Clinical evaluation on porcelain laminate veneers bonded with light-cured composite: results up to 7?years

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of laminate porcelain veneers bonded with a light-cured composite. Thirty patients were restored with 119 porcelain laminate veneers. The veneers were studied for an observation time of 7 years. Marginal adaptation, marginal discoloration, secondary caries, color match, and anatomic form were clinically examined following modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Each restoration was also examined for cracks, fractures, and debonding. Pulp vitality was verified. In addition, plaque and gingival indexes and increase in gingival recession were recorded. Survival rate evaluating absolute failures and success rate describing relative failures were statistically determined, using both restoration and patient-related analyses. On the basis of the criteria used, most of the veneers rated Alfa. After 7 years, the results of the clinical investigation regarding marginal adaptation and marginal discoloration revealed only 2.5% and 4.2% Bravo ratings, respectively, among the 119 initially placed veneers. Using the restoration as the statistical unit, the survival rate was 97.5%, with a high estimated success probability of 0.843 after 7 years. Using the patient as the statistical unit, the survival rate was 90.0% and the estimated success probability after 7 years was 0.824. Gingival response to the veneers was all in the satisfactory range. Porcelain laminate veneers offer a predictable and successful treatment modality giving a maximum preservation of sound tooth. The preparation, cementation, and finishing procedures adopted are considered key factors for the long-term success and aesthetical result of the veneer restorations.     

Low-level laser therapy in different stages of rheumatoid arthritis: a histological study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. Treatment of RA is very complex, and in the past years, some studies have investigated the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in treatment of RA. However, it remains unknown if LLLT can modulate early and late stages of RA. With this perspective in mind, we evaluated histological aspects of LLLT effects in different RA progression stages in the knee. It was performed a collagen-induced RA model, and 20 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 experimental groups: a non-injured and non-treated control group, a RA non-treated group, a group treated with LLLT (780 nm, 22 mW, 0.10 W/cm², spot area of 0.214 cm², 7.7 J/cm², 75 s, 1.65 J per point, continuous mode) from 12th hour after collagen-induced RA, and a group treated with LLLT from 7th day after RA induction with same LLLT parameters. LLLT treatments were performed once per day. All animals were sacrificed at the 14th day from RA induction and articular tissue was collected in order to perform histological analyses related to inflammatory process. We observed that LLLT both at early and late RA progression stages significantly improved mononuclear inflammatory cells, exudate protein, medullary hemorrhage, hyperemia, necrosis, distribution of fibrocartilage, and chondroblasts and osteoblasts compared to RA group (p?<?0.05). We can conclude that LLLT is able to modulate inflammatory response both in early as well as in late progression stages of RA.     

Combination or sequencing strategies to improve the outcome of metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients: a critical review

The introduction of novel anti-angiogenic therapies has greatly improved the outcome of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). The use of these therapies in combination or sequentially is proposed to provide greater efficacy. We have reviewed completed and ongoing clinical trials in mRCC that have reported efficacy and/or safety data of novel therapies used in combination or sequentially. Bevacizumab appears to be a useful partner when combined with interferon (IFN), while controversial results have been reported when combined with temsirolimus and everolimus. Other combinations appear to have unacceptable tolerability or require dose or schedule optimization. Sequencing data provide a clear indication that multiple lines of treatment may extend survival. The 'ideal' sequence, however, is still unknown. In conclusion, novel therapies used in combination or sequentially have potential to provide optimised treatment and patient outcomes in mRCC. The results from ongoing/planned trials are expected to help shape future therapy.     

Effect of low-level laser therapy on types I and III collagen and inflammatory cells in rats with induced third-degree burns

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been increasingly used to accelerate wound healing in third-degree burns. This study investigated the effects of lasers on the tissue repair process of third-degree burns. Burns were produced on the backs of male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into four groups (n?=?12): control, injury, LLLT 3 J/cm², and LLLT 4 J/cm². Each group was further divided into two subgroups; the rats in one subgroup were killed on day 8 and those in the other, on day 16 after injury. The animals in LLLT 3 J/cm² and LLLT 4 J/cm² were irradiated 1 h after injury, and irradiation was repeated every 48 h. Laser (660 nm, 35 mW) treatment at fluences of 3 and 4 J/cm² were used. After killing the rats, tissue fragments from the burnt area were removed for histological analysis. The LLLT-treated groups showed a significant decrease (p <0.05) in the number of inflammatory cells and increased collagen deposition compared to the injury group. Laser irradiation (both 3 and 4 J/cm²) resulted in reduction in the inflammatory process and improved collagen deposition, thereby ameliorating the healing of third-degree burns.     

Administration of pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor to humans stimulates the production of functional platelets that show no evidence of in vivo activation

This report describes the effect of pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor (PEG-rHuMGDF) on platelet production and platelet function in humans. Subjects with advanced solid tumors received PEG-rHuMGDF daily for up to 10 days. There was no increase in circulating platelet count at doses of 0.03 or 0.1 microgram/kg/d by day 12 of study. At doses of 0.3 and 1.0 microgram/kg/d there was a threefold median increase (maximum 10-fold) in platelet count by day 16. The platelets produced in vivo in response to PEG-rHuMGDF showed unchanged aggregation and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-release responses in in vitro assays. Tests included aggregation and release of ATP in response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) (10, 5, 2.5, and 1.25 mumol/L), collagen (2 micrograms/mL), thrombin-receptor agonist peptide (TRAP, 10 mumol/L) and ristocetin (1.5 mg/mL). Administration of aspirin to an individual with platelet count of 1,771 x 10(3)/L resulted in the typical aspirin-induced ablation of the normal aggregation and ATP-release response to stimulation with arachidonic acid (0.5 mg/mL), collagen, and ADP (2.5 and 1.25 mumol/L). There was no change in the expression of the platelet-surface activation marker CD62P (P-selectin) nor induction of the fibrinogen binding site on glycoprotein IIb/IIIa as reported by the monoclonal antibody, D3GP3. An elevation of reticulated platelets was evident after 3 days of treatment with PEG-rHuMGDF and preceded the increase in circulating platelet count by 5 to 8 days; this reflected the production of new platelets in response to PEG-rHuMGDF. At later time points, the mean platelet volume (MPV) decreased in a manner inversely proportional to the platelet count. Levels of plasma glycocalicin, a measure of platelet turnover, rose 3 days after the initial increase in the peripheral platelet count. The level of plasma glycocalicin was proportional to the total platelet mass, suggesting that platelets generated in response to PEG-rHuMGDF were not more actively destroyed. Thus, the administration of PEG-rHuMGDF, to humans, increased the circulating platelet count and resulted in fully functional platelets, which showed no detectable increase in reactivity nor alteration in activation status.     

Comparison of acute haemodynamic effects of nifedipine and isosorbide dinitrate in patients with heart failure following acute myocardial infarction

The acute haemodynamic effects of nifedipine (10 mg sublingually) and isosorbide dinitrate (5 mg sublingually) were compared in 13 patients with heart failure due to acute myocardial infarction. Nifedipine induced a significant reduction in systolic (from 122 ± 5 to 107 ± 3 mm Hg: mean ± SEM; P < 0.002) and diastolic blood pressure (from 85 ± 3 to 75 ± 2 mm Hg; P < 0.01). Heart rate did not change significantly, nor did mean right atrial pressure. The mean pulmonary arterial pressure was lowered from 31 ± 2 to 27 ± 2 mm Hg (P < 0.005). The left ventricular filling pressure decreased from 24 ± 1 to 19 ± 1 mm Hg (P < 0.0001). A significant increase in cardiac index (from 2.33 ± 0.13 to 2.69 ± 0.15 l/min per m²; P < 0.001) and in stroke volume index (from 24 ± 2 to 28 ± 2 ml/beats per m²; P < 0.005) was registered. Systemic vascular resistance fell from 1742 ± 145 to 1308 ± 85 dynes/sec per cm⁻⁵ (P < 0.00005). After isosorbide dinitrate was administered a significant reduction in mean right atrial pressure (from 9.5 ± 1.6 to 5.1 ± 1.2 mm Hg; P < 0.0001), in mean pulmonary arterial pressure (from 32 ± 1 to 23 ± 1 mm Hg; P < 0.00001) and in left ventricular filling pressure (from 23 ± 1 to 16 ± 1 mm Hg; P < 0.0001) was seen. No significant change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac index, stroke volume index and systemic vascular resistance was registered. No side-effects were seen after nifedipine and isosorbide dinitrate were administered.     

Five-year retrospective clinical study of indirect composite restorations luted with a light-cured composite in posterior teeth

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of indirect composite onlays–overlays bonded with a light-cured composite on vital molars.

Materials and methods

Forty-one patients were restored with 79 indirect composite restorations. The restorations were studied for an observation time of 5 years. Marginal adaptation, marginal discolouration, secondary caries, colour match and anatomic form were clinically examined following modified United States Public Health Service criteria. Each restoration was also examined for fractures and debonding. Endodontic complications were registered. Survival rate, based just on failures that required a replacement, and success rate that included also failures that required a repair intervention were statistically determined using a restoration and a patient-related analysis.

Results

After 5 years, using each restoration as a statistical unit, the survival rate was 91.1 % and the success rate 84.8 %, with a high Kaplan–Meier estimated success probability of 0.852. Using the patient as the statistical unit, the survival rate was 90.2 % and the success rate 85.4 %, corresponding to a Kaplan–Meier estimated success probability of 0.857. On the basis of the criteria used, most of the restorations rated Alpha. Regarding marginal adaptation and marginal discolouration, 5 and 10.1 % of the restorations, respectively, revealed Bravo ratings

Conclusions

Indirect composite restorations offer a predictable and successful treatment modality giving an optimal preservation of sound tooth tissue.

Clinical relevance

The preparation, cementation and finishing procedures are considered key factors for the long-term success of the indirect composite restorations.