Color Readings Research Articles

Digital analysis of staining properties of clear aesthetic brackets

To analyse the staining properties of clear orthodontic brackets using a digital analysis. In vitro, laboratory study A total of 500 tooth-coloured brackets from 10 brands (five ceramic and five plastic) were investigated. The cumulative discolouring effect of staining agents (tea, coffee, curry and red wine) were analysed at two consumption levels: light and heavy, based on a 6-month period of exposure. Study group brackets were immersed in the agents consecutively at 37°C. The control group was only exposed to artificial saliva. Samples were analysed digitally to obtain L*, a* and b* (lightness, red-green and yellow-blue) colour readings. Using these values, total colour change (ΔE*) at each level was also calculated. Three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used for statistical comparisons. L* and b* colour parameters showed significant differences (P<0·001) between different bracket groups, consumption levels and the type of exposure. However, the a* value only differed between bracket groups (P<0·001). According to the ΔE* values, ceramic brackets had less colour change than plastic brackets at the end of phase 1 for both the study and control groups. However, as consumption time increased, the rate of colour change decreased for the plastic brackets. In general, ceramic brackets demonstrated much more resistance to staining agents than plastic brackets. Both plastic and ceramic brackets showed changes in colour when exposed to heavy consumption of staining agents, with plastic brackets being the most affected.

Measurements of lenticulostriate arteries using 7T MRI: new imaging markers for subcortical vascular dementia

Recent studies have demonstrated that ultra-high resolution MRA imaging using 7 Tessla (T) MRI can be employed to noninvasively visualize the lenticulostriate arteries (LSA) that supply the basal ganglia and internal capsule. Subcortical vascular dementia (SVaD) is believed to involve these regions from an early stage. We investigated whether LSA abnormalities measured by 7T MRA correlate with MRI ischemia markers and neuropsychological/motor deficits. A total of 24 subjects (12 with SVaD, 12 normal controls (NC)) were imaged with 3T and 7T MRIs. We assessed the severity of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and the number of lacunes and microbleeds (MB) by visually inspecting images obtained from conventional 3T MRI. We also analyzed three-dimensional models of the measured LSAs obtained from 7T MRI. Compared to the NC, the SVaD subjects had fewer branches of LSAs and greater radii of LSAs. The number of branches was correlated with the number of lacunes. The number of branches was correlated with the delayed recall scores on Rey's Complex Figure Test (RCFT). While not quite reaching statistical significance, the immediate recall, recognition scores on the RCFT, recognition scores on the Seoul Verbal Learning Test, and the word and color readings of Stroop trended in the direction of correlation with the number of branches, as well as with the extrapyramidal scores. Our findings suggest that LSA imaging using 7T MRI might be a potent candidate for the detection of SVaD.

Influence of different disinfecting solutions on the color change of artificial irises used in ocular prostheses

Making an artificial iris with an aesthetically acceptable color is an important aspect of ocular rehabilitation. This work evaluated the influence of different disinfecting solutions on changes to the color of artificial irises used in ocular prostheses. Fifty samples simulating ocular prostheses were produced with cobalt blue artificial irises and divided (n = 10) according to the disinfectant used: neutral soap, Opti‐free, Efferdent, 1% hypochlorite, and 4% chlorhexidine. The samples were disinfected for 120 days and subjected to a color readings by spectrophotometry, using the CIE L*a*b* system, before the disinfection period (B), after 60 days of disinfectant exposure (T1), and after 120 days of disinfectant exposure (T2). Color differences (ΔE) were calculated for the intervals between T1 and B (T1B), and between T2 and B (T2B). The data were evaluated by analysis of variance and the Tukey Honestly Significantly Different (α = 0.05). All disinfectant groups exhibited color changes. The mean color change observed for all groups overall during T2B (ΔE = 3.51) was significantly greater than that observed during T1B (ΔE = 2.10). All groups exhibited greater color change for the b* values when compared to the a* and L* values. There were no significant differences between the disinfectant groups. It can be concluded that the time period of disinfection and storage significantly affected the stability of artificial iris color, independent of the disinfectant used. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 39, 56–62, 2014

Tooth whitening with hydrogen/carbamide peroxides in association with a CPP‐ACP paste at different proportions

Different enhanced peroxide formulations have been developed to overcome mineral loss during tooth whitening. This study investigated the impact on tooth whitening from combining a CPP-ACP paste with home peroxide agents at several proportions. Ninety bovine incisors were randomly allocated into nine groups (n = 10) and exposed to 7.5% hydrogen peroxide (HP), 16% carbamide peroxide (CP), a CPP-ACP paste (Tooth Mousse/MI Paste, GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) and blends of HP/CP:MI at three proportions (1:1, 2:1 and 1:2). Tooth whitening was performed for 14 days and its effectiveness was measured by a spectrophotometer utilizing the CIE L*a*b* system (ΔE, ΔL*, Δa* and Δb*). Colour readings were measured at baseline (T0), 7 days of bleaching (T7), 14 days of bleaching (T14) and 7 days after the end of bleaching (T21). Data were analysed by two-way ANOVA for paired averages followed by the Tukey's test and Pearson's correlation at 5%. Although CP produced the greatest colour change (ΔE), all whitening protocols were considered to be effective regardless of the CPP-ACP presence. In general, greater changes in ΔE, ΔL*, Δa* and Δb* were detected at T14, with T21 exhibiting similar results to those at T7. A greater number of strong correlations with ΔE values was found for a* (11/15). Within the limitations of this study, the results indicate that the CPP-ACP paste did not affect tooth whitening efficacy.

Efficacy of in‐office bleaching techniques combined with the application of a casein phosphopeptide‐amorphous calcium phosphate paste at different moments and its influence on enamel surface properties

The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the efficacy of in-office bleaching technique combined with the application of a casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) paste (MI Paste-MI) at different moments and its influence on enamel surface properties. Eighty bovine dental crowns were randomly allocated into eight groups (n = 10), and bleached with either 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) or 37% carbamide peroxide (CP). Four different protocols of application of MI were considered: without MI, MI applied before bleaching, MI applied after bleaching, and MI applied both before and after bleaching. Bleaching effectiveness was measured by the VITA EasyShade spectrophotometer utilizing the CIEL*a*b* system (ΔE, ΔL*, Δa*, and Δb*). Color readings were measured at baseline, 7, 14, and 21 days. Hardness and roughness were measured at baseline (T0) and immediately after bleaching (T14). Data were subjected to the two-way ANOVA for repeated measurements and Tukey's test at 5%. HP groups achieved the greatest color change. The application of a CPP-ACP paste did not reduce the efficacy of bleaching peroxides. Samples bleached with CP showed decreased hardness at T14. Samples bleached with HP that received the application of MI before and before/after bleaching did not present hardness decrease at T14. Samples bleached with peroxides only and received MI after bleaching showed increased roughness at T14. The use of CPP-ACP was able to prevent negative changes in roughness and hardness of bovine enamel when associated to hydrogen peroxide, and might be applied before/after the bleaching protocol.

Color and opacity of composites protected with surface sealants and submitted to artificial accelerated aging

To evaluate the color similarity, stability and opacity of composites (TPH, Charisma, and Concept, shade A2) protected with surface sealants (Fortify Plus and Biscover) and cyanoacrylate (Super Bonder). Forty specimens of each composite were made and separated into 4 groups (n=10) according to the surface protection: GI - without sealant; GII - cyanoacrylate; GIII - Fortify Plus; GIV - Biscover. Color and opacity readings were taken before and after Artificial Acelerated Aging (AAA) and the values obtained for color stability were submitted to statistical analysis by 2-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's test (P<.05). The values acquired for color similarity were submitted to 1-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (P<.05). The specimen sufaces were compared before and after AAA using Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM). Studied composites did not present the same values for the coordinates L*, a* and b * before AAA, indicating that there was no color similarity among them. All composites presented color alteration after AAA with clinically unacceptable values. Protected groups presented lower opacity variation after AAA, in comparison with the control goup. SEM evaluation demonstrated that AAA increased the surface irregularities in all of the studied groups. Surface sealants were not effective in maintaining composite color, but were able to maintain opacity.

A dental spectroscopic study to evaluate the effects of health drinks on the color stability of anterior restorative materials: An in vitro study

Introduction: This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the degree of surface staining of diamond polished and aluminum-oxide polished resin-based composites (RBCs) after immersion in various commercially available health drinks and to determine whether commercially available health drinks will affect the color stability of surface staining on diamond and aluminum oxide polished resin restorations. Materials and Methods: Eighty samples of a RBC Restoration were fabricated, polished using two types of composite polishers, and immersed into four commercially available health drinks. Color readings utilizing Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIELAB) Lab values were made using a digital dental spectrophotometer and the change in color in terms of uptake of stains was evaluated. Results: All the three different types of polished samples show very highly significant difference and mean scores ( P P Conclusion: The study showed that commercially available health drinks will affect the color stability and surface staining of RBC resins, regardless whether polished with either diamond or aluminium oxide discs. RBC restoration are most susceptible to color degradation and staining if exposed to commercially available health drinks within 96 h of placement.

Identifying fruit characteristics for non-invasive detection of sunburn in apple

Sunburn of apple fruit is one of the major problems in fruit production areas with high light and temperature environment. Fruit with sunburn are predisposed to develop postharvest disorders and need to be separated from the fruit considered for mid to long-term storage. In order to identify specific characteristics for non-invasive, automatic selection of fruit with sunburn, the effect of sunburn on external and internal features on sunlit and shaded fruit sides was assessed in ‘Granny Smith’, ‘Fuji’ and ‘Braeburn’ cultivars. It has been shown that shaded sides of apple with and without sunburn generally do not differ in their internal fruit quality characteristics, L ab colour readings and chlorophyll fluorescence intensities. With sunlit fruit sides, sunburn induced changes in L ab values are cultivar specific. The common feature of fruit with sunburn in all tested cultivars is a greater difference between fruit firmness and soluble solids content on shaded and sunlit sides as compared to unaffected fruit. Due to the chlorophyll breakdown in the affected areas, laser-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (LIF) is proposed as an appropriate sensitive technique for the reliable sunburn detection in green and red apple cultivars.

Paper based point-of-care testing disc for multiplex whole cell bacteria analysis

Point-of-care testing (POCT) of infectious bacterial agents offers substantial benefits for disease diagnosis, mainly by shortening the time required to obtain results and by making the test available bedside or at remote care centers. Immunochromatographic lateral flow biosensors offer a low cost, highly sensitive platform for POCT. In this article, we describe the fabrication and testing of a multiplex immuno-disc sensor for the specific detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Antibody conjugated gold nanoparticles were used as the signaling agents. The detection range of the bacteria lies within 500–5000 CFU/ml. The advantage of the immuno-disc sensor is that it does not require any preprocessing of biological sample and is capable of whole cell bacterial detection. We also describe the design and fabrication of a compact portable device which converts the color intensity of the gold nanoparticles that accumulate at the test region into a quantitative voltage reading proportional to the bacterial concentration in the sample. The combination of the immuno-disc and the portable color reader provides a rapid, sensitive, low cost, and quantitative tool for the detection of a panel of infectious agents present in the patient sample.

Bleaching Agent Action on Color Stability, Surface Roughness and Microhardness of Composites Submitted to Accelerated Artificial Aging

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bleaching agent action on color stability, surface roughness and microhardness of composites (Charisma, Filtek Supreme and Heliomolar - A2) submitted to accelerated artificial aging (AAA). A Teflon matrix (12 x 2 mm) was used to fabricate 18 specimens (n=6) which, after polishing (Sof-Lex), were submitted to initial color reading (ΔE), Knoop microhardness (KHN) (50 g/15 s load) and roughness (R(a)) (cut-off 0.25 mm) tests. Afterwards, the samples were submitted to AAA for 384 hours and new color, microhardness and roughness readings were performed. After this, the samples were submitted to daily application (4 weeks) of 16% Carbamide Peroxide (NiteWhite ACP) for 8 hours and kept in artificial saliva for 16 hours. New color, microhardness and roughness readings were made at the end of the cycle, and 15 days after bleaching. Comparison of the ΔE means (2-way ANOVA, Bonferroni, P<.05) indicated clinically unacceptable color alteration for all composites after AAA, but without significant difference. Statistically significant increase in the KHN values after AAA was observed, but without significant alterations 15 days after bleaching. For R(a) there was no statistically significant difference after AAA and 15 days after bleaching. The alterations promoted by the bleaching agent and AAA are material dependent.

Color stability of silorane-based composites submitted to accelerated artificial ageing—An in situ study

Objectives To assess the in situ color stability, surface and the tooth/restoration interface degradation of a silorane-based composite (P90, 3M ESPE) after accelerated artificial ageing (AAA), in comparison with other dimethacrylate monomer-based composites (Z250/Z350, 3M ESPE and Esthet-X, Dentsply). Methods Class V cavities (25 mm 2 × 2 mm deep) were prepared in 48 bovine incisors, which were randomly allocated into 4 groups of 12 specimens each, according to the type of restorative material used. After polishing, 10 specimens were submitted to initial color readings (Easyshade, Vita) and 2 to analysis by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Afterwards, the teeth were submitted to AAA for 384 h, which corresponds to 1 year of clinical use, after which new color readings and microscopic images were obtained. The values obtained for the color analysis were submitted to statistical analysis (1-way ANOVA, Tukey, p < 0.05). Results With regard to color stability, it was verified that all the composites showed color alteration above the clinically acceptable levels (Δ E ≥ 3.3), and that the silorane-based composite showed higher Δ E (18.6), with a statistically significant difference in comparison with the other composites ( p < 0.05). The SEM images showed small alterations for the dimethacrylate-based composites after AAA and extensive degradation for the silorane-based composite with a rupture at the interface between the matrix/particle. Conclusion It may be concluded that the silorane-based composite underwent greater alteration with regard to color stability and greater surface and tooth/restoration interface degradation after AAA.

Fungal Susceptibility at Four Temperature‐Moisture Combinations and Carbon Dioxide Kit Color Reader Evaluation

AbstractThe susceptibility of shelled corn to invasion by storage fungi was assessed using a carbon dioxide (CO2) test kit. Shelled corn samples were rewetted to either 16 or 21% wb moisture content (MC) and incubated ≤80 hr at either 24 or 30°C in sealed glass jars. CO2 concentration in the jars was quantified using the color number (0–5) of an indicator gel, which was determined either by visual comparison to a color card (VR) or using a Digital Color Reader (DCR). Plots of DCR color numbers versus time were smoother than those for VR color numbers. The DCR was better able to distinguish differences among samples, especially when color numbers were &lt;2.0. The highest coefficients of determination (r2) for linear regressions of color number versus ergosterol difference were 0.75 for the DCR readings and 0.73 for the VR readings. Rankings of fungal susceptibility were similar at all four temperature‐MC combinations and many r2 values for linear regressions comparing readings at other conditions with those at 21% MC and 24°C were statistically significant (α ≤ 0.05). Incubation conditions and time of prior storage had a noticeable yet relatively minor effect on which fungi infected the kernels.

ANALYZING THE BROWNING OF APPLE JUICE BY FLUORESCENCE SPECTROSCOPY

Apple juice was produced from Malus × domestica 'Pinova', stored at 20°C for 4 d or heated at 80°C for 10 min and stored at the same conditions, in order to obtain both enzymatic browning and non-enzymatic browning reactions. Fluorescence spectroscopy as well as colour readings were carried out to monitor the quality changes of apple juice during storage. A standard set-up for colour readings with a colorimeter using an optical geometry for transmittance readings was applied. The fluorescence spectra were recorded with adapted parameters. Fluorescence excitation was set at 250, 266, 355 and 408 nm, and emission at 280-899 nm resulting in an excitation-emission-matrix (EEM) of 1240x4 for each sample. The sign test pointed out an enhanced sensitivity of EEM in comparison to the L * , a * , and b * values. Fluorescence EEMs were used to classify processed apple juice with different extent of browning. For classifying fresh and stored juice, as well as for differentiating fresh juice from heated-stored juice, the classification correctness was always over 90%.

Composites Associated with Pulp-Protection Material: Color-Stability Analysis after Accelerated Artificial Aging

This study assessed the color stability of two composites associated with two pulp protectors submitted to accelerated artificial aging (AAA). 60 test specimens were made with 0.5 mm of protection material (calcium hydroxide - CH or glass ionomer cement - GIC) and 2.5 mm of restoration material (Concept or QuixFil) and divided into 3 groups (n=10) according to the type of protection material/composite, and the control group (no protection). After polishing, color readings were obtained with a spectrophotometer (PCB 6807 Byk Gardner) before and after AAA for 384 hours, and L*, a*, and b* coordinates and total color variation (DeltaE) were analyzed (2-way ANOVA, Bonferroni, alpha=05). Composites placed on CH presented lower L* levels than those on GIC, which presented higher L* values than the control group and lower b* values than those of the CH group. The Concept composite presented higher DeltaE levels for all groups, differing statistically from QuixFil, except when placed on GIC. It was concluded that the protection material could affect the color stability and AAA is a factor that enhances this effect, depending on the type of composite used.

Correlation of trans-Lycopene Measurements by the HPLC Method with the Optothermal and Photoacoustic Signals and the Color Readings of Fresh Tomato Homogenates

The trans-lycopene content of fresh tomato homogenates was assessed by means of the laser photoacoustic spectroscopy, the laser optothermal window, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and colorimetry; none of these methods require the extraction from the product matrix prior to the analysis. The wet chemistry method (high-performance liquid chromatography) was used as the absolute quantitative method. Analytical figures of merit for all methods were compared statistically; best linear correlation was achieved for the chromaticity index a* and chroma C*.

CIELAB color variables as indicators of compost stability

The composting process of different organic wastes both in laboratory and on a large-scale was characterized using CIELAB color variables to evaluate compost stability for the better application in agriculture. The time courses of the CIELAB variables of composting materials were determined directly from the bottom of a glass petri dish filled with dried and ground samples using a Minolta Color Reader (CR-13) calibrated with clean empty petri dishes placed on a white tile. To compare the proposed method with conventional methods, the same materials were also evaluated using commonly used compost stability evaluation indices. Most of the CIELAB variables of a compost made from a mixture of green tea waste and rice bran reached a plateau after 84 days of composting and showed strong relationships with the commonly used compost stability evaluation indices. The time needed for CIELAB variables, especially the L*and b* values, to stabilize at large-scale composting plants of cattle litter, farmyard manure, kitchen garbage and bark compost, were more or less similar to the times of maturation evaluated by the respective compost producers. The CIELAB color variable offers a new, simple, rapid and inexpensive means of evaluating compost stability and its quality prior to agricultural use.

Reproducibility of color Doppler imaging

The aims of this study were: (1) to determine the intra-subject and inter-observer variability of color Doppler imaging (CDI) measurements and readings of the retrobulbar blood vessels, (2) to compare the difference invariability of CDI parameters in non-glaucomatous controls versus glaucoma patients, and (3) to provide calculations of minimum sample sizes for future CDI studies. Patients with normal tension glaucoma (n=28), primary open-angle glaucoma (n=19) and non-glaucomatous controls of comparable age (n=22) underwent CDI on two occasions 1 month apart. Variability in CDI parameters was quantified using (within-subject) coefficients of variation. Based on this variability, minimum sample sizes were calculated to guide the design of future studies comparing CDI between and within groups. In general, within-subject coefficients of variation for measurements 1 month apart were comparable to previously reported short-term variations. Variability was higher in glaucoma patients than in non-glaucomatous controls. The minimum sample size required for glaucomatous study populations is larger than for non-glaucomatous controls. Smaller patient groups are required to detect change using the peak systolic blood flow velocities than using end diastolic velocities. Studies using a cross-over design require smaller sample sizes than studies with a prepost or particularly parallel design. This study provides extensive information on long-term intra-subject variability of CDI measurements in non-glaucomatous controls as well as glaucoma patients. Moreover, sample size calculations are provided for studies involving glaucoma patients as well as non-glaucomatous individuals, using three different commonly used study designs.

Presumptive Benzocaine-Induced Methemoglobinemia in a Slender-Tailed Meerkat (Suricata Suricatta)

An 8-yr-old castrated male slender-tailed meerkat (Suricata suricatta) was anesthetized for physical examination and dental prophylaxis. To facilitate intubation, two short bursts of benzocaine spray were applied topically to the glottis. Shortly thereafter, the meerkat developed a muddy, blue-gray mucous membrane color and low oxygen saturation readings measured via pulse oximetry. Despite positive pressure ventilation and treatment with doxapram, the cyanosis and hypoxemia did not improve. Blood collected during the procedure was noticeably dark brown and a clinical diagnosis of methemoglobinemia was made. Because of persistent cyanosis and prolonged recovery, the meerkat was anesthetized a second time to facilitate treatment for methemoglobinemia via a slow intravenous bolus of methylene blue and subcutaneously administered dextrose. Within 20 min, the tongue and gingival color normalized. This is the first report of methemoglobinemia in this species. Although it is commonly used in small animal practice and in humans undergoing certain endoscopic procedures, and present in numerous over-the-counter preparations, the risk of topical benzocaine inducing methemoglobinemia is well described. Administration of topical benzocaine in all mammalian species, particularly small patients, should be done with caution. If it is utilized in zoo practice, clinicians are encouraged to administer benzocaine judiciously to avoid accidental overdose, and be familiar with the signs of methemoglobinemia and its treatment.

Cinética da degradação de geleiada de morango

Strawberry jelly was stored at 20 (control), 30 (room) and 40 (accelerated) oC in order to evaluate their shelf lives. The shelf-life evaluation was based on objective color readings of L a b Hunter color (Minolta Chroma Meter CR-400) and on subjective color methods, smell, flavor, and texture (Quantitative Descriptive Analysis) measurements. Objective and subjective analyses were carried out for 180 days at 30-day intervals under three different conditions. Experimental data show that the color degradation followed the model of a first order kinetic reaction. The Arrhenius model was applied to the reaction rates (k) at each temperature obtaining activation energy (Ea) of 5.66 kcal.mol-1 and a Q10 of 1.36. The jellies showed adequate quality with relation to acid ascorbic content in the occasion of the processing, but they had presented low vitamin C retention. On the 60th day, the vitamin C content reduced more than 98%, regardless of the storage condition. The jellies stored at 40 oC proved more sensitive to the alterations in the color, and such temperature affected negatively the sensory attributes indicated by the browning and losses of smell, flavor, and texture. The results suggest that strawberry jellies must be stored under controlled conditions of temperature (20 to 30 oC).

Comparison of Minolta colorimeter and machine vision system in measuring colour of irradiated Atlantic salmon

AbstractBACKGROUND: Minolta and machine vision are two different instrumental techniques used for measuring the colour of muscle food products. Between these two techniques, machine vision has many advantages, such as its ability to determine L*, a*, b* values for each pixel of a sample's image and to analyse the entire surface of a food regardless of surface uniformity and colour variation. The objective of this study was to measure the colour of irradiated Atlantic salmon fillets using a hand‐held Minolta colorimeter and a machine vision system and to compare their performance.RESULTS: The L*, a*, b* values of Atlantic salmon fillets subjected to different electron beam doses (0, 1, 1.5, 2 and 3 kGy) were measured using a Minolta CR‐200 Chroma Meter and a machine vision system. For both Minolta and machine vision the L* value increased and the a* and b* values decreased with increasing irradiation dose. However, the machine vision system showed significantly higher readings for L*, a*, b* values than the Minolta colorimeter. Because of this difference, colours that were actually measured by the two instruments were illustrated for visual comparison. Minolta readings resulted in a purplish colour based on average L*, a*, b* values, while machine vision readings resulted in an orange colour, which was expected for Atlantic salmon fillets.CONCLUSION: The Minolta colorimeter and the machine vision system were very close in reading the standard red plate with known L*, a*, b* values. Hence some caution is recommended in reporting colour values measured by Minolta, even when the ‘reference’ tiles are measured correctly. The reason for this discrepancy in colour readings for salmon is not known and needs further investigation. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry