Impact of storage conditions on the fracture reliability and physical properties of a dental resin-based composite.

This study investigated the impact of 'storage condition' and 'period of storage' on selected physico-mechanical properties and fracture reliability of a resin-based composite (RBC). Specimens, prepared from a nanofilled RBC (Filtek Z350 XT; 3M ESPE), underwent tests for degree of conversion (DC), flexural strength (σ), flexural modulus (E), and hardness. The specimens were initially grouped into dry storage at 37°C or wet storage in distilled water at 37°C. Subsequently, they were further divided into four subgroups based on the period of storage: 6, 24, 72, or 168 hours. Specimens tested immediately after preparation served as control. Data analysis employed two-way ANOVA and Weibull analysis (α = 5%). Compared to the control, an increase in DC was observed only after 72 hours of dry storage; σ showed higher values after both dry and wet storage, regardless of the storage period (except for the group wet-stored for 168 hours); E increased with dry storage for at least 24 hours or wet storage for 72 hours; and hardness increased after dry storage for at least 24 hours or wet storage for up to 72 hours. The Weibull modulus remained unchanged under any of the distinct storage conditions. Dry storage resulted in greater characteristic strength than the control, whereas wet storage contributed to higher strength values only at shorter periods (up to 24 hours). Overall, the inherent properties of RBCs with a similar composition to that tested in this study may change with varying storage conditions and periods.

Impact of storage conditions on the fracture reliability and physical properties of a dental resin-based composite

Abstract This study investigated the impact of 'storage condition' and 'period of storage' on selected physico-mechanical properties and fracture reliability of a resin-based composite (RBC). Specimens, prepared from a nanofilled RBC (Filtek Z350 XT; 3M ESPE), underwent tests for degree of conversion (DC), flexural strength (σ), flexural modulus (E), and hardness. The specimens were initially grouped into dry storage at 37°C or wet storage in distilled water at 37°C. Subsequently, they were further divided into four subgroups based on the period of storage: 6, 24, 72, or 168 hours. Specimens tested immediately after preparation served as control. Data analysis employed two-way ANOVA and Weibull analysis (α = 5%). Compared to the control, an increase in DC was observed only after 72 hours of dry storage; σ showed higher values after both dry and wet storage, regardless of the storage period (except for the group wet-stored for 168 hours); E increased with dry storage for at least 24 hours or wet storage for 72 hours; and hardness increased after dry storage for at least 24 hours or wet storage for up to 72 hours. The Weibull modulus remained unchanged under any of the distinct storage conditions. Dry storage resulted in greater characteristic strength than the control, whereas wet storage contributed to higher strength values only at shorter periods (up to 24 hours). Overall, the inherent properties of RBCs with a similar composition to that tested in this study may change with varying storage conditions and periods.

Spontaneous retroperitoneal biloma in a patient with choledocholithiasis: Presentation of case.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Spontaneous perforation of the biliary tree, resulting in retroperitoneal biloma in adults is an extremely rare condition, and may unfold to a potentially fatal outcome, particularly when the diagnosis and definitive treatment are delayed. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 69-year-old male who presented to the emergency room with abdominal pain, localized to the right quadrants, associated with jaundice and dark-coloured urine. Abdominal imaging including CT scan, ultrasound and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) revealed a retroperitoneal fluid collection, a distended gallbladder with wall thickening and lithiasis, as well as a dilated common bile duct (CBD) with choledocholithiasis. The analysis of the retroperitoneal fluid obtained by CT-guided percutaneous drainage was consistent with biloma. A combined approach of biloma percutaneous drainage and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-guided stent placement in the CBD with biliary stones removal was successful in the management of this patient, despite the fact that the perforation site could not be detected. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The diagnosis of biloma is based mainly on clinical presentation and abdominal imaging. If urgent surgical intervention is not indicated, pressure necrosis and perforation of the biliary tree may be avoided by timely percutaneous aspiration of the biloma and ERCP to remove the impacted stones in the biliary tree. CONCLUSION: Biloma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with right upper quadrant or epigastric pain and an intra-abdominal collection on imaging. Efforts should be made in order to offer a prompt diagnosis and treatment to the patient.

Lupus mastitis: A rare breast cancer differential diagnosis.

Lupus mastitis is an uncommon SLE breast manifestation. Clinically, it can present itself as a malignant-like mass. Therefore, a tissue biopsy is warranted to confirm the diagnosis. The treatment of this condition is pharmacological and directed to the underlying disease. The rarity of this entity demands a high degree of suspicion.