Study of Surface Structure Changes for Selected Ceramics Used in the CAD/CAM System on the Degree of Microbial Colonization, In Vitro Tests.

In the article has been presented an analysis of susceptibility of selected dental materials, made in the CAD/CAM technology. The morphology and structural properties of selected dental materials and their composites were determined by using XRPD (X-ray powder diffraction) techniques, as well as the IR (infrared) spectroscopy. Moreover, an adhesion as well as development of biofilm by oral microorganisms has been studied. It has been shown that a degree of the biofilm development on the tested dental materials depended on microorganism genus and species. Streptococcus mutans has demonstrated the best adhesion to the tested materials in comparison with Candida albicans and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. However, the sintered materials such as IPS e.max® and the polished IPS e.max® have showed the best "anti-adhesive properties" in relation to S. mutans and L. rhamnosus that have not formed the biofilm on the polished IPS e.max® sample. Furthermore, S. mutans have not formed the biofilm on both surfaces. On the contrary to S. mutans and L. rhamnosus, C. albicans has demonstrated the adhesive properties in relation to the above-mentioned surfaces. Moreover, in contrast to S. mutans and C. albicans, L. rhamnosus has not formed the biofilm on the polished IPS Empress material.

Quality of Life in Patients with Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Receiving Palliative Chemotherapy.

The goal of this study was to explore quality of life in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in an attempt to single out features that could help predict the possibility of non-completion of chemotherapy. The survey tool was the Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (QLQ-C30) with the module Lung Cancer 13 (LC-13) developed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. The assessment of quality of life (QoL) was performed in 58 patients with advanced NSCLC before palliative chemotherapy and it was repeated in 43 patients who completed at least three cycles of chemotherapy. We found that the patients who failed to complete the chemotherapy course distinctly showed, in contradistinction to those who completed it, poor physical functioning in (67.6 ± 16.3 vs. 78.3 ± 21.3 points, respectively, p < 0.05) and the lack of appetite (27.1 ± 38.0 vs. 48.9 ± 37.5 points, respectively p < 0.05). At the end of palliative chemotherapy alopecia, sore throat, and constipation significantly worsened QoL, but global health status remained unchanged. In conclusion, poor physical functioning and loss of appetite seem to harbinger a risk of non-completion of chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC.

Elastic dental prostheses - alternative solutions for patients using acrylic prostheses: Literature review.

Elastic dentures are prostheses made of thermoplastic material. This category includes: nylons, acetals, acrylicpolymers, and acrons. Elastic prostheses have been recognized for several years; however, their propertiesare constantly being modified. In the opinion of the majority of patients, elastic prostheses are comfortable,handy and long-lasting. Elastic dentures are a good choice for esthetic reasons. They may be recommendedfor patients who do not accept clasps in framework dentures, but cannot afford dentures supported withprecise elements or implant-based fixed appliances. Such dentures can be applied in masticatory organrehabilitation in patients with increased absolute reflexes, especially retching. Furthermore, such features likesize, construction weight or material plasticity and smoothness are considered to be advantages of thermoplasticmaterials. Elastic dentures are the only removable appliances for patients allergic to metal or acrylic.They are better tolerated by patients with an uneasy prosthetic base or with systemic diseases, e.g., diabetes,who are more susceptible to the traumatic activity of the hard plate of traditional dentures made of acrylicmaterial. Adaptation time is shortened and the number of necessary corrections is reduced. Hygiene rulesas well as follow-up visits terms must be strictly obeyed.

Denture adhesives' effect on retention of prostheses in patients with xerostomia.

BACKGROUND: Patients with xerostomia have difficulties using dentures. Application of denture adhesives (DAs) can improve the stabilization of prostheses. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the retention capability of complete maxillary dentures in patients with xerostomia, determined with and without the use of prosthetic DAs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study evaluated the retention force of prostheses in a group of 60 patients diagnosed with xerostomia. Completely edentulous patients were classified into groups and all used the same kind of DAs during the study. The evaluation was performed 1, 3 and 6 h after application. RESULTS: All patients had poor retention of maxillary dentures without DAs. Maxillary denture retention was much better when DAs were used. The majority of the DAs used were most effective in terms of retention after 1 h. Denture adhesives in the form of glue had the best retention in this study of patients with xerostomia. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study revealed the impact of DAs on average retention forces in complete maxillary denture patients with xerostomia. Patients affected by a reduced secretion of saliva have difficulties using prosthetics. In some cases, such use becomes impossible because of a complete lack of retention. The application of DAs could be a solution in these cases. Denture adhesives in glue form had the best retention during the study for patients with xerostomia.

Clinical Aspects of the Use of Botulinum Toxin Type A in the Treatment of Dysfunction of the Masticatory System.

The purpose of this work is to present a new, still experimental method of treating temporomandibular disorders (TMD) by injecting botulinum toxin Type A (TBX-A), using its effects not as a toxin but as a medication. The mechanism of TBX-A, indications and contraindications for its use, as well as possible side effects, are discussed. Temporomandibular disorders are of concern to approximately 70-80% of the population. The effect of botulinum toxin depends on blocking the release of acetylcholine from a presynaptic neuromuscular synapse and, in the autonomous system, blocking its release from post-ganglionic cholinergic neurons. In cases of long-term TMJ disorders, muscle activity increases and spastic contractions may even appear. TBX-A offers an opportunity for a normal social and family life for many patients suffering from masticatory system disorders (MSD), who have been isolated from the environment by pain. The study is based on a review of the literature and the authors' own experiences during several attempts to treat patients by this method. TBX-A is a safe medicine when the injection is performed by a well-trained physician.

A clinical evaluation denture adhesives used by patients with xerostomia.

The purpose of study was to analyze the participants' opinions concerning the effectiveness of 6 denture adhesives (DA). The study group included 60 participants. Criteria for selecting the patients were as follows: reduced retention and stabilization of maxillary complete dentures and xerostomia. These features were evaluated on basis of clinical examination and standard sialometry tests (u-SFR). Retention of maxillary dentures was scored by modified Kapur index before application of DA. All participants were divided randomly into 6 groups regarding the use of the 6 DA during a 6-month period. After this time, participants completed an HRQL questionnaire. DA noticeably improved retention and stabilization of maxillary complete dentures. DA in the glue form had the best retention effectiveness in participants with xerostomia. These materials are difficult to clean from the denture base. The data are presented in tables and figures. The results of the study collected positive influence of adhesives on retention of dentures in xerostomia patients. The cleaning dentures and denture bearing tissues was difficult. DA help in the use of prostheses, but it is also necessary for the treatment of the causes and symptoms of xerostomia.