Prevention of Enamel Adjacent to Bracket Demineralization Following Carbon Dioxide Laser Radiation and Titanium Tetra Fluoride Solution Treatment: An In Vitro Study

 Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the caries-preventive potential of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser application in conjunction with the use of titanium tetra fluoride solution on the enamel adjacent to bracket.Methods: Seventy-five freshly extracted bovine incisors were used. In order to attach the brackets, the area of examination was covered with adhesive tape to limit acid etching of the entire enamel surface. Metal orthodontic brackets for upper central were bonded to all the teeth following the manufacturer’s instruction. Then all the teeth were painted with 2 layers of acid-resistant nail varnish on all surfaces except the boxes area cervical to the brackets. The teeth were then randomly divided into five groups (n = 15): control group (C); laser group (L); titanium group (T); laser-titanium group (LT) and titanium-laser group (TL). The laser-titanium group was first irradiated with CO2 laser (same as the L group) then TiF4 solution was applied on the enamel (same as the T group). Samples in the TL group were first treated with TiF4 solution (same as the T group) and then irradiated with CO2 laser on the surface (same as the L group). Then, the teeth were immersed in pH-cycling solutions. After that, the amount of calcium released into the two solutions (de- and re-mineralization) was measured with an atomic absorption spectroscopy. The data were analyzed by one-way Analysis of var-iance (ANOVA) and Tukey test.Results: Calcium loss in LT, TL and T groups were significantly lower than those in the L and C groups (P < 0.05).Conclusion: The application of Titanium tetra fluoride 4% solution on enamel can inhibit as much as 87% of subsequent caries like lesion progression

I am not the one I used to be : A qualitative study about experiences of identity development among unaccompanied boys from Afghanistan.

The purpose of the study is to understand/investigate how unaccompanied boys from Afghanistan experience their identity and identity development in interaction with Swedish culture and Swedish society. Qualitative data collection methods have been used in the form of semi-structured interviews. The material has been analyzed on the basis of identity development theory and the theory of ethnic identity. Based on the study's gathered empirical data and analysis, important results found that experiences of identity development in unaccompanied boys are strongly influenced by Swedish society and Swedish culture. The majority of the informants expressed that their identity has been affected and changed a lot during the time they lived in Sweden and that influence has helped these young people to develop a new identity. In order to be a part of the majority society and integrate well into society, this influence on identity has been positive and important for the informants. The study’s results also show that the informants have managed to find a balance between the new identity and their ethnic identity