12 research outputs found

    Surface Roughness and Streptococcus mutans Adhesion on Metallic and Ceramic Fixed Prosthodontic Materials after Scaling

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    The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness of fixed prosthodontic materials after polishing or roughening with a stainless steel curette or ultrasonic scaler and to examine the effect of these on Streptococcus mutans adhesion and biofilm accumulation. Thirty specimens (10 x 10 x 3 mm(3)) of zirconia (Zr), pressed lithium disilicate (LDS-Press), milled lithium disilicate glazed (LDS-Glaze), titanium grade V (Ti) and cobalt-chromium (CoCr) were divided into three groups (n = 10) according to surface treatment: polished (C), roughened with stainless steel curette (SC), roughened with ultrasonic scaler (US). Surface roughness values (Sa, Sq) were measured with a spinning disc confocal microscope, and contact angles and surface free energy (SFE) were measured with a contact angle meter. The specimens were covered with sterilized human saliva and immersed into Streptococcus mutans suspensions for bacterial adhesion. The biofilm was allowed to form for 24 h. Sa values were in the range of 0.008-0.139 mu m depending on the material and surface treatment. Curette and ultrasonic scaling increased the surface roughness in LDS-Glaze (p <0.05), Ti (p <0.01) and CoCr (p <0.001), however, surface roughness did not affect bacterial adhesion. Zr C and US had a higher bacterial adhesion percentage compared to LDS-Glaze C and US (p = 0.03). There were no differences between study materials in terms of biofilm accumulation.Peer reviewe

    Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy improves quality of life of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis patients up to 3 months : Results from an observational multicenter study

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    Background/Purpose Narrowband UVB phototherapy is a common treatment modality in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, but evidence of its actual effect in clinical setting is sparse. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness and costs of narrowband UVB phototherapy in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis in clinical setting. Methods We observed 207 psoriasis patients and 144 atopic dermatitis patients in eight centers. SAPASI, PO-SCORAD, and VAS measures were used at baseline, at the end, and 3 months after the narrowband UVB phototherapy course. Quality of life was measured using Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and costs were assessed using a questionnaire. Results In both psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, the DLQI and Self-Administrated PASI (SAPASI)/Patient-Oriented SCORAD (PO-SCORAD) improved significantly and the results remained improved for at least 3 months in both groups. Alleviation of pruritus correlated with better quality of life in both patient groups. We reported slight redness and burning side effects which were due to lack of MED testing. Self-administered tools proved to be useful in evaluating pruritus and severity of the disease in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Mean patient costs were 310 euro and 21 hours of time, and mean costs for the healthcare provider were 810 euro. Conclusion In psoriasis, narrowband UVB is a very efficient treatment in clinical setting, whereas in atopic dermatitis, more studies are needed to determine the best dosage.Peer reviewe

    Regional-scale non-market benefits of improved lakes and rivers when perceived and monitored ecological status diverge

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    There is increased call to demonstrate the benefits of EU Member States' river basin management plans, whose implementation has been delayed largely due to insufficient funding. This paper applies a contingent valuation study to investigate the benefit value of improved ecological status in river basins and the discrepancy between the quality of waters as perceived by river basin residents and as monitored under the Water Framework Directive. Respondents often reported worse quality for their focal water body than the monitored status indicated, a tendency established in a GIS analysis. The likelihood of such divergence increased most with degree of perceived deterioration of surface waters. Observed deterioration in waters, official status of one's focal water body and divergence between two quality measures had implications for welfare estimates. Describing water quality according to ecological criteria and as uniformly as possible would facilitate the use of valuation results in future benefit transfers.Peer reviewe

    Surface Roughness and Streptococcus mutans Adhesion on Metallic and Ceramic Fixed Prosthodontic Materials after Scaling

    No full text
    The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness of fixed prosthodontic materials after polishing or roughening with a stainless steel curette or ultrasonic scaler and to examine the effect of these on Streptococcus mutans adhesion and biofilm accumulation. Thirty specimens (10 × 10 × 3 mm3) of zirconia (Zr), pressed lithium disilicate (LDS-Press), milled lithium disilicate glazed (LDS-Glaze), titanium grade V (Ti) and cobalt-chromium (CoCr) were divided into three groups (n = 10) according to surface treatment: polished (C), roughened with stainless steel curette (SC), roughened with ultrasonic scaler (US). Surface roughness values (Sa, Sq) were measured with a spinning disc confocal microscope, and contact angles and surface free energy (SFE) were measured with a contact angle meter. The specimens were covered with sterilized human saliva and immersed into Streptococcus mutans suspensions for bacterial adhesion. The biofilm was allowed to form for 24 h. Sa values were in the range of 0.008–0.139 µm depending on the material and surface treatment. Curette and ultrasonic scaling increased the surface roughness in LDS-Glaze (p < 0.05), Ti (p < 0.01) and CoCr (p < 0.001), however, surface roughness did not affect bacterial adhesion. Zr C and US had a higher bacterial adhesion percentage compared to LDS-Glaze C and US (p = 0.03). There were no differences between study materials in terms of biofilm accumulation
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