Comparative Evaluation of two Polishing Systems on the Surface Texture of an aesthetic material (nano-composite): A Profilometric Study.

Composites have revolutionized the concept in asthetic dentistry. Proper finishing and polishing of composites are important aspects of clinical restorative procedures that enhance both asthetics and the longevity of the restoration. A number of finishing and polishing devices are available, but to decide the efficacy of various materials is still a challenge to the dentists or clinicians. Hence the study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of two polishing systems Sof-Lex and PoGo on Filtek Z350 by evaluating surface roughness using a Profilometer. The study concluded that Sof-Lex is a better polishing system than PoGo.

Assessment of atherosclerosis by carotid intimomedial thickness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of subclinical (asymptomatic) atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to study the variables affecting such an occurrence. METHODS: Case control study which included 100 patients with RA having disease duration more than 5 years and 100 healthy age and sex matched controls. Cases and controls symptomatic for atherosclerosis or having traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis were excluded. Both cases and controls were subjected to carotid ultrasound examination in addition to detailed history and physical examination. RESULTS: The study population (both cases and controls) included 94 females and 6 males. The mean age of cases and controls was similar (44.06 +/- 11.32 years and 44.1 +/- 11.52 years). The mean disease duration was 155.04 +/- 48.8 months. The mean carotid intimo-medial thickness (CIMT) of the RA patients (0.519 +/- 0.18 mm) was significantly greater than the controls (0.387 +/- 0.085). Age and disease duration were the only factors found to significantly affect CCIMT. RA patients had higher prevalence of carotid plaques (21%) compared to controls (1%). Erosions on hand radiographs were the only significant predictor of plaques in patients with RA. CONCLUSION: Patients with RA exhibit premature atherosclerosis by way of increased CIMT and carotid plaques when compared to age and sex matched controls.