Investigations on the effects of mouthrinses on the colour stability and surface roughness of different dental bioceramics

PURPOSE: In this study, three bioceramic materials, [IPS Empress CAD (Ivoclar), IPS e.max CAD (Ivoclar), and Lava Ultimate CAD (3M ESPE)] were treated with three commercial mouthrinses [Listerine, Tantum Verde, and Klorhex]; and changes in colour reflectance and surface roughness values were then quantitatively assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty ceramic samples, with dimensions of 2 × 12 × 14 mm, were prepared and divided into nine sample groups, except three control samples. The samples were immersed in the mouthrinse solutions for 120 hrs, and changes in colour reflectance and surface roughness values were measured by UV light spectrophotometry (Vita Easyshade; VITA Zahnfabrik) and by profilometer device (MitutoyoSurftest SJ-301), respectively. The change of surface roughness was inspected by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between the ΔE and increase in the surface roughness. Two of the ceramic materials, IPS Empress and Lava Ultimate, were affected significantly by the treatment of the mouthrinse solutions (P<.05). The most affecting solution was Tantum Verde and the most affected material was Lava Ultimate. As expected, the most resistant material to ΔE and chemical corrosion was IPS e max CAD among the materials used. CONCLUSION: This work implied that mouthrinse with lower alcohol content had less deteriorating effect on colour and on the surface morphology of the bioceramic materials.

Prognostic role of simplified pulmonary embolism severity index and the European society of cardiology prognostic model in short- and long-term risk stratification in pulmonary embolism

Hemodynamic status, cardiac enzymes, and imaging-based risk stratification are frequently used to evaluate a pulmonary embolism [PE]. This study investigated the prognostic role of a simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index [sPESI] score and the European Society of Cardiology [ESC] model. The study included 50 patients from the emergency and pulmonology department of one medical center between October 2005 and June 2006. The ability of the sPESI and ESC model to predict short-term [in-hospital] and long-term [6-month and 6-year] overall mortality was assessed, in addition to the accurancy of the sPESI and ESC model in predicting short-term adverse events, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or major bleeding. Of the 50 patients, the in-hospital and 6-year mortality rates were 14% and 46%, respectively. Fifteen [30%] of these experienced adverse events during hospitalization. Importantly, patients classified as low-risk according to the sPESI had no short-term adverse events as opposed to 4.8% in the ESC low-risk group. They also had no in-hospital, 6-month, or 6-year mortality compared to 4.8%, 14.3%, and 23.8%, respectively, in the ESC low-risk group. The sPESI predicted short-term and long-term survival. The exclusion of short-term adverse events does not appear to require imaging and laboratory testing

Risk factors of hepatitis B virus infection in Turkey: a population-based, case-control study

Although the World Health Organization [WHO] classifies Turkey as a country with a moderate-high prevalence of hepatitis B virus [HBV] infection, there is little data on HBV transmission in this country. To identify risk factors for HBV infection, we performed a retrospective case-control study between January 2007 and December 2009. Acute HBV patients and population controls were selected, and data from these groups were analyzed by logistic regression method. The study included 129 patients with acute HBV infection and 219 controls. Hemodialysis [OR:8.2, 95% CI: 4.17-16.61, p< 0.05], having an HBsAg [+] spouse [OR: 4.3, 95%CI:2.17-8.53, p <0.05], living with an HBsAg [+] parent[s] [OR:3.25, 95% CI:1.73-6.12, p<0.05], and being male [OR:1.34, 95% CI:0.82-2.21, p < 0.05] were independent risk factors that were potentially associated with HBV infection. More than one-third of female patients had a significantly higher risk [34.5% vs 13.5%, p < 0.05] of acquiring HBV from their sexual partners. Hemodialysis was the most frequent risk factor [46.9% vs.20%, x[2] =10.45, p<0.05] for patients aged over 31 years, and living with HBsAg [+] parents was a significantly higher risk factor [28.8% vs. 10.2%, x[2] =6.15, p< 0.05] that is more likely to lead to HBVin patients aged under 30 years. This study suggests that persons in Turkey who undergo hemodialysis are at high risk for acquiring HBV. Having an HBsAg [+] spouse [sexual transmission] or living with HBsAg [+] parents [household transmission] are significant risk factors for HBV transmission. Vaccination appears to be better preventive method against the spread of HBV