Esthetic and Functional Rehabilitation of Amelogenesis Imperfecta: Report of Four Cases with a One-Year Follow-Up

In this report, we describe the performance of a conservative and minimally invasive dental approach in four patients exhibiting Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI), a structural anomaly of the enamel. In each patient, approximately 0.5 mm of the most external, porous, and colored enamel layer was removed, and the teeth were restored using two different nanocomposites. Posterior restorations were completed with the same approach. As a result, this contemporary restorative system is a conservative and successful treatment option to restore the loss of oral esthetics and function due to AI. Rehabilitation with direct resin restorations is not only an inexpensive treatment choice, but also a more conservative technique that reduces the amount of preparation required for teeth that are already compromised.

An Investigation on the Formation of Submerged Bar Under Surges in Sandy Coastal Region

Cross-shore sediment transport rate exposed to waves is very important for coastal morphology, the design of marine structures such as seawalls, jetties, breakwaters etc, and the prevention of coastal erosion and accretion due to onoff shore sediment transportation. In the present study, the experiments on cross-shore sediment transport are carried out in a laboratory wave channel with initial beach slopes of 1/8, 1/10 and 1/15. By using the regular waves with different deep-water wave steepnesses generated by a pedal-type wave generator, the geometrical characteristics of beach profiles under storm conditions and the parameters affecting on-off shore sediment transport are investigated for the beach materials with medium diameters of d50=0.25, 0.32, 0.45, 0.62 and 0.80 mm. The offshore bar geometric characteristics are the horizontal distances from the shoreline to the bar beginning （Xb）, crest （Xt）, and ending （Xs） points, the depth from the bar crest to the still water level （ht）, and the bar volume （Vbar）. The experimental results have indicated that when the deep-water steepness （Ha/L0） increased, the net movement to seaside increased. With the increasing wave steepness, the bars moved to widen herewith the vertical distances from still water level to the bar beginning （Xb）, crest （Xt） and ending （Xs） points and the horizontal distances from the coast line to the bar beginning, crest and ending points increased. It was also shown from experimental results that the horizontal distances from the bar beginning and ending points to the coast line increased with the decrease of the beach slope. The experimental results obtained from this study are compared with previous experimental work and found to be of the same magnitude as the experimental measurements and followed the expected basic trend.

Does Fasciola hepatica infection modify the response of acute hepatitis C virus infection to IFN-α treatment?

Immunologic response to acute hepatitis C is mainly a Th1 response, whereas fasciolopsiasis is associated with a diverse T-cell response. Interferon-alpha has immunomodulatory effects and enhances Th1 immune response. Fasciola infection could theoretically interfere with the Th1 immune response, even when acquired after an initial response to interferon-alpha treatment for acute hepatitis C virus （HCV） infection. We report here the case of a male patient who acquired Fasciola hepatica infection after an initial response to IFN-alpha therapy with a favorable outcome.

Evaluation of three methods for detection of methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus

AIM: To evaluate GenoT ype methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) Direct assay and cultivation for the identification of MRSA by using mec A polymerase chain reaction(PCR) as the "gold standard" assay.METHODS: In total of 61 nasal specimens from patients at the intensive care unit were studied by GenoType MRSA Direct test, conventional culture method and automated bacterial identification system. The results of Geno Type MRSA Direct assay were compared to conventional culture method the identification of MRSA and mec A gene PCR as the "gold standard" method. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated.RESULTS: In total, 61 specimens were studied. Fiftyfour specimens(88.5%) were negative by all three methods. Six swabs(9.8%) were found positive by GenoT ype MRSA Direct test, conventional culture method and automated bacterial identification system. The presence of mec A in these strains was confirmed by PCR. One swab sample was negative for culture meth-ods but MRSA and mecA gene were detected by GenoType MRSA Direct test and mec A PCR respectively. GenoT ype MRSA Direct test had a sensitivity of 100%(6/6) and a specificity of 100%(55/55), with a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 98%. Culture method of MRSA had a sensitivity of 83.3%(5/6) and a specificity of 98.2%(55/56). CONCLUSION: It was found that the GenoT ype MRSA Direct assay, which is a rapid and accurate test, is of the same sensitivity and specificity with mec A PCR. The GenoT ype MRSA Direct assay can be a better tool for rapid and accurate detection of MRSA in diagnostic laboratories.

Unusual Initial Presentation Of Celiac Disease in Children: Three Case Reports

Background: The togetherness of invagination with celiac disease is an extremely rare condition especially in children. However, invagination may be the presenting symptom of celiac disease. Moreover, recurrent invaginations have been also reported in patients with celiac disease. Aim: To increase the awareness of clinicians about togetherness of these conditions. Case Presentation: Herein, we will discuss three children with diagnosis of celiac disease who presented with invagination and intestinal pseudo-obstruction. Conclusion: Children with pseudo-obstruction and invagination without an underlying etiology should be evaluated for the presence of celiac disease, especially if they have accompanying growth retardation or anemia and if they are at an unusual age for invagination. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the exact relationship of invagination with celiac disease.