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Aim To evaluate the corrosion resistance of nickel–titanium (NiTi) endodontic rotary instruments immersed in 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution. Methodology The corrosion performance of NiTi instruments (S1 25 mm, ProTaper Dentsplay Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) was evaluated using commercial 5.25% NaOCl solution (pH = 12.3), and the same solution partially neutralized adding H2SO4 to reach pH = 10.1. Electrochemical measurements were carried out using a potentiostat equipped with a five-channel zero resistance ammeter (ZRA) for galvanic current measurements. The instruments were sectioned into three parts (cutting part, noncutting part and shank) and degreased with acetone and rinsing with demineralized water prior to being immersed in NaOCl solution for testing. Each set of the three parts constituted one ‘virtual’ instrument through the ZRA, giving access to the galvanic currents that circulate between the three parts. Nine instruments were employed to check the reproducibility of the electrochemical measurements. Results The corrosion potential (Ecorr) of the NiTi alloy reached the passive domain in approximately 20 s of immersion in the solution having a pH 10.1. After this initial period the potential remained steady, indicating that stable passivation was achieved. However, at pH 12.3 no stationary state was achieved even after 6000 s of immersion time. Thus, the alloy was not stable in this medium from a corrosion point of view. Conclusions The corrosion resistance of NiTi alloy was enhanced by lowering the pH of NaOCl solution to 10.1, which allows the system to reach the stability domain of the passivating species TiO2 and NiO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

summary It is difficult to determine the existence of a normal or physiological masticatory cycle, because there exists great individual diversity. This study presents some data about two parameters of masticatory cycles according to the frontal plane, i.e. the area and length of right-sided and left-sided cycles in a group of 30 young people, 18 women and 12 men. For our study the Myotronics K6-1 kinesiograph was used. It registers the magnetic field and allows us to obtain graphic recordings of the jaw movement in the three space planes. Other authors have analysed these parameters, but none of those reviewed provides information about the distribution to each side or according to the gender of sampling subjects selected for the analysis. We have tried to describe the normal morphology of the masticatory cycles and, also, establish a reference so as to provide help in the diagnosis of the functional pathology of the masticatory system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]