Esthetic elastomeric ligatures: Quantification of bacterial endotoxin in vitro and in vivo.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro and in vivo bacterial endotoxin (LPS) adhesion in polyurethane and silicone esthetic elastomeric orthodontic ligatures. The null hypotheses tested were: (1) there is no LPS adhesion in esthetic elastomeric orthodontic ligatures; and (2) there is no difference in the LPS adhesion between different brands of these ligatures.

Methods: For the in vitro study, 4 types of esthetic elastomeric ligatures were used (Sani-Ties and Sili-Ties [Dentsply GAC, Islandia, NY;] and Mini Single Case Ligature Stick and Synergy low-friction ligatures [Rocky Mountain Orthodontics, Denver, Colo]), contaminated or not with endotoxin solution.

Overburden soil and marine dredging sludge utilization for production of new composites as highly efficient environmental management.

The main objectives of this study were to develop new composites only from industrial wastes: overburden soil (40-60 wt%), dredging sludge from marine port sediments (20-40%) and lime production waste as a binder (15-30%). The axial resistance strength of the developed materials, on the 365th day, was 18.9 MPa and the values of apparent density and dilatation coefficient ranged from 2.