In vitro adherence of bacteria to bleached or unbleached enamel surfaces

summary The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of three 10% carbamide peroxide bleaching agents on adherence of bacteria to tooth enamel surface. Enamel specimens were subjected to one of three carbamide peroxide solutions for 8 h per day for 30 days. Control specimens were kept in saline solution. Profilometer evaluation of surface roughness was performed on all specimens. The adherence of Streptococcus mutans was determined bacteriologically. There was no significant difference in surface roughness between the untreated and treated enamel specimens but a statistically significant difference was found in the adherence of S. mutans to bleached and unbleached enamel specimens. Specimens treated with Opalescence^° showed the highest adherence.     

Discoid lupus erythematosus

Discoid lupus erythematosus is a manifestation of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus with a small risk of systemic involvement. In this review article, the role of predisposing factors such as haplotype, hormones, antibodies and sunlight are discussed. The clinical features, including variants and associations, and management options are presented.     

Attenuation of N-Nitrosodiethylamine -Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Piceatannol and/or Cisplatin: The Interplay between Nuclear Factor (Erythroid Derived 2)-like 2 and Redox Status

Background: The natural compound’s alternative and complementary uses have increased hopes for hepatocellular cancer treatment (HCC). Objects: The goal of this study was to see if Piceatannol (PIC) in combination with cisplatin has a synergistic effect on N, N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN)-induced HCC in rats. Methods: Tissue antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA), and nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factors 2 (Nrf2) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) gene expression were all measured. Nuclear Factor Kabba B (NF-κB) was also tested, as well as hepatic caspase 3 and NAD (P) H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Liver specimens were subjected to histopathological analysis. Results: When compared to the HCC group, piceatannol and/or cisplatin caused a significant improvement in liver function tests, as well as a significant modulation in Nrf2 gene expression and antioxidant enzyme activities, as well as a significant decrease in tissue MDA, TNF-α, NF-κB levels, NQO1 activity, and prompt and caspase-3 activities. When the PIC and/or cisplatin combination was compared to each of these compounds alone, the results were substantial. Conclusion: PIC in combination with cisplatin has been shown to have a synergistic anticancer impact through modulating Nrf2 and redox state. In addition, adding PIC to an HCC therapy plan that includes chemotherapeutic medicines may boost the efficacy of cisplatin while reducing its negative effects.     

A randomised comparison of microwave endometrial ablation with transcervical resection of the endometrium: follow up at a minimum of 10 years

Objective  To compare outcomes and further operations at a minimum of 10 years following microwave endometrial ablation (MEA^TM) or transcervical resection of the endometrium (TCRE).
Design  Follow up of a randomised controlled trial using postal questionnaires and operative databank review.
Setting  Gynaecology department of a large UK teaching hospital.
Main outcome measures  Women's satisfaction with treatment, menstrual symptoms, changes in health-related quality of life, and additional treatments received.
Results  One-hundred and eighty-nine of the original 263 women returned questionnaires (72%) after a minimum of 10 years post-treatment. Those totally or generally satisfied with treatment numbered 77/129 (60%) in the microwave arm and 70/134 (52%) in the resection arm, the difference is not statistically significant. Bleeding and pain scores were highly significantly reduced and similar following both MEA^TM and TCRE, achieving amenorrhoea rates of 83 and 88% respectively. The hysterectomy rate after 10 years was significantly different with 22 (17%) in the MEA^TM and 38 (28%) in the TCRE arm (95% CI: −0.21, −0.13).
Conclusions  Both techniques achieve significant and comparable improvements in menstrual symptoms, health-related quality of life and high rates of satisfaction. With the known operative advantages, lower costs and fewer hysterectomies, it is clear that MEA™ is a more effective and efficient treatment for heavy menstrual loss than TCRE.