Influence of eugenol on the push-out bond strengths of fiber posts cemented with different types of resin luting agents

This study evaluated the influence of eugenol on the push-out bond strengths of fiber posts cemented with different types of resin luting agents. Seventy-two extracted maxillary single-rooted canine teeth were randomly divided into two groups of 36 teeth. Group 1, the control group, was filled with gutta-percha only (i.e., did not receive eugenol), whereas group 2 was filled with a eugenol-containing sealer. All root canals were filled and each group was divided into three subgroups. The posts in each subgroup were cemented with the following materials: subgroup 1 with a 2-step self-etching adhesive system (Clearfil Liner Bond 2V + Panavia F); subgroup 2 with a 1-step self-etching adhesive (Panavia F); and subgroup 3 with a self-adhesive (Clearfil SA Cement). Dislodgement resistance was measured using a universal testing machine. All data were subjected to ANOVA using a factorial design and Tukey test (α = 0.05). The use of the eugenol-containing sealer significantly reduced the push-out bond strength of the fiber post (P < 0.05). The push-out bond strength of Panavia F was significantly higher than those of the other groups filled with the eugenol-containing sealer (P < 0.05). The Panavia F group was less susceptible to the inhibiting effect of eugenol than were the other evaluated groups when the fiber post was cemented in the canals filled with the eugenol-containing sealer.     

Analysis of abnormal urinary metabolites in the newborn period in medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency

Summary In order to determine which are useful early diagnostic markers for medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency, we have analysed urine from an asymptomatic neonate. Profiling of urinary organic acids followed by peak confirmation by electron impact mass spectrometry revealed a high suberate/adipate ratio (>1.0) and the presence of n-hexanoylglycine (HG). Acylcarnitine analysis by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB-MS) was inconclusive, but FAB-MS/MS (tandem mass spectrometry) revealed diagnostic amounts of octanoylcarnitine and hexanoylcarnitine. Quantitative analysis of acylglycines by stable istotope dilution and chemical ionization mass spectrometry revealed a 30-fold increase in HG and increased suberylglycine, but no increase in 3-phenylpropionylglycine.     

Sacral Colpopexy Versus Transvaginal Mesh Colpopexy in Obese Patients

ObjectivesObesity can predispose women to pelvic organ prolapse and can also affect the success of pelvic organ prolapse surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare the postoperative anatomical outcomes following sacral colpopexy (SC) and transvaginal mesh colpopexy in a group of obese women with pelvic organ prolapse.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of obese women who underwent SC (n = 56) or transvaginal mesh colpopexy (n = 35). Follow-up ranged from 6 to 12 months. Preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative variables were compared using Student t, Mann?Whitney U, and Fisher exact tests, and by analysis of covariance.ResultsThe women in the SC group had significantly higher mean apical vaginal measurements (P < 0.05), and significantly fewer stage II recurrences than women in the transvaginal mesh colpopexy group. There were no significant differences between the groups for other postoperative outcomes, including mesh erosion, recurrent prolapse symptoms, dyspareunia, and surgical satisfaction (P > 0.05).ConclusionIn these 91 obese patients with pelvic organ prolapse, SC resulted in better anatomical outcomes than transvaginal mesh colpopexy. However, the two procedures had similar outcomes with regard to recurrent symptoms and surgical satisfaction.     

Blood tacrolimus concentrations in bone marrow transplant patients undergoing plasmapheresis

Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) is a well-described complication of stem cell transplantation. Plasmapheresis is one modality utilized as therapy for patients who develop this complication. However, plasmapheresis may alter whole blood levels of certain medications and its effect on tacrolimus in bone marrow transplant patients is unknown. Because tacrolimus has a narrow therapeutic range, the effect of plasmapheresis on whole blood concentrations would be important to know. We report three allogeneic BMT patients who were receiving tacrolimus as acute GVHD therapy while undergoing plasmapheresis for MAHA. Tacrolimus levels seemed unaffected by plasmapheresis in these patients.     

Induction of ovulation with subcutaneous pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone: correlation with body weight and other parameters

We treated 21 anovulatory infertile patients with subcutaneous pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) administered via a syringe pump. Response to treatment was assessed by urinary estrogen excretion and ultrasound measurement of follicular growth. Ten patients ovulated and 8 subsequently conceived, for a total of 10 pregnancies. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was not administered routinely, but two patients required hCG to induce follicular rupture. The majority of the patients who conceived had a body mass index (BMI) of less than 21 and a luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio of less than 1. Conversely, those patients with either elevated BMI or LH or both generally failed to respond satisfactorily to this treatment. It is suggested that pulsatile GnRH is most likely to succeed in inducing ovulation if the BMI is less than 21 and the LH is normal, but is unlikely to be successful if there is both an elevated LH and a BMI of greater than 25. Between these two extremes, the response is variable and a therapeutic trial may be appropriate.     

Danish primary schoolteachers'' knowledge about asthma: results of a questionnaire

We present an anonymous questionnaire inquiry involving 334 primary schoolteachers in the Randers area with the purpose of elucidating teachers' knowledge about asthma. To a series of statements about asthma, the teachers answered yes, no or don't know. A limited knowledge of different aspects of asthma in children was found, although 57% had asthma children in their classes. Specially limited was knowledge about medical treatment. Five percent had received proper instruction about asthma and had a significantly better knowledge of medical treatment (p less than 0.001-0.05). Only 57% knew that wheezing after physical exertion is a strong indicator of asthma and only 33% knew that exertion in cold weather increases the risk of an attack. It is recommended that instruction in children's diseases, especially asthma, is introduced in teacher training colleges.     

Presterilization counseling and women's regret about having been sterilized

A study was designed to assess satisfaction with presterilization counseling, contentment with being sterilized and the effect of variables, such as age, number of children at the time of surgery and ethnic background, on the level of contentment with being sterilized. A total of 1,716 questionnaires were distributed at various hospitals and clinics. Questionnaires were collected from 492 women, who had ranged from 17 to 46 years of age at the time of sterilization. The majority of the women were married, and their average number of children was two. Of 487 women who replied, 30% did not receive any presterilization counseling from a physician; 15% of 480 women received their counseling from a nurse. Of 487 women, 2% fully regretted their sterilization, and the majority of them wanted more children. A positive correlation was found between the degree of satisfaction with presterilization counseling and the level of contentment with being sterilized. It was also found that 6 of the 53 women who were under 25 years of age at the time of surgery fully regretted their sterilization. The ethnic backgrounds of the women and their number of children at the time of surgery had no significant effect on their contentment with sterilization.