Human supragingival in vivo calculus formation in relation to saturation of saliva with respect to calcium phosphates.

The aim was to establish if there is a correlation between the rate of formation of supragingival calculus and the degree of supersaturation of saliva with respect to apatite, brushite and other calcium phosphates. The rate of calculus formation was estimated by measuring the calculus formed on lingual surfaces of the lower incisors in 15 individuals during 30 days. Submandibular saliva stimulated with citric acid and resting whole saliva, alter pH determination and ultrafiltration to remove protein was analysed for calcium, phosphate, sodium, potassium and carbonate. The degree of saturation with respect to calcium phosphates was calculated using a computer program. The rate of calculus formation among the 15 participants ranged widely, from a score of 0.5 to a high of 15. A close correlation (r = 0.91) between salivary pH and degree of supersaturation was found A weak correlation between calcium and calculus formation was also found. But neither for unstimulated nor stimulated saliva was a significant relation between supersaturation with respect to any of the calcium phosphates and the rate of calculus formation observed. Therefore, taking into consideration the background of the wide range of rates of calculus formation and of degrees of supersaturation, it was concluded that relation between them is unlikely, and the use of degree of saturation as a diagnostic tool seems unreliable.

Pharmacists' perceptions of mental health care, psychiatrists, and mentally ill patients.

The attitudes of hospital pharmacists in Texas toward mental health care, psychiatrists, and mentally ill patients were evaluated. The pretested survey instrument contained 33 statements, which the respondents graded on a five-step Likert scale. These questionnaires were mailed to a random sample of 300 pharmacists. In general, the 170 respondents perceived psychiatrists and mentally ill patients in a positive manner. The psychiatrist was viewed as a true professional with legitimate expertise, and mentally ill patients were considered to be basically similar to normal individuals, generally rational, nondangerous, and without blame for their disease. The pharmacists showed more negative attitudes toward hospitals for mentally ill patients. They supported statements that depicted mental hospitals as understaffed, too drug oriented, and at times insensitive to individual needs. The surveyed hospital pharmacists generally demonstrated healthy, unprejudiced views toward psychiatrists and mentally ill patients; however, their attitudes toward mental hospitals were skewed in the negative direction.