Evaluation of Retentive Strength of 50 Endodontically-Treated Single-Rooted Mandibular Second Premolars Restored with Cast Post Cores Using 5 Common Luting (Cement) Agents.

BACKGROUND A luting agent is a dental cement used to secure a dental restoration. This study aimed to evaluate retentive strength of 50 endodontically-treated single-rooted mandibular second premolars (extracted) restored using 5 common luting (cement) agents. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifty single-rooted mandibular second premolars with adequate root length and uniform size/shape were decoronated. After completing endodontic biomechanical preparation and obturation, root canals of all specimens were prepared to receive a cast post core. Depending upon cementation type, CPC specimens were divided in 5 groups (10 each) (Gp): Zinc phosphate (Gp ZP), polycarboxylate (Gp PC), glass ionomer (Gp GI), resin-modified glass ionomer (Gp RGI), and resin cement (Gp RC). Retentive strength was determined using the adhesive failure pull-out test. Mean/standard deviations were calculated for tensile forces (in kilograms) and differences were determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Multiple comparison was performed using the t test. A P value of ≤0.05 indicated a statistically significant difference. RESULTS The order of mean tensile strength from higher to lower was Gp RC (21.46) >Gp RGI (18.17) >Gp GI (16.07) >Gp ZP (15.33) >Gp PC (13.63). Differences in retentive strengths between the cements were significant (P≤0.05). Multiple-group comparisons showed that except for Gp ZP and Gp GI, all groups differed significantly from each other. CONCLUSIONS All investigated cements provided optimal retentive strengths, with wide differences between them. Resin cements should be used when CPC removal is not anticipated, while polycarboxylate or zinc phosphate should be used if CPC removal is anticipated.

Management of an extensive odontogenic keratocyst: A rare case report with 10-year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: The odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), previously known as keratocystic odontogenic tumor has been the most disputable pathologies of the maxillofacial region. Patients with OKC are often asymptomatic but may present with pain, swelling, or discharge. Despite the aggressive nature, previous literature as early as 1970s reported the fact that parakeratinized OKC can be treated by means of marsupialization alone. PATIENTS CONCERNS: The patient had reported with a complaint of pain and swelling in relation with a tooth in mandibular right quadrant. DIAGNOSIS: This case report discusses features of a rare, extensive, panmandibular OKC that is only second of its kind mentioned in the literature. INTERVENTION: As a usual treatment protocol, marsupialization was attempted first. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed reduced expression of Ki-67 and B cell lymphoma 2 (bcl-2) markers after marsupialization from 2 separate sites. However, due to incomplete resolution in the lower right anterior region, an aggressive approach was taken by curetting it out surgically along with associated teeth and cortical plate followed by application of Carnoy's solution. OUTCOME: Postsurgery uneventful healing of the lesion was noted on regular follow-up visits with complete resolution at 40 months. The case has been followed for 10 years with no sign of relapse and reoccurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the expression of markers it can thus be concluded that Ki-67 and bcl-2 are site specific and bear strong relationship with the recurrence of OKCs.

A Study of Role Stressors and Job Satisfaction: The Case of MNCs in Collectivist Context.

Job stressors in organizational studies are commonly known as role stressors. These include role overload (RO), role conflict (RC), role ambiguity (RA) and job insecurity (JI). We explored the predicting role of these stressors on the overall level of job stress (JS) and job satisfaction (JSF). Moreover, we tested the role of JS as a mediator between the relationship of role stressors and JSF in a multinational corporation (MNC) in a non-western collectivist context (Pakistan). We obtained data through field surveys from 173 engineering employees from the electrical, mechanical, safety and chemical divisions. Role stressors significantly predicted overall level of JS and JSF. JS was also found to partially mediate the relationship between role stressors and JSF. The study findings suggest that foreign ownership needs to focus not only on the economic value, but also the organizational and job design to mitigate the detrimental role of selected stressors. The results of this study have important implications for MNCs in general, and in developing countries in particular. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed with recommendations.

Role of GIS in social sector planning: can developing countries benefit from the examples of primary health care (PHC) planning in Britain?

Social sector planning requires rational approaches where community needs are identified by referring to relative deprivation among localities and resources are allocated to address inequalities. Geographical information system (GIS) has been widely argued and used as a base for rational planning for equal resource allocation in social sectors around the globe. Devolution of primary health care is global strategy that needs pains taking efforts to implement it. GIS is one of the most important tools used around the world in decentralization process of primary health care. This paper examines the scope of GIS in social sector planning by concentration on primary health care delivery system in Pakistan. The work is based on example of the UK's decentralization process and further evidence from US. This paper argues that to achieve benefits of well informed decision making to meet the communities' needs GIS is an essential tool to support social sector planning and can be used without any difficulty in any environment. There is increasing trend in the use of Health Management Information System (HMIS) in Pakistan with ample internet connectivity which provides well established infrastructure in Pakistan to implement GIS for health care, however there is need for change in attitude towards empowering localities especially with reference to decentralization of decision making. This paper provides GIS as a tool for primary health care planning in Pakistan as a starting point in defining localities and preparing locality profiles for need identification that could help developing countries in implementing the change.