Classification and cyclic fatigue evaluation of new kinematics for endodontic instruments

This study evaluated the effect of new motions of the motor TriAuto ZX2 on the cyclic fatigue of endodontic instruments. Vortex Blue 35.06 instruments were divided into four groups (n = 10) and tested for fatigue in a curved artificial canal (90° and 2 mm radius) using the following motions: continuous rotation (CR), Optimum Torque Reverse (OTR) set at 180° and the Optimum Glide Path (OGP), which was tested at 90° and 240°. The time to fracture (TTF) and the lengths of the fractured fragments were recorded. The mean TTF was significantly different among the groups (anova , P < 0.05): OGP 90° (213.39 ± 27.45), OTR 180° (121.24 ± 17.03), OGP 240° (45.24 ± 5.61) and CR (8.43 ± 1.27). Weibull analysis confirmed the shortest life expectancy for CR and the longest survival for OGP at 90°. The resistance to fatigue was affected by motions and pre‐set angles. The proprietary movements that are currently available for endodontic instruments were classified according to their kinematics.     

Conjunctival flap advancement with or without scleral graft for hypotony maculopathy after trabeculectomy

AIM: To introduce a novel technique for transscleral fixation of the PC-IOL that requires no sutures on the IOL haptics. METHODS: Instead of suturing polypropylene onto the IOL haptics, the method simply winds the thread on the haptics. Fifteen eyes of 15 patients underwent this technique and were followed up for more than 18 months. Surgical outcomes and post-operative complications were evaluated and compared with those of the conventional transscleral fixation method. RESULTS: Postoperative cylinder was significantly lower in the thread winding group than in the conventional transscleral fixation method group (-1.02±0.46 diopters vs -1.57±0.77 diopters; P=0.01). Further, no postoperative complications, such as optic capture, IOL dislocation, and hyphema, were detected in the thread winding group. CONCLUSION: We believe that our thread winding technique is better than previously reported methods because it is simple, mechanically stable, and free from suture-related complications.     

Conversion from mycophenolate mofetil to enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium in liver transplant patients presenting gastrointestinal disorders: a pilot study.

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are one of the main adverse events in patients treated by mycophenolic acid (MPA). The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effect of conversion from mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) to enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS) in liver transplant patients presenting GI side-effects Since January 2003, stable liver transplant patients receiving MMF and presenting GI disorders, without evidence of other origin than MMF were enrolled. Conversion was performed without a washout period at an equimolar daily dosage. Thirty-six patients were included after a median delay of 45 months after liver transplantation (LT) (16 women and 20 men, median age of 47 years). Diarrhoea was the main clinical symptom (n = 28, 77.7%). At the time of inclusion, patients were treated with MMF since 18 months (range 3-28) and GI disorders were known for 9 months (range 3-12). After a median follow-up of 12 months after conversion, GI disorders were resolved in 20 patients (55%), improved in 6 patients (17%) and not modified or worsened in 10 patients (28%). Our results strongly suggest that conversion from MMF to EC-MPS in liver transplant patients can improve gastrointestinal disorders in a majority of the patients, and therefore might be considered as the best therapeutic option.     

Zinc, calcium, and magnesium metabolism: effects on plasmacytomas in Balb/c mice

The effects of different amounts of dietary zinc on the Zn absorption rate and on Zn, calcium and magnesium concentrations in tissues of MOPC 104E tumor-bearing Balb/c mice were determined. The Zn absorption rate was inversely related to the amounts of Zn in their diets and was lower than that of nontumor-bearing control mice fed a laboratory mice chow. Zn concentrations of tumor-bearing mice were also low compared with control mice but tumor Zn concentrations, regardless of the concentrations of Zn in the diets, were higher than those of normal tissues of the host other than the pancreas. Ca concentrations in tumor and tissues of tumor-bearing mice were higher than in control animals but Mg concentrations in tissues of tumor-bearing mice appeared to be similar to those of control mice. Results suggest that tumor-bearing mice have a lower intestinal Zn absorption capacity and a higher Zn uptake rate causing other tissues to become hypozincemic and hypercalcemic.     

The course of pregnancy among mothers above 35 years and its outcome in Kafr-El-Zayat.

A group of pregnant mothers above 35 years old were collected from the MCH centre in Kafr-El Zayat during a period of 10 months (82). A control group of mothers aged 20-30 years old were also selected during the same period (62). Those with specific diseases from both groups were excluded. During the repeated visits of those mothers to the MCH centre they were subjected to complete history taking, physical examination plus urine analysis & haemoglobin levelling. A special visit was performed by the researcher to the mothers on 7th day after labour to report on the outcome of labour. The present study revealed significant differences between mothers over 35 years and those of 20-30 years in the course of pregnancy, labour and their outcomes where the former group showed greater tendency to be at a higher risk.     

How we do it: Implementing change – a multi‐centre audit of an evidence‐based protocol on post‐thyroidectomy calcium maintenance

? Our previous retrospective audit (Clinical Otolaryngology, December 2004) identified considerable variation in post‐thyroidectomy calcium assessment. This led to a well‐structured protocol. ? The protocol was introduced into two trusts. The results were prospectively collated for 64 thyroid procedures over a period of 6 months. ? All patients that warranted it were tested on day 1, and 71% were tested on day 2 – highlighting a more structured approach, and avoiding unnecessary vene‐ puncture in all thyroid lobectomy patients. ? Such protocols have been proven to be an important tool in the effort to improve the quality and lower the cost of care. ? Resistance to change, established practise and lack of data collection resources prevented this protocol from becoming established in more regional trusts.     

The effect of prolonged blood stasis on a microarterial repair

There is much controversy in the literature about the effect of blood stasis on the patency rate following microvascular repair. Sixty Sprague Dawley rats underwent transection and repair of their femoral arteries. The rats were divided into three groups, which had their repaired arteries clamped for 1 1/2, 2, and 2 1/2 hours. Patency was evaluated by the "stripping test," and the presence of a "flicker" both immediately and on the second day of the experiment. At the time of evaluation on the second day, all arteries in Group I were patent, in Group II two were thrombosed and in Group III, five out of 20 thrombosed. The only significant statistical difference was found between Groups I and III in both immediate (p less than 0.0025) and second day (p less than 0.05) evaluations. Results indicate that the "safe limit" for blood stasis in a repaired artery of 0.8 mm diameter is 1 1/2 hours.