Complications of catheters with an implantable chamber: About 26 cases.

BACKGROUND: Implant port catheters have became essential tools in the management of patients receiving intravenous chemotherapy. However; these devices expose to significant complications. We report an experiment aimed at studying the prevalence of complications induced by implant port catheters and the risk factors that result. METHODS: This is a retrospective study over one year (from January, to December 2019) including 100 patients treated in the carcinology department of our hospital and having presented complications from their port catheters implantable. RESULTS: During the study period, 100 patients benefited from placement of the implantable chamber catheter. The average age is 53years with extremes of 25years and 72years. Twenty-six percent of patients had at least one complication. Those complications were mechanical in 53.84% of the patients, infectious in 19.23% and thromboembolic in 19.23%. DISCUSSION: Patients experiencing complication did not differ with respect to age, body mass index, cancer category, medical and surgical history, and insertion side of the implantable chamber catheter.

Biodegradation ability of two selected microbial autochthonous consortia from a chronically polluted marine coastal area (Priolo Gargallo, Italy).

The aims of this study were: (i) the characterization of the structure of the indigenous microbial community associated with the sediments under study; (ii) the isolation and characterization of microbial consortia able to degrade the aged hydrocarbons contaminating the sediments, and (iii) the assessment of related biodegradation capability of selected consortia. Samples of surface sediments were collected in Priolo Gargallo harbour (Sicily, Italy). The samples were analysed for physical, chemical (GC-FID analysis) and microbiological characteristics (qualitative (16S rDNA clone library) and quantitative (DAPI, CFU and MPN count) analysis). The sediment samples were used for the selection of two microbial consortia (indicated as PSO and PSM) with high biodegradation capacity for crude oil (∼95%) and PAHs (∼63%) respectively. Genetic analysis showed that Alcanivorax and Cycloclasticus were the dominant genera in both the PSO and PSM consortia. Oil-polluted environments naturally develop an elevated biorecovery potential. The presence of a highly specialized microbial flora (adapted to support the contamination) and their stimulation through favourable induced conditions provides a promising recovery strategy. The chance to identify and select indigenous bacteria and/or consortia with a high biodegradation capacity is fundamental for the development and optimization of bioaugmentation strategies especially for those concerning in situ applications.

Prevalence of diabetes and dyslipidemia in hypertensive patients in the area of Blida (Algeria).

PURPOSE: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and lipid disorders (LD) in hypertensive patients are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications requiring follow-up and more aggressive therapeutic strategies. The main objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of DM and LD in adult hypertensive patients followed in specialized consultation of hypertension in the region of Blida (North Algeria) during the period from January 2013 to June 2017. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 3268 hypertensive patients (1453 men and 1815 women), mean age of 58.3±13.8years. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate means by sex and age for subgroups [under 30, 30-39, 40-49, 50-60, over 70]. A linear regression was used to determine annual trends. The age and sex specific results were adjusted to the general population data of the city of Blida for a period of 4years and each year studied. RESULTS: The mean prevalence of diabetes was 21.8% and glucose tolerance was 10.9% without significant trend of increase during the study period in the overall population and according to sex, while in the subgroup of hypertensive patients over 60, there has been an increase in the prevalence of diabetes and a decrease in glucose tolerance over the 4 years (R2=0.78, P=0.05 and R2=0.95, P=0.005, respectively). The mean prevalence of LD for the study period was 16.1% without significant trend at 4years. The increase in total cholesterol combined with the increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels was the most common disorder (32.2%). There was no significant difference in LD prevalence and characteristics in subgroups by sex. Age group analysis showed a greater increase in the frequency of lipid disorders in patients over 60years of age (R2=0.80, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Over the 4years of study, age over 60 was associated with an increase in the prevalence of metabolic disorders in hypertensive patients. This trend may explain the poor control of BP. Above all, it must be taken into account for the requirement to achieve therapeutic objectives that effectively reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications occurring in these high-risk patients whose number is becoming increasingly important.

Effect of vitamin D on the variability of blood pressure in premenopausal and menopausal hypertensive women in the area of Blida (Algeria).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of 25 (OH) vitamin D supplementation on blood pressure (BP) variability in hypertensive women in the pre-menopausal and post-menopausal periods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 881 hypertensive women prospectively followed for an interventional study between January 2016 and September 2017, in specialized consultation at the department of internal medicine at the Blida University Hospital (Algeria). Four hundred and thiry nine premenopausal women (group I) and 442 menopausal women (group II). The initial serum 25 (OH) D level for each group was determined by the enzyme immunoassay. In groups I and II, we identified 2 subgroups, A: insufficiency (vit D between 29 and 20ng/ml) and B: deficiency (vit D less than 20ng/L). Antihypertensive therapy was supplemented with an additional 200000IU/month cholecalciferol for the two B subgroups. The variability in BP was calculated as the ratio of mean systolic and diastolic BP during daytime and nighttime, with performing ambulatory BP measurement at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: At inclusion, the level of 25 (OH) D was lower (P<0.05) in subgroups IB (19.3±8.5ng/ml) and IIB (18.2±9, 5ng/ml) compared to subgroups IA (28.1±10.7ng/ml) and IIA (25.2±10.1ng/ml). After supplementation, the level of 25 (OH) D increased in subgroup IB (38.3±11.9ng/ml) and in subgroup IIB (37.3±10, 5ng/ml) and became higher (P<0.001) than in subgroups IA and IIA. Between subgroups IA and IB, at inclusion, there is no difference (P>0.05) in the SBP and DBP variability during the day and at night. After treatment, the variability of the SBP at night became lower (P<0.02) in group IB compared to group IA. In subgroup IIB, daytime variability indices were higher (P=0.04) at inclusion than in group IIA. After treatment, the variability of SBP during the day decreased but remained the highest (P<0.05) in subgroup IIB (14.8±10.8mmHg) compared to subgroup IB (12.0±8.1mmHg), as well as to subgroups IIA (10.9±9.8mmHg) and IA (10±8.1mmHg). We found a significant correlation of cholecalciferol with the variability of SBP during the day. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency appears to be a factor of BP variability. Although the variability of the postmenopausal group remains higher than that of the other groups, the correction of the level of 25 (OH) D by the supply of cholecalciferol 200000 IU per month leads to a reduction in the variability of BP in the studied hypertensive women could help to prevent morbimortal complications.

Differences in prevalence, treatment and control rates of hypertension between male and female in the area of Blida (Algeria).

PURPOSE: To compare differences in prevalence rates, treatment and control of hypertension (AHT) between males and females in general medicine consultation in the area of Blida (Algeria). METHODS: We included 3622 patients in the study (42% males and 58% females), with a mean age of 48.14±10.11 years, examined between January 2014 and June 2016 in general medicine consultation in the area of Blida (Algeria). Data was collected with individual questionnaires. Measurement of blood pressure was made using validated semi-automatic devices (OMRON HEM model 705CP). Individuals using antihypertensive drugs and/or blood pressure (BP) greater than or equal to 140/90mmHg were considered as hypertensives. The knowledge about the disease was identified among those who claimed to be aware of the diagnosis before the measurements. The treatment rate was calculated with those who reported using antihypertensive drugs. Controlled blood pressure was considered in individuals with values lower than 140/90mmHg. Lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL cholesterol), and fasting blood sugar were measured. All calculations and statistical analyses are processed by the SPSS 20.0. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension was higher among men (46.2%) than women (31.6%) (P<0.001), and among aged over 55 years (P< 0.05) and those that have referred hypertensive parents (P<0.05). Among hypertensive men, 55.7% knew the diagnosis, 63.6% of them were under treatment, and 22% had controlled BP. Among the hypertensive women 69.8% knew the diagnosis, 85.1% were under treatment and 35.6% were with controlled BP (P<0.001 for the three variables). The most frequent associated risk factors were diabetes mellitus in 36.8% of the patients, obesity in 35.7% of the patients, microalbuminuria in 23.6% of the patients, hypercholesterolemia>2g/L in 11.6% of the patients, smoking in 7.7% of them. Presence of controlled AHT was not found to be associated with presence of other risk factors. The likelihood of having AHT was higher among men, diabetics, older subjects and higher BMI. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed the high prevalence of AHT in general medicine consultation in Blida, which is a representative city in the north of Algeria. Although women are better treated, much remains to be done to reach BP goal, much in our countries which have the least financial resources to combat cardiovascular disabilities.

Radiation Therapy for Primary Eyelid Cancers in Tunisia.

Management of eyelid cancers is based on surgery and/or radiotherapy (RT). The treatment objective is to control tumors with acceptable functional and esthetic outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of radiation therapy in management of epithelial eyelid cancers, reviewing retrospectively the clinical records of patients treated in our institution from January 1989 to December 2013. We focused on clinical and histological features, treatment characteristics, tolerance and disease control. One hundred and eight patients (62 men and 46 women) were enrolled, with a mean age of 61 years [ranges 1587]. The most frequent tumor location was the inner canthus (42.6%). Median tumor size was 21 mm [ranges 470]. Histological type was basal cell carcinoma in 88 cases (81.5%), squamous cell carcinoma in 16 (14.8%) and sebaceous carcinoma in 4 (3.7%). Radiation therapy was exclusive in 67 cases (62%) and postoperative for positive or close margins in the remaining cases. Kilovoltage external beam radiotherapy (KVRT) was used in 63 patients (58.3%) and lowdoserate interstitial brachytherapy in 37 (34.3%). Eight (7.4%) were treated with cobalt or with a combination of KVRTcobalt, KVRTelectron beams, KVRTbrachytherapy or cobaltelectron beams. The total delivered radiation doses were 70 Gy (2 Gy/fraction) in 62 patients (57.4%), 66 Gy (2 Gy/fraction) in 37 (34.3%) and 61.2 Gy (3.4Gy/fraction) in 9 (8.3%). After a median followup of 64 months, we noted 10 cases of local recurrences(9.2%): 7 after exclusive and 3 after postoperative RT. No local recurrence occurred in patients treated with brachytherapy. Actuarial 5year local recurrencefree rate, diseasefree survival and overall survival were respectively 90%, 90% and 97%. Tstage was found to be a significant factor for recurrence (p=0.047). All acute radiationrelated reactions were scored grade I or II. Delayed effects were eye watering in 24 cases (22.2%), eye dryness in 19 (17.6%), unilateral cataract in 7 (6.4%) and ectropion in 4 (3.7%). Radiation therapy and especially brachytherapy is an efficient treatment of eyelid cancers, allowing eye conservation and functional preservation with good local control rates and acceptable toxicity.

[The characteristics of arterial hypertension in postmenopausal women in the area of Blida (Algeria)]. / Les caractéristiques de l'hypertension artérielle chez la femme ménopausée dans la région de Blida (Algérie).

OBJECTIVE: Assess the prevalence, the degree of control, and the comorbidities of hypertension in postmenopausal women. DESIGNS AND METHODS: This is a cohort descriptive and prospective study conducted in 2years in a population with hypertension treated for arterial hypertension in specialized university hospital in Blida, which included one thousand seven hundred and twenty-one postmenopausal women with amenorrhea fore more than 12 consecutive months. All anthropometric data were recorded. All cardiovascular complications were sought. All calculations and statistical analysis are processed by the SPSS 20.0. RESULTS: The mean age of onset menopause is 50.7±6.2yearsold. The prevalence of hypertension is 71%, significantly higher in postmenopausal women aged 65 and over. Among women, 82.3% had a systolic arterial pressure>150mmHg and 42.2% had a diastolic arterial pressure>90mmHg. The prevalence of diabetes was 34.8%, and 88.4% presented type 2 diabetes. Tobacco in 1.3%, hypoHDLmia in 52%, the hypertriglyceridemia in 43.5%, obesity in 31.7%. The metabolic syndrome in 57.8%. The major cardiovascular complications observed are: stroke in 26.4%, heart failure in 14.8%, myocardial infarction in 13.2%, renal failure in 10.1%. The control of high blood pressure is achieved only in 31.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The systolic blood pressure is more important than the diastolic blood pressure in postmenopausal women. The cerebral vascular accident remains the most feared complication. The control of hypertension remains not enough and the balance of arterial pressure figures is highly recommended to avoid morbidity and fatal complications.

Association study of apolipoprotein E promoter polymorphism (-427 T/C) and Alzheimer's disease in a Tunisian population.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with an as yet poorly understood etiology. Both environmental and genetic factors have been implicated as predisposing factors. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ɛ4 allele is an established genetic susceptibility factor for AD for several populations including the Tunisian population. Polymorphism rs769446 (-427 T/C) at the promoter region of the APOE gene is postulated to affect the expression of the gene through differential binding of transcription factors. AIMS: This study aims at examining the APOE promoter polymorphism rs769446 for possible association with AD in a Tunisian population. METHODS: Using a case-control study design, a sample of 85 patients and 90 controls were investigated for association with the rs769446 polymorphism. RESULTS: No evidence of association was found in this population upon comparison between patients and healthy controls or upon stratification by APOE É›4. CONCLUSIONS: Investigations of potential gene-gene and gene-environmental interactions for this polymorphism need to be further conducted.

[The metabolic syndrome in hypertensive black population of South Algeria]. / Le syndrome métabolique chez les hypertendus de la population noire du sud algérien.

INTRODUCTION: The metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. It exposes to two main complications: cardiovascular diseases and type II diabetes. This risk is higher among women. It causes a high cardiovascular mortality. OBJECTIVES: Assess the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) among our black hypertensive population. Study of the distribution of the different criteria in the cluster. Search cardiovascular complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This longitudinal study that was carried out included one thousand five hundred and fifty subjects of both sexes from black and white populations aged 40 and older, living in the Algerian Sahara and reviewed after six years of decline. The control consisted of filling a questionnaire oriented on civil status, in addition to a clinical examination, including morphometry, measurement of blood pressure performed with validated electronic device (OMRON 705 CP). Also, a biological check-up was done (glycemy, HDL, cholesterol). A univariate and multivariate analysis have been carried out. All calculations and statistical analyzes are processed by the SPSS 17.0 and Epi Info6 software. RESULTS: The MS frequency is 20.8%, more frequent among women than among men, with a significant difference (28.4% versus 15.1%, P<0.001). We found out a difference between black and white populations in terms of obesity (37.6% versus 31.1%), hypertension (60.6% versus 55.0%), diabetes (25.2% versus 19.2%) or other metabolic syndrome criteria. The most frequent complications according to decreasing frequency are: hospitalization for cardiovascular diseases 8.9%, stroke 6.3%, heart failure 5.8%, myocardial infarction 3.6%. The mortality rate is 14.7% among the blacks and 11.3% among the whites without difference. The survival rate of the population is influenced by the MS and by a non-checked blood pressure by an antihypertensive treatment. CONCLUSION: The MS is highly prevailing among hypertensive black population, and significantly higher among women. The ranking of the cluster elements frequency shows clearly the specifities of our population. It is necessary to elaborate an adequate strategy to prevent such cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

[Evaluation of administration errors of injectable drugs in neonatology]. / Évaluation des erreurs d'administration des médicaments injectables en néonatologie.

OBJECTIVE: Use of injectable drugs in newborns represents more than 90% of prescriptions and requires special precautions in order to ensure more safety and efficiency. The aim of this study is to gather errors relating to the administration of injectable drugs and to suggest corrective actions. METHODS: This descriptive and transversal study has evaluated 300 injectable drug administrations in a neonatology unit. Two hundred and sixty-one administrations have contained an error. Data are collected by direct observations of administrative act. RESULTS: Errors observed are: an inappropriate mixture (2.6% of cases); an incorrect delivery rate (33.7% of cases); incorrect dilutions (26.7% of cases); error in calculation of the dose to be injected (16.7% of cases); error while sampling small volumes (6.3% of cases); error or omission of administration schedule (1% of cases). CONCLUSION: These data have enabled us to evaluate administration of injectable drugs in neonatology. Different types of errors observed could be a source of therapeutic inefficiency, extended lengths of stay or iatrogenic drug. Following these observations, corrective actions have been undertaken by pharmacists and consist of: organizing training sessions for nursing; developing an explanatory guide for dilution and administration of injectable medicines, which was made available to the clinical service. Collaborative strategies doctor-nurse-pharmacist can help to reduce errors in the medication process especially during his administration. It permits improvement of injectable drugs use, offering more security and better efficiency and contribute to guarantee ideal therapy for patients.

Allochthonous bioaugmentation in ex situ treatment of crude oil-polluted sediments in the presence of an effective degrading indigenous microbiome.

Oil-polluted sediment bioremediation depends on both physicochemical and biological parameters, but the effect of the latter cannot be evaluated without the optimization of the former. We aimed in optimizing the physicochemical parameters related to biodegradation by applying an ex-situ landfarming set-up combined with biostimulation to oil-polluted sediment, in order to determine the added effect of bioaugmentation by four allochthonous oil-degrading bacterial consortia in relation to the degradation efficiency of the indigenous community. We monitored hydrocarbon degradation, sediment ecotoxicity and hydrolytic activity, bacterial population sizes and bacterial community dynamics, characterizing the dominant taxa through time and at each treatment. We observed no significant differences in total degradation, but increased ecotoxicity between the different treatments receiving both biostimulation and bioaugmentation and the biostimulated-only control. Moreover, the added allochthonous bacteria quickly perished and were rarely detected, their addition inducing minimal shifts in community structure although it altered the distribution of the residual hydrocarbons in two treatments. Therefore, we concluded that biodegradation was mostly performed by the autochthonous populations while bioaugmentation, in contrast to biostimulation, did not enhance the remediation process. Our results indicate that when environmental conditions are optimized, the indigenous microbiome at a polluted site will likely outperform any allochthonous consortium.

Evaluation of a new supraglottic airway device in ambulatory surgery: the I-gel.

BACKGROUND: The I-gel® is a new single-use supraglottic airway device with a non-inflatable cuff. It is composed of a thermoplastic elastomer and a soft gel-like cuff that adapts to the hypopharyngeal anatomy. Its tube is profiled to facilitate and stabilize its insertion. aim : The aim of our study is to state the efficiency and the place of I-gel® in airway management in adult anaesthetic practice. methods: One hundred patients, ASA I-II, scheduled for shortduration elective surgery under general anaesthesia were included in this prospective study. Patients with neck pathology, previous or anticipated airway problems, increased risk of regurgitation or aspiration, ASA III and above and undergoing emergency surgery were not included in the study. We collected the following data: adequacy of the size recommended to the patient, ease in inserting the I-gel®, leak fraction, gastric leak, complications during insertion and removal, ease in inserting the gastric tube, haemodynamic and ventilatory parameters, stability during patient movement and satisfaction of the anaesthetists. results: The success rate of insertion and the use of the I-gel was respectively 99% and 96%. The device was inserted at the first attempt in 92% of cases. The introduction of the I-gel® was rated easy in 99% of cases taking a median of 13 seconds. Complications of insertion were restricted to coughing in 5 patients and hiccups in 7 patients. There were no significant increase in heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure compared to pre-insertion values. An audible leak was recorded in 14.6% of cases. The need for additional manoeuvres was less than or equal to 2 in 96.9 % of patients. The mean of the recorded peak airway pressure values was 18 cmH2O. After a fibreoptic exam via the airway tube, the glottis was completely seen in 74% of cases and partially seen in 14.6%. Two cases of gastric inflation were recorded. There was no case of regurgitation or hypoxemic episode during this trial. Post-operatively sore-throat was reported by one patient in recovery. After I-gel withdrawal, trace of blood was observed in 5 devices. One case of dental trauma was noted. 95% of the anaesthetists were satisfied with the use of the I-gel in their pratice. CONCLUSION: This study showed that I-gel® can be used safely and effectively in patients undergoing short-duration elective surgery because the I-gel® has a very good insertion success rate and few complications. The fibreoptic position of the device was correct and the ventilation was highly effective. These elements must be corroborated in larger series.

[Cardiovascular morbimortality after a follow-up of six years in black hypertensive in South Algeria]. / Morbimortalité cardiovasculaires en 6ans des hypertendus noirs du sud algérien.

INTRODUCTION: Arterial hypertension is a major public health problem not only internationally, but also in our country, and it is the major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In south Algeria, the black population is nearly half the population of the oases of the Algerian Sahara. THE OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: The objectives of the study are to analyze the long-term fate of the black hypertensive subjects in Algerian oases in southern Algeria, in terms of morbidity and mortality, comparing the morphometric profile and cardiovascular complications with the white population of the same oases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One thousand four hundred and twenty-five subjects of both sexes were included (811 blacks and 614 white subjects), aged 40 and older, living in the Algerian Sahara and were reviewed after six years of decline. The control consisted of filling a questionnaire oriented on civil status, target organ damage, the number of hospitalizations and mortality. All calculations and statistical analyzes are processed by the SPSS 17.0 and Epi Info6 software. RESULTS: Mean age for the black population and the white population was 60.3±11.1 and 58.6±10.6years, respectively. The incidence of hypertension was 50 % among blacks. The main complications observed were: stroke in 3.8 %, heart failure in 3.1 %, myocardial infarction in 1.7 %, hospitalizations related to cardiovascular complications of the black population was around 4.4 %, mortality 5.4 %. CONCLUSION: These data on hypertension black subjects emphasize the importance of a policy of adequate local health issues raised, both in terms of the management of hypertension, as in investment in local medical research.

[Predictive factors of esophagojejunal fistula after total gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients]. / Facteurs prédictifs du lâchage de l'anastomose oeso-jéjunale après gastrectomie totale pour cancer.

BACKGROUND: The main complication observed after total gastrectomy is the oesophagojejunal anastomosic fistla. Its incidence varies between 7.4% and 11.5%. The mortality after anastomic leafage is high at around 20%, representing 30% and 54% of global mortality after total gastrectomy. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate mortality and morbidity after total gastrectomy and to determine their predictive factor METHODS: this is retrospective study about 80 cases of total gastrectomy for gastric cancer, collected in the departmentof General Surgery of the University Hospital Habib Thameur Tunis during the period 1 January 1995 to 31 December 2010. Reconstruction of the alimentary tract was achieved by Roux-en-Y-jejunal-loop. RESULTS: Esophagojejunal anastomotic leeakage developed in 14 patients (17%). In 8 patients treatment of anastomotic leakage consisted of re-operation with surgical drainage and confection of jejunostomy. in one patient treatment required resutre of the anastomosis and drainage of an abscess. In one patient treatment required resuture of the anastomosis and drainage of an abscess. in 5 of the 14 patients with a proven leak of oesophagojejunal anastomosis, conservative treatment with parental alimentation, placement of an irrigation-aspiration system and systemic antibiotics was performed. This treatment was successful in all cases. The presence of anastomic fistula extends the median lenght of post operative stay in the hospital of 20 days compared for the payents withiut fistula.Global mortalilty was 8/80 (10%). After esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage, the mortality was 3/8 (21%). CONCLUSION: Leakage of the oesophago-intestinal anastomosis may occur after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. it's serious complication contributes to mortality after total gastrectomy. Knowledge of the predective factors of esophagojejunal fistula after total gastrectomy in gastric cancer can decrease its incidence .

Fracture resistance of three ceramic inlay-retained fixed partial denture designs. An in vitro comparative study.

PURPOSE: The fracture resistance of ceramic inlay-retained fixed partial dentures (CIRFPDs) was studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty CIRFPDs were constructed using ice zircon milled ceramic material. Specimens were divided into three groups, 10 specimens each, according to the abutment preparation: inlay-shaped (occluso-proximal inlay + proximal box), tub-shaped (occluso-proximal inlay), and proximal box-shaped preparations. Each group was then subdivided into two subgroups of five specimens each, according to the span of the edentulous area representing a missing premolar or molar. All specimens were subjected to a fracture resistance test. RESULTS: CIRFPDs with inlay-shaped retainers showed the highest fracture resistance values for missing premolars and molars. CIRFPDs with box-shaped retainers showed lower fracture resistance values. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the three tested CIRFPD designs. There was a statistically significant difference between CIRFPDs constructed for the replacement of molars and those constructed for the replacement of premolars. The CIRFPD constructed for the replacement of molars gave lower fracture resistance values with the three tested designs. All the fracture resistance values obtained in this study were superior to the assumed maximum mastication forces. Failure mode was delamination and chipping of the veneering material. CONCLUSIONS: There was a statistically significant difference between the three designs of CIRPFDs tested. There was a statistically significant difference between CIRFPDs constructed for the replacement of molars than those constructed for the replacement of premolars. The CIRFPDs constructed for the replacement of molars gave lower fracture resistance values with the three tested designs. All fracture resistance values obtained in this study were superior to the assumed maximum mastication forces.

Assessment of an indirect metal ceramic repair system.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to compare an alternative indirect treatment to repair fractured or chipped veneering metal ceramic using recently developed ultra-low-fusing ceramics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One conventional feldspathic ceramic, Vita Omega, and three ultra-low-fusing ceramics (ULFC), Finesse, Duceram LFC, and Vision-low, were used. Forty ceramic specimens were prepared and divided into two groups. Group I (n = 20) was designed for bond strength testing. It comprised four subgroups (A, B, C, D): one Ceramic-resin (A) and three Ceramic-ULFC disc specimens of different diameters (B, C, D). Group II was composed of repaired ceramic discs using direct and indirect repair methods for biaxial testing. It was comprised of five subgroups: the fractured discs from subgroup A; Omega discs (n = 20) formed the repaired specimens of the four remaining subgroups: B, C, D, E. Data were presented as means and standard deviation (SD) values. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for comparison between means. Tukey's post hoc test was used for pairwise comparison between the means when ANOVA test was significant. The significance level was set at p

The effect of bleaching agents on the surface topography of ceramometal dental alloys.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of bleaching agents on the surface topography of ceramometal alloys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three types of ceramometal alloys were used (gold, Ni-Cr, Co-Cr-Ti), and two types of bleaching agents (an agent intended for home use, one intended for use in the dental office) were studied. Forty-five specimens were constructed and divided according to the alloy type into three main groups, 15 specimens per group. Each group was further subdivided into three subgroups according to the type of bleaching agent used. The first subgroup (five specimens) was not subjected to any bleaching agent. The second and third subgroups were subjected to home and in-office bleaching agents, respectively. RESULTS: Au alloy showed the least surface roughness when subjected to either of the two bleaching agents. Ni-Cr alloys showed the highest surface roughness for both the control and home bleached subgroups, and Co-Cr-Ti alloy showed the highest surface roughness in the in-office bleached subgroup. No statistically significant difference was found between the control subgroup and the home-bleached subgroup for either the Au alloy or the Co-Cr-Ti alloy. For the two alloys, both the control and home-bleached subgroups were statistically different from the in-office bleached subgroups. There was a statistically significant difference between the Ni-Cr control subgroup and the other two bleached subgroups, while there was no difference between the two bleached subgroups. Results also showed that increasing the concentration of bleaching agents increased the surface roughness of all the tested alloys. There was a statistical difference between the Ni-Cr alloy and the other two alloys in all tested subgroups except the in-office bleached subgroup, for which no difference between the surface roughness of the Ni-Cr alloy and the Co-Cr-Ti alloy was found. Scanning electron microscopic examination revealed surface deteriorations in the two bleached subgroups for all tested ceramometallic alloys. CONCLUSION: Surface topographic alterations occurred as a result of the application of bleaching agents. These alterations increased with the increase of the carbamide peroxide concentration.

[Perineal recurrence of an aggressive angiomyxoma: Is an incomplete resection useful?]. / Récidive d'un angiomyxome périnéal agressif : une chirurgie d'exérèse incomplète est-elle utile?

Angiomyxoma is a rare but aggressive mesenchymal tumor. It commonly develops in the pelvis, perineum and groin and is more common in females. Angiomyxoma characteristically has a high incidence of local recurrence. The only treatment of recurrence is surgical re-excision. We report a case of recurrent aggressive angiomyxoma, which was only incompletely resected.