The relationship of self-perception of illness and compliance with health care regimens

Concern over the degree of non-compliance among chronically ill patients promoted the development of a survey based on the premise that there is a correlation between self-perception of health and compliance with health care regimens. Survey results determined that there was a significant relationship between self-perception of health and compliance with health care regimens for 106 chronically ill subjects. There was a significant difference in self-perception of illness between adults and children surveyed. There was no difference in compliance rates between the two groups. Techniques to aid patients in altering their self-perceptions regarding their illnesses are discussed.     

Susceptibility of Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis to Chitosan,Chlorhexidine gluconate and their combination in vitro

The aim of the present study was to analyse the sustain release of Chlorhexidine with Chitosan and to investigate the antimicrobial activity of 2% Chlorhexidine gel, 2% Chitosan gel and their combination against Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis. Sustain release of Chlorhexidine with Chitosan was determined using UV spectrophotometer. Then the inoculae of these organisms were used to make the lawn culture on sabouraud's dextrose agar and blood agar plates. Wells were prepared in these lawn cultures and filled with 2% Chlorhexidine gel, 2% Chitosan gel and their combination. The agar plates were incubated overnight at 37°C and the zone of inhibition was examined after 48 h. Release of Chlorhexidine with Chitosan was better than plain Chlorhexidine release. Combination of Chlorhexidine and Chitosan showed maximum inhibitory zone for C. albicans (25.2 mm) and E. faecalis (26.0 mm). Plain Chlorhexidine gel showed intermediate inhibitory zone for C. albicans (20.6 mm) and E. faecalis (21.4 mm) and plain Chitosan gel showed minimum inhibitory zone for C. albicans (16.6 mm) and E. faecalis (11.0 mm). Carbopol which served as control did not have any antimicrobial effect. The present study suggests that 2% Chlorhexidine gel in combination with 2% Chitosan gel has the highest antimicrobial effect against C. albicans and E. faecalis compared with 2% Chlorhexidine gel or 2% Chitosan gel alone.     

SEM evaluation of the apical external root surface of teeth with chronic periapical lesion

The aim is to verify, under scanning electron microscopy, the occurrence of apical root resorption in anterior and posterior teeth with chronic and radiographically visible periapical lesions. Thirty‐two teeth were extracted, the apical thirds (n = 39) were removed, and prepared to analyse the external apical root surface. All specimens presented irregular areas of root resorption with different depths, located mainly around the apical foramen. Teeth with chronic periapical lesions present areas of external apical root resorption with irregular surface and different depths located mainly around the apical foramen. Root resorptions may show different configurations and destroy the apical root structure more or less extensively.     

Evaluation of the centreing ability of the ProTaper Universal™ rotary system in curved roots in comparison to Nitiflex™ files

The aim of the present study was to assess the centreing ability of the ProTaper Universal? rotary system in curved roots in comparison to Nitiflex? files, by means of preoperative and postoperative imaging of a cross‐section of the apical third. Twenty mesiobuccal canals of human first mandibular molars with a degree of curvature ranging from 35° to 60° were divided into two groups of 10 specimens each: group 1, ProTaper Universal? rotary system; group 2 (control), Nitiflex? files. All instruments produced morphological alterations. The Student's t‐test and Kruskal–Wallis test showed that the differences were not statistically significant, except for the specimens instrumented by Nitiflex file #30. The ProTaper Universal? showed the capacity for producing centered preparations in curved and thin root canals with low proportions of apical deviation.     

Behavioral problems and parenting style among Taiwanese children with autism and their siblings

Aims:  The purpose of the present study was to investigate the behavioral problems and parenting style among children with autism and their siblings in an ethnic Chinese population.
Methods:  A total of 151 children with DSM-IV autistic disorder, aged 3–12, 134 siblings without autism, and 113 normally developing controls were recruited. Both parents reported their parenting styles and psychological status and mothers also reported children's behavioral problems.
Results:  Children with autism had significantly more severe behavioral problems and obtained less affection and more overprotection and authoritarian controlling from their parents than the other two groups. Compared to the controls, unaffected siblings showed some behavioral problems, and obtained less maternal care. Withdrawal and attention, social, and thought problems were the most associated behavioral syndromes to distinguish children with autism from those without.
Conclusions:  In addition to children with autism, who have a wide range of behavioral problems and impaired parent–child interactions, their siblings may be at risk for such problems.     

Adults with intellectual disabilities affected by cancer: critical challenges for the involvement agenda

FORBAT L. & MCCANN L. (2009) European Journal of Cancer Care 19 , 91–97
Adults with intellectual disabilities affected by cancer: critical challenges for the involvement agenda
Cancer incidence and prevalence in people with intellectual disabilities are poorly documented. Changing demographic patterns, however, mirror those in the general population with increased longevity leading to higher numbers of people developing cancer in the future. Little is known about the service and support needs of this group, but there is a precedent to understand their experiences to inform research and service development if appropriately tailored approaches are to be adopted. This article outlines a project that sought to develop an advisory forum of adults with intellectual disabilities affected by cancer, to inform the development of a research agenda. The process of this work is described alongside a critical appraisal of the tensions in involving people with intellectual disabilities as advisors on cancer research and practice. We discuss and challenge the underlying ideologies, which lie in the path of fully engaging with marginalized patients.