ABSTRACT
The purpose of this invitro study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of three common gutta percha solvents [Chloroform, Eucalyptol and Halothane] on Enterococcus faecalis biofilm when used during endodontic retreatment. Extracted human mandibular premolars were instrumented, infected with E. faecalis, and obturated. The gutta-percha was removed mechanically in the presence of saline or chemo-mechanically in the presence of either chloroform, Eucalyptol or Halothane. Bacterial samples were collected after gutta-percha removal, and colony-forming units [CFU] per ml were enumerated. Results showed that there was a statistically significant reduction in the mean numbers of colony forming units [p<0.05] after the Chemo-mechanical removal of gutta percha using rotary nickel titanium retreatment instruments with Chloroform, Eucalyptol or Halothane. However, the difference in the antimicrobial effectiveness among the three tested gutta percha solvents was statistically non-significant [p<0.05]
ABSTRACT
Background: RA is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the diarthroidal joints. Persistence and progression of the disease is regulated by immune mediators that continue to be defined and provide targets for immune intervention. Anti-CCP Antibodies were detected in over 80% of RA sera. This serological test has advantage of easy performance by convenient enzyme linked immunosorbent assay test
Aim of Work: This study was conducted to assess the value of anti-CCP as a marker for diagnosis and disease activity in RA patients
Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted on 75 subjects [25 RA patients, 25 disease control patients and 25 normal healthy individuals that served as a control group]. Serum anti-CCP level was measured using ELISA test. While Serum RF was measured using immune nephelometry
Results: Serum anti-CCP level was significantly higher in RA patients compared to the disease control group and the control group. Its level showed a positive significant correlation with RF, CRP, and the disease activity score. Sensitivity of the test was 74%, specificity was 100%, positive predictive value was 100% and negative predictive value was 73.5%
Conclusions: Detection of serum anti-CCP antibody in RA patients is a laboratory test that can be used as a parameter to diagnose RA