Sealing ability of retrograde obturation materials containing calcium hydroxide or MTA

Newly available materials for retrograde obturation should have their sealing properties evaluated. The goal of this study was to evaluate the sealing ability of Endo CPM sealer, an MTA-based endodontic cement. Single-rooted extracted human teeth were endodontically treated. After apical sectioning, retrograde cavities were prepared. Teeth were divided into five experimental groups (n=12), in which the following materials were used: Sealer 26 (S26), white Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), Endo CPM Sealer (CPM1), Endo CPM Sealer in thicker consistency (CPM 2), and zinc oxide and eugenol cement (ZOE), and two control groups (n=3). After retrograde obturation, the teeth were immersed in 0.2% rhodamine B dye for 48 hours in a vacuum chamber Marginal leakage data were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey tests at 5% significance level. S26 presented greater sealing ability (p<0.05) than ZOE, MTA, CPM1, and CPM2, all of which had similar results (p>0.05). We concluded that Sealer 26 has the greatest sealing ability. Endo CPM Sealer, with sealing ability similar to MTA, could be used as a retrograde obturation material.

In vitro susceptibility of oral Candida albicans strains to different pH levels and calcium hydroxide saturated aqueous solution

Candida albicans is present in the oral cavity and in the whole digestive tract of humans and other animals, being frequently related to endodontic treatment failure. The present study determined the incidence of C. albicans in the oral cavity and the susceptibility of isolates to different pH values and saturated calcium hydroxide aqueous solution at pH 12.5. Sixty-five patients attending the Endodontic Clinic at the Sagrado Coração University participated in the study. The collected samples were cultivated in selective media for C. albicans and the isolates were tested in terms of resistance to both alkaline pH and saturated aqueous solution of calcium hydroxide. In relation to time variables, yeast viability was assessed by the Sabouraud's agar culture and fluorescein diacetate and ethidium bromide fluorescent staining method. Results from the different pHs and experimental times, including those from different techniques measuring fungal viability, were compared using the chi-square and Fisher's exact tests (α=0.05). The yeasts became completely inviable after 48 h of contact with the calcium hydroxide solution. On the other hand, when exposed to the alkaline culture broth, the yeasts were found to be viable at pHs 9.5 and 10.5 for up to 7 days. In conclusion, C. albicans can only be completely inhibited by direct contact with saturated calcium hydroxide aqueous solution after 48 h of exposure.

Controlled route to the fabrication of carbon and boron nitride nanoscrolls: A molecular dynamics investigation

Carbon nanoscrolls (graphene layers rolled up into papyrus-like tubular structures) are nanostructures with unique and interesting characteristics that could be exploited to build several new nanodevices. However, an efficient and controlled synthesis of these structures was not achieved yet, making its large scale production a challenge to materials scientists. Also, the formation process and detailed mechanisms that occur during its synthesis are not completely known. In this work, using fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, we discuss a possible route to nanoscrolls made from graphene layers deposited over silicon oxide substrates containing chambers/pits. The scrolling mechanism is triggered by carbon nanotubes deposited on the layers. The process is completely general and can be used to produce scrolls from other lamellar materials, like boron nitride, for instance. © 2013 American Institute of Physics.

Ex-vivo Effect of Intracanal Medications Based on Ozone and Calcium Hydroxide in Root Canals Contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis

This ex vivo study evaluated the antibacterial effect of intracanal medications in root canals contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis. Fifty single-rooted human teeth were contaminated with E. faecalis (ATCC 29212) and incubated at 37°C for 21 days. The specimens were randomly divided into 5 groups according to the intracanal medication used: OZ-PG: ozonized propylene glycol; CH/CPMC: calcium hydroxide/camphorated paramonochlorophenol; OZ-PG/CH ozonized PG/CH; PC: positive control group (no medication); and NC: negative control group (no contamination). The samples were collected after 7 days (post-medication) and 14 days (final). Bacterial growth was checked by counting the colony-forming units (CFU). OZ-PG and CH/CPMC reduced significantly the CFU counts compared with PC in the post-medication and final samples, with no statistically significant differences among them. On the other hand, OZ-PG/CH did not reduce significantly the number of bacteria compared with PC. In conclusion, among the evaluated medications OZ-PG and CH/CPMC were the most effective against E. faecalis.

Glass foam of macroporosity using glass waste and sodium hydroxide as the foaming agent

Glass foams using float glass waste and sodium hydroxide were produced. The influence of the sodium hydroxide amount in the foam formulation was studied. Titanium dioxide was used as a strengthening agent. The variations of temperature, heating rate and sintering time were investigated during the synthesis process. Open porosity was estimated using mercury porosimetry. The morphology of the glass foams was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, phase formation was studied using X-ray diffraction, and chemical composition was estimated using X-ray fluorescence. As a result, glass foams with macroporosity were obtained. Since the glass foams used glass waste as reactant, the results suggest the development of an alternative route for glass recycling. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l.

Foliar and Radicular Absorption of Boron by Beetroot and Tomato Plants

The isotopic technique was employed to study boron (B) mobility in tomato and beetroot plants under protected cultivation conditions. An experiment was conducted in which both species grew in 10-dm3 vases filled with coconut fiber, under hydroponic conditions. The plants were subjected to four different treatments: (1) no B in the substratum and no foliar fertilization; (2) no B in the substratum, with foliar 10B fertilization; (3) B in the substratum, with foliar 10B fertilization; and (4) 10B in the substratum and no foliar fertilization. The biological growth variables and total B and 10B contents in the plant parts grown after the application of the nutrient were evaluated. For increasing B content in young tissues, the foliar application of this element was not as efficient as application via root system, indicating low mobility of B in the tissues of both beetroot and tomato plants. © 2013 Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Evaluation of lines of boron, phosphorus and sulfur by high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry for plant analysis

The wavelength-integrated absorbance (WIA) and summation of absorbance (∑ lines) of different lines were evaluated to enhance sensitivity and determine B, P and S in medicinal plants by HR-CS FAAS. The lowest LOD for B (0.5mgL-1) and P (13.7mgL-1) was obtained by integration of lines 249.773nm (3pixels) and 247.620nm (5pixels), respectively. The ∑ lines for CS at 257.595nm and 257.958nm furnished LOD=30.5mgL-1, ca. 10% lower than the LOD obtained for the WIA using 257.595nm and 5pixels. Data showed the advantage of WIA over ∑ lines to improve sensitivity for all analytes. Under optimized conditions, calibration curves in the 1.0-100mgL-1 B and 50.0-2000mgL-1 P, S ranges were consistently obtained. Results obtained with the HR-CS FAAS method were in agreement at 98% and 95% confidence level with certified values for B and P, respectively. And results for S were in accordance to non-certified values. Concentrations of B, P, and S in 12 medicinal plants analyzed by the proposed method varied within the 19.4-34.5mgkg-1 B, 719-3910mgkg-1 P and 1469-7653mgkg-1 S ranges. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.

The efficacy of the self-adjusting file and ProTaper for removal of calcium hydroxide from root canals

Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Self-Adjusting File (SAF) and ProTaper for removing calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] from root canals. Material And Methods: Thirty-six human mandibular incisors were instrumented with the ProTaper system up to instrument F2 and filled with a Ca(OH)2-based dressing. After 7 days, specimens were distributed in two groups (n=15) according to the method of Ca(OH)2 removal. Group I (SAF) was irrigated with 5 mL of NaOCl and SAF was used for 30 seconds under constant irrigation with 5 mL of NaOCl using the Vatea irrigation device, followed by irrigation with 3 mL of EDTA and 5 mL of NaOCl. Group II (ProTaper) was irrigated with 5 mL of NaOCl, the F2 instrument was used for 30 seconds, followed by irrigation with 5 mL of NaOCl, 3 mL of EDTA, and 5 mL of NaOCl. In 3 teeth Ca(OH)2 was not removed (positive control) and in 3 teeth canals were not filled with Ca(OH)2 (negative control). Teeth were sectioned and prepared for the scanning electron microscopy. The amounts of residual Ca(OH)2 were evaluated in the middle and apical thirds using a 5-score system. Results: None of the techniques completely removed the Ca(OH)2 dressing. No difference was observed between SAF and ProTaper in removing Ca(OH)2 in the middle (P=0.11) and the apical (P=0.23) thirds. Conclusion: The SAF system showed similar efficacy to rotary instrument for removal of Ca(OH)2 from mandibular incisor root canals.

Analysis of electronic structure of boron nitride nanotubes with different positions of intrinsic impurities

The pristine boron nitride nanotubes have a large direct band gap around 5 eV. This band gap can be engineered by doping. We investigate electronic structure of the doped hexagonal boron nitride (5,5) nanotubes using the linearized augmented cylindrical wave method. In particular, this work focuses on systematical study of the band gap and the density of states around the Fermi-level when the nanotubes are doped by intrinsic impurities of two substitutional boron atoms in a super cell and a comparative analysis of the relative stability of three structures studied here. This corresponds to 3.3% of impurity concentration. We calculate 29 configurations of the nanotubes with different positions of the intrinsic impurities in the nanotube. The band gap and density of states around the Fermi level show strong dependence on the relative positions of the impurity atoms. The two defect sub bands called D^∏(B) appear in the band gap of the pristine nanotube. The doped nanotubes possess p-type semiconductor properties with the band gap of 1.3-1.9 eV.

In Vivo study of an intracanal dressing of calcium hydroxide/chlorhexidine in necrotic primary teeth

AIM:To evaluate the clinical and radiographic success of endodontic treatment in human primary teeth with necrotic pulp with and without radiographically visible furcal/periapical lesion treated with a calcium hydroxide (CH) and chlorhexidine (CHX) intracanal dressing. The tested hypothesis was that there is no difference in the clinical and radiographic success in primary teeth medicated with CH pastes prepared with polyethylene glycol (PEG) or CHX.METHODS:Thirty-two teeth with necrotic pulp were used in this randomized clinical study: 12 without and 20 with lesion. Canals were prepared and medicated with CH pastes with polyethylene glycol (CH/PEG) (n=16) or 2% CHX gel (CH/CHX) (n=16). Definitive filling was done after 30 days. The teeth were clinically and radiographically examined during 12 months to determine the success of the endodontic therapy. Data from clinical and radiographic examination of the initial condition and 12 months after treatment were compared using the Z test (α = 0.05).RESULTS:There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the success rate of teeth with and without lesion medicated with CH/PEG or CH/CHX. No significant difference (p>0.05) was found between the pastes regardless of the presence of lesion.CONCLUSIONS:Combination of CHX and CH was not more effective than the CH/PEG paste, as similar clinical and radiographic success rate was observed in teeth medicated with either type of intracanal dressing.

Effect of pH on boron adsorption in some soils of Parana, Brazil

Temporary B deficiency can be triggered by liming of acid soils because of increased B adsorption at higher soil pH. Plants respond directly to the activity of B in soil solution and only indirectly to B adsorbed on soil constituents. Because the range between deficient and toxic B concentration is relatively narrow, this poses difficulty in maintaining appropriate B levels in soil solution. Thus, knowledge of the chemical behavior of B in the soil is particularly important. The present study investigated the effect of soil pH on B adsorption in four soils of Parana State, and to correlate these values with the physical and chemical properties of the soils. Surface samples were taken from a Rhodic Hapludox, Arenic Hapludalf, Arenic Hapludult, and one Typic Usthorthent. To evaluate the effect of pH on B adsorption, subsamples soil received the application of increasing rates of calcium carbonate. Boron adsorption was accomplished by shaking 2.0 g soil, for 24 h, with 20 mL of 0.01 mol L-1 NaCl solution containing different concentrations (0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0, and 4.0 mg B L-1). Sorption was fitted to non-linear form of the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Boron adsorption increased as concentration increased. Boron adsorption was dependent on soil pH, increasing as a function of pH in the range between 4.6 and 7.4, although the bonding energy has decreased. Maximum adsorption capacity (MAC) of B was observed in the Arenic Hapludalf (49.8 mg B kg(-1) soil) followed by Arenic Hapludult (22.5 mg kg(-1)), Rhodic Hapludox (17.4 mg kg(-1)), and Typic Usthorthent (7.0 mg kg(-1)). The organic matter content, clay content, and aluminum oxide content (Al2O3) were the soils properties that affecting the B adsorption on Parana soils.

Effects of calcium hydroxide addition on the physical and chemical properties of a calcium silicate-based sealer

Recently, various calcium silicate-based sealers have been introduced for use in root canal filling. The MTA Fillapex is one of these sealers, but some of its physicochemical properties are not in accordance with the ISO requirements. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the flowability, pH level and calcium release of pure MTA Fillapex (MTAF) or containing 5% (MTAF5) or 10% (MTAF10) calcium hydroxide (CH), in weight, in comparison with AH Plus sealer. Material and Methods: The flowability test was performed according to the ISO 6876: 2001 requirements. For the pH level and calcium ion release analyses, the sealers were placed individually (n=10) in plastic tubes and immersed in deionized water. After 24 hours, 7 and 14 days, the water in which each specimen had been immersed was evaluated to determine the pH level changes and calcium released. Flowability, pH level and calcium release data were analyzed statistically by the ANOVA test (alpha=5%). Results: In relation to flowability: MTAF>AH Plus>MTAF5>MTAF10. In relation to the pH level, for 24 h: MTAF5=MTAF10=MTAF>AH Plus; for 7 and 14 days: MTAF5=MTAF10>MTAF>AH Plus. For the calcium release, for all periods: MTAF>MTAF5=MTAF10>AH Plus. Conclusions: The addition of 5% CH to the MTA Fillapex (in weight) is an alternative to reduce the high flowability presented by the sealer, without interfering in its alkalization potential.

Dynamical aspects of the unzipping of multiwalled boron nitride nanotubes

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Electrodeposition of Ni-B and Ni-Co-B Alloys by Using Boric Acid as Boron Source

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Interaction of Organophosphorus Pesticides with DNA Nucleotides on a Boron-Doped Diamond Electrode

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