This study evaluated the effects of surface treatments on the bond strength between the new zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic (ZLS) and resin cement. VITA Suprinity blocks were crystallized according to the manufacturer's instructions and randomly assigned to six groups (N=36; n=6), according to the surface treatment to be performed and aging conditions: HF20, 10% hydrofluoric acid for 20 seconds, baseline (control); HF20tc, 10% hydrofluoric acid for 20 seconds, aging; HF40, 10% hydrofluoric acid for 40 seconds, baseline; HF40tc, 10% hydrofluoric acid for 40 seconds, aging; CJ, CoJet sandblasting (25 seconds, 2.5 bar, 15-mm distance), baseline; and CJtc, CoJet sandblasting (25 seconds, 2.5 bar, 15-mm distance), aging. All specimens were silanized (Monobond S) and cemented with Panavia F to newly polymerized Z250 resin blocks. After specimens were immersed for 24 hours in distilled water at 37° C, 1-mm(2) cross-section microbars were obtained by means of a cutting machine under constant cooling. Baseline groups were immediately tested, whereas "tc" groups were used to analyze the effect of aging on bond strength (10,000 thermal cycles, 5/55°C, 30-second bath). The microtensile bond strength test was performed with a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min), and bond strength (MPa) was calculated when the load-to-failure (N) was divided by the adhesive area (mm(2)). We also evaluated the surface roughness (Sa, average roughness; Str, texture aspect ratio; Sdr, developed interfacial area ratio) and the contact angle resulting from the treatments. Data were statistically analyzed by one- or two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test (all α=5%). The failure mode of each specimen was evaluated by stereomicroscopy, and representative specimens were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The microtensile bond strength was affected by the surface conditioning (p<0.0001), storage condition (p<0.0001), and the interaction between them (p=0.0012). The adhesion for HF etching was stable, whereas for CJ, aging significantly damaged the adhesion. Most failures were predominantly adhesive between ceramic and cement (52.6%). The roughness of the treated samples was higher compared with that of polished specimens for the three evaluated parameters (Sa, Str, and Sdr; all p<0.0001). Contact angle was also influenced by treatments (p<0.0001), with the CJ group showing values similar to those of control specimens. It can be concluded that the three surface treatment techniques present favorable immediate results, but silica coating was not effective in maintaining the bond strength over the long term.

Chitosan-DNA (CS-DNA) and Chitosan-Pectin (CS-P) hydrogels were formulated as a sustained drug delivery carrier for drug delivery. For this, hydrogels were prepared by emulsion technique: mixing aqueous phase of the CS and DNA or P solution with benzyl alcohol using a high-performance dispersing instrument. Green Propolis (GP) was incorporated by imbibition: hydrogels were placed in GP aqueous solution (70 µg/mL) for 2 h. The specimens were freeze-dried and then characterized using different techniques. In vitro cell viability and morphology were also performed using the MG63 cell line. The presence of P was evidenced by the occurrence of a strong band at 1745 cm−1, also occurring in the blend. DNA and CS-DNA showed a strong band at 1650 cm−1, slightly shifted from the chitosan band. The sorption of GP induced a significant modification of the gel surface morphology and some phase separation occurs between chitosan and DNA. Drug release kinetics in water and in saliva follow a two-step mechanism. Significant biocompatibility revealed that these hydrogels were non-toxic and provided acceptable support for cell survival. Thus, the hydrogel complexation of chitosan with DNA and with Pectin provides favorable micro-environment for cell growth and is a viable alternative drug delivery system for Green Propolis.

This in vitro study evaluated the biocompatibility and abrasivity of whitening and conventional toothpastes. Samples of conventional (non-whitening)-Edel White Infant (EWI)-and whitening toothpastes-Edel White Whitening (EWW), Edel White CAREFORTE (EWC), Colgate Total 12 Ò Professional (C), and Oral-B Whitening (OB)were dissolved in culture medium (0.2 g sample weight per mL). Human gingival fibroblasts (hGF) were placed in contact with different dilutions of culture media that had been previously exposed to these toothpastes. Cytotoxicity was then assessed using the methyl tetrazolium test (MTT) and the cell survival rate was determined. Genotoxicity was assessed by the micronucleus test (MNT) and the number of micronuclei was determined before and after exposure to the toothpaste solutions. The enamel surface roughness was evaluated in specimens of bovine teeth (n = 10 per group) before and after 10,000 brushing cycles, using the investigated toothpastes. The results were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and two-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). According to the MTT assay, EWW and OB presented significant cytotoxicity (p < 0.01), but no genotoxic (MNT) effects (p > 0.05). C toothpaste was statistically significantly abrasive to the enamel surface (p < 0.01). The findings of this study may be helpful for individualized selection of commercial toothpastes, as some whitening toothpastes present significant cytotoxicity and conventional toothpaste cause significant surface changes.

<p><strong>Objective</strong>: The electrospinning is a widely adopted technique used to produce the polymeric fibers. The process depends on process parameters (voltage, flow rate and distance from capillary to the collector). The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of these parameters on chitosan fibers, a biopolymer used as scaffolds in dental and oral tissue engineering. <strong>Material and Methods:</strong> A solution of 7%(m/w) was prepared dissolving 0.7g of chitosan in 7 mL of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and 0.3mL of dichloromethane (DCM) (TFA/DCM - 70:30). After 12 hours, polymer solution (5 mL) was drawn into the syringe and pumped through needles of 0.4 mm internal diameter, at a rate of 0.8 mLh-1, different needle-tip-to-collector distances and voltages, for 10 min.  Electrospun fibers micrographies were obtained using the Scanning Electron Microscope for morphological analysis. <strong>Results</strong>: All voltages showed significant difference (p &lt; 0.0001) between them. At 15kV fibers showed higher concentration of beads. At 10 and 12 cm of distance there was no statistical significance (p &gt; 0.0001) but at 15 cm beads formation increased significantly (p &lt; 0.0001). At 12 cm fibers showed lowest fibers diameter in comparison to 10 and 15 cm (p &lt; 0.0001). There was no difference between 10 and 12 cm (p &gt; 0.0001) but in comparison to 15 cm both distances presented significantly difference (p &lt; 0.0001).  <strong>Conclusion</strong>: Thus, it can be concluded that morphology, in chitosan electrospun fibers, is influenced by the voltage and distance and this could describe the mohphological control of these structures.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Keywords</strong></p><p>Chitosan; Fibers; Electrochemical.</p>

<p>The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of mixing method and the empiric water/powder ratio on the dimensional change of two types of dental stones (type III and type IV) at different setting times: baseline, loss of brightness, initial and final setting (1/4 and 1pound Gilmore´s needle, respectively) and, after 48 hours at 37°C. Five mixing methods were used: Gc – manufacturer´s recommendation, G1 – weighed powder/ empiric water volume and powder on water, G2 - weighed powder/ empiric water volume and water on powder, G3 – empiric powder volume, graduated water and powder on water, G4 - empiric powder volume, graduated water and water on powder. The linear expansion was measured according to ISO 6873. The expansion values (x10^-2mm) were analyzed by Two-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test (α=0.05). For type III, the results showed significance for both factors and for interaction; for type IV, only the time were significant (p&lt;0.05). Limited by methodology, it could be concluded that both dental stones expanded more than the recommended by ISO. The expansion of type III was dependent on the mixing method, and once correct consistency is reached with type IV, there is no influence of mixing method on dimensional stability.</p><p><strong>Keywords</strong></p><p>Gypsum; Dental stones; Expansion behavior.</p>

<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study evaluated the effects of the incorporation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) obtained from <em>Fusarium oxysporum</em> on heat-activated acrylic resin (HAAR) and their influence on resin’s surface roughness, hardness, color alteration and antimicrobial capacity against <em>Candida albicans</em>. <strong>Material and Methods:</strong> For this, 50 discs of HAAR (2x5 mm) were produced and divided into three groups, Control: HAAR; Ag1: HAAR plus 0.539 mg of AgNPs; and Ag2: HAAR plus 1.1 mg of AgNPs. Knopp hardness (HK), surface roughness (Ra and Rz) and color alteration according to the CIE Lab were measured. Specimens were then evaluated <em>in vitro</em> with regard to <em>C. albicans</em> biofilm formation through formed colony count (CFU/mL). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyses were performed. <strong>Results:<em> </em></strong>The addition of AgNPs of both concentrations changed Ra, Rz and HK significantly. There was statistically significant difference for L (p=0.00); a*(p=0.00) and b*(p=0.00) parameters. There were no differences between Ag1 and Ag2 biofilm formation, but the comparison of both with the control group presented a significant reduction (p=0.0091) on biofilm formation. SEM and AFM images showed no signs of NPs clustering. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> It can be concluded tha AgNPs incorporation in HAAR was effective in reducing <em>C. albicans</em> activity, with a slight change in color and hardness of the material, being effective therefore, in regions such as the dental prostheses palate, which have lesser aesthetic appeal.</p><p><strong>Keywords</strong></p><p>Acrylic resins; Silver; Antimicrobial agents.</p>

Objetives: this study aimed to fabricate electrospun-based polyetherimide (PEI) fibers, under controlled parameters, and to perform a diameter analysis for potential mechanical improvement of dental materials. Material and Methods: PEI pallets (0.75 g) were dissolved in 2 mL of chloroform and then processed by electrospinning, under a flow rate of 1mLh1 , three different electrical voltages (10kV, 15kV and 20kV) and three distances (10 cm, 15 cm and 18 cm) between the needle tip and collector. These parameter combinations resulted in nine experimental groups that were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and image processing program for diameter measurement. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey (5% significance). Results: from SEM images it was possible to observe formation of solid, misaligned and flawless defect-free fibers. And from the statistical analysis, distance (p = 0,0026) and the electric tension (p = 0,0012) showed a significant difference, but not for interaction between then (p = 0,4486). Conclusion: thus, it can be concluded that there is a possibility of the morphology control of PEI electrospun fibers, such as diameter, that can be used for a variety of applications such as incorporation in dental materials in order to improve its properties. Keywords Electrospinning technique; Fibers; Polyetherimide; Polymer.

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