A pilot study of the effects of a vacuum sealing barrier method for photostimulable phosphor plates regarding plate damage and prevention of microbiologic cross-contamination.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new sealing method for preventing cross-contamination of photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plates. STUDY DESIGN: Twelve new PSP plates were divided into 3 groups (PSP-a, PSP-b, and PSP- c) and placed in 3 different barriers (2 different brands of envelopes and a vacuum sealing method). All plates were exposed to X-rays with an aluminum step wedge, and the images were evaluated for the presence of any artifacts. After radiography, the PSP plates were removed from the barriers. The barriers and the PSP plates were disinfected and culture performed to assess any microorganism burden. Subsequently, the PSP plates were coated again with all barriers. The barriers were then contaminated and microbiologic specimens were collected. Subsequently, the barriers were wiped with alcohol. The PSP plates were removed, and microbiologic specimens were obtained. RESULTS: No artifacts were recorded on the radiographic images on the sensors in any group. Microorganisms were detected on the PSP plates placed in envelopes. No colonization of microorganisms was detected on the vacuum sealed PSP plates. CONCLUSIONS: The new vacuum-sealing method may be useful in preventing cross-contamination of PSP plates during radiographic procedures.

Melkersson-rosenthal syndrome: a case report.

Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome (MRS) is a rare disorder consisting of a triad of persistent or recurrent orofacial edema, relapsing facial paralysis and fissured tongue. It is rarely possible to observe all aspects of the classical triad at the same time, since these symptoms may appear in different times of life cycle. The most common symptom is orofacial edema. Although etiology of MRS is unclear, various factors such as infections, genetic predisposition, immune deficiency, food intolerance and stress have been held responsible. MRS is diagnosed based on clinical features. This case report describes a 39 years old male patient with recurrent swelling of the upper lip. Clinical examinations showed classical triad of MRS. The diagnosis and treatment procedures were presented with special emphasis to the clinical features of this rare condition.

Dental management and orofacial manifestations of a patient with Robinow Syndrome.

Robinow syndrome (RS) is an extremely rare condition. Characteristic craniofacial findings of RS include a fetal facial appearance, ear abnormalities and oral findings. The aim of this case report was to evaluate the oral findings of a 26-year-old man with RS and to describe the dental treatments performed. The patient had short stature, vertebral anomalies, short and broad fingers, a fetal facial appearance, gingival hyperplasia, fissured tongue, caries and multiple impacted teeth. Periodontal and restorative dental treatments were performed under aseptic conditions with due precautions. No surgical treatment was performed to the impacted teeth because of the lack of symptoms.

Evaluation of toothbrush disinfection via different methods.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of using a dishwasher or different chemical agents, including 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate, 2% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), a mouthrinse containing essential oils and alcohol, and 50% white vinegar, for toothbrush disinfection. Sixty volunteers were divided into five experimental groups and one control group (n = 10). Participants brushed their teeth using toothbrushes with standard bristles, and they disinfected the toothbrushes according to instructed methods. Bacterial contamination of the toothbrushes was compared between the experimental groups and the control group. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Duncan's multiple range tests, with 95% confidence intervals for multiple comparisons. Bacterial contamination of toothbrushes from individuals in the experimental groups differed from those in the control group (p < 0.05). The most effective method for elimination of all tested bacterial species was 50% white vinegar, followed in order by 2% NaOCl, mouthrinse containing essential oils and alcohol, 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate, dishwasher use, and tap water (control). The results of this study show that the most effective method for disinfecting toothbrushes was submersion in 50% white vinegar, which is cost-effective, easy to access, and appropriate for household use.

Evaluation of toothbrush disinfection via different methods

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of using a dishwasher or different chemical agents, including 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate, 2% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), a mouthrinse containing essential oils and alcohol, and 50% white vinegar, for toothbrush disinfection. Sixty volunteers were divided into five experimental groups and one control group (n = 10). Participants brushed their teeth using toothbrushes with standard bristles, and they disinfected the toothbrushes according to instructed methods. Bacterial contamination of the toothbrushes was compared between the experimental groups and the control group. Data were analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis and Duncan's multiple range tests, with 95% confidence intervals for multiple comparisons. Bacterial contamination of toothbrushes from individuals in the experimental groups differed from those in the control group (p < 0.05). The most effective method for elimination of all tested bacterial species was 50% white vinegar, followed in order by 2% NaOCl, mouthrinse containing essential oils and alcohol, 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate, dishwasher use, and tap water (control). The results of this study show that the most effective method for disinfecting toothbrushes was submersion in 50% white vinegar, which is cost-effective, easy to access, and appropriate for household use.

Mucosal melanoma of the head and neck: recurrence characteristics and survival outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to review oncologic outcomes and recurrence characteristics of head and neck mucosal melanomas (HNMMs) managed at a tertiary referral center. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical records of 10 patients who were managed for HNMMs between 2001 and 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The median age was 66 years (range 28-76 years) and male/female (M/F) ratio was 1:5. The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates and overall survival (OS) rates were 11.7% and 35%, respectively; and the 5-year DFS rates and OS rates 11.7% and 23.3%, respectively. The median DFS and OS periods were 12 months (range 2-36 months) and 17 months (range 7-96 months), respectively. The rates of development of local, regional, and systemic recurrences were 20%, 50%, and 80%, respectively. Lungs were involved in all patients who had distant metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that HNMMs has a very aggressive course and that distant metastases are common. For this reason, systemic control of the disease is an important aim of treatment.

Knowledge and behavior of dentists in a dental school regarding toothbrush disinfection.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and behavior of dentists regarding toothbrush disinfection. This study included 147 dentists (88 women and 59 men) who were actively employed at a dental school in Ankara, Turkey. Participants were asked to fill out a standard questionnaire, which contained questions regarding their demographics, brushing habits, toothbrush storage and disinfection habits, toothpaste use, knowledge about toothbrush disinfection, and whether they advised their patients about toothbrush storage. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and statistical analyses were performed with t-tests, chi-squared tests, and Fisher exact tests, where appropriate. Among the 147 surveyed dentists, 62.6% and 85.7% reported that they did not have any knowledge about toothbrush disinfection and did not disinfect their toothbrushes, respectively. However, approximately two thirds of surveyed dentists thought that toothbrush disinfection should be performed by everyone, including healthy individuals. Significant associations were found between knowledge about toothbrush disinfection and the professional title of dentists, how they stored their toothbrushes, and whether their toothbrushes were in contact with each other during storage (p < 0.05). A minority of dentists reported that they disinfected their toothbrushes.

Knowledge and behavior of dentists in a dental school regarding toothbrush disinfection

The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and behavior of dentists regarding toothbrush disinfection. This study included 147 dentists (88 women and 59 men) who were actively employed at a dental school in Ankara, Turkey. Participants were asked to fill out a standard questionnaire, which contained questions regarding their demographics, brushing habits, toothbrush storage and disinfection habits, toothpaste use, knowledge about toothbrush disinfection, and whether they advised their patients about toothbrush storage. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and statistical analyses were performed with t-tests, chi-squared tests, and Fisher exact tests, where appropriate. Among the 147 surveyed dentists, 62.6% and 85.7% reported that they did not have any knowledge about toothbrush disinfection and did not disinfect their toothbrushes, respectively. However, approximately two thirds of surveyed dentists thought that toothbrush disinfection should be performed by everyone, including healthy individuals. Significant associations were found between knowledge about toothbrush disinfection and the professional title of dentists, how they stored their toothbrushes, and whether their toothbrushes were in contact with each other during storage (p < 0.05). A minority of dentists reported that they disinfected their toothbrushes.

Caspase-9 expression is increased in endothelial cells of active Behçet's disease patients.

BACKGROUND: Behçet's disease is a multisystem disease of unknown etiology. Caspase-9 is responsible for initiating the caspase activation cascade during apoptosis. The aim of this study was to examine caspase-9 expression in both endothelial and perivascular infiltrates of patients with active Behçet's disease. METHODS: Fifteen patients with active Behçet's disease, attending the First Dermatology Department, Ankara Numune Hospital, Ankara, Turkey between June 2003 and December 2005, were included in the study. Oral biopsy specimens from nine healthy volunteers were taken as the healthy control group, and skin biopsies from 18 psoriasis patients were used as the inflammatory control group. The specimens were examined with caspase-9 primary antibody. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 11.5. RESULTS: The mean caspase-9-positive endothelial cell counts were 7.17 +/- 2.45 in active Behçet's disease, 4.81 +/- 0.76 in healthy controls, and 4.35 +/- 1.34 in inflammatory controls. The difference between Behçet's disease and healthy controls was statistically significant, with increased endothelial staining in active Behçet's disease (P = 0.049). The difference between Behçet's disease and inflammatory controls was also statistically significant; the rate of staining was higher in Behçet's disease (P = 0.006). The mean caspase-9-positive dermal perivascular cell counts were 5.15 +/- 2.32 in Behçet's disease, 3.32 +/- 0.82 in healthy controls, and 5.54 +/- 4.95 in inflammatory controls. These values did not show any statistically significant difference (P = 0.407). CONCLUSION: Endothelial cells are one of the key cells in Behçet's disease, and our findings support the role of endothelial cells in the etiopathogenesis of Behçet's disease.