Comparison of two mouthrinses in relation to salivary flow and perceived dryness.

OBJECTIVE: To compare measures of dry mouth following extended use of an alcohol-based mouthrinse (LISTERINE Antiseptic [LA]) and a non-alcohol-based mouthrinse (Crest Pro-Health Rinse [CPH]) on healthy adults with "normal" salivary flow. METHODS: This single-site, randomized, observer-blinded, parallel study compared unstimulated whole salivary flow and perceived dryness following daily use at weeks 4 and 12 versus baseline. Noninferiority, between-treatment flow comparisons (0.15 mL/min margin), and between-treatment comparisons of the mean Bluestone Mouthfeel Questionnaire (BMQ) visual analog scale scores were made using analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Measures of dry mouth were comparable between mouthrinses, as demonstrated by both noninferiority of LA versus CPH flow (P < .001) and no significant differences between groups in the BMQ measures at 4 or 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Extended use of an alcohol-based mouthrinse is no more likely to cause reduction in salivary flow or perceived dryness in individuals with normal salivary flow compared with a non-alcohol-based mouthrinse (CPH).

Biofilms in dermatology.

Biofilms are diverse communities of microorganisms embedded within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substance which are firmly attached to biotic or abiotic surfaces. Approximately 80% of all human infections are associated with biofilms and evidence for their role in an ever-growing number of cutaneous disorders is constantly unfolding. Biofilms present a difficult challenge to clinicians due to their persistent nature, inability to be cultured with standard techniques, and resistance to conventional antimicrobial therapy. Although limited treatment options are presently available, better understanding of the molecular biology of biofilms and their pathogenicity will likely lead to the development of novel anti-biofilm agents for clinical use.

Comparison of open and closed questionnaire formats in obtaining demographic information from Canadian general internists.

The objective of this study was to compare the impact of closed- versus open-ended question formats on the completeness and accuracy of demographic data collected in a mailed survey questionnaire. We surveyed general internists in five Canadian provinces to determine their career satisfaction. We randomized respondents to receive versions of the questionnaire in which 16 demographic questions were presented in a closed-ended or open-ended format. Two questions required respondents to make a relatively simple computation (ensuring that three or four categories of response added to 100%). The response rate was 1007/1192 physicians (80.0%). The proportion of respondents with no missing data for all 16 questions was 44.7% for open-ended and 67.0% for closed-ended formats (P < 0.001). The odds of having missing items remained higher for open-ended response options after adjusting for a number of respondent characteristics (2.67, 95% confidence interval 2.01 to 3.55). For the two questions requiring computations focused on professional activity and income, there were more missing data (P = 0.02, 0.02, respectively) but fewer inaccurate responses (P = 0.009, 0.20, respectively) for the open-ended compared to the closed-ended format. Investigators can achieve higher response rates for demographic items using closed format response options, but at the risk of increasing inaccuracy in response to questions requiring computation.

Childhood needlestick injuries in the Dublin metropolitan area.

Childhood needlestick injuries and other risk exposures outside of hospital are becoming increasingly common. A retrospective review of casenotes to ascertain the incidence, epidemiology and adequacy of management and follow-up of exposures in the Dublin metropolitan area revealed 52 cases between July 1995 and October 1996. Median age of children was 7.4 years. Most occurred in inner city areas with a recognised high prevalence of i.v. drug use. Only 2 high-risk exposures were identified. On presentation all cases received Hepatitis B vaccination and 56% received Hepatitis B immunoglobulin. Following Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus and Human immunodeficiency virus testing, no seroconversions have been identified to date in 9 children with completed tests. General follow-up and Hepatitis B immunisation when initiated were not always complete. Standardised management protocols and wider availability of counselling are recommended.