Susceptibility of microorganisms isolated from necrotic pulps to calcium hydroxide

Calcium hydroxide has been used as pulp-capping agent and canal dressing due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties besides its ability to induce formation of mineralized tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility to calcium hydroxide of 146 bacterial strains isolated from endodontic infections. MIC was determined by using an agar dilution method, while contact bactericide activity was performed through in broth. All the isolates were sensitive to calcium hydroxide in concentrations that varied from 0.5mg/ml to 128 mg/ml, and the genera Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus and Actinomyces were the most resistant. Gramnegative anaerobes proved to be the most sensitive isolates. All the isolates were inhibited after 60 minutes of contact with the alkali in concentration of 100mg/ml

Técnica do grupo focal como método de avaliação do conhecimento de adolescentes sobre saúde bucal

This study aims to the understanding of adolescents regarding oral health, using the Focus Group technique. The study was conducted at three public schools in the city of Araçatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil, with ten students in each. In order to conduct the focus groups, the following words, which featured high error levels, were addressed in survey questions on oral health: oral health; plaque, permanent teeth; fluoride; gum bleeds?; dental floss; transmission of cavities. During the discussions in the focus groups, it was observed that many teenagers were surprised at the situation to which they were submitted and at the topic they were discussing. The word 'oral health' was associated with the condition of cleanliness of the oral cavity, not identifying oral health as part of general health. The term 'transmission of cavities' did not have a sufficient understanding. The term 'permanent tooth' was well understood and was associated with a type of tooth that would not be replaced. The word 'fluoride' had more association with the task of cleaning than protection of the teeth. It is concluded that the use of the focus group technique is of great importance in the interpretation of the knowledge of adolescents on oral health and the appropriateness of the terminology of questionnaires on the same subject.

Comparison of changes in dental and bone radiographic densities in the presence of different soft-tissue simulators using pixel intensity and digital subtraction analyses

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

Isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from dental office environments and units in Barretos, state of São Paulo, Brazil, and analysis of their susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs

Uma ampla variedade de patógenos oportunistas tem sido detectadas nos tubos de alimentação de água dos equipos odontológicos, particularmente no biofilme formado na superfície do tubo. Entre os patógenos oportunistas encontrados nos tubos de água, Pseudomonas aeruginosa é reconhecida como uma das principais causadoras de infecções nosocomiais. Foram coletadas 160 amostras de água e 200 amostras de fomites em quarenta clinicas odontológicas na cidade de Barretos, São Paulo, Brasil, durante o período de Janeiro a Julho de 2005. Setenta e seis cepas de P. aeruginosa, isoladas a partir dos fomites (5 cepas) e das amostras de água (71 cepas), foram analisadas quanto à susceptibilidade à seis drogas antimicrobianas freqüentemente utilizadas para o tratamento de infecções provocadas por P. aeruginosa. As principais suscetibilidades observadas foram para a ciprofloxacina, seguida pelo meropenem. A necessidade de um mecanismo efetivo para reduzir a contaminação bacteriana dentro dos tubos de alimentação de água dos equipos odontológicos foi enfatizada, e o risco da exposição ocupacional e infecção cruzada na prática odontológica, em especial quando causada por patógenos oportunistas como a P. aeruginosa foi realçado.

Genetic relatedness of commensal strains of Candida albicans carried in the oral cavity of patients' dental prosthesis users in Brazil

The aim of this study is to describe the degree of yeast-colonization in diabetic and hemodialysed-users of dental prostheses. Individuals (306) were examined using an oral rinse technique in order to evaluate the incidence of yeast-carriage, and genotype of C. albicans. Yeasts were isolated from 68.4% (91/133) individual's dental prostheses users. Dental prostheses were found to be a significant factor for the yeast colonization (P < 0.05). Overall, the intensity of carriage was higher in diabetic patients as compared with health and hemodialysed individuals (P < 0.05). The isolation rates were: C. albicans (51.7%), C. parapsilosis (20.9%), C. tropicalis (14.3%), C. glabrata (6.6%), C. krusei (3.3%), C. rugosa (1.1%), and Pichia (Pichia ohmeri, 2.2%). Ready-To-Go RAPD Analysis Beads were used and primer OPJ 6 distinguished the C. albicans isolates found in prostheses users. All the isolates were grouped into 11 RAPD profiles in four main clusters and, the average S (AB) for the entire collection of 47 C. albicans isolates were 0.779 +/- 0.178. Over 85% of isolates had a similarity level higher than or equal to 0.8 reinforcing the idea that the use of dental prostheses, independently of the host's clinical condition, probably provides the necessary conditions for these strains to gain a growth-specific advantage over others.

Surface dental enamel lead levels and antisocial behavior in Brazilian adolescents

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

Recovery of silver residues from dental amalgam

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

Finite-Element Analysis of Stress on Dental Implant Prosthesis

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

Wear resistance of experimental titanium alloys for dental applications

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

Infrared spectroscopy: a tool for determination of the degree of conversion in dental composites

Infrared spectroscopy is one of the most widely used techniques for measurement of conversion degree in dental composites. However, to obtain good quality spectra and quantitative analysis from spectral data, appropriate expertise and knowledge of the technique are mandatory. This paper presents important details to use infrared spectroscopy for determination of the conversion degree.

Open photoacoustic cell for thermal diffusivity measurements of a fast hardening cement used in dental restoring

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Assessment of genetic relationship between Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca samples isolated from a dental office

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Dilemas e angústias de enfermeiros plantonistas evidenciados em grupo focal

A finalidade deste estudo foi desenvolver reflexão crítica sobre a experiência de enfermeiros plantonistas. Os objetivos foram: apreender como os enfermeiros plantonistas descrevem e interpretam seus conhecimentos e experiências sobre esta realidade; e refletir sobre possíveis caminhos para a superação dos problemas identificados. Este estudo foi qualitativo, utilizando-se a técnica de grupo focal. O grupo foi formado por treze enfermeiros plantonistas. O referencial metodológico foi o do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Foram identificadas importantes dificuldades para a construção do trabalho coletivo e solidário: incompreensões entre o pessoal de enfermagem; entre enfermagem e outros profissionais que atuam no hospital; falta ou inadequação de materiais para a prestação de assistência; e ausência de apoio, dentre outras. Verificou-se a pertinência da criação de espaços comunicativos e de reflexão, visando o fortalecimento do coletivo profissional e a redução das angústias no trabalho do enfermeiro plantonista.

Atividade epiléptica focal durante sono induzido na síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut secundária

Quinze pacientes com síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut secundária foram submetidos a exames clínicos e eletrencefalográficos mensais por períodos de tempo que variaram de 1 a 9 anos. Os exames eletrencefalográficos foram realizados durante sono induzido por barbitúrico. Doze pacientes apresentaram atividade epiléptica focal. No presente trabalho descrevemos a localização, morfologia e freqüência dos paroxismos epilépticos focais.