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This in vitro study evaluated the effect of six surface treatments on the shear bond strength of three resin-modified glass ionomers (RMGIs) to dentin. Occlusal surfaces of caries-free third molars were reduced to expose only dentin. Surface treatments were smear layer intact (negative control), Cavity Conditioner, EDTA, Ketac Primer, Self Conditioner, and etching with 35% phosphoric acid followed by the application of Optibond Solo Plus. Filtek Z250 composite resin bonded with Optibond Solo Plus served as a positive control. Conditioning agents were used according to the manufacturers' instructions. After surface treatments, Fuji II LC, Riva LC, Ketac Nano, and Filtek Z250 were placed in copper-band matrices 5 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height and were light-cured for 20 seconds. Specimens were stored in 100% humidity for 24 hours, after which they were placed in deionized water for 24 hours at 37°C. They were then tested under shear forces in an Instron Universal Testing Machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. A two-way analysis of variance and Tukey honestly significant difference statistical analyses (p<0.05) indicated significant interaction between RMGIs and conditioning agents. Acid etching followed by Optibond Solo Plus provided highest bond strengths for all three RMGIs, which were not statistically different from the positive control.

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The morphology of the bone marrow of 21 dentists who habitually used nitrous oxide in their surgeries was investigated. Exposure to nitrous oxide was measured with an atmospheric sampling device, and each dentist was invited to fill in a questionnaire giving details of medical history, diet, and intake of alcohol. During the trial a full neurological and haematological investigation was carried out and a bone marrow aspirate was examined both morphologically and by the deoxyuridine suppression test. Mean exposures to nitrous oxide ranged from 159 to 4600 parts per million. In all subjects serum vitamin B12 and folate concentrations were within normal limits. Abnormal results of deoxyuridine suppression tests were obtained in three of the 20 dentists tested; two of these three had abnormal white cells in their peripheral blood films.This study provides direct evidence that occupational exposure to nitrous oxide may cause depression of vitamin B12 activity resulting in measurable changes in bone marrow secondary to impaired synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid.

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We report here our experience with regular automated red cell exchange transfusion for the management of chronic complications of sickle cell disease in 50 patients in our institution from June 2011 to December 2014. The mean sickle hemoglobin level was 44% and 8.5% pre- and post-transfusion, respectively. Platelets were reduced by a mean 70% during the procedure with a count of less than 50 × 10 /l in 6% of cases. The alloimmunization rate was 0.065/100 units of red cells with no hemolytic reactions. Patients with no iron overload at baseline showed no evidence of iron accumulation with a mean liver iron concentration of 1.6 mg/g dry tissue and 1.9 mg/g dry tissue at baseline and 36 months, respectively. All six patients with pre-existing iron overload and on chelation therapy, showed a gradual reduction of their liver iron concentration and two patients could discontinue chelation during the follow-up period. Seventy percentage of patients who were on the programme for recurrent painful crises showed a sustained reduction in the number of emergency hospital attendances; the mean number of days in hospital for emergency treatment was 103 in the year prior to commencing ARCET and reduced to 62 (40%) after the first 12 months, 51 (50%) after 24 months, and 35 days (66%) after 36 months. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:545-550, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.