Effect of dehydration pathway on the surface properties of molecular crystals

Atomic force microscopy was used to determine roughness, elastic modulus and work function after thermally-induced and solvent-induced dehydration. These properties correlated with electric charging to provide insight into behaviour of bulk powders.

Antibacterial properties of nitric oxide-releasing porous silicon nanoparticles

In this study, the antibacterial efficacy of NO-releasing porous silicon nanoparticles (pSiNPs) is reported. NO-releasing pSiNPs were produced via the conjugation of S-nitrosothiol (SNO) and S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) donors to the nanoparticle surfaces. The release of the conjugated NO caused by the decomposition of the conjugated SNO and GSNO was boosted in the presence of ascorbic acid. The released NO was bactericidal to Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), and eliminated bacterial growth within 2 h of incubation without compromising the viability of mammalian cells. These results demonstrate the advantages of NO-releasing pSiNPs for antibacterial applications, for example, in chronic wound treatment.

Small interfering RNA delivery by polyethylenimine-functionalised porous silicon nanoparticles

Polyethyleneimine-coated mesoporous silicon nanoparticles efficiently deliver siRNA in glioblastoma cells, subsequently reducing the protein expression of a chemotherapy resistance gene by 70% within 72 hours.

Comparison of partial and full crowns as retainers in the same bridge

The purpose of this study was to assess longitudinally the success of partial and full crown abutment pairs in the same bridges. Fifty patients with a mean age of 45 years (range 22-70 years) were examined during spring 1981 (1-5 year follow-up), 33 of whom were examined a second time during spring 1990 (10-15 year follow-up). The status of the partial crowns, full crowns, and their abutment teeth was assessed using standardized questions, and clinical and radiographic examinations. At the first follow-up examination, all partial and full crowns, and consequently all bridges, were still in use. Before the second follow-up examination one of the full crown abutments had become badly decayed, and the bridge, including the partial crown, had been removed. The failure rate was 0.2% per year for the full crown as a unit, and consequently 0.2% per year for the bridge as a unit.

Radiographic signs in the TMJ and finger joints in elderly people

Radiographic signs in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and finger joints were investigated in a series of 139 residents of elderly people's homes using panoramic tomographs and dorso-volar radiographs. Radiographic signs in TMJs were found in 14% of the subjects, whereas all subjects had signs in at least one finger joint. The TMJs of men and women were equally affected, whereas signs in finger joints were more severe in women. No correlation was found between radiographic signs in TMJs and finger joints, suggesting that most signs in TMJs are probably due to local factors.

Association between salivary flow rate and the use of systemic medication among 76-, 81-, and 86-year-old inhabitants in Helsinki, Finland

The aim of this study was to examine salivary flow rate and its association with the use of medication in a representative sample of 76-, 81-, and 86-year-old subjects, totaling 368. In this study, 23% (n = 80) of the subjects were unmedicated. From one to three daily medications were used by 47% (n = 168) and more than four medications by 30% (n = 104). The most commonly used medications were nitrates, digitalis or anti-arrhythmic drugs (47.7%), analgesics and antipyretics (32.6%), and diuretics (29.5%). The mean number used daily was significantly higher in 86-year-olds than in the two younger age groups (p < 0.01). No significant differences in this respect were found between genders. Among the unmedicated subjects, 76-year-olds had significantly higher stimulated salivary flow rates than did the 81-year-olds (p < 0.05). Unmedicated women showed significantly lower unstimulated (p < 0.01) and stimulated flow rates than did men (p < 0.05). Stimulated salivary flow rate was also significantly higher in the 76-year-old medicated subjects than in the medicated 86-year-old subjects (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in unstimulated salivary flow rates among the three age groups. Medicated women showed significantly lower unstimulated salivary flow rates than men (p < 0.001), although the difference in stimulated saliva flow was not significant. A statistically significant difference in unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates was found between unmedicated persons and those who took from four to six, or more than seven, prescribed medications daily.

Craniomandibular disorders in elderly with psoriasis

A questionnaire survey was carried out to determine the prevalence of craniomandibular (CM) disorders in relation to age in psoriasis. Of the 1776 psoriatics, 85.4% responded; 1050 of them had psoriasis with skin symptoms only (P), and 400 had both skin and joint symptoms (PA). No statistically significant differences could be found between older (greater than or equal to 65 yrs) and younger (less than 65 yrs) psoriatics in either the P-group or the PA-group as regards the severity of subjective symptoms of CM disorders. In the P-group the younger psoriatics reported more frequent (30%) subjective symptoms than the older ones did (19%) (p less than 0.05), but no difference was found in the PA-group (51% and 41%, respectively) (NS). The most frequently reported symptoms in all age groups were temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds and TMJ pain during function. TMJ sounds were significantly less frequently reported by the older than the younger psoriatics both in the P-group and the PA-group (p less than 0.01 and p less than 0.05, respectively). It can be concluded that, apart from TMJ sounds, the frequency and severity of symptoms of CM disorders are not related to age in psoriasis.

Leukocyte count and keratinization of the palatal denture-bearing mucosa

The clinical and cytological effects of denture wear on the underlying palatal mucosa were studied in 67 complete denture patients. Forty-four persons without dentures served as the control group. Palatal keratinization under dentures was lower than the keratinization in the control group. Continuous denture wear, compared to daytime wear only did not reduce palatal keratinization. The appearance of leukocytes in smears from the palatal mucosa was related to the degree of mucosal keratinization but not to denture-wearing habits.

Milk and vegetables in the diet of institutionalized elderly people in Finland

More than 95% of the institutionalized elderly subjects drank milk, and more than 50% ate raw vegetables one or more times a day. There were no statistical differences between the frequencies of men and women, and the mean frequency index for age groups 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and greater than or equal to 85 years was the same for milk throughout. For vegetables, the mean value rose slightly toward to older age groups. More than half of the edentulous denture wearers and of the dentulous subjects ate raw vegetables every day, while only 38% of the edentulous without dentures did. The availability of vegetables alone is not enough; the intake of these vegetables must be actively encouraged.

Clinical study of a heat-cured silicone soft lining material

Thirty-seven mandibular dentures lined with Molloplast B silicone material were examined after they had been worn for 2-8 weeks and 6, 18 and 30 months. The denture wearers were also examined and interviewed. The colour was found to have become lighter in 46% and turned yellow or brown in 51%; the denture base had worn through in 24% and there was a failure on bond in 22%; no hardening of the material was noted; 24% of the dentures had broken. An unusual taste was reported by 22% and smell by 14% of the denture wearers; mucosal soreness was noted in 14%; denture stomatitis developed in 48%; hygiene was poor in 61% and fungal growth was traced in 81% of the dentures; 73% of the patients were satisfied with the soft lining.

Frequency of mandibular dysfunction symptoms in institutionalized elderly people

Mandibular dysfunction symptoms were found in 74% of 375 elderly persons, aged 65 or over, 79% of the women and 59% of the men (p less than 0.001). 36% had one symptom, 26% two symptoms, 8.5% three symptoms, and 3% 4--5 symptoms. The most frequent were the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds (48%). Deviation of mandible on opening and/or closing movement was found in 44%, in women more often than men (p less than 0.05). The frequency of limited opening was 14%, higher among women than men (p less than 0.05). Tenderness to palpation laterally over the TMJ was observed in 14%. 7% reported pain on opening movement, women more often than men (p less than 0.01).

Mycotic growth and soft denture lining materials

Mycotic flora was studied from the dentures and denture bearing mucosae of 39 persons who wore soft-lined (Molloplast B) mandibular dentures and heat-cured acrylic resin maxillary dentures. Fungal growth was detected in 85% of the mandibular dentures and in 44% of the maxillary dentures (p less than 0.001). On the mandibular mucosa fungal growth was revealed in 74% and on the mucosa of the maxilla in 69%. In connection with inflamed mucosae fungal growth was always detected on the mandibular denture and on the mandibular mucosa in 93% as well as on the maxillary denture in 50% and on the maxillary mucosa in 75%. Considering the healthy mandibular mucosa fungus was found in 75% on the mandibular dentures and in 62% on the mucous membranes. In connection with healthy maxillary mucosae the corresponding figures were 42% and 68%. The specimens revealed 7 different yeasts and 2 moulds. The most common fungi were Candida albicans (86%), Torulopsis glabrata (31%), and C. tropicalis (14%). The uncured Molloplast material caused a definite inhibition of candida growth in vitro, while the cured material indicated no growth inhibition.

Soft lining to relieve soreness beneath dentures

The mandibular dentures of eighteen patients who suffered from chronic tissue soreness beneath the denture which could not be relieved by bringing the denture into a functionally faultless condition, were furnished with a soft lining. Of the patients re-examined after 2 weeks, 89% were symptom-free. After 6 months, 1, 2 and 3 years the percentages of the symptom-free patients were 64, 79, 60 and 71% of the total re-examined. However, after soft lining, some relief of the complaint was reported by all patients of the series. The series included a woman with bronchial asthma whose oral mucosa again became sore after she had worn the denture with soft lining for a year, and a bruxist who had a definite relief. The percentage incidence of denture stomatitis increased in the course of the 3-year period studied. At the listed dates of re-examination, it was 25, 46, 43, 80 and 100%, respectively.