ABSTRACT
Fiber reinforced composites [FRCs] have a wide range of applicability in almost all fields of science. Recently, glass fibers have gained popularity in the field of dentistry owing to their excellent capability of bonding with PMMA denture base after silane treatment, biocompatibility, and esthetics. However, dental grade glass fibers are not only expensive, but they are also not readily available everywhere. This study was aimed at evaluating the quality of coating of saline coupling agent that formed on industrial glass fibers, after they were treated with Trimethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate silane, and to assess the feasibility of using silane treated industrial glass fibers for dental usage, due to their low cost and abundant availability. This was done by comparing the infra-red [IR] absorption peaks of both types of woven E-glass fibers commercial [StickNET, Stick Tech, Finland and Industrial [Iqbal Sons, Karachi], by using Fourier Transform Infra-red [FTIR] spectroscopy. The results indicated the presence of a polymerized layer of the silane coupling agent on both the commercial and industrial GFs. The absorption peaks on both types of glass fibers were identical, demonstrating that industrial glass fibers could be effectively used in replacement of commercial glass fibers, for the reinforcement of PMMA dentures
ABSTRACT
To ascertain trends of lipid abnormalities in Pakistani Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus patients. Fasting lipid profiles of 328 outpatient adult type 2 diabetes mellitus patients visiting the Aga Khan University Hospital, from January 2005 to January 2006 were prospectively reviewed and abstracted on a pre-specified proforma. Demographic features, different patterns of dyslipidemia in accordance with specified risk categories, and the proportion of patients with none, one, two, or three lipid values outside clinical targets were noted. The influence of sex on dyslipidemia pattern was also assessed. Our patients had higher average HbA1c levels and higher total cholesterol, LDL and lower HDL levels. The triglycerides levels in our female patients were higher. The percentage of our patients with a high-, borderline-, or low-risk LDL cholesterol were 54, 29, and 16%, respectively [P = 0.51]. On a percentage basis, 73% were in the high-risk HDL cholesterol group, 18% were in the borderline-risk group and 9% in the low-risk group, respectively [P< 0.0001]. Regarding triglyceride concentrations, 16% had high-risk triglyceride levels, 34% were in the borderline-risk category, whereas 50% had a low-risk triglyceride levels [P< 0.0001]. Patient proportion with None, One, Two, or Three Values outside clinical targets on percentage basis were 2, 16, 48, and 34%, respectively [P< 0.0001]. Women were found to have greater odds of having LDL cholesterol above the target level i.e. >100mg/dl. Combination of high LDL and a low HDL cholesterol level was the commonest pattern of dyslipidemia found. Second was unfavorable levels of all three lipoproteins combined and the third was an isolated increase in LDL cholesterol. A greater proportion of women were found dyslipidemic