An in vitro evaluation of the effect of sandblasting and laser surface treatment on the shear bond strength of a composite resin to the facial surface of primary anterior stainless steel crowns

Objectives: The present study was conducted to evaluate the optimal method of enhancing the bond strength of a composite resin to the facial surface of the primary anterior stainless steel crowns using various surface treatments namely Nd: YAG laser surface treatment, sandblasting , alloy primer application and no surface treatment. Study Design: The study sample consisted of 60 primary anterior stainless steel crowns (UnitekTM size R 4), with 15 samples randomly divided into the 4 study groups, embedded in acrylic blocks. The facial surface of these surface treated crowns was utilized as the bonding surface to which 2.5mm diameter composite resin cylinders were bonded for the evaluation of the shear bond strength. Shear bond strength measurements were made using a universal testing machine utilizing a shearing blade (jig).The mode of failure at composite-metal interface was determined using a Stereomicroscope at 10 X magnification. Results: The mean bond strength values obtained for surface treatment of Nd: YAG laser surface treated, Sandblasting, Alloy Primer and No surface treatments were 17.01±.92 , 13.18 ± .73, 7.46 ± .70 and 7.33 ± .77 MPa respectively. The obtained bond strength values were subjected to a one way ANOVA and a Scheffe's post-hoc comparison test. The results of the present study indicated that Laser surface treatment of the facial surface of the crowns enhanced the bond strength of the composite resin significantly compared to the other groups. Conclusions: Nd: YAG laser surface treatment produced an excellent surface roughness and obtained the highest shear bond strength values suggestive for recommendation as an optimal surface treatment to be used to enhance the resin-metal bond at the interface of the composite resin and the facial surface of primary anterior stainless steel crowns for the purpose of chairside veneering

Establishing Cephalometric Norms in Primary Dentition Using Comprehensive Craniofacial Growth Analysis – A Digital Cephalometric Study

Objective: To establish cephalometric norms in primary dentition among males and females using novel customized Comprehensive Cephalometric Growth (CCG) Analysis. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 67 subjects with a mean age of 5.5 yrs. Digital lateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained using Planmeca Pro One. The digital images were then transferred to Nemoceph software. Craniofacial Growth (CCG) Analysis was configured in the software with five sub-groups. This sub-grouping was done such that related components were grouped together and comprehensively; it would provide an assessment of every component of the craniofacial region that could be affected either by treatment maneuver or growth process. The same was used for the cephalometric analysis and to determine the cephalometric norms in the primary dentition. Results: Certain linear measurements were higher among males when compared to females. However, most measurements remained similar among males and females during this age group. The CCG analysis provided a comprehensive knowledge of the craniofacial parameters during the growth process. Conclusion: The cephalometric norms during primary dentition thus established using Comprehensive Craniofacial Growth analysis would provide the data for early diagnosis and treatment planning in interceptive orthodontic treatment procedures

Panchakarma Perception - An Overview

Panchakarma therapy is a potent system of medicine. These five specialised techniques, collectively termed as Panchakarma, attack the very root causes of diseases, cleanse all body microcirculatory channels, remove the vitiated Doshas from the body and produce long lasting beneficial effects. Panchakarma therapy is effective against the treatment of majority of diseases. On the other hand this therapy improves the body resistance (Immunity) and thereby checks the pathogenesis of the disease confirming its preventive effects also. It is to be noted that Panchakarma therapy is not a classification of specialised techniques but is a compressive Samshodana regimen under which all other similar procedures may be included. The classical Panchakarma therapy consists of Purvakarma i.e. Snehana and Swedana Karma, Pradhana Karma i.e. Vamana, Virechana, Anuvasana and Niruha Basti and Nasya Karma and Raktamokshana by Acharya Sushruta and Paschyat Karma like Dhumapana, Ahara Sansarjana Krama etc

Pathogenic effect of Trichomonas vaginalis on various cell lines in vitro.

Thesis (M.Med.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.Trichomoniasis has been linked to pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical cancer, increased HIV transmission, infertility as well as co-infections with other STIs. In 2002, an association was found with Trichomonas vaginalis and PID in HIV positive women. Therefore, the question arose whether T. vaginalis is able to invade the upper genital tract of HIV infected women. A prerequisite for invasion of the upper genital tract is the capability of the organism to adhere to the cells of the organs involved. This study therefore investigated the interaction between T. vaginalis and vaginal, cervical and endometrial cells. In comparing adhesion and cytotoxicity of T. vaginalis to cells of the upper and lower genital tract at different pH, immortalized vaginal (VK2), cervical (ME 180) and endometrial (KLE) cells were exposed to a standardized inoculum of trichomonads at pH 4.5 to 7.0. Adhesion was measured microscopically after acridine orange staining and cytotoxicity was established by measuring LDH release using a commercial kit. Adhesion of the ME-180 and VK2 cell lines was found to be pH dependent. However, the KLE cell line was not. As the pH increased, adherence to the vaginal and cervical cells decreased. Adhesion to endometrial cells was minimal at neutral pH but marked adhesion was found at lower pH. For the vaginal cell line, cytotoxicity was minimal at pH 4.5 but substantial (30 to 60%) at higher pH. In contrast, cytotoxicity on cervical and endometrial cells was highest at lower pH. The pronounced toxicity of vaginal epithelial cells at pH 5 and pH 5.5 is in keeping with the pH range found in patients with vaginitis. The observations on the cervical epithelium suggest toxic effect on the ecto-cervical epithelium immediate after acquisition of the infection. Adhesion of trichomonads to the endometrial cell line suggests that T. vaginalis is capable of colonization of the upper genital tract. At pH values applicable to the in vivo situation, toxicity was very low

Fluoride ingestion and thyroid function in children resident of naturally fluoridated areas - An observational study

Literature shows association between systemic fluorides with water fluoride level above 3ppm and endocrine disorders especially related to thyroid. Aim & Objectives: To estimate serum T3, T4, TSH, Fluoride levels among children with normal nutritional status and optimal iodine intake, residing in three different ranges of drinking water fluoride levels below 3ppm. Present double blinded observational trial comprised of 293 children aged between 9-13 years consuming naturally fluoridated water of 3 different ranges: Group I: 0.01 - 0.6ppm, Group II: 0.7-1.2ppm and Group III: 1.3-1.8ppm. For each child demographic data, BMI and Clinical Fluorosis Index were recorded along with serum T3, T4, TSH, Fluoride levels. Data was analyzed using Chi Square, Kruskal Wallis test and Repeated measures of ANOVA with SPSS 23. For serum TSH levels 40% of children of group I had deranged levels followed by group III (20%) and Group II (16%). For serum T4 levels 24% of children of both groups I and III had deranged levels followed by group II (20%). Inter group correlation of drinking water fluoride levels to number of deranged serum T3, T4, and TSH of the children showed non-significant association. According to the present study results long term intake of fluoridated drinking water (0.02 -1.4 ppm) did not showed effect on the thyroid function in the children with normal nutritional status and optimal iodine intake