Evaluation of microleakage in single-rooted teeth obturated with thermoplasticized gutta-percha using various endodontic sealers: An in-vitro study

OBJECTIVE: To compare apical microleakage of extracted, single-rooted teeth obturated with thermoplasticized injectable gutta-percha using two different endodontic sealers (calcium-hydroxide and resin based). STUDY DESIGN: An experimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Dental Clinics and Laboratory from June to September 2015. METHODOLOGY: The study was conducted using extracted teeth. After access cavities were made, cleaning and shaping of root canals was done in 70 teeth. Teeth were randomly allocated into two groups and obturated with thermoplasticized injectable gutta-percha (Obtura II) using two sealers (Sealapex vs. AH plus). After immersing the teeth in 2.0% methylene blue, they were split longitudinally, viewed under light microscope (magnification X4) and images were taken by a camera connected to microscope. The extent of dye penetration was assessed from apex to its coronal part and recorded in millimeters. Independent sample t-test was used to compare microleakage in the two groups. Pearson correlation coefficient was used for inter-examiner reliability of dye penetration measurements. A p-value of \u3c0.05 was taken as statistically significant. RESULTS: Teeth obturated with Obtura II gutta-percha with AH plus sealer had a mean dye penetration of 1.20 ±0.79 mm. This was significantly better than Obtura II with Sealapex sealer (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Obtura II-AH plus sealer was a better combination for obturation as it showed a lesser degree of microleakage. Obtura II with Sealapex group showed higher microleakage, so this combination should be avoided in single-rooted teet

Effect of Fly Ash and Un-crushed Coarse Aggregates on Characteristics of SCC

This research paper discusses the change in the workability and strength characteristics of Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) due to addition of fly-ash and use of un-crushed Coarse Aggregate (CA). Laboratory based experimental work was carried out by preparing 12 SCC mixtures among which six mixtures contained crushed aggregate and other six mixtures contained un-crushed coarse aggregate. A total of 550 kg/m3 binder content and fixed Water-Binder (W/B) ratio as 0.35 were used. Two mixtures were controlled by using Portland Cement (PC) and other ten mixtures contained PC and Fly Ash (FA). Slump flow time, slump flow diameter and J-ring height tests were conducted to study the fresh properties of SCC. Furthermore, compressive strength was calculated at 7, 14 and 28 days of curing. The outcomes indicated that the slump flow time, slump flow diameter and J-Ring height for all the mixes are within the limits specified by EFNARC guidelines. The compressive strength of SCCs depends upon dosage of fly ash. Compressive strength for SCCs with crushed CA was better than obtained in case of un-crushed CA. The maximum compressive-strengths were observed as 64.58 MPa and 58.05 MPa for SCC with crushed and un-crushed CA respectively

Effect of using Nylon Fibers in Self Compacting Concrete (SCC)

The self-compacted concrete (SCC) is a special type of concrete which settles down in the formwork and fills its every corner without any use of compaction or vibration. As SCC has higher flow-ability that causes brittle behaviour resulting in poor performance under tension and bending. The inclusion of randomly distributed short and discrete fibers is one of the most effective way to improve the tensile as well as flexural performance of SCC. In this regard this experimental study is undertaken to investigate the effect of nylon fibers (NF) on fresh and hardened properties of SCC. Two different lengths; 20 mm and 12 mm and five different volumetric percentages; 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5% of NF were used. The results revealed that addition of NF slightly affects the fresh properties of SCC. However, the extent of the effect is not of that order to be considered as major factor. The fresh properties for entire mixes lie within the required range according to EFNARC guidelines. The strength properties increases with addition of NF, the extent of increment is greater for the longer length of NF. The optimum volumetric fraction of NF for producing high strength SCC was found as 0.5%. Doi: 10.28991/cej-2021-03091734 Full Text: PD

A Comparison of Dissection-method and Diathermy Tonsillectomies

Objective: To compare the dissection and diathermy methds of tonsillectomy and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages during surgery and convalescence.Methods and Setting: Patients who had tonsillectomy at Aga Khan University Hospital, between January 1994-December 1997.Results: Four year retrospective analysis was done of 200 patients who underwent tonsillectomy by either electrocautery or dissection method. One hundred and eleven underwent tonsillectomy by electrocautery and the other 79 had their tonsils removed by dissection-method and 2 had a combination of both. The average intra­operative blood loss was 10 ml with cautery and 65 ml with dissection method. The average operative time was 15.7 minutes with cautery and 26.9 minutes for dissection. We found higher amounts of blood loss and intra­operative time with dissection method than electrocautery. In comparing diathermy dissection method tonsillectomies, there was marked difference between two, in pen-operative blood loss and operative time.Conclusion: Although post-operative bleeding, pain and infection are complications of both techniques and in our study their incidence in similar in both, but intra-operative blood loss and time are two important factors,technique is a more effective technique in our set up based on which we can conclude that electrocauter

When, What and How Much to Buy? Analyzing Consumer’s Price Perception and Behavioral Intention in ISP industry of Pakistan

In Pakistan’s internet service provider (ISP) industry, the sales promotion does effect in the form of downloading limits, level of discounts and payment methods to the consumer buying behavior. Sales promotion is one of the most effective ways to persuade consumers because it leads to actual physical use of the product. In Pakistan the internet service provider sector has grown since 1992. Each year, the internet service providers improve their services and consumer approach through different sale promotion techniques to stay up with the everyday competition. This paper analysis different marketer’s point of view and serves as an abridging platform between the consumer approach and the market for nourishing and further strengthening sales promotion campaigns in Pakistan’s ISP’s industry

Hospital volume and mortality after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation in the United States

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/141487/1/hep29354-sup-0001-suppinfo1.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/141487/2/hep29354_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/141487/3/hep29354.pd

Evaluation of Fractal Dimension and Topographic Surface Roughness (Vertical Dissection) in Astore-Deosai-Skardu Region in GIS Environment Using ASTER GDEM

Fractal investigation is a valuable technique to model and quantify the composite patterns of natural similarobjects. This study investigates Neotectonics using ASTER-GDEM. Fractal technique for extraction of topographicfractal dimension (Dtopo) and vertical dissection (Rtopo-surf) were used to assess the Neotectonics deformation.Geomorphological regions can be demarcated by using above mentioned procedures as they reveal the topographicevolutionary stages as an evaluation of topographic textures. The idea is to recognize the zones that are stronglyinfluenced by Neotectonics. Astore-Deosai-Skardu (ADS) region in Gilgit-Baltistan was selected for this purpose as itlies between MKT and MMT which is experiencing surface topographic deformation (STD) caused by anti-clock-wiseprogression and subduction of Indian plate beneath Eurasia. The results obtained illustrates that Dtopo and Rtopo-surf showanomalies in the ADS region that clearly represent a robust control of nearby MMT, MKT and KkF and highlights theirsignificance to describe regions vulnerable to Neotectonics and related deadly events threatening precious human livesand infrastructure damages

Nanodrug-Enhanced Radiofrequency Tumor Ablation: Effect of Micellar or Liposomal Carrier on Drug Delivery and Treatment Efficacy

Purpose To determine the effect of different drug-loaded nanocarriers (micelles and liposomes) on delivery and treatment efficacy for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with nanodrugs. Materials/Methods Fischer 344 rats were used (n = 196). First, single subcutaneous R3230 tumors or normal liver underwent RFA followed by immediate administration of IV fluorescent beads (20, 100, and 500 nm), with fluorescent intensity measured at 4–24 hr. Next, to study carrier type on drug efficiency, RFA was combined with micellar (20 nm) or liposomal (100 nm) preparations of doxorubicin (Dox; targeting HIF-1α) or quercetin (Qu; targeting HSP70). Animals received RFA alone, RFA with Lipo-Dox or Mic-Dox (1 mg IV, 15 min post-RFA), and RFA with Lipo-Qu or Mic-Qu given 24 hr pre- or 15 min post-RFA (0.3 mg IV). Tumor coagulation and HIF-1α orHSP70 expression were assessed 24 hr post-RFA. Third, the effect of RFA combined with IV Lipo-Dox, Mic-Dox, Lipo-Qu, or Mic-Qu (15 min post-RFA) compared to RFA alone on tumor growth and animal endpoint survival was evaluated. Finally, drug uptake was compared between RFA/Lipo-Dox and RFA/Mic-Dox at 4–72 hr. Results: Smaller 20 nm beads had greater deposition and deeper tissue penetration in both tumor (100 nm/500 nm) and liver (100 nm) (p<0.05). Mic-Dox and Mic-Qu suppressed periablational HIF-1α or HSP70 rim thickness more than liposomal preparations (p<0.05). RFA/Mic-Dox had greater early (4 hr) intratumoral doxorubicin, but RFA/Lipo-Dox had progressively higher intratumoral doxorubicin at 24–72 hr post-RFA (p<0.04). No difference in tumor growth and survival was seen between RFA/Lipo-Qu and RFA/Mic-Qu. Yet, RFA/Lipo-Dox led to greater animal endpoint survival compared to RFA/Mic-Dox (p<0.03). Conclusion: With RF ablation, smaller particle micelles have superior penetration and more effective local molecular modulation. However, larger long-circulating liposomal carriers can result in greater intratumoral drug accumulation over time and reduced tumor growth. Accordingly, different carriers provide specific advantages, which should be considered when formulating optimal combination therapies

Measuring overall convenience of consumers on online shopping and their behavioral intention

The purpose of this research to analyze overall convenience for consumers through online shopping and their behavioral intention towards online customer satisfaction. This study helps people who purchases product and services online because its aim on main factors which create impact on consumers when they buy from web-stores. Moreover, it is also beneficial for the companies and individual who sell their product and services via online. We used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the sample size of 531. We have collected online survey questionnaire from respondent who are convenient to us from Karachi. The nature of the research is quantitative. The purpose of utilizing quantitative methodology that we are able to focus on variety of data to understand the behavior intention and customer satisfaction of those who engage in online shopping. The findings of this research shows that what factors managers should focus on to grow their online sales and improves the efficiency of their websites. Managers should be use it to develop strategies for effective and efficient business, enhance these variable in their online shopping process and make the experience convenient and safe for their customers. Five limitations are available for future studies. First, the data was only collected by 531 respondents. Second, data was collected by respondents living in Karachi, Pakistan. Third, data was collected by respondents that are convenient to us. Fourth, there was limited variable. Fifth, it only perform on SPSS and PLS, no other software used in this research for calculating result and we run only three test on PLS. These limitations, however, provide directions to the researcher

Sustained release of captopril from matrix tablet using methylcellulose in a new derivative form

The present study was aimed to evaluate the suitability of a newly synthesized polymer methylcellulose glutarate (MCG) for sustained release matrix system using antihypertensive drug captopril. Methylcellulose glutarate was first prepared using methylcellulose and glutaric anhydride with 1:0.5 ratio and confirmed with FTIR, NMR and MALDI. MCG was then employed in various amounts with fixed amount of captopril for the preparation of matrix tablets. Decreasing the amount of MCG had no considerable sustaining effect on in vitro drug release from the matrix system. MCG was also evaluated at different pH values and stirring speed and no appreciable difference in the release profiles was noticed. Moreover, dissolution data of optimum formulation followed zero-order kineticColegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire