Fracture strength of endocrown maxillary restorations using different preparation designs and materials.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the impact of preparation design and material types on fracture strength in maxillary premolars endocrowns after thermodynamic aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty two-rooted maxillary premolar crowns underwent endodontic treatment (N = 80, n = 10). The teeth were categorized into ten groups (4-mm deep with no intracanal extension lithium disilicate glass ceramic & multilayer zirconia endocrowns (LE0 & ZE0); 4-mm deep with 4-mm intracanal extension in one canal (LE1 & ZE1); 4-mm deep with 2-mm intracanal extensions in both canals (LE2 & ZE2); flat overlays with no endocore (LO & ZO); glass fiber reinforced post & core and crown (LC & ZC)). After cementation, all specimens were subjected to 1500 thermocycles and 1,200,000 chewing cycles with an axial occlusal load of 49 N. A static loading test was performed at a non-axial 45° loading using a universal testing machine and failure modes (Type I: restoration debonding; Type II: restoration fracture; Type III: restoration/tooth complex fracture above bone level; Type IV: restoration/tooth complex fracture below bone level) were evaluated using a stereoscope. Data were ananalzed using 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: The endocrowns manufactured from multilayered zirconia and pressed lithium disilicate glass ceramic exhibited a fracture load ranging between 1334 ± 332 N and 756 ± 150 N, with ZC presenting the highest and LE2 the lowest values. The differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: All endocrowns tested in this study performed similar considering the different designs and materials tested. The distribution of fracture modes did not differ significantly depending on the design of the restoration and the type of material used.

Evaluation of Marginal and Internal Fit of Ceramic Laminate Veneers Fabricated with Five Intraoral Scanners and Indirect Digitization.

The long-term success of ceramic laminate veneers (CLVs) is influenced by the marginal and internal fit of the restorations. However, studies comparing the fit of CLVs using different intraoral scanners or the indirect digitization technique are lacking. The purpose of this study was therefore to assess the marginal and internal fit of CAD/CAM-milled CLVs using different intraoral scanners and the indirect digitalization technique. An ivorine typodont maxillary left-central incisor was prepared; the tooth and the neighboring teeth were scanned and used as a template to print ninety 3D partial models. Thereafter, ceramic laminate veneers (CLVs) (N = 90) were milled from IPS-Emax CAD blocks and divided into six equal groups (15 specimens each) according to the type of intraoral scanner (IOS), as follows: Omnicam IOS, SC3600 IOS, Trios 3 IOS, Emerald IOS, I500 IOS. Fifteen further CLVs were fabricated using the conventional indirect digitalization technique. After cementation on the resin dies and embedding in clear epoxy resin, specimens were sectioned inciso-gingivally and mesio-distally. At the incisal and cervical positions, the marginal discrepancy was measured and evaluated in addition to the internal gap at six locations using SEM (200×). Differences between gap measurements among the six groups were determined using ANOVA. Games-Howell multiple comparisons for homogenous variances and LSD multiple comparisons for non-homogenous variances were used with 95% confidence intervals. The significance level was set at 0.05. The lowest mean absolute marginal gap at the incisal margins (AMGI) was recorded for Omnicam group (203.28 ± 80.14) µm, while the highest mean absolute marginal gap at the cervical margins (AMGC) was recorded for Omnicam group (147.16 ± 59.78) µm. The mean AMGC was reported to be significantly different between the conventional technique (146.75 ± 38.43) µm and Trios 3 (91.86 ± (35.51) µm; p = 0.001) and between Emerald (112.37 ± (50.31) µm; p = 0.042) and I500 (86.95 ± (41.55) µm; p < 0.001). The mean MGI was found to be significantly different between the conventional technique (114.11 ± (43.45) µm and I500 group (186.99 ± (73.84) µm) only (p = 0.035). However, no significant differences were found in the mean MGI between all types of IOSs. The means of AMG and MG were significantly different at incisal or cervical areas between the conventional technique and IOSs and within the scanner groups (p > 0.05). Marginal gaps were higher in the incisal region compared to the cervical region with both the indirect digitization technique and the IOSs. Ceramic laminate veneers (CLVs) fabricated using IOSs produced overall internal and marginal fit adaptation results comparable to CLVs fabricated from the indirect digitalization method, and both techniques produced clinically acceptable results.

A Comparison of the Surface and Mechanical Properties of 3D Printable Denture-Base Resin Material and Conventional Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).

PURPOSE: To study the surface and mechanical properties of 3D printed denture-base resin materials and compare them with conventional heat-cured polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three brands of 3D printed denture-base resin materials and one conventional heat-cured PMMA were tested in this study: NextDent 3D printed resin, Dentona 3D printed resin, ASIGA 3D printed resin, and Meliodent conventional PMMA. Sixty specimens (25 × 25 × 3 mm) were fabricated (n=15 per group) to perform the following tests: wettability, surface roughness, and microhardness. One hundred twenty specimens (65 × 10 × 3 mm) were fabricated (n=30 per group) and stored in distilled water at (37 ±1°C) for 7 days. Specimens (N = 15) in each group were subjected to the three-point bending test and impact strength test, employing the Charpy configuration on un-notched specimens. The morphology of the fractured specimens was studied under scanning electron microscope (SEM). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey-pairwise multiple comparisons with 95% confidence interval. P-values of ≤0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The conventional heat-cured specimens demonstrated the highest means of surface roughness (0.23 ± 0.07 µm), Vickers hardness number (18.11 ±0.65) and flexural strength (92.44 ±7.91 MPa), and the lowest mean of contact angle (66.71° ±3.38°). ASIGA group showed the highest mean of contact angle (73.44° ±2.74°) and the lowest mean of surface roughness (0.19 ±0.03 µm). The highest mean of impact strength was recorded in the Dentona group (17.98 ±1.76 kg/m2 ). NextDent specimens showed the lowest means of Vickers hardness number (16.20 ±0.93), flexural strength (74.89 ±8.44 MPa), impact strength (15.20 ±0.69 kg/m2 ), and recorded the highest mean of bending modulus (2,115.80 ±178.95 MPa). CONCLUSIONS: 3D printed resin exhibited noticeable differences in surface and mechanical properties between different brands and with conventional heat-polymerized PMMA.

Durability of cantilever inlay-retained fixed dental prosthesis fabricated from multilayered zirconia ceramics with different designs.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this in-vitro study was to investigate the effect of framework design on fracture resistance and failure modes of cantilever inlay-retained fixed partial dentures (IRFDPs) fabricated from two multilayered monolithic zirconia materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two natural premolar teeth were prepared as abutments for cantilever IRFDPs using three designs: mesial-occlusal (MO) inlay with short buccal and palatal wings (D1), MO inlay with long palatal wing (D2), MO inlay with long palatal wing and occlusal extension (D3). Full-contoured IRFDPs were fabricated from two monolithic zirconia materials; IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime and Zolid Gen-X. Adhesive surfaces were air-abraded and bonded with MDP-containing resin cement. Specimens were subjected to thermocycling (5-55 °C, 5000 cycles); then, mechanical loading (1.2 × 106 cycles, 49 N). Surviving specimens were loaded until failure in the universal testing machine. All specimens were examined under stereomicroscope, and two samples from each group were evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscope. RESULTS: Mean failure loads were not significantly different between different framework designs or between two materials. However, IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime showed significantly higher failure rate than Zolid Gen-X during dynamic fatigue (p = 0.009). Samples with D1 design showed higher debonding rate, D2 failed mainly by fracture of the palatal wing and debonding, and D3 failed mainly by fracture of the abutment tooth. Debonded restorations showed mainly mixed failures. CONCLUSION: Cantilever IRFDPs with framework designs that maximize adhesion to enamel exhibited promising results. IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime was more susceptible to fractures with the long palatal wing design.

Effect of CAD/CAM Bur Deterioration on the Surface Roughness of Ceramic Crowns.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of repetitive milling on the surface roughness of ceramic crowns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty feldspathic ceramic crowns (VITABLOCS Mark II; Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany) milled with hard milling protocol, and 20 zirconia crowns (5Y-TZP, inCoris TZI; Dentsply Sirona, York, PA) milled with soft milling protocol, using a 5-axis milling machine (inLab MC X5; Dentsply Sirona) were investigated. Atomic force microscopy (SPM SmartSPM™-1000) was used for surface roughness measurements (Ra, RMS). Pearson correlation between bur deterioration percentage as provided by the software of the milling machine and surface roughness was performed with an (r) range between 1 and -1. Trend analysis between the 2-half and among the 4-quarter bur lifetime was performed with linear contrast analysis and partial eta squared (η) for estimate of effect size. Analysis of mean variance between the zirconia and feldspathic ceramic groups was performed with a t-test, with α = 0.05. RESULTS: Correlation analysis showed small correlation for Ra, RMS (r = -0.02, -0.16 for the feldspathic ceramic crowns and r = 0.044, 0.034 for the zirconia crowns), and no significant differences for the 2-half and 4-quarter groups (p > 0.05) for both crown types. Estimate of effect size was rated as medium for the 2-half groups (Ra = 0.420, RMS = 0.395) and large for the 4-quarter groups (RA = 0.22, F = 1.48, RMS = 0.19, F = 1.26) for the feldspathic ceramic crowns, and small effect size for the 2-half groups (Ra = 0.18, RMS = 0.20) and the 4-quarter groups (Ra = 0.035, RMS = 0.037) for the zirconia crowns. There was no significant difference (p = 0.178, F = 0.016. p = 0.088, F = 0.002) between the feldspathic ceramic and zirconia crowns with medium and large effect size (0.45, 0.57) for RA and RMS. CONCLUSIONS: Milling zirconia and feldspathic ceramic crowns had small correlation between bur deterioration and surface roughness when the burs were used within their recommended lifetime. However, hard milled feldspathic ceramic crowns had higher surface roughness than the soft milled zirconia crowns. Bur deterioration had a larger effect on the surface roughness of the feldspathic ceramic crowns than the zirconia crowns.

LEVELS OF NATURAL AND ANTHROPOGENIC RADIONUCLIDES IN SEDIMENTS OF SOME MOROCCAN COASTAL AREAS AND DOSE ASSESSMENT BASED ON ERICA TOOL.

In this work, we considered the concentrations of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides (namely the 40K, 210Pb, 226Ra, 137Cs, 234Th, 228Th and 228Ra) in sediments from Moroccan coast areas by considering estuaries (Sebou and Loukkos) and marine ecosystems (M'diq Bay and three Lagoons: Moulay Bousselham, Sidi Moussa and Oualidia). Sediment samples were analyzed using Gamma spectrometry. The objective was to establish radioactivity levels in Moroccan coastal areas as well as radiological risk assessment by using the ERICA tool. The software allows the estimation of dose rates to biota (a set of reference organisms by default). The highest activity concentrations were found in sediment samples of Sidi Moussa Lagoon, possibly due to the anthropogenic activities, while the lowest levels were reported in Sebou estuary, attributed most probably to a flooding event that occurred in the same year of sampling. Also, 210Pb and 40K have the most significant concentrations, while 137Cs has the lowest concentrations with a great resemblance with similar works. The World Wide Average concentration of 226Ra was exceeded in the three lagoons and that of 40K only exceeded at Sidi Moussa Lagoon. The application of ERICA tool allowed the assessment of total dose rates that are mainly due to internal exposure with strong contribution of 226Ra mainly for phytoplankton in the case of marine ecosystems and insect larvae, mollusc-bivalve, mollusc-gastropod and zooplankton for estuary ecosystems. The total dose rates were far lesser than the admissible dose rate proposed by ERICA tool (10 µGy h-1) and, therefore, unlikely to cause harmful effects to organisms.

Recent pollution records in Sidi Moussa coastal lagoon (western Morocco) inferred from sediment radiometric dating.

The Sidi Moussa lagoon, located in western coastal Morocco and ranked as a wetland of biological and ecological importance (Ramsar site), is contaminated due to its proximity to the industrial phosphate plants and other anthropogenic activities around it. This study was carried out to assess the current environmental state of the lagoon as well as historical inputs of pollutants over several decades. Three sediment cores were collected and analyzed for the determination radionuclide activities (210Pb, 226Ra, 238U and 137Cs) by gamma spectrometry and element concentrations by Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry. Age-depth relationships were established in two cores using 210Pb and 137Cs as chronometer and time-marker, respectively, and Constant Rate of Supply as radiometric dating model. 210Pb and 238U were present in sediment in activities much higher than those reported for non-contaminated coastal systems. Sediment accumulation rates showed a slight increase over time with a depth-averaged value of 0.16 g cm-2 y-1. Enrichment Factors and practically derived sediment quality guidelines were used to assess sediment contamination/pollution and toxicological effects linked with the measured concentrations of sediment-bound elements. The profiles of Cr, Co, Cu, As and Ni displayed maximums at depths matching the start of the phosphate industrial plants, and decreasing concentrations in the sections above the maximums, revealing the positive effects of the environmental management system adopted by the phosphate company since early 2000s.

A Comparison of the Flexural and Impact Strengths and Flexural Modulus of CAD/CAM and Conventional Heat-Cured Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA).

PURPOSE: The introduction of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology to the field of removable prosthodontics has recently made it possible to fabricate complete dentures of prepolymerized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) blocks, which are claimed to be of better mechanical properties; however, no published reports that have evaluated mechanical properties of CAD/CAM PMMA. The purpose of this study was to compare flexural strength, impact strength, and flexural modulus of two brands of CAD/CAM PMMA and a conventional heat-cured PMMA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 45 rectangular specimens (65 mm × 10 mm × 3 mm) were fabricated (15 CAD/CAM AvaDent PMMA specimens from AvaDent, 15 CAD/CAM Tizian PMMA specimens from Shütz Dental, 15 conventional Meliodent PMMA specimens from Heraeus Kulzer) and stored in distilled water at (37  ± 1°C) for 7 days. Specimens (N = 15) in each group were subjected to the three-point bending test and impact strength test, employing the Charpy configuration on unnotched specimens. The morphology of the fractured specimens was studied under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey pairwise multiple comparisons with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The Schütz Dental specimens showed the highest mean flexural strength (130.67 MPa) and impact strength (29.56 kg/m2 ). The highest mean flexural modulus was recorded in the AvaDent group (2519.6 MPa). The conventional heat-cured group showed the lowest mean flexural strength (93.33 MPa), impact strength (14.756 kg/m2 ), and flexural modulus (2117.2 MPa). Differences in means of flexural properties between AvaDent and Schütz Dental specimens were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As CAD/CAM PMMA specimens exhibited improved flexural strength, flexural modulus, and impact strength in comparison to the conventional heat-cured groups, CAD/CAM dentures are expected to be more durable. Different brands of CAD/CAM PMMA may have inherent variations in mechanical properties.

A Comparison of the Surface Properties of CAD/CAM and Conventional Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).

PURPOSE: To compare surface properties of 2 brands of pre-polymerized resin blocks for complete dentures (CAD/CAM PMMA) to conventional heat-polymerized PMMA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 45 rectangular specimens (25 × 25 × 3 mm) were fabricated from 3 brands of PMMA (n = 15/group): AvaDent CAD/CAM PMMA, Tizian-Schütz CAD/CAM PMMA, Meliodent conventional PMMA. Specimens were examined for wettability using the sessile drop method, surface roughness using a digital contact profilometer, and microhardness using Vickers hardness number. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey pairwise multiple comparisons. p-Values of ≤0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: AvaDent specimens demonstrated the highest mean contact angle (72.87 ± 48°) and the highest mean Vickers hardness number (20.62 ± 0.33). The conventional heat-polymerized specimens showed the highest mean surface roughness (0.22 ± 0.071 µm). Tizian-Schütz specimens showed the lowest mean surface roughness (0.12 ± 0.02 µm). CONCLUSIONS: As CAD/CAM PMMA groups exhibited significantly more favorable surface properties in comparison to the conventional heat-polymerized groups, CAD/CAM dentures are expected to be more durable. Different brands of CAD/CAM PMMA may have inherent variations in surface properties.

A comparison of the marginal and internal fit of porcelain laminate veneers fabricated by pressing and CAD-CAM milling and cemented with 2 different resin cements.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The marginal and internal adaptations of porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs) are key elements in their long-term success. However, the marginal and internal fit obtained with a pressable material compared with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) needs further investigation as does the choice of cement used. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the marginal and internal fit of PLVs fabricated using pressing and CAD-CAM milling and cemented using 2 types of composite resin cement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty PLVs were fabricated from VITA PM9 pressable material, and 20 veneers were milled using VITA Blocs Mark II. Veneers were cemented to composite resin dies using either RelyX Veneer cement or Variolink-N cement. Specimens were embedded in clear resin and sectioned incisogingivally and mesiodistally. Marginal discrepancy at the incisal and cervical positions and the internal gap at 6 different locations were evaluated by using a scanning electron microscope. Two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey multiple comparisons were used to examine difference among groups (α=.05). RESULTS: The cement and fabrication methods did not show any significant effect for absolute marginal gap (AMG) at the incisal edge, AMG at the cervical margin or marginal gap at the incisal edge. However, both had a significant effect on marginal gap at the cervical margin (P=.038 for the fabrication method and P=.050 for the cement used). Also, both cement and fabrication methods had a significant effect on internal gap average (P<.001). The lowest gap values were reported for veneers fabricated from VITA PM9 by using the press technique and cemented with RelyX Veneer cement. When the position of gap measurements was taken into consideration, it was the only significant factor (P<.001 for the effect of position on AMG and P<.001 for the effect of position on marginal gap). Gaps at the cervical position were significantly lower than gaps at the incisal position. CONCLUSIONS: Smaller marginal and internal discrepancies were recorded for PLVs fabricated by using the pressing technique and cemented using RelyX Veneer cement compared with milled veneers and Variolink-N cement. Larger discrepancies were present incisally than cervically.

Designer benzodiazepines: a report of exposures recorded in the National Poison Data System, 2014-2017.

IMPORTANCE: Exposures to novel psychoactive substances are reported with increasing frequency in both the medical literature and the lay press. While the majority of reports describe synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones, a lesser understood family is the "designer benzodiazepines". The current literature describing human exposures to these compounds is comprised of case reports and small case series. OBJECTIVE: The primary objectives of this study are to describe epidemiologic trends and clinical effects of designer benzodiazepine use. METHODS: Data regarding single agent exposures to designer benzodiazepines between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2017 was obtained from the National Poison Data System. Substances queried include: adinazolam, clonazolam, cloniprazepam, diclazepam, etizolam, flubromazepam, flubromazolam, meclonazepam, nifoxipam, norflurazepam, and pyrazolam. Data was summarized descriptively. RESULTS: 234 single agent exposures in 40 states were reported during the study period. The annual number of exposures increased each year, from 26 in 2014 to 112 in 2017, amounting to a 330% increase. The most common exposures were etizolam (n = 162) and clonazolam (n = 50). The most common clinical effects were drowsiness/lethargy (65%), and slurred speech (17%). 3% required intubation, 36% of cases required hospital admission, 22% to the intensive care unit. There was 1 death in the study population. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of exposures to designer benzodiazepines is rising. Clinical effects are generally consistent with a sedative-hypnotic toxidrome. Severe effects, including death, seemed relatively uncommon in the study population.

Evidence for a recent increase in delivery of atmospheric 210Pb to Oualidia lagoon, coastal Morocco.

Two sediment cores were collected from the Oualidia lagoon, on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, and analyzed for 210Pb and 137Cs activity by gamma spectrometry. The 210Pb profiles were characterized by high activity at specific depths in each core, which were attributed to substantial increases in atmospheric 210Pb input to the sediment. A modified CRS model was applied to develop age-depth relations (chronologies) for the cores and calculate sediment accumulation rates, taking into account changing unsupported 210Pb delivery and specifying the year when the increase began. Calculated 210Pb inventories (activity/area) and fluxes (activity/area/time) depend strongly on sedimentation rates and were much higher than mean values in similar coastal systems worldwide. We attempted to use 137Cs as a time marker to support the modified CRS chronologies for both cores. The 137Cs profiles, however, were affected by post-depositional cesium migration in the sediment which made it difficult to identify the 1963 atmospheric bomb-testing peak, especially in the core with low sedimentation rate. We conclude that the high activities of 210Pb detected at specific depths in the Oualidia lagoon sediment cores are a consequence of decay of radioactive 222Rn, which displayed periodic high concentrations in the overlying atmosphere.

Association between oral tori, occlusal force, and mandibular cortical index.

OBJECTIVE: To assess possible associations between torus palatinus (TP), torus mandibularis (TM), occlusal force (OF), Klemetti's classes, mandibular cortical index (MCI), and sociodemographic variables in a selected sample of Jordanians. Previous studies have suggested that oral tori are benign anatomical variations probably related to several factors such as functional stress, gender predisposition, number of teeth present, and nutritional factors. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A total of 130 Jordanian adults were included. Shape, location, and appearance of tori were recorded from study casts. Size was measured using digital calipers. OF was recorded in Newtons. MCI and Klemetti's classification were assessed using panoramic radiographs. Data were statistically analyzed, and level of significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: The mean ± SD recorded OF was 524 ± 183 N in the tori group, compared to 417 ± 172 N in controls (P = .001). OF was significantly higher in males compared to females (P < .001), and was significantly higher in subjects with TM only (543 ± 201 N) (P < .001). TP and TM were predominantly more than 6 mm in size. The average OF in subjects with Klemetti class 3 was 418 ± 174 N, while OF in Klemetti class 1 subjects amounted to 535 ± 187 N (P = .043). CONCLUSION: Average OF was significantly higher in tori subjects and in males (if compared to controls and female subjects, respectively). The presence of oral tori, Klemetti's classification, and MCI ratio seems to be positively correlated with OF.

Opportunity for Collaboration Between Radiation Injury Treatment Network Centers and Medical Toxicology Specialists.

OBJECTIVES: The Radiation Injury Treatment Network (RITN) comprises >50 centers across the United States that are poised to care for victims of a radiation emergency. The network is organized around bone marrow transplant centers because these facilities excel in both radiation medicine and the care of patients with severe bone marrow depression. A radiation emergency may cause not only irradiation from an external source but also internal contamination with radioactive material. Because medical toxicologists are trained in radiation injury management and have expertise in the management of internal contamination, RITN centers may benefit from partnerships with medical toxicology resources, which may be located at academic medical centers, hospital inpatient clinical services, outpatient clinics, or poison control centers. METHODS: We determined the locations of existing RITN centers and assessed their proximity to various medical toxicology resources, including medical toxicology fellowship programs, inpatient toxicology services, outpatient toxicology clinics, and poison control centers. Data were derived from publicly available Internet sources in March 2015. RESULTS: The majority of RITN centers do not have a medical toxicology fellowship, an inpatient toxicology service, or an outpatient toxicology clinic within the same institution. Fifty-seven percent of RITN centers have at least one of these resources located in the same city, however, and 73% of centers have at least one of these resources or a poison control center within the same city. Ninety-five percent of RITN centers have at least one medical toxicology resource within the state. CONCLUSIONS: Most RITN centers are located in the same city as at least one medical toxicology resource. Establishing relationships between RITN centers and medical toxicologists needs to be explored further.

Assessment of Posterior Teeth Preparations for Metal-Ceramic Crowns.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate teeth preparation designs for metal-ceramic crowns in private dental practice in Jordan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred and seventy two dies were included. Different aspects of tooth preparations were quantified, analyzed and compared with the recommended guidelines. RESULTS: Almost 64% of preparations finish lines were positioned subgingivally. Shoulder finish lines were observed in 74.4% where-as 22.7% showed chamfer finish lines. Total occlusal convergence angles were 29.8 degrees in BL plane, 247 degrees in MD plane. CONCLUSIONS: Dental practitioners in private practice in Jordan did not fully adhere to the recommendedguidelines for tooth preparations for MCRs.

Medical toxicologists' practice patterns regarding drug-induced QT prolongation in overdose patients: a survey in the United States of America, Europe, and Asia Pacific region.

OBJECTIVE: To describe practice patterns of medical toxicologists in the United States of America (USA), Europe, and Asia Pacific Region regarding management of drug induced QT prolongation and torsades de pointes in overdose. METHODS: A survey was developed to assess current practice patterns and consistency with guidelines published by the American Heart Association (AHA), American College of Cardiology (ACC), and European Society of Cardiology (ESC). It was reviewed by our department research committee and the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT). The ACMT, European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists, and Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology electronically disseminated the survey to their physician members in the USA, Europe and Asia Pacific Region. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 37% (229/617) (36% USA; 32% Europe; 52% Asia Pacific Region). Twelve toxicologists from Asia Pacific Region and Europe used the QT nomogram (Australia-5, New Zealand-1, United Kingdom-1) or QT alone (France-1, Russia-1, Romania-1, Germany-1, Philippines-1), in lieu of the corrected QT (QTc) to determine risks of developing torsades de pointes. Because only those who used QTc could proceed through the remainder of the survey, only 217 could do so. Approximately half of the respondents (52%) did not calculate QTc manually and based decisions on the electrocardiogram machines automated measurement. For those who corrected the QT interval themselves, the most common formula used was Bazett's (40%). There is great variation in the QTc value considered prolonged. Most responders considered QTc greater than 450 ms in men (28%) and 460 ms in women (25%) to be prolonged. Interestingly, approximately 15% of participants did not consider the QTc prolonged until it exceeded 500 ms in both men and women. Given an overdose scenario of a male patient with a QTc of 560 ms, heart rate of 90 beats/minute, 59% would not recommend administering intravenous magnesium sulfate. Forty-five percent and 36% believed magnesium could shorten QTc and prevent torsades de pointes, respectively. In addition, almost 90% believed administering 1-2 boluses of intravenous magnesium is safe, even when serum magnesium is not available. In regards to cardiac pacing of patients with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, only 38% of the participating toxicologists' responses agreed with AHA/ACC/ESC recommendations. Furthermore, 21% would not pace a patient who developed torsades de pointes regardless of the scenario. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that medical toxicologists have considerable heterogeneity in terms of management practices for overdose patients with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Medical toxicologists may benefit from developing evidence-based consensus guidelines for the management of this relatively common finding in overdose of QT-prolonging drugs.

Report of a Bite from a New Species of the Echis Genus--Echis omanensis.

BACKGROUND: Carpet vipers (Echis) are found across the semiarid regions of west, north, and east Africa; west, south, and east Arabia; parts of Iran and Afghanistan north to Uzbekistan; and in Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka. Recently, a new species belonging to the Echis genus, Echis omanensis has been recognized in Oman. Not much is known about the clinical manifestations of envenomation from its bite. CASE REPORT: A 63-year-old snake keeper presented to the emergency department shortly after being bitten by an Oman carpet viper (E. omanensis). The incident occurred during expression of the venom at a research center. The patient complained of severe pain and swelling of the left index finger, which extended to the mid-forearm within 1 h. His vital signs remained stable, with no evidence of systemic manifestations. He was treated initially with analgesics and tetanus toxoid. Due to rapidly progressive swelling and the potential for a delayed coagulopathy, the Saudi National Guard polyvalent snake antivenom was administered according to the Ministry of Health protocol. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit, remained hemodynamically stable, and had normal serial coagulation tests, with subsequent resolution of the swelling. CONCLUSION: We report the first case of an E. omanensis bite in which the patient developed rapidly progressive local toxicity, which improved after administration of the Saudi polyvalent antivenom.

Studying the relationships between the outlines of the face, maxillary central incisor, and maxillary arch in Jordanian adults by using Fourier analysis.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: The outline shapes of the dental arch, face, and tooth are esthetic factors used to determine the proper form of artificial teeth when selected for artificial prostheses. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the quantitative relationships between the outlines of the face, the maxillary central incisor, and the maxillary arch by using Fourier analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Frontal facial photographs and irreversible hydrocolloid impressions of the maxilla were obtained from 200 young, dentate individuals (100 men, 100 women) ages 22 to 28 years. On the resultant casts, standardized photographs were made for the dental arch and the maxillary central incisor. The outlines of the face, dental arch, and tooth were digitally traced and the digitized curved outlines were converted into X-Y coordinates with special software, which, in turn, were imported into Fourier Shape Descriptor software for harmonic analysis. The quantitative outputs of Fourier analyses were analyzed and tested with statistical software to investigate the differences across the shapes of the 3 outlines under study. RESULTS: Facial and tooth outlines were similar for each sex, although the similarity was stronger among the men. By contrast, no relationship was found between tooth and maxillary arch outlines or between face and maxillary arch outlines. CONCLUSIONS: Face and tooth forms were quantitatively related. Therefore, face form may reliably guide the selection of artificial anterior tooth form in complete denture prostheses or any complex anterior restorations.

Immediate placement and loading of maxillary single-tooth implants: a 3-year prospective study of marginal bone level.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate marginal bone level around single-tooth implants placed in anterior maxilla and immediately restored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty implants were placed in 20 patients (8 men and 12 women) that were selected for this study. Following atraumatic non-surgical extraction of tooth, all patients immediately received implants and the definitive prefabricated abutment was placed. Implant position was transferred to the scanning unit of the CAD/CAM system using prefabricated surgical guide. Temporary crowns were immediately fabricated and cemented. Eight weeks later final crowns were luted. Outcome assessment as implant survival and level of marginal bone radiographic evaluations were performed at 8 weeks, 1 and 3 years time period after loading. RESULTS: All implants placed osseointegrated successfully after 3 years of functional loading. The mean marginal bone loss was 0.16 mm (SD, 0.167 mm), 0.275 mm (SD, 0.171 mm) and 0.265 mm (SD, 0.171 mm) at 8 weeks, 1 and 3 years time period respectively. Four out of the 20 implants showed no bone loss. CONCLUSION: Immediate loading technique using the final abutment directly eliminated the need for a second stage surgery and prevented interruption of soft and hard tissue at implant neck, which resulted in better soft tissue response and reduced marginal bone loss. Clinical significance: Immediately loaded implants, in fresh extraction sockets by insertion of a provisional restoration on the titanium abutment without any later manipulation, helped to protect the initially forming blood clot and presented a template for soft tissue contouring that resulted in significant reduction of marginal bone resorption and maintenance of soft tissue architecture.

Awareness, attitude, and expectations toward dental implants among removable prostheses wearers.

PURPOSE: To assess removable denture patient awareness, expectations, and source of information about dental implants (DIs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred patients [150 removable partial denture (RPD) wearers and 150 complete denture wearers (CDWs)] attended the removable prosthodontic clinic at Faculty of Dentistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology. Patients were evaluated using a pilot-tested, 21-question questionnaire. RESULTS: Ninety-six percent of participants were aware of DIs, with no difference between CDWs and RPD wearers (p > 0.05). The participants' friends and relatives were the main source of information (63.4%), followed by dentists (32.4%). Improvement in function was the predominant reason (55.7%) for patients to consider DIs. Fear of unknown side effects was the major factor in preventing patients from choosing DIs (11.7%), followed by high cost (9.7%) and surgical risk (8.7%). Approximately 89% had no information or were poorly informed about DIs. Over two-thirds of patients did not know about the care (78.3%) of DIs, causes of DI failure (69.7%), or DI duration of service (80.7%). Only 24.7% knew that DIs would be anchored to the jawbone; however, 27.3% and 56.7% of CDWs and RPD wearers, respectively, preferred (p < 0.05) to have their teeth replaced with DIs. High costs were considered the major disadvantage of DIs in 45% of participants, followed by fear of surgery (27.3%), and long treatment times (24.7%). CONCLUSIONS: There was a high awareness about DIs among removable denture patients; however, this awareness was associated with a low level of accurate information.