Surface roughness and optical characteristics evaluations after chairside adjustment of different zirconia types.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Limited evidence is available for the effect of chairside adjustment using rotary cutting instruments on the surface roughness and optical properties of different zirconia types. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of simulated adjustments on surface roughness and optical properties of different zirconia types. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three Partially Stabilized Zirconia (PSZ) types based on mole percent yttria (Y) concentration from the same manufacturer (Katana; Kuraray) were used: 3Y-PSZ, 4Y-PSZ, and 5Y-PSZ. Thirty disk-shaped specimens (Ø14 × 1.2 mm) from different zirconia types (N = 90) were prepared. Specimens were either left without adjustment (NA), adjusted with Dialite ZR finishing and polishing system (Brasseler) (APol), or adjusted with course diamond instruments only (ADia). The specimens were distributed into 9 groups (n = 10): Group 3Y-PSZ/NA, Group 3Y-PSZ/APol, Group 3Y-PSZ/ADia, Group 4Y-PSZ/NA, Group 4Y-PSZ/APol, Group 4Y-PSZ/ADia, Group 5Y-PSZ/NA, Group 5Y-PSZ/APol, and Group 5Y-PSZ/ADia. The surface roughness of specimen was analyzed using an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) (Bruker's Dimension Icon, Bruker) and Root Means Square (RMS) were recorded (nm). Surface Gloss (SG), Translucency Parameter (TP), and Contrast Ratio (CR) values of all groups were recorded using an integrating sphere spectrophotometer. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's multiple comparison tests for pairwise comparisons at p < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: APol had no effect on the surface roughness (p = 0.88) while ADia had a significant negative effect (p < 0.05) despite the type of zirconia. Out of the three testes optical properties, only SG was negatively affected by ADia for all types of zirconia (p < 0.05). The two adjustment types did not affect the TP of all the tested zirconia (p = 0.91). The CR was not affected by the tested adjustments for all zirconia types (p = 0.726). CONCLUSION: Proper zirconia adjustment following a sequence of burs and polishers can maintain acceptable roughness and optical properties. Adjustment of zirconia with rough diamond can lead to deleterious effects and should be avoided. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Chairside adjustment of zirconia could lead to rougher surface and unpredictable changes of surface gloss. Therefore, zirconia adjustment should be minimized to the greatest extent possible and a proper protocol should be followed if had to be done.

Current Perspectives, Practices, and Barriers Faced by Community Pharmacists Regarding Pharmaceutical Care Services for Diabetes Mellitus in the United Arab Emirates.

Background: Providing accurate and sufficient information is a crucial requirement for delivering effective diabetes care, making it essential for community pharmacists to possess adequate knowledge of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its management. Objective: To investigate community pharmacists' level of expertise and engagement in providing counseling and health promotion services for individuals with DM in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. The community Pharmacies were chosen via random sampling and researchers then conducted face-to-face interviews with them using the structured questionnaire. The questionnaire included demographic data, 14 questions on the knowledge and 9 questions about the practice concerning pharmaceutical care for Diabetes Mellitus. Results: The average age ± SD was 31 ± 6.3. Of the total 516 community pharmacists recruited in the study, 37.2% (n=192) were male and 62.8% (n=324) were female. The average knowledge score about DM prevention and management was 9.7 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) [9.5, 9.9] and the average practice score about DM prevention and management was 7.1 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) [6.9, 7.2]. Better knowledge scores were observed in chief pharmacists (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.08-1.56), pharmacists with 6-10 Years of experience (OR 6.92; 95% CI 3.43-8.86), pharmacist with > 10 years of experience (OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.67-2.36), when the number of patients the pharmacist serve is 5-10 (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.06-1.53) and being trained on DM prevention and management (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.92-2.47). Similarly, better practice scores were observed in older participants (OR1.02; 95% CI 1.001-1.03), chain pharmacies (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.20-1.68), chief pharmacists (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.18-2.06), when the number of patients the pharmacists serve was 5-10 (OR 12.26; 95% CI 7.26-16.19), when the number of patients the pharmacists serve was 11-20 (OR 4.23; 95% CI 3.54-5.06) and being trained on DM prevention and management (OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.11-1.59). The most commonly reported barriers to providing counseling and health promotion services for diabetes mellitus (DM) in community pharmacies include a lack of coordination with other healthcare professionals (77%) and insufficient knowledge or clinical skills (68.7%). Conclusion: Our study revealed that community pharmacy staff members displayed a noteworthy level of involvement in providing pharmaceutical care services for patients with diabetes mellitus. Based on these findings, it is recommended to enhance pharmacy education by incorporating more advanced, evidence-based training and curricula focusing on disease management and appropriate therapies, particularly for diabetes.

Zirconia restoration types, properties, tooth preparation design, and bonding. A narrative review.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review was to provide dental professionals with information regarding the various types of zirconia restorations, their mechanical and optical properties, tooth preparation design, and bonding protocol in an effort to enhance the longevity and durability of zirconia restorations. OVERVIEW: The yttria content of zirconia ceramics determines their classification. The mechanical and optical properties of each type are discussed, with an emphasis on the effect of yttria concentration on the properties of zirconia. The processing and sintering methods are also discussed as they have a direct impact on the properties of zirconia. The design of tooth preparation, specifically occlusal reduction, varies depending on the type of zirconia used in each case. Finally, a protocol for zirconia restoration bonding is described to ensure optimal bonding to the tooth structure. CONCLUSION: Not all zirconia restorations are the same. The selection of zirconia type based on yttria concentration, processing and sintering methods, tooth preparation design, and adherence to the bonding protocol are all critical to the success and longevity of zirconia restorations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Zirconia restorations are the most commonly used indirect restorative material. The selection of the most appropriate zirconia type based on its yttria content, which determines its strength and translucency, is critical to the success and the longevity of the restoration. Tooth preparation design also influences the strength and translucency of the zirconia. Air-borne particle abrasion, followed by a ceramic primer and resin cement, can ensure a durable bond to the tooth structure.

Community pharmacists' perspectives on cardiovascular disease pharmaceutical care in the United Arab Emirates: a questionnaire survey-based analysis.

Background: Community pharmacists play an intermediary role between prescribing physicians and patients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and thus are responsible for ensuring that patients receive optimal cardiovascular disease (CVD) pharmaceutical care. Methods: we used a cross-sectional design to assess the perceptions and practices of community pharmacists concerning pharmaceutical care for patients with CVD. A trained researcher visited randomly selected community pharmacies and used a structured questionnaire to conduct in-person interviews with pharmacists. The questionnaire collected demographic data and information on perceptions and practices regarding CVD pharmaceutical care. Results: Five hundred and fifty-one participants were recruited. The average participant age (mean ± SD) was 35 ± 2.7 years. The average perception score regarding CVD prevention and management was 75.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 77.1%-74.2%), and the average practice score for CVD prevention and management was 87.1% (95% CI 76.5%-79.6%). Bivariate analysis revealed that gender (p = 0.001), education level (p < 0.001), pharmacy position (p = 0.004), work experience (p < 0.001), number of patients served per day (p < 0.001) and being trained on CVD prevention and management (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with perceptions about the prevention and management of CVD. Better practice scores were seen among older participants (OR 1.01; 95% CI 1-1.019), postgraduates (OR 1.77; 95% CI 1.66-1.89), workers at chain pharmacies (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.11-1.39), pharmacists in charge (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.01-1.47), pharmacists with >10 years of experience (OR 11.3; 95% CI 6.01-15.62), pharmacists with 6-10 years of experience (OR 4.42; 95% CI 3.90-5) and pharmacists trained on CVD prevention and management (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.15-1.46). Conclusion: Pharmacy practitioners working in community pharmacies in the UAE actively engage in delivering pharmaceutical care to patients, playing a role in CVD management and prevention. However, they showed low levels of involvement in other healthcare services, specifically in screening and measuring patients' weight, glucose levels, and blood pressure, monitoring treatment responses, maintaining medical records, and reviewing medication refill histories. Activities such as educating patients, providing medication counseling, offering support for treatment adherence, and fostering collaborative relationships with other healthcare providers should be encouraged among UAE community pharmacists to ensure the provision of high-quality patient care.

Sealing ability in vitro study and biocompatibility in vivo animal study of different bioceramic based sealers.

INTRODUCTION: The effectiveness of root canal therapy in endodontic practice is largely determined by providing a compact fluid-tight closure at the apex of the root canal, which inhibits irritant entry and buildup, which leads to a biological breakdown of the attachment mechanism and failure. During obturation, along with gutta-percha, root canal sealers are employed to fill voids and seal root canals. Root canal sealers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own set. AIM: Evaluation of sealing ability in vitro study by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and biocompatibility in vivo animals study of BioRoot RCS and meta Biomed bio_ceramic sealer (CeraSeal RCS) and compared the findings with that of Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) sealer as control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study utilized two bio_ceramic sealers (BioRoot RCS and meta Biomed bio_ceramic sealer (CeraSeal RCS) and compared the findings with that of ZOE sealer as control. Biocompatibility was determined by examining histopathological biopsy specimens collected from rabbits. Each rabbit had four dentin tubes implanted into the subcutaneous tissues, one for BioRoot RCS, one for CeraSeal RCS, and one for ZOE RCS, with the fourth tube being empty haematoxylin and eosin were used to stain histological sections, and a light microscope was used to evaluate them. Extracted human single canal premolars were used to evaluate the sealing ability. The root canals were divided into three sections (coronal, middle, and apical). SEM was used to assess the adhesion quality at the sealer-dentin interface. RESULTS: BioRoot and CeraSeal sealers have excellent sealing adaptation and biocompatibility, as well as rapid tissue recovery, while ZOE sealers have a slower recovery of inflammatory reaction results when compared to bio_root and ceraSeal sealers, as well as a less sealing adaptation than the two other bio_ceramic sealers. CONCLUSION: In general, the two bioceramic sealers tested were biocompatible and capable of sealing or adhesion. While ZOE had less adherence ability and less biocompatibility.

Prevalence, Knowledge and Potential Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptability Among University Students in the United Arab Emirates: Findings and Implications.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence, knowledge, attitude and acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccines and related factors among university students in the United Arab Emirates. METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional study undertaken among a convenient sample of medical and non-medical colleges of Ajman University using a self-administrated questionnaire. The questionnaire included demographic data as well as assessing knowledge of COVID-19, attitudes and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. RESULTS: A total of 467 students participated in the study and completed the questionnaire. A total of 181 (38.8%) participants reported that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 virus, principally with the Sinopharm vaccine (84%). Vaccination against the COVID-19 virus was less prevalent among Arabic nationalities compared to other nationalities, but more prevalent among students from health science colleges compared to those from non-health science colleges. The acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccine among study participants was 56.3%, exacerbated by worries regarding unforeseen problems (65.5%, 306), general mistrust (47.3%, 221) and unforeseen impacts (35.1%, 164). The average knowledge score was 60.1%, with 142 (30.4%) having poor knowledge, 127 (27.2%) acceptable knowledge and 198 (42.4%) good knowledge. There were common misconceptions about symptoms including nausea and diarrhoea, as well as the route of transmission, with half believing antibiotics are effective treatment. CONCLUSION: There was variable knowledge of COVID-19 among students. Misconceptions need addressing going forward. To enhance COVID-19 vaccination uptake in the country and worldwide, health education targeting diverse sociodemographic categories should be prioritized.

Optical properties of bisacryl-, composite-, ceramic- resin restorative materials: An aging simulation study.

OBJECTIVE: Compare optical properties of a bisacryl-, composite-, and ceramic-resin restorative materials pre and post artificial aging. METHODS: Bisacryl-resin (LuxaCrown [LC], DMG), resin-composite (Filtek Supreme Ultra, [Filtek SU] 3M ESPE), and ceramic-resin (Enamic, VITA Zahnfabrik) specimens were prepared. The L*, C*ab , and hab values were measured pre and post artificial aging to determine color stability (CIEDE2000) and changes in contrast ratio (CR), transmittance block, and relative translucency parameter. The datasets were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA followed by pairwise comparisons. RESULTS: Color difference data showed a significant interaction between materials and treatments [F(6:60) = 375.04, P < .0001] with Enamic being most color stable material and coffee having most effect on color stability. CR data showed a significant interaction between materials and treatments [F(6:60) = 4.12, P = .0016]. LC showing most change in CR values with coffee treatment. Change in transmittance blocked by Filtek SU and LC was greater for coffee treatment than that by each of the other treatments (P < .0001). Filtek SU and LC, coffee produced a greater decrease in relative translucency than that each of the other treatments (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Resin-based materials demonstrate optical properties that encourage their use for direct/indirect restorative options. Color stability and translucency of these materials are proportionally related. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding the optical properties of resin-based materials provides help in material selection and provides insight into clinical performance and esthetic longevity. The optical stability of certain bisacryl-resin is better than what was previously determined for these restorative materials.

Color and translucency stability of contemporary resin-based restorative materials.

OBJECTIVE: To determine color and translucency stability of present-day resin-based restorative materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Disk-shaped (1.0 × 10 mm) resin composites (Filtek Universal, 3M ESPE; Spectra ST, Dentsply Sirona; Gradia Direct X, GC America; Estilite Quick, Tokuyama; Harmonize, Kerr; ACTIVA Bioactive-Restorative, Pulpdent) were prepared and divided into four staining groups (n = 5); coffee (55°C), grape juice (5°C), deionized water (25°C) and thermocycling (20 000 cycles, 5°C to 55°C with a 30-second dwell time). Spectrophotometer measurements were taken at baseline and 14 days for each group and the color stability (CIEDE2000) and changes in the translucency parameter (RTPCIEDE2000 ) and luminous transmittance of each composite were determined. A 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using maximum likelihood estimations was used for analysis for these changes, with subsequent pairwise comparisons using Bonferroni-corrected Student's t tests and an experiment-wise α = 0.05. RESULTS: A significant interaction (P < .0001) between material and treatment was found for each change in the esthetic property tested over 14 days. Multiple significant differences between materials for each treatment and between treatments for each material were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of color change and translucency of resin-based materials are dependent on their type, mostly affected by the coffee staining medium. Nano-filled resin composite is most resistant to color change and with stable translucency after artificial aging. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nano-filled resin composite may be the most esthetically durable resin- based restorative material. Micro-hybrid resin composite and resin-modified glass ionomer restorative material are susceptible to color change and losing their translucency. Hot coffee solution may shorten the esthetic lifespan of a resin-based material.

Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Knowledge and Perception of Dental Care Providers at Ajman.

AIM: This study aimed to improve our understanding regarding attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) awareness among dental care providers of Ajman University (AU), and also to identify factors that are highly associated with an increased awareness toward ADHD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional survey study designed and carried out among convenience sample of dental care providers. The survey was carried out by using a self-administrated questionnaire. The questionnaire was composed into demographic, socioeconomic, and ADHD information. RESULTS: The study shows low level of awareness toward ADHD. Moreover, participants who provided treatment for a patient with ADHD were found to show higher degree of awareness toward ADHD. DISCUSSION: The existing results will be used in developing a well-planned program and clear polices to increase the level of awareness regarding ADHD.

Training and experience effect on light-curing efficiency by dental practitioners.

BACKGROUND: Light-curing is a crucial step during the application of composite resin restorations. Composite's success depends on delivering enough light energy to the resin to achieve adequate polymerization. However, dentists are not recognizing the importance of proper light-curing technique. OBJECTIVES: To measure light energy delivered to simulated restorations by preclinical dental students and dentists in internship year. To evaluate the effect of experience and training on the clinician's ability to light-cure composite restorations. METHODS: A group of 50 preclinical dental students and a group of 50 internship dentists light-cured for 10 seconds, a simulated class III and class I restorations positioned in a patient simulator (MARC-Patient Simulator [BlueLight Analytics Inc., Canada]) that measured the irradiance and energy delivered by the curing light. Then participants received individualized training on optimizing their light-curing technique. They were retested after the training. Statistical analysis was done with two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. RESULTS: Participants delivered an average of 60% more energy after the instructions, which is a significant improvement (P < 0.05). The number of participants that failed to deliver the minimum amount of energy (6 J/cm²) decreased significantly from 37.5% to 2.5%. There was a significant difference in the amount of energy delivered by the Preclinical and Internship groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Initially, many participants were not using the curing light properly. Light-curing technique improved with training and using a patient simulator. Experience can enhance the operator's ability to light-cure composite restorations. However, a training session can improve light-curing performance more than years of experience.