ABSTRACT Objective This study compared the effectiveness of Er:YAG laser-activated irrigation (PIPS), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) with EndoUltra and standard needle irrigation (SNI) in the removal of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] from the mesial roots of Weine Type II mandibular molars. Material and Methods Thirty mandibular molars were screened by µCT for the presence of mesial roots with complex intra-canal anatomy and a common apical foramen. The teeth were enlarged to a standardized 25/.06 preparation and filled with Ca(OH)2 paste. Specimens were divided into three groups (n=10) according to the technique used for Ca(OH)2 removal: PIPS, at 15 Hz and 20 mJ using a 9 mm long, 600 µm diameter tip; PUI using a 15/.02 tip; and SNI (30 Ga. side-vented needle). Equal volumes of 8.25% NaOCl and 17% EDTA were used in all groups. µCT was used to measure the initial amount of Ca(OH)2 present and to assess the residual volume of Ca(OH)2 following each irrigation protocol. Data were analyzed using Tukey HSD and Kruskal-Wallis tests (α=5%). Results The mean volume of Ca(OH)2 before removal was significantly higher in the coronal third than in the middle and apical third (p<0.001). Ca(OH)2 was similarly removed from the coronal and middle thirds with the three methods used (p>0.05). PIPS (median 0%; IQR: 0-0) showed significant higher Ca(OH)2 removal in the apical third than PUI (median 100%, IQR: 85-100) and SNI (median 47%; IQR: 16-72) (p<0.001). Conclusions PIPS laser-activation was more effective for the removal of Ca(OH)2 from mesial roots of mandibular molars with Weine Type II canal configurations than PUI with EndoUltra and SNI.

Subterranean termites are serious pests of wood in service in much of the world. One of the most popular techniques for monitoring and controlling termites is the use of in-ground monitoring stations. Different cellulosic matrices were evaluated in terms of mass loss, moisture content variation and termite presence, accounting for spatial coordinates and monitoring station conditional variables, including: type of cellulosic matrix, matrix treatment and meteorological conditions, during one year in field conditions, both in Portugal and in the USA. A multivariate redundancy analysis was performed resulting in 60,4% of data variability being explained by the variables considered in this analysis. Spatial variables were responsible for the highest amount of variance observed in the response variables monitored for the termite monitoring stations, followed by the type of cellulosic matrix, from which cellulose and Hevea brasiliensis were the most influential variables. The optimization of termite in-ground monitoring stations should be performed through correct evaluation of termite feeding preferences and decay resistance, in order to choose an adequate bait matrix and a proper bait design. The termite species biology and the geographical location where control programs will be applied should also be taken into account.