Comparison of digital and conventional impression techniques: evaluation of patients’ perception, treatment comfort, effectiveness and clinical outcomes

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare two impression techniques from the perspective of patient preferences and treatment comfort.Methods: Twenty-four (12 male, 12 female) subjects who had no previous experience with either conventional or digital impression participated in this study. Conventional impressions of maxillary and mandibular dental arches were taken with a polyether impression material (Impregum, 3 M ESPE), and bite registrations were made with polysiloxane bite registration material (Futar D, Kettenbach). Two weeks later, digital impressions and bite scans were performed using an intra-oral scanner (CEREC Omnicam, Sirona). Immediately after the impressions were made, the subjects' attitudes, preferences and perceptions towards impression techniques were evaluated using a standardized questionnaire. The perceived source of stress was evaluated using the State-Trait Anxiety Scale. Processing steps of the impression techniques (tray selection, working time etc.) were recorded in seconds. Statistical analyses were performed with the Wilcoxon Rank test, and p < 0.05 was considered significant.Results: There were significant differences among the groups (p < 0.05) in terms of total working time and processing steps. Patients stated that digital impressions were more comfortable than conventional techniques.Conclusions: Digital impressions resulted in a more time-efficient technique than conventional impressions. Patients preferred the digital impression technique rather than conventional techniques

Basic science232. Certolizumab pegol prevents pro-inflammatory alterations in endothelial cell function

Background: Cardiovascular disease is a major comorbidity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a leading cause of death. Chronic systemic inflammation involving tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF) could contribute to endothelial activation and atherogenesis. A number of anti-TNF therapies are in current use for the treatment of RA, including certolizumab pegol (CZP), (Cimzia ®; UCB, Belgium). Anti-TNF therapy has been associated with reduced clinical cardiovascular disease risk and ameliorated vascular function in RA patients. However, the specific effects of TNF inhibitors on endothelial cell function are largely unknown. Our aim was to investigate the mechanisms underpinning CZP effects on TNF-activated human endothelial cells. Methods: Human aortic endothelial cells (HAoECs) were cultured in vitro and exposed to a) TNF alone, b) TNF plus CZP, or c) neither agent. Microarray analysis was used to examine the transcriptional profile of cells treated for 6 hrs and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysed gene expression at 1, 3, 6 and 24 hrs. NF-κB localization and IκB degradation were investigated using immunocytochemistry, high content analysis and western blotting. Flow cytometry was conducted to detect microparticle release from HAoECs. Results: Transcriptional profiling revealed that while TNF alone had strong effects on endothelial gene expression, TNF and CZP in combination produced a global gene expression pattern similar to untreated control. The two most highly up-regulated genes in response to TNF treatment were adhesion molecules E-selectin and VCAM-1 (q 0.2 compared to control; p > 0.05 compared to TNF alone). The NF-κB pathway was confirmed as a downstream target of TNF-induced HAoEC activation, via nuclear translocation of NF-κB and degradation of IκB, effects which were abolished by treatment with CZP. In addition, flow cytometry detected an increased production of endothelial microparticles in TNF-activated HAoECs, which was prevented by treatment with CZP. Conclusions: We have found at a cellular level that a clinically available TNF inhibitor, CZP reduces the expression of adhesion molecule expression, and prevents TNF-induced activation of the NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, CZP prevents the production of microparticles by activated endothelial cells. This could be central to the prevention of inflammatory environments underlying these conditions and measurement of microparticles has potential as a novel prognostic marker for future cardiovascular events in this patient group. Disclosure statement: Y.A. received a research grant from UCB. I.B. received a research grant from UCB. S.H. received a research grant from UCB. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interes

Les Etats membres du Pacte de Varsovie et la CSCE

L'auteur dresse le bilan des conversations d'Helsinki et de la première phase des négociations de Genève sur la sécurité et la coopération en Europe. Plus précisément, il s'efforce de dégager les conclusions que l'on peut en tirer quant à la solidarité de l'Alliance orientale et quant aux objectifs visés par les pays qui en sont membres. Il décèle une certaine marge de manoeuvre diplomatique de la part des pays de l'Est, mais dans la ligne d'une politique prédéfinie avec l'Union Soviétique. Dans le cas de la Roumanie, la marge de manoeuvre apparaît plus étendue mais elle est exploitée plutôt afin de manifester une capacité d'initiative indépendante qu'avec l'espoir d'obtenir des résultats déterminés.Birnbaum Karl E. Les Etats membres du Pacte de Varsovie et la CSCE. In: Politique étrangère, n°6 - 1973 - 38ᵉannée. pp. 665-674

L'Union soviétique, la coopération nordique et l'intégration de l'Europe occidentale

La politique soviétique consiste par tous les moyens, à assurer et à consolider la prépondérance de Moscou à l'intérieur de sa zone d'influence, par conséquent d'empêcher la Finlande d'être attirée dans un système scandinave. La coopération entre états nordiques remonte au 19e siècle, mais elle se limitait au domaine législatif et social. L'Union soviétique a accepté, avec réticence, l'adhésion à l'A.E.L.E. des quatre pays Scandinaves. Mais lorsqu'il s'est agi de créer le Nordek, qui non seulement aurait mis en valeur leurs ressources communes mais aurait affermi la position des états nordiques en cas de négociations avec le Marché commun, les mises en garde de Moscou ont dissuadé la Finlande d'adhérer au traité.Birnbaum Karl E. L'Union soviétique, la coopération nordique et l'intégration de l'Europe occidentale. In: Politique étrangère, n°3 - 1970 - 35ᵉannée. pp. 269-283