Role of Two Clusters of Male Alcoholics in Treatment Retention

Aims: This study aimed to classify alcohol-dependent outpatients on the basis of clinical factors and to verify if the resulting types show different treatment retention. Methods: The sample comprised 332 alcoholics that were enrolled in three different pharmacological trials carried out at Sao Paulo University, Brazil. Based on four clinical factors problem drinking onset age, familial alcoholism, alcohol dependence severity, and depression - K-means cluster analysis was performed by using the average silhouette width to determine the number of clusters. A direct logistic regression was performed to analyze the influence of clusters, medication groups, and Alcoholics Anonymous ( AA) attendance in treatment retention. Results: Two clusters were delineated. The cluster characterized by earlier onset age, more familial alcoholism, higher alcoholism severity, and less depression symptoms showed a higher chance of discontinuing the treatment, independently of medications used and AA attendance. Participation in AA was significantly related to treatment retention. Discussion: Health services should broaden the scope of services offered to meet heterogeneous needs of clients, and identify treatment practices and therapists which improve retention. Information about patients' characteristics linked to dropout should be used to make treatment programs more responsive and attractive, combining pharmacological agents with more intensive and diversified psychosocial interventions. Copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel

The pattern recognition receptors expressed on neutrophils and the associated cytokine profile from different aged patients with Candida-related denture stomatitis

This study evaluated the expression of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and activation factors associated with salivary and blood neutrophils from different aged patients diagnosed with Candida-related denture stomatitis (DS). Expression of neutrophil PRRs was determined by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence, and the levels of selected cytokines that influence immune activation were determined by ELISA. The salivary (but not the serum derived) neutrophils of individuals with DS were found to have an increased expression of CD69 regardless of the age of the patient compared to patients without DS. However, these salivary neutrophils had a lower expression of CD66b and CD64. Expression of TLR2 was lower on the salivary-and serum-derived neutrophils from elderly individuals compared to the neutrophils of younger subjects, regardless of whether the individual had DS. Salivary interleukin (IL)-4 was elevated in both of the elderly subject groups (with or without DS). Only elderly DS patients were observed to have increased serum IL-4 levels and reduced salivary IL-12 levels. Younger DS patients showed an increase in salivary IL-10 levels, and both the saliva and the serum levels of IFN-gamma were increased in all of the younger subjects. Our data demonstrated that changes in both the oral immune cells and the protein components could be associated with DS. Furthermore, changes in the blood-derived factors were more associated with age than DS status. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Junction Field Effect on the Retention Time for One-Transistor Floating-Body RAM

One-transistor floating-body random access memory retention time distribution is investigated on silicon-on-insulator UTBOX devices. It is shown that the average retention time can be improved by two to three orders of magnitude by reducing the body-junction electric field. However, the retention time distribution, which is mainly caused by the generation-recombination center density variation, remains similar.

Use of cellulose fibers from hemp core in fiber-cement production. Effect on flocculation, retention, drainage and product properties

The aim of this paper is to study the feasibility of using cellulose fibers obtained from an agricultural waste, hemp core (Cannabis Sativa L), through different new environmental friendly cooking processes for fiber-cement production. The physical and mechanical properties of the fiber reinforced concrete, which depend on the nature and morphology of the fibers, matrix properties and the interactions between them, must be kept between the limits required for its application. Therefore, the morphology of the fibers and how its use affects the flocculation, retention and drainage processes in the fiber-cement manufacture, and the mechanical and physical properties of the fiber-cement product have been studied. The use of pulp obtained by means of the hemp core cooking in ethanolamine at 60% concentration at 180 degrees C during 90 min resulted in the highest solids retention and the best mechanical properties among the studied hemp core pulps. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Complete Denture Quality and Masticatory Efficiency in Denture Wearers

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate (1) the influence of complete denture quality and years of denture use on masticatory efficiency and (2) the relationship between complete denture quality and years of use. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 93 edentulous patients (mean age: 65.6 years) wearing both mandibular and maxillary dentures. Patients were classified into two categories according to years of denture use: <= 2 years and >= 5 years. Masticatory efficiency was evaluated via the colorimetric method with beads as the artificial test food. A reproducible method for objective evaluation of the technical quality of complete dentures was employed. The association between denture quality and years of denture use was analyzed using chi-square and Fisher exact tests. The results of masticatory efficiency testing were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (with the Tukey post hoc test) in terms of years of denture use <= 2 years, >= 5 years) and denture quality (poor, average, good). Results: A significant relationship was found between denture quality and years of denture use (P < .05). Masticatory efficiency differed significantly (P < .05) between patients with <= 2 years of denture use (0.101 +/- 0.076 absorbance) and >= 5 years of use (0.068 +/- 0.076 absorbance). Masticatory efficiency was not influenced by denture quality. Conclusions: Complete denture quality and masticatory efficiency significantly decreased over time. However, complete denture quality did not influence masticatory efficiency. Int J Prosthodont 2012;25:625-630.

Complete denture wear during sleep in elderly sleep apnea patients-a preliminary study

There is no consensus in the literature about the impact of complete denture wear on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The goal of this randomized clinical study was to assess if complete denture wear during sleep interferes with the quality of sleep. Elderly edentulous OSA patients from a complete denture clinic were enrolled and received new complete dentures. An objective sleep analysis was determined with polysomnography performed at the sleep laboratory for all patients who slept either with or without their dentures. Twenty-three patients (74% females) completed the study with a mean age of 69.6 years and a mean body mass index of 26.7 kg/m(2). The apnea and hypopnea index (AHI) was significantly higher when patients slept with dentures compared to without (25.9 +/- 14.8/h vs. 19.9 +/- 10.2/h; p > 0.005). In the mild OSA group, the AHI was significantly higher when patients slept with the dentures (16.6 +/- 6.9 vs. 8.9 +/- 2.4; p < 0.05), while in moderate to severe OSA patients, the AHI was not significantly different when sleeping with dentures (.30.8 +/- 15.6 vs. 25.7 +/- 7.5; p = 0.2). The supine AHI in mild patients was related to a higher increase in AHI while wearing dentures (12.7 +/- 8.4/h vs. 51.9 +/- 28.6/h; p < 0.001). A limitation of the study is that the mild OSA patients had a higher BMI when compared to the moderate to severe OSA patients. Ten out of 14 patients who preferred to sleep with their upper and lower dentures showed an increase in their AHI while wearing dentures to sleep. Contrary to previous studies, we found that OSA patients may experience more apneic events if they sleep with their dentures in place. Specifically, in mild OSAS patients, the use of dentures substantially increases the AHI especially when in the supine position.

Oral health related quality of life of edentulous patients after denture relining with a silicone-based soft liner

Background: Knowledge of benefits caused by a treatment on quality of life is very relevant. Despite the wide use and acceptance of soft denture liners, it is necessary to evaluate the patient's response about the use of these materials with regard to improvement in oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL). Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of denture relining in the OHRQoL of edentulous patients. Materials and methods: Thirty-two complete denture wearers had their lower dentures relined with a silicone-based material (Mucopren soft, Kettenbach, Germany) according to chairside procedures. OHRQoL was assessed before and after 3 months of relining by means of OHIP-EDENT, and the median scores were compared by Wilcoxon test (p <= 0.05). Results: After 3 months of relining, participants reported significant improvement of their OHRQoL (p <= 0.01). Conclusion: Denture relining with a soft liner may have a positive impact on the perceived oral health of edentulous patients.

The influence of mandibular implant-retained overdentures in masticatory efficiency

Objective: To evaluate the masticatory efficiency of patients rehabilitated with conventional dentures (CDs) or implant-retained mandibular overdentures. Background: Despite the evident benefits of implants on mastication as assessed by subjective patient-based outcomes, the extent of implant overdenture treatment effect on food comminution is not well established. Materials and methods: A randomised clinical trial was carried out with 29 completely edentulous patients divided into two groups. The first group was rehabilitated with a mandibular overdenture retained by two splinted implants with bar-clip system, while the second group was rehabilitated with a mandibular CD. Both groups also were rehabilitated with maxillary CDs. Masticatory efficiency and patient satisfaction were assessed 3 months after denture insertion. Masticatory efficiency was evaluated through the colorimetric method with the beads as the artificial test-food. Comparisons for masticatory efficiency and patient satisfaction were performed using Student's t-test (alpha = 0.05). Results: No significant statistical difference was found for masticatory efficiency (p = 0.198). Patient overall satisfaction was significantly higher for the mandibular overdenture (p < 0.001). In addition, mandibular overdenture patients were significantly more satisfied with chewing experience (p < 0.05) and retention of the lower denture (p < 0.005). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that mandibular overdenture significantly improves chewing experience, although limited effect on masticatory efficiency has been observed.

Evaluation of Vickers hardness of different types of acrylic denture base resins with and without glass fibre reinforcement

Objective: To evaluate the Vickers hardness of different acrylic resins for denture bases with and without the addition of glass fibres. Background: It has been suggested that different polymerisation methods, as well as the addition of glass fibre (FV) might improve the hardness of acrylic. Materials and methods: Five types of acrylic resin were tested: Vipi Wave (VW), microwave polymerisation; Vipi Flash (VF), auto-polymerisation; Lucitone (LT), QC20 (QC) and Vipi Cril (VC), conventional heat-polymerisation, all with or without glass fibre reinforcement (GFR) and distributed into 10 groups (n = 12). Specimens were then submitted to Vickers hardness testing with a 25-g load for 30 s. All data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test. Results: A significant statistical difference was observed with regard to the polymerisation method and the GFR (p < 0.05). Without the GFR, the acrylic resin VC presented the highest hardness values, and VF and LT presented the lowest. In the presence of GFR, VC resin still presented the highest Vickers hardness values, and VF and QC presented the lowest. Conclusions: The acrylic resin VC and VW presented higher hardness values than VF and QC resins. Moreover, GFR increased the Vickers hardness of resins VW, VC and LT.

Salivary immunity in elderly individuals presented with Candida-related denture stomatitis

Objectives: Elderly individuals with Candida-related denture stomatitis (DS) present with a reduced defence against Candida albicans. This study evaluated levels of antimicrobial mediators in the elderly DS saliva and salivary neutrophils' activation characteristics compared with elderly and young without DS. Methods: Salivary peroxidases (SPO) and elastase activities (ELA), nitric oxide (NO), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), IL-6 and CCL3 production were determined in saliva from elderly with or without DS, and young control individuals. TLR4, CXCR1, CD11b, CD16 and CD32 expression on salivary neutrophils were evaluated. Correlations between number and apoptosis rate of salivary neutrophils, enzymatic activities and cytokine levels were determined. Results: Elderly DS individuals exhibited the lowest SPO and ELA activities. Also, the activity of both enzymes was low in elderly without DS. Although both elderly groups showed higher salivary NO and TGF-beta levels compared to young control groups, elderly DS presented the highest salivary NO, TGF-beta, IL-6 and CCL3 levels. Decreased percentages of salivary TLR4(+) and CD16(+) neutrophils were detected in both elderly groups. Although these damages could influence the establishment and persistence of DS, the highest levels of salivary IL-6 and CCL3 in elderly DS could be preventing more serious complications.

Evaluation of experimental cleanser solution of Ricinus communis: effect on soft denture liner properties

Objective: This study evaluated colour stability, hardness and roughness of soft denture liners after immersion in various cleansers. Materials and methods: Thirty specimens (14 mm x 4 mm) of Elite Soft Relining (ES) and Mucopren Soft (MS) were randomly immersed in distilled water at 37 degrees C, sodium hypochlorite 1%, and an experimental Ricinus communis solution (RC) for 7, 15 and 183 continuous days. Results: ANOVA (p < 0.05) and Tukey's test indicated that after T7 (mu =8.79 +/- 7.36); T15 (mu = 4.23 +/- 2.62) and T183 (mu = 8.78 +/- 3.16), MS presented a higher increase in hardness than ES. After T7, MS underwent an increase in roughness (mu = 0.09 +/- 0.80); ES underwent a decrease (mu = -0.08 +/- 0.16). RC caused the smallest variation in roughness. After T15, both materials presented an increase in roughness. After T183, ES (mu = -0.30 +/- 0.48) presented a higher roughness variation than MS (mu = -0.07 +/- 0.32). Hypochlorite caused an increase in roughness (mu = 0.02 +/- 0.19). Conclusion: After all periods ES presented higher colour alteration than MS; highest colour alteration was caused by hypochlorite. Both materials were more stable after immersion in RC.

Peel bond strength of resilient liner modified by the addition of antimicrobial agents to denture base acrylic resin

In order to prolong the clinical longevity of resilient denture relining materials and reduce plaque accumulation, incorporation of antimicrobial agents into these materials has been proposed. However, this addition may affect their properties. Objective: This study evaluated the effect of the addition of antimicrobial agents into one soft liner (Soft Confort, Dencril) on its peel bond strength to one denture base (QC 20, Dentsply). Material and Methods: Acrylic specimens (n=9) were made (75x10x3 mm) and stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 48 h. The drug powder concentrations (nystatin 500,000U - G2; nystatin 1,000,000U - G3; miconazole 125 mg - G4; miconazole 250 mg - G5; ketoconazole 100 mg - G6; ketoconazole 200 mg - G7; chlorhexidine diacetate 5% - G8; and 10% chlorhexidine diacetate - G9) were blended with the soft liner powder before the addition of the soft liner liquid. A group (G1) without any drug incorporation was used as control. Specimens (n=9) (75x10x6 mm) were plasticized according to the manufacturers' instructions and stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 h. Relined specimens were then submitted to a 180-degree peel test at a crosshead speed of 10 mm/min. Data (MPa) were analyzed by analysis of variance (alpha=0.05) and the failure modes were visually classified. Results: No significant difference was found among experimental groups (p=0.148). Cohesive failure located within the resilient material was predominantly observed in all tested groups. Conclusions: Peel bond strength between the denture base and the modified soft liner was not affected by the addition of antimicrobial agents.

Psychosocial and clinical predictors of retention in outpatient alcoholism treatment

Objective: One of the factors associated with low rates of compliance in the treatment for alcoholism seems to be the intensity of craving for alcohol. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between alcohol craving and biopsychosocial addiction model-related variables and to verify whether these variables could predict treatment retention. Methods: The sample consisted of 257 male alcoholics who were enrolled in two different pharmacological trials conducted at the Universidade de Sao Paulo in Brazil. Based on four factors measured at baseline - biological (age, race, and family alcoholism), psychiatric (depression symptoms), social (financial and marital status), and addiction (craving intensity, severity of alcohol dependence, smoking status, drinking history, preferential beverage, daily intake of alcohol before treatment) - direct logistic regression was performed to analyze these factors' influence on treatment retention after controlling for medication groups and AA attendance. Results: Increasing age, participation in Alcoholics Anonymous groups, and beer preference among drinkers were independently associated with higher treatment retention. Conversely, higher scores for depression increased dropout rates. Conclusion: Health services should identify the treatment practices and therapists that improve retention. Information about patients' characteristics linked to dropouts should be studied to render treatment programs more responsive and attractive, combining pharmacological agents with more intensive and diversified psychosocial interventions.

Activation pattern of neutrophils from blood of elderly individuals with -related denture stomatitis

We have identified impaired neutrophils in elderly individuals which could be involved with -related denture stomatitis (DS), an oral infection predominantly caused by , affecting especially elderly individuals using dental prosthesis. However, specific mechanisms performed by neutrophil contributing to the susceptibility of the elderly to DS are not fully understood. This study evaluated activation features of blood neutrophils from elderly and young individuals with DS. Blood neutrophils cultured with . from elderly subjects secreted decreased levels of CXCL8. However, . challenged-neutrophils from DS patients produced high IL-4 and IL-10, and low GM-CSF levels, regardless of age. Additional elastase activity of neutrophils from both elderly groups was detected after incubation with . , but only neutrophils from elderly DS demonstrated high myeloperoxidase activity. Therefore, DS patients have affected neutrophils, and the advance of age intensifies these damages. In sumamry, individuals with -related denture stomatitis presented variation in the neutrophil phenotype and activation. Such alterations were more intense in neutrophils from infected elderly individuals.

The effects of extrusion conditions and the addition of volatile compounds and flavour enhancers to corn grits on the retention of the volatile compounds and texture of the extrudates

Corn grits that were supplemented with isovaleraldehyde, ethyl butyrate, butyric acid and flavour enhancers were extruded under different processing conditions. Volatile compounds retained in the extrudates were isolated by dynamic headspace and analysed using gas chromatographymass spectrometry. The expansion ratio, density and cut force to break down the extrudates were evaluated and aroma intensity was assessed using a multisample difference test. Butyric acid showed the greatest retention (96.4%), regardless of the extrusion conditions. All compounds were better retained when samples were extruded at 20% feed moisture and 90 degrees C processing temperature (2.981.0%), conditions that also resulted in greater aromatic intensity (moderate to moderate-strong intensity). The addition of volatile compounds reduced the expansion ratio and cut force, whereas the addition of flavour enhancers increased the expansion ratio but reduced ethyl butyrate and butyric acid retention.