1-(1-acetyl-piperidin-4-yl)-3-adamantan-1-yl-urea (AR9281) as a potent, selective, and orally available soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor with efficacy in rodent models of hypertension and dysglycemia.

1-(1-Acetyl-piperidin-4-yl)-3-adamantan-1-yl-urea 14a (AR9281), a potent and selective soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor, was recently tested in a phase 2a clinical setting for its effectiveness in reducing blood pressure and improving insulin resistance in pre-diabetic patients. In a mouse model of diet induced obesity, AR9281 attenuated the enhanced glucose excursion following an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test. AR9281 also attenuated the increase in blood pressure in angiotensin-II-induced hypertension in rats. These effects were dose-dependent and well correlated with inhibition of the sEH activity in whole blood, consistent with a role of sEH in the observed pharmacology in rodents.

A new temporary soft lining material.

The viscoelastic properties of a new light-activated temporary denture soft lining material have been monitored in vitro using a force/distance probe. Its baseline behaviour was characteristic of an elastic material and its compliance considerably less than that of both a short-term and a long-term soft lining material which were used as controls. Sample thickness had no appreciable effect on this compliance. These results suggest that the new product is likely to be perceived as being significantly harder by a patient. Twenty-four weeks' immersion in distilled water had no significant effect on either the compliance or elasticity of the test material and would suggest an improved durability when compared to other conventional short-term resilient denture lining materials, albeit at the expense of compliance.

After Kennedy...

Edward Kennedy's book Partial Denture Construction was published in 1928. A number of the principles that he advocated are still taught, albeit in a modified manner, although the background reasoning supporting those principles has changed somewhat. This paper highlights some of those principles and makes the point that several of them do not appear to have achieved wide acceptance over 70 years later.

Tongue control of upper complete dentures: a clinical hint.

The role of the tongue in aiding upper denture retention is well recognised by clinicians, but this information is not always related to the patient. This paper describes a simple method of diagnosing the problem and training patients to control their maxillary denture during function, particularly when chewing food.

Disposable trays for complete denture construction: a dimensional study of a type frequently used in the UK and of its suitability for the edentulous population.

This study compares the sizes of patients' edentulous arches with the shapes of a range of disposable stock trays from one manufacturer. In many dimensions there is considerable discrepancy between the two. It is concluded that, even with tray modification, it is almost impossible to obtain an accurate impression of the shape of the all-important sulcus regions. Such a conclusion emphasises the importance of obtaining further impressions in special trays which are modified appropriately.

Complete denture prescription--an audit of performance.

The quality of clinical records obtained during the various stages of complete denture construction was assessed in a survey conducted in five large dental laboratories in 1989. The most common fault in approximately half of 188 upper and 158 lower impressions was overextension in the labial and buccal sulci. Of the 87 occlusal records examined, the rims indicated the intended incisal relationship in about 50% of cases. The border of the eventual denture was defined by the technician rather than by the dentist in most instances. The post-dam was prescribed by the dentist in only 16% of the 50 trial dentures inspected. It is argued that a major cause of the lack of prescription is the level of the NHS fee, coupled with the fact that the laboratory expenses are deducted from that fee.

Preparation of guide planes using a reciprocating handpiece.

A reciprocating handpiece and attachments have been found effective in preparing guide planes prior to the construction of removable partial dentures. A comparison was made of the enamel surface prepared using the reciprocating handpiece and a conventional rotary handpiece. Two-stage and three-stage techniques for each handpiece were compared. Scanning electron micrographs showed that a smoother surface was created by the reciprocating handpiece.

How well are complete dentures copied?

OBJECTIVE: To assess how accurately the same set of complete dentures could be copied by 12 different laboratories. DESIGN: A prospective study. SETTINGS: Completed by commercial laboratories used by GDPs in England (1996). Results were analysed and controlled by a university department. SUBJECTS (MATERIALS) AND METHODS: The master set was constructed to include a midline diastema and a bilateral posterior crossbite. Twelve sets of silicone moulds of the master denture were prepared. GDPs selected commercial laboratories of their choice to receive the work. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All stages of the work were compared with the master dentures by returning them to a specially adapted articulator. Analysis was completed using preset criteria. RESULTS: Only five of the returned copies were considered to have both good quality acrylic resin work and clear details of the teeth in wax. Only four cases reproduced the diastema. After processing, the occlusal vertical dimension had been increased in eight of the cases and the bilateral crossbite had been eliminated in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: None of the final copy dentures were considered an accurate copy of the master dentures. There is considerable scope for further training of dental technicians in this important technique.

Problems in restorative dentistry: who copes with them?

The views of general dental practitioners, practising in part of the Yorkshire Region, as to how they would cope with a variety of restorative problems were sought using a questionnaire. If advice or advice and treatment were to be requested from a consultant in restorative dentistry, the questionnaire was designed to discover whether the distance from a hospital created a barrier to the preferred course of action. Only one-third of the dentists were happy to treat a troublesome complete denture case, provide a replacement obturator or look after a natural dentition with considerable periodontal problems. Travel constraints were particularly apparent when it came to seeking help for the elderly edentulous patient. The results of the study indicate that in the Yorkshire Region, there is a high level of demand for consultant advice and treatment for a number of common restorative problems.

Retention.

This article describes the mechanisms for retaining RPDs and considers the different types of direct retainer. The factors influencing the effectiveness of retentive clasps and governing the choice of clasp are discussed.

A system of design.

This article describes a method of building RPD components into an effective design and indicates how the details of the design can be communicated clearly to the dental technician.

Removable partial dentures. 1. Need and demand for treatment.

This article considers first, factors influencing the need and demand for removable partial dentures (RPDs) and second, the particular requirements and problems of elderly patients related to such treatment.

The removable partial denture equation.

This article describes the benefits and risks of providing RPDs. It emphasises the importance of co-operation between the dental team and patient to ensure that the balance of this 'equation' is in the patient's favour.

The influence on partial denture design of a teaching video for general dental practitioners.

This evaluation was based on replies from a random sample of general dental practitioners who were asked to complete questionnaires before and after being sent a video and accompanying booklet on partial denture design. Forty per cent (257) of the original sample (636) completed and returned both questionnaires. A total of 212 respondents (82%) felt the video had been of value and 175 (68%) said they would be more likely to provide metal partial dentures after having watched it. The positive effects of the video were greatest amongst the most recently qualified. Despite some improvement after watching the video, there remained 105 (40%) who indicated that they would leave all partial denture design decisions to the technician on at least some occasions. Comparison of data from first and second questionnaires showed little evidence of substantial shifts in choice of denture design for a series of specific situations. It was concluded that whilst the programme had been well received and had produced changes in intention, there was less objective evidence of change.

Initial prosthetic treatment.

This article describes measures designed to provide short-term solutions to existing RPD problems and to establish an optimum oral environment for the provision of definitive prostheses.

Connectors.

This article describes the types and functions of connectors for RPDS. It also considers the relative merits and limitations of these connectors.

Indirect retention.

This article explains the mechanism of indirect retention for RPDs and discusses the factors which determine its effectiveness. Examples are given of designs which incorporate indirect retention.

Communication between the dentist and the dental technician.

Factors contributing to good RPD design are described, including the respective inputs of the dentist and dental technician. Poor communication in current practice is reported and an appropriate format for a work authorization presented.

Tooth preparation.

This final article in the series describes the modification of teeth to improve their shape for the support and retention of RPDs.

Check records--a chairside mounting procedure.

This article considers the logistical problems involved when the check (interocclusal) record procedure is used to remount complete dentures on an articulator. It reports the development of upper and lower "check record mounting blocks" that may be made to fit any articulator, thus enabling the procedure to be performed easily and quickly at chairside.