IC with three cycles of CEP when followed by CCRT did not significantly improve response rates and/or survival compared with that of CCRT alone.

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Aim:The aim of this study was to evaluate the microhardness of two composite resins when subjected to three different temperatures and three different light-curing times.Materials and Methods:Two composites were used; Filtek Z250 and Grandio. Three different temperatures (23, 37, and 55oC) were used, utilizing a composite warmer. The heated samples were immediately injected into cylindrical molds (6 mm × 2 mm) and the top surface of the specimens was polymerized for 10, 20, and 40 sec, using a Quartz-Tungsten-Halogen light-curing unit (QTH LCU). Vickers microhardness measurements were performed from both the top and bottom surface of the specimens, following dry storage for 24 hours in the dark. Statistical analysis were performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post-hoc test at a level of significance of a = 0.05.Results:The results indicated that there was an increase in microhardness as the temperature of the composite was increased for either the top or the bottom surface (P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a general increase in microhardness for both composites as curing time increased (P < 0.05). The type of composites did not influence the surface microhardness (P > 0.05).Conclusions:Temperature of composites affects their surface microhardness. Also, light-curing time influence microhardness values of the composites tested.

Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology was developed to ensure the sufficient strength of tooth restorations, to improve esthetic restorations with a natural appearance and to make the techniques easier, faster and more accurate. In the view of the limited research on the surface treatments of the CAD/CAM materials and the need to evaluate the ideal surface characteristics of a material to achieve the best adhesion to tooth tissues, this study aimed to investigate the surface roughness and morphology of four different CAD/CAM materials using four different surface treatments. The CAD/CAM materials used in this study were three composites (Shofu Block HC, Lava Ultimate and Brilliant Crios) and a hybrid ceramic (Enamic). The surface of the specimens of each material received one of the following treatments: no surface treatment, sandblasting with 29 μm Al2O3 particles, 9% hydrofluoric acid etching and silane application, and the tribochemical method using CoJet System. Surface roughness was evaluated using optical profilometry, and surface morphology was observed by means of scanning electron microscopy. All surface treatments resulted in higher surface roughness values compared to the control group. Different treatments affected the surface properties of the materials, presumably due to discrepancies in their composition and structure.

Objectives:To evaluate the polymerization efficiency of bulk fill resin-based composites (RBCs) and how their composition, temperature and post-irradiation polymerization influence the results. Methods and Materials: Eight bulk fill RBCs were investigated. Five specimens for each material were prepared for Vickers hardness measurements. The measurements were performed in three depths from the top of the surface of the specimens (0, 2 or 4 mm) immediately and 24 h after polymerization and for the highly viscous bulk fill RBCs after preheating at 54 o C. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests at a=0.05. Results: As the depth increases microhardness values reduce. The Vickers hardness measurements 24 h after photo-polymerization revealed higher values compared to those obtained immediately after photo-polymerization (p<0.05). There was an increase in microhardness of the RBC materials when preheated at 54 o C in comparison with the room temperature specimens (p<0.05).Conclusions: Polymerization efficiency of bulk fill RBCs is affected by their composition and increases with temperature and post-irradiation polymerization.

Purpose: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the effectiveness of a novel charcoal-containing whitening toothpaste and a mouthwash on tooth color change and the alterations of enamel that may be induced after toothbrushing, corresponding to a 90-day period. Materials and Methods: Forty human canines were used, stained with coffee, and divided into four groups ( n = 10) as follows: Group 1 (control) submitted to toothbrushing with deionized water, Group 2 with a regular toothpaste, Group 3 with a whitening toothpaste (1% charcoal), and Group 4 with the same whitening toothpaste in combination with a mouthwash (1% charcoal and 0.5% H 2 O 2 ). After the treatments, ΔΕ of the teeth was evaluated using an ultraviolet/Vis spectrophotometer, whereas the changes in surface morphology were observed by means of a confocal microscope. Results: The whitening toothpaste increased significantly ΔΕ (40.5%) compared to the control group ( P < 0.001). In addition, the tested whitening toothpaste also increased ΔΕ (17.7%) compared to the regular toothpaste ( P = 0.023). The whitening toothpaste presented smoother surfaces after toothbrushing, but more heterogeneous with numerous large craters, whereas the whitening mouthwash did not influence surface morphology changes. Conclusions: Charcoal-containing toothpastes may enhance the whitening of the teeth, but they should be used carefully due to changes that may induce on enamel. The patients should consult a dental professional for proper use. A charcoal-containing mouthwash in combination with whitening toothpastes probably cannot offer additional whitening effect.

The three tested sealants exhibited different capabilities to release and uptake fluoride ions after re-fluoridation but significantly lower than the glass ionomer tested.

No data are available regarding how training in medical oncology is perceived. This study provides useful data for future policies to boost the number of oncologists.