bond strength of tested resin cement to zirconia, with the exception of SbU and MZ.

Feeding frequency, but not dietary water content, affects voluntary physical activity in young lean adult female cats

The objective of this study was to investigate whether increased dietary water content and feeding frequency increased voluntary physical activity of young, lean adult female cats. A replicated 4 x 4 Latin square design with a 2 x 2 factorial treatment arrangement (feeding frequency and water content) was used. The 4 treatments consisted of 1 meal daily dry pet food without added water (1D; 12% moisture as is), 1 meal daily dry pet food with added water (1W; 70% total water content), 4 meals daily dry pet food without added water (4D; 12% moisture as is), and 4 meals daily dry pet food with added water (4W; 70% total water content). Eight healthy adult, lean, intact, young, female domestic shorthair cats were used in this experiment. Voluntary physical activity was evaluated using Actical activity monitors placed on collars and worn around the cats'necks for the last 7 d of each experimental period of 14 d. Food anticipatory activity (FAA) was calculated based on 2 h prior to feeding periods and expressed as a percentage of total daily voluntary physical activity. Increased feeding frequency (4 vs. 1 meal daily) resulted in greater average daily activity (P = 0.0147), activity during the light period (P = 0.0023), and light: dark activity ratio (P = 0.0002). In contrast, physical activity during the dark period was not altered by feeding frequency (P > 0.05). Cats fed 4 meals daily had increased afternoon FAA (P = 0.0029) compared with cats fed once daily. Dietary water content did not affect any measure of voluntary physical activity. Increased feeding frequency is an effective strategy to increase the voluntary physical activity of cats. Thus, it may assist in the prevention and management of obesity.

Oil-in-water biocompatible microemulsion as a carrier for the antitumor drug compound methyl dihydrojasmonate

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

The "chemical oxygen demand/total volatile acids" ratio as an anaerobic treatability indicator for landfill leachates

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Supercritical carbonation treatment on extruded fibre-cement reinforced with vegetable fibres

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Foliar or soil applications of silicon alleviate water-deficit stress of potato plants

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

The Aerosol OT + n-butanol + n-heptane + water system: Phase behavior, structure characterization, and application to Pt70Fe30 nanoparticle Synthesis

A phase diagram of the pseudo-ternary Aerosol OT (AOT) + n-butanol/n-heptane/water system, at a mass ratio of AOT/n-butanol = 2, is presented. Conductivity measurements showed that within the vast one-phase microemulsion region observed, the structural transition from water-in-oil to oil-in-water microemulsion occurs continuously without phase separation. This pseudo-ternary system was applied to the synthesis of carbon-supported Pt 70Fe30 nanoparticles, and it was found that nanoparticles prepared in microemulsions containing n-butanol have more Fe than those prepared in ternary microemulsions of AOT/n-heptane/water under similar conditions. It was verified that introducing n-butanol as a cosurfactant into the AOT/n-heptane/water system lead to complete reduction of the Fe ions that allowed obtaining alloyed PtFe nanoparticles with the desired composition, without the need of preparing functionalized surfactants and/or the use of inert atmosphere. © 2007 American Chemical Society.

Determination of water insoluble dyes used as marking of commercial petroleum products using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

This paper describes an analytical method using high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) separationcoupled with electrochemical detection to detect three dyes, Solvent Blue 14 (SB-14), Solvent Blue 35 (SB-35) andSolvent Red 24 (SR-24). The dyes were eluted and separated using a reversed-phase column (C-8) under isocraticelution with the mobile phase containing a mixture of acetonitrile/ammonium acetate (5.0 mmol L1) at the ratio of75: 25 (v/v). Two sample pretreatment methods were tested and successfully applied to quantify SB14, SB-35 and SR-24 dyes in gasoline samples. The proposed method was simple, fast and suitable to detect and quantify marker dyes ingasoline sample at low concentration.

Study of thermocycling effect on the bond strength between an aluminous ceramic and a resin cement

This study evaluated the effect of thermocycling on the bond strength between Procera AllCeram (Nobel-Biocare) and a resin cement (Panavia F, Kuraray CO). Nine ceramic blocks with dimensions of 5x6x6mm were conditioned at one face with Rocatec System (Espe). After, they were luted with Panavia F to composite resin blocks (Clearfil AP-X, Kuraray CO). The nine groups formed by ceramic, cement and composite resin were split up obtaining 75 samples with dimensions of 12x1x1mm and adhesive surface presenting 1mm2±0.1mm2 of area. The samples were divided into 3 groups (n=25): G1 - 14 days in distilled water at 37ºC; G2 – 6,000 cycles in water (5ºC - 55ºC – 30s); G3 – 12,000 cycles in water (5ºC - 55ºC – 30s). The samples were tested in a universal testing machine (EMIC) at a crosshead speed of 1mm/min. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey tests. The results indicated that mean values of rupture tension (MPa) of G1 (10.71 ± 3.54) did not differ statistically (p <5%) from G2 (9.01 ± 3.90), however there was statistical difference between G1 and G3 (7.28 ± 3.00). It was concluded that thermocycling significantly reduced the bond strength values when samples were submitted to 12,000 cycles.