The Impact of Gastric Juice on the Surface Roughness of Surface Sealant-Treated Provisional Restorations.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Gastroesophageal reflux disease causes gastric acid to enter the oral cavity, leading to mucosal changes and deterioration of dental hard tissues and materials. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the impact of gastric juice on the surface roughness of two types of acrylics used in provisional restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acrytemp ® and Temdent acrylic resin discs (10 × 2 mm) totaling 80 were manufactured and divided into eight groups (n = 10). Groups were prepared as follows: Group 1 (Temdent + Universal Polish) (control), Group 2 (Temdent + Universal Polish + Biscover LV), Group 3 (Temdent + Universal Polish + Resin Glaze), Group 4 (Temdent + Universal Polish + Fortify Plus), Group 5 (Acrytemp + Universal Polish) (control), Group 6 (Acrytemp + Universal Polish + Biscover LV), Group 7 (Acrytemp + Universal Polish + Resin Glaze), and Group 8 (Acrytemp + Universal Polish + Fortify Plus). The resin discs were immersed in distilled water for 24 h and in gastric juice (pH = 2) for additional 24 h. The initial and final roughness values of samples were measured and analyzed with non-parametric statistics including Mann-Whitney U-test for pairwise comparison, Kruskall Wallis test for comparing more than two groups, and Wilcoxon signed rank test for within-group comparison (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Surface roughness did not differ significantly between control groups. It notably increased for all samples with surface sealants, both initially and after gastric juice immersion (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Surface sealants noticeably increased the roughness of two types of acrylic resins. After immersing in gastric juice, Group 4 (Temdent + Universal Polish + Fortify Plus) showed the highest roughness, while the untreated control groups remained the smoothest.

Determination of radioactivity levels in feldspathic dental ceramics.

Activity concentrations of 42 different feldspathic dental ceramic powders were determined using a gamma spectrometer with an HPGe detector. The average 238U, 232Th and 226Ra activity concentrations of the specimens were 126 ± 8 Bq kg-1, 5.6 ± 0.5 Bq kg-1 and 12.7 ± 1.2 Bq kg-1, respectively. The average 40K activity was found as 2855 ± 89 Bq kg-1 ranging from 2252 ± 70 Bq kg-1 to 3522 ± 110 Bq kg-1 due to high potassium content in dental ceramics. None of the activity concentration measurements exceeded the limits by EC and ISO.

Evaluation of two different respiratory physiotherapy methods after thoracoscopy with regard to arterial blood gas, respiratory function test, number of days until discharge, cost analysis, comfort and pain control.

INTRODUCTION: Although the methods used in thoracic surgery have been developing rapidly over the last five decades, postoperative pulmonary complications are seen in this field more than in other surgical branches. We aimed at comparing the acute effects of incentive spirometry (IS) and breathing retraining exercises by a respiratory physiotherapist or experienced physiotherapist. METHODS: Patients were randomized into two groups as spirometry and physiotherapist. Combined respiratory exercises were implemented through IS inspirometry group and by a physiotherapist in physiotherapist group. Blood gas, respiratory function tests, survey results of the Burford pain thermometer, discharge days, and cost analyses of both groups were examined just before the beginning of physiotherapy and on the 3rd day of therapy. RESULTS: There were no statistical difference in first and last values of pH and PCO2and also there were no difference between groups (P > 0.05). Forced expiratory volume one second (FEV1) values are statistically increased compared to basal levels in both groups and mean difference in FEV1values was statistically increased in physiotherapist group compared to spirometry group (P < 0.001). Forced vital capacity (FVC), PO2and SaO2 values are statistically increased compared to basal levels in both groups but mean difference in FVC values was not statistically different between groups (P > 0.05). Cost analysis was not statistically different, mean hospitalization day and mean pain score were statistically decreased in physiotherapist group. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the outcome of this study, respiratory physiotherapy methods carried out by a respiratory physiotherapist are more effective in acute cardiothoracic conditions after thoracotomy compared to IS by patients.

Evaluation of ceruloplasmin levels in patients with pulmonary cystic echinococcus.

AIM: In this study, we aimed to evaluate serum CP levels in the serum samples before and after the surgical interventions in patients with pulmonary cystic echinococcus (CE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients with pulmonary CE who underwent surgery and 48 healthy individuals were enrolled to the study. Patients were divided in two groups; group 1 (n=48) consisted of patients with pulmonary CE, and group 2 (n=48) consisted of healthy subjects. Before and after surgical interventions serum CP levels were measured. RESULTS: Compared to group 2, group 1 had significantly higher CP levels at baseline (p <0.001). In group 1, CP levels were significantly decreased after the surgical intervention (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that CP levels increased in patients with pulmonary CE; chronic inflammation may cause these rises, and may be an immune response of the host, and these levels decreased after the surgical intervention.

The effect of day and night shifts on oxidative stress and anxiety symptoms of the nurses.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is believed to have a role in the development of chronic diseases. It is also known that long-term night and shift work in nurses might be associated with many health-related problems like fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety and difficulties in maintaining regular lifestyles. AIM: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the changes of oxidative stress parameters and anxiety indexes of the nurses on day and night shifts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty nurses in ordinary service and intensive care unit (ICU) were enrolled to the study. Subjects were divided into 2 groups; group 1 (n = 60) consisted of nurses working in a day shift and group 2 (n = 60) as working in the night shift. Further, both groups were divided in to 2 groups again; group la and 2a (both n = 30) who working in the ICU, group 1b and 2b (both n = 30) in the ordinary service. Just before and the end of the shifts, blood samples were obtained to measure total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS). Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Anxiety index were determined at the end of the shift using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory index. RESULTS: Oxidative stress parameters were increased in all nurses at the end of the day and night shifts (p < 0.05). However, both in service and ICU nurses TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were not significantly different at the beginning and the end of the shifts (p > 0.05). Anxiety indexes of each ordinary service and ICU nurses were found to be similar (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ordinary service and ICU nurses' oxidative stress parameters and anxiety indexes were not different and all nurses suffer the similar effects of the shifts both in day and night.

Evaluation of pre- and post-surgical oxidative stress parameters in patients with pulmonary cystic echinococcus.

BACKGROUND: Hydatid cyst secretes numerous immunomodulatory molecules to the host, and the host reacts these molecules by activating immune response. It is also known that, immune cells generally produce more oxidative products. AIM: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antioxidant enzyme using catalase (CAT) and oxidant enzyme using lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) levels in the serum samples before and after the surgical interventions in patients with pulmonary cystic echinococcus (CE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty patients with pulmonary CE who underwent surgery and 40 healthy individuals were enrolled to the study. Patients were divided in two groups; group 1 (n=40) consisted of patients with pulmonary CE, and group 2 (n=40) consisted of healthy subjects. Before and after surgical interventions serum CAT and LOOH levels were measured. RESULTS: Compared to group 2, group 1 had significantly lower CAT and higher LOOH levels before surgery (both p < 0.001). In group 1; CAT levels were significantly increased and LOOH levels significantly increased after the surgical intervention (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that oxidative stress increased in patients with pulmonary CE, may be consequence of immune response of the host, and these levels decreased after the surgical intervention.

Surgical approach of pulmonary hydatidosis in childhood.

To review the results of different surgical treatment in hydatid disease of the lung in paediatric patients. A total of 102 children with pulmonary hydatid cysts were treated at the our clinic in the period from 1990 to 2001. There were 59 boys and 43 girls and their age ranged from 4 to 16 years (mean 10.2). Chest radiography, computed tomography and abdominal ultrasonography were the most commonly used diagnostic techniques. The cysts were located in the right lung in 68 patients (66.6%), in the left lung in 30 patients (29.4%), in both lungs in four patients (3.9%). Concomitant liver cyst hydatid was also detected in 12 patients that were located at right lung, and two patients with bilateral lung involvement. All cases were managed surgically. Of 14 cases with concomitant liver and intrathoracic hydatid cysts, right thoracophrenotomy was performed in 12, median sternotomy in one, and phrenotomy in other. Partial cystectomy and capitonnage were the most commonly used surgical methods. Post-operative complication was seen in 10 (9.8%) patients. Infection at the incision site occurred in four patients and air leakage in three. Complications of capitonnage were seen in three patients. One patient (1%) died at fourth post-operative day due to sepsis. Parenchyma protective operations should be performed especially in children living in endemic areas because of the possibility of recurrence of the disease in the future. Single stage operations in suitable cases decrease the cost of treatment and make surgical therapy suitable in both children and young adults, by reducing the hospital in-patient time and morbidity.

Combination of paraesophageal hernia and Morgagni hernia in an old patient.

Paraesophageal hiatal hernia is an uncommon condition that requires urgent correction to prevent life-threatening complications. It is present in 14% of all hiatal hernias. The incidence of Morgagni hernia among all diaphragmatic defects is 3-4% and about 90% of the hernias occur on the right, 8% are bilateral and 2% are on the left. The combination of a Morgagni hernia and paraesophageal hernia is very rare and only four cases have been reported in the literature. All of them occurred in the right. This report describes an old case admitted to our clinic with dyspnea, chest pain and chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, found to have combined left Morgagni and paraesophageal hernia. Surgical repair was performed via transabdominal approach. This unusual case and surgical approaches are discussed in light of the data presented in the literature.

Mediastinal bronchogenic cyst treated by mediastinoscopic drainage.

Bronchogenic cysts are rare congenital anomalies located in the mediastinum and lung parenchyma. We present the clinical findings and describe the mediastinoscopic treatment of a bronchogenic cyst at the subcarinal space in a 50-year-old man. CT revealed a lesion at the subcarinal space with soft tissue density. Initially, mediastinoscopy was performed for diagnostic purposes. Histopathological evaluation of biopsy material taken from the cyst wall confirmed that the lesion was a bronchogenic cyst. The cyst contents were drained and a sclerosant agent was applied to the cyst lumen via the drainage tube. Mediastinoscopy not only provides diagnostic information but can also be used safely in the treatment of anterior bronchogenic cysts in patients not amenable to a second operation.

Giant hydatid lung cysts.

OBJECTIVE: In this clinical retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate giant hydatid lung cyst cases as a different clinical entity that recorded in last 10 years in our clinic. METHODS: Between February 1990 and May 2000, a total of 305 hydatid lung cyst cases from patients that had been operated were reviewed, and 67 (21.9%) cysts with more than 10 cm in diameters of them were regarded as a giant hydatid lung cyst. Further investigations were made with respect to different factors. RESULTS: Thirty-six (54%) cases were male and 31 (46%) were female. The ages ranged between 5 and 54 (mean 21.6) years. The most common symptoms recorded were; cough (68%), thoracic pain (55%) and dyspnea (52%). Cyst sizes were ranged between 10 and 22 cm (mean 13.4) in diameters. Forty-two (62%) of them were in the right, 22 (33%) were in the left hemithorax, and three (5%) were located bilaterally. Cystotomy or cystectomy and capitonnage was the most frequent applied operation procedure (71%). Resection was performed in nine (13%) cases. Thirteen (19%) cases had air leakage more than 10 days in which five (7%) of them empyema occurred postoperatively. One case died due to respiratory failure in fourth postoperative day. The postoperative hospital stay ranged between 6 and 43 (mean 10.5) days. No recurrence was recorded in 1-5 years of a follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Giant hydatid lung cysts must be regarded as a different clinical entity because of their early occurrence, having more serious symptoms, with frequent operative complications, and they need prolonged care with higher cost effects.