Resumen El Autism-Specific Quality of Life Items (ASQoL) es un cuestionario británico específico para evaluar la calidad de vida de adultos con trastorno del espectro autista. El propósito de este estudio fue obtener la versión brasileña del instrumento ASQoL que tenga equivalencia semántica con el instrumento de origin. La metodología incluyó seis pasos: 1. traducción de ASQoL al portugués, con dos traductores; 2. pre-ensayo de cuestionarios traducidos; 3. unificación del cuestionario; 4. retrotraducción; 5. revisión de traducciones y retrotraducciones; 6. elaboración de un cuestionario de síntesis y envío. Se realizaron todos los pasos para obtener la versión final de ASQoL com consentimiento de los autores del cuestionario original. Los encuestados, adultos autistas, fueron reclutados a través de grupos en línea que utilizaban plataformas de redes sociales. En total, 30 encuestados participaron en la prueba previa, en la que se probaron las dos traducciones. El uso de traducciones y retrotraducciones permitió el desarrollo de una versión brasileña del ASQoL semánticamente equivalente al instrumento de origin. Se concluye, por lo tanto, que el instrumento ASQol presenta equivalencia conceptual, semántica, cultural y operativa con relación a los ítems originales, sin embargo, las propiedades psicométricas aún necesitan ser evaluadas en la población brasileña.

Resumo O Autism-Specific Quality of Life Items (ASQoL) é um questionário britânico específico para avaliar a qualidade de vida de adultos autistas. O objetivo deste estudo foi obter a versão brasileira do instrumento ASQoL, com equivalência semântica ao instrumento original. A metodologia incluiu seis etapas: 1. tradução do ASQoL para o português, com dois tradutores; 2. pré-teste dos questionários traduzidos; 3. unificação do questionário; 4. retrotradução; 5. revisão de traduções e retrotraduções; 6. produção de um questionário final. Todas as etapas para obtenção da versão final do ASQoL foram realizadas com o consentimento dos autores do questionário original. Os entrevistados, adultos autistas, foram recrutados por meio de grupos on-line usando plataformas de mídia social. No total, 30 respondentes participaram do pré-teste, no qual as duas traduções foram testadas. As duas versões traduzidas foram muito semelhantes, e, após o término de todas as etapas, obteve-se uma versão final do ASQoL. Conclui-se, que o instrumento ASQoL mostrou-se compreensível e de fácil aplicação no pré-teste, e que apresenta equivalência conceitual, semântica, cultural e operacional em relação aos itens originais, porém as propriedades psicométricas precisam ser avaliadas na população brasileira.

Abstract The Autism-Specific Quality of Life Items (ASQoL) is a specific British questionnaire to assess the quality of life of autistic adults. The objective of this study was to obtain the Brazilian version of the ASQoL instrument, with semantic equivalence with the original instrument. The methodology includes six steps: 1. translation of ASQoL into Portuguese, done by two translators; 2. pre-test of the translated questionnaires; 3. unification of the questionnaire; 4. back-translation; 5. revision of translations and back-translations; 6. production of a final questionnaire. All the steps to obtain the final version of the ASQoL were carried out with the consent of the authors of the original questionnaire. Respondents, adults with autism, were recruited through online advertisements using social media platforms. In total, 30 respondents participated in the pre-test, in which the two translations were tested. The two translated versions were very similar, and after completion of all steps a final version of the ASQoL was obtained. Therefore, it is concluded that the ASQoL instrument proved to be understandable and easy to apply in the pre-test and that it presents conceptual, semantic, cultural and operational equivalence in relation to the original items, however the psychometric properties need to be evaluated in the Brazilian population.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of adding quaternary ammonium methacrylates (QAMs) to experimental adhesives by assessing the degree of conversion (DC), cytotoxicity against keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and antibacterial activity against biofilm formation. Two QAMs were added to an experimental adhesive: dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate bromododecane (DMADDM) or dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate bromohexadecane (DMAHDM) at three concentrations each: 1, 2.5, and 5 wt.%. Experimental adhesive without QAMs (control group) and commercially available Transbond XT Primer (3M Unitek, Monrovia, California, USA) were used for comparisons. The adhesives were tested for DC, cytotoxicity against keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and antibacterial activity against biofilm formation. DC, cytotoxicity against fibroblasts, and antibacterial activity were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparisons. Cytotoxicity against keratinocytes was evaluated using the Kruskal Wallis and Dunn’s post-hoc (α = 5%) tests. Transbond showed lower DC as compared to 5% DMAHDM, 1% DMADDM, and 5% DMADDM (p < 0.05). However, all groups presented proper DC when compared to commercial adhesives in the literature. In the evaluation of cytotoxicity against keratinocytes, Transbond induced higher viability than 2.5 wt.% groups (p < 0.05). Against fibroblasts, Transbond induced higher viability as compared to 5 wt.% groups (p < 0.05). DMAHDM at 5 wt.% reduced biofilm formation when compared to all the other groups (p < 0.05). Despite their cytotoxic effect against keratinocytes, gingival fibroblasts showed higher viability. DMAHDM at 5 wt.% decreased Streptococcus mutans viability. The incorporation of DMAHDM at 5 wt.% may be a strategy for reducing the development of white spot lesions.

Abstract The Brazilian Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS) is an oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) questionnaire. This paper aims to investigate the responsiveness of the B-ECOHIS to dental treatment in individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and determine if dental treatment has an impact on OHRQoL. The survey targeted 27 ASD individuals aged 4 to 14 years attending the Acolher Project of the University Federal Fluminense. This project provides children and adolescents with disabilities with oral health services. A group of randomly selected caregivers self-completed the B-ECOHIS before and 14 days after their children’s dental treatment. The dental treatment included meticulous screening, preventive treatment, and restorative treatment. Responsiveness was assessed by investigating the effect size (ES) and standardized response mean (SRM). Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate internal responsiveness (distribution-based approach). The B-ECOHIS showed significant changes in the total score (p<0.001) and in all domains. The ES of the total B-ECOHIS after treatment was 1.28 and ranged between 0.70 and 1.14 for the domains. The SRM for each of the domains was large, except for the symptom domain. The B-ECOHIS is sensitive and responsive to ASD individuals undergoing dental treatment. Individuals with ASD showed improvement in their OHRQoL score after dental treatment.

Abstract Fixed orthodontic appliances may lead to biofilm accumulation around them that may increase caries risk. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of quaternary ammonium methacrylates (QAMs) on the physicochemical properties, cytotoxicity, and antibacterial activity of adhesive resins for orthodontic purposes. Methodology: A base resin was prepared with a comonomer blend and photoinitiator/co-initiator system. Two different QAMs were added to the base adhesive: dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate at 5 wt.% (DMADDM) or dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) at 10 wt.%. The base adhesive, without QAMs, (GC) and the commercial Transbond™ XT Primer 3M (GT) were used as control. The resins were tested immediately and after six months of aging in the water regarding the antibacterial activity and shear bond strength (SBS). The antibacterial activity was tested against Streptococcus mutans via metabolic activity assay (MTT test). The groups were also tested for the degree of conversion (DC) and cytotoxicity against keratinocytes. Results: The resins containing QAM showed antibacterial activity compared to the commercial material by immediately reducing the metabolic activity by about 60%. However, the antibacterial activity decreased after aging (p<0.05). None of the groups presented any differences for SBS (p>0.05) and DC (p>0.05). The incorporation of DMADDM and DMAHDM significantly reduced the keratinocyte viability compared to the GT and GC groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Both adhesives with QAMs showed a significant reduction in bacterial metabolic activity, but this effect decreased after water aging. Lower cell viability was observed for the group with the longer alkyl chain-QAM, without significant differences for the bonding ability and degree of conversion. The addition of QAMs in adhesives may affect the keratinocytes viability, and the aging effects maybe decrease the bacterial activity of QAM-doped materials.

In response to the outbreak of the novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), pathogen of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), several sectors and social activities have been affected, including education. At first, it is explained that educators and students can feel fragile during and after the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Subsequently, it is discussed that their relationship ought to be carefully established given the triggering of psychological and neuropsychiatric effects arising from neural coding and plasticity processes, which result in the formation of positive and negative memories in the short to long term. Finally, it is pointed out that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic generates a need for adequacy and adaptation for the significant attention to students during the re-starting of studies, given that possible disorders of sensory modulation and involvement of limbic brain areas triggered in situations of risk of death, potential or real threat, can happen. It is assumed that at times of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, in addition to preserving life, one of the challenges is the behavioural (re)organisation, which includes habits from the educational context that need to contemplate a scientific perspective, seeking to transform the consequences of the pandemic fear on opportunities to reinforcement of familiar links. In the context of modern rationality, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is also a period to think about the relationship between scientific knowledge and common sense. With this logic, neurosciences can develop a new format for the teaching-learning process, so that educators and students experiencing the pandemic threatening do not manifest psychological distress and secondary consequences. Therefore, education can be considered a central space in decision-making in the face of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In this sense, the urgency of a multidisciplinary strategies development is highlighted, connecting the synergy between neurosciences and education after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract The purpose of this double-blind, randomized, crossover in situ study is to compare remineralization of preformed enamel lesions by casein phosphopeptide-stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and fluoride dentifrice products. During each of four 10-day experimental legs, 10 participants wore intraoral removable palatal acrylic appliances with four human enamel slabs with preformed lesions. A 0.03-mL treatment paste was dripped extraorally onto the enamel blocks once a day for 3 min. The four randomly allocated treatments were as follows: CO- Control: silica dentifrice without fluoride; MP: MI Paste; MPP: MI Paste Plus and FD: Fluoride dentifrice - 1100 ppm F as NaF). Knoop surface hardness (SH) test was performed in three stages (T0 – sound enamel, T1 - after preformed lesion, and T2 - after treatment) and the cross-sectional hardness (CSH) test was performed after treatment using a 50-gram Knoop load for 15 s. Knoop hardness number (KHN) was similar between treatments. %SHr was significantly higher in the MP, FD, and MPP when compared to CO group (Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests, p < 0.05). Harder enamel was found in MP (75 μm) and FD groups at 75 to 175 μm. Treatment with DF, MP, and MPP promoted an increase of 20.27%, 19.24%, and 14.71%, respectively, in Integral Hardness Change (ΔIHC) when compared to CO (p<0.05). Remineralizing agents (MP, MPP, and DF) were able to inhibit demineralization of human enamel subjected to high cariogenic challenge in situ. DF had the greatest preventive potential against the progression of carious lesions.

Abstract To evaluate the impact of dental caries among Brazilian individuals with special health care needs (SHCN) on their families’ oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). A cross-sectional study was carried out with a population-based sample of 227 subjects who were enrolled from the ACOLHER-PNE project conducted at the Fluminense Federal University. Parents/caregivers answered the Brazilian version of the 14-item Family Impact Scale (B-FIS) to assess the impact on family's quality of life (QoL). The main independent variable was dental caries experience, diagnosed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The DMFT/dmft score was categorized into 0 = caries free; 1–2 = low; 3-4 = moderate; and ≥ 5 = high experience. Mother's schooling, age, sex, SHCN conditions, and socioeconomic factors were the other independent variables. QoL was measured through FIS domains and total score. Statistical analyses was performed using the Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests and Poisson regression (p<0.05). The impact values observed in moderate and high caries experience were significantly higher than those found in subjects without caries and low level of parental emotions. Parents’ years of schooling showed more impact on total score and on parental emotions. Older subjects showed significantly higher impact on total score and in all domains. The multivariate model demonstrated that families of older subjects (> 8 years old) experience a higher impact level compared to younger subjects (PR: 2.43; 95%CI: 1.80–3.29, p = 0.001). High caries experience and other socioeconomic factors were not associated with a greater negative impact on parents’ QoL.

Abstract: The oral health status of children with special health care needs (SHCN) can affect their quality of life wich domains of the Brazilian version of the Early Childohood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS). A cross-sectional study was conducted in children with SHCN (aged 1 to 9 years), who underwent an oral examination for the assessment of dental caries severity. Parents/caregivers answered two questionnaires, one on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) - B-ECOHIS, and one on socioeconomic characteristics. Statistical analyses were performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Poisson regression, Point-biserial correlation coefficient, and Cronbach's alpha. A total of 128 children participated in the study and OHRQoL was affected in 68.75% of them. The function domain in the Child Impact Section (CIS) had a higher mean value. Caries severity was associated with worse quality of life (p=0.001). Severe dental caries was associated with a negative impact on the OHRQoL of disabled children and of their families. The impact of untreated dental caries and severity of dental caries was associated with the CIS domains (except for the self-image/social interaction domain).

Abstract Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) complexes are anticariogenic and capable of remineralizing the early stages of enamel lesions. The use of fluoride prevents dental decay and the association of CPP-ACP with fluoride can increase remineralization. Objective: To evaluate the effect of CPP-ACP and CPP-ACPF creams associated with a fluoride dentifrice to prevent enamel demineralization in a pH cyclic model. Material and Methods: Previously selected by surface microhardness (SH) analysis, human enamel blocks (n = 56) were submitted to daily treatment with dentifrice in a pH-cycling model. The enamel blocks were divided into four groups; G1: Crest™ Cavity Protection - Procter & Gamble (1,100 ppmF of NaF); G2: Crest™ +MI Paste (MP) - Recaldent™ GC Corporation Tokyo, Japan); G3: Crest™ + MI Paste Plus (MPP) - Recaldent™ 900 ppm as NaF, GC Corporation Tokyo, Japan), and G4: control, saliva. Specimens were soaked alternatively in a demineralizing solution and in artificial saliva for 5 d. The fluoride dentifrice, with proportion of 1:3 (w/w), was applied three times for 60 s after the remineralization period. The undiluted MP and MPP creams were applied for 3 m/d. After cycling, SH was re-measured and cross section microhardness measurements were taken. Results: The SH values observed for the groups G3 (257±70), G1 (205±70), and G2 (208±84) differed from the G4 group (98±110) (one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test). There were no differences between the groups G1xG2, G2xG3, and G1xG3 for demineralization inhibition. The percentage of volume mineral showed that, when applied with fluoride dentifrice, MPP was the most effective in preventing enamel demineralization at 50 µ from the outer enamel surface (Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney p<0.05). Conclusion: Fluoride dentifrice associated with CPP-ACPF inhibited subsurface enamel demineralization.

Abstract: The study aimed to investigate the effects of bacterial biofilms on changes in the surface microhardness of enamel treated with casein phosphopeptide—amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) with and without fluoride. Human enamel blocks with incipient caries-like lesions were divided into four groups of 13: G1: Saliva (Control); G2: fluoride dentifrice (Crest™, 1100 ppm as NaF); G3: CPP-ACP (MI Paste; Recaldent™); and G4: CPP-ACPF (MI Paste Plus; Recaldent™ 900 ppm as NaF). The specimens were soaked in demineralizing solution for 6 h and remineralized in artificial saliva for 18 h alternately for 10 days. The dentifrice was prepared with deionized water in a 1 : 3 ratio (w/w) or applied undiluted in the case of the CPP-ACP group. The surface microhardness (SMH) was evaluated at baseline, after artificial caries, after pH cycling and treatment with dentifrices, and after incubation in media with Streptococcus mutans for biofilm formation. The biofilms were exposed once a day to 2% sucrose and the biofilm viability was measured by MTT reduction. The percentage of change in surface microhardness (%SMHC) was calculated for each block. The data were analyzed by nonparametric test comparisons (α = 0.05). The %SMHC values observed in G2 were different from those of G1, G3, and G4 (p < 0.05). After biofilm formation, %SMHC was positive in G2 and G4 when compared to G1 and G3, but resistance to demineralization after biofilm formation was similar in all groups. In conclusion, the presence of biofilms did not influence the treatment outcomes of anticaries products.

O estudo abrangeu a identificação das anomalias dentárias mais freqüentes observadas através da análise radiográfica de 324 pacientes (04-12 anos), de ambos os sexos, atendidos na FO-UFF entre 1992 e 1996, relacionando-as com sexo, localização, tipo de tratamento realizado e complicações associadas. Uma prevalência de 11,4% foi observada, afetando crianças de 08 a 11 anos, sem diferença entre os sexos. A anomalia de número foi a mais encontrada (6,5%), com a região ântero-superior concentrando a maioria dos casos (46%). As complicações associadas mais comuns foram impactação (41%), perda de espaço (36%), giroversão (18%) e desvio do trajeto eruptivo (5%). A maior porcentagem dos casos foi tratada cirurgicamente com posterior tratamento ortodôntico (48,7%). Enfatiza-se a importância do uso da radiografia no diagnóstico precoce dessas anomalias em crianças.

This study embraced the identification of the most frequent dental anomalies observed by X-ray analysis of 324 patients (04-12 years old), of both sexes, treated at the Fluminense Federal University, School of Dentistry, between 1992 and 1996, related with: sex, site of occurrence, treatment, and clinical complications. A prevalence of 11.4% was found, affecting 08 to 11 year-old children, with no difference between sexes. Anomaly of number was the mostly observed type (6.5%). The great majority of cases (46%) were in the premaxillary region. The most common clinical complications were: tooth impaction (41%), loss of space (36%), inverted teeth (18%), and atypical paths of eruption (5%). Surgical intervention followed by orthodontic treatment was the mostly recommended treatment (48.7%). The importance of X-ray use on the early diagnosis of these anomalies in children is stressed.