MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 180 samples were used for polymerization shrinkage (buoyancy and optical methods) and degree of conversion tests in which they were divided into Group 1, nanofilled composite (Filtek-Z350- XT; 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN 55144-1000, USA), Group 2, microhybrid composite (Zmack-Comp), and Group 3, nanohybrid composite (Zr-Hybrid). Polymerization shrinkage test was performed using buoyancy and optical methods. For buoyancy method, samples were weighed in air and water to calculate the shrinkage value, whereas, for optical method, images of nonpolymerized samples were captured under a digital microscope and recaptured again after light-cured to calculate the percentage of shrinkage. Degree of conversion was tested using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectrometer.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance complemented by post hoc Dunnett's T3 test for polymerization shrinkage and Tukey's honestly significant difference test for degree of conversion. Level of significance was set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS: Group 3 demonstrated similar polymerization shrinkage with Group 1, but lower shrinkage (p < 0.05) than Group 2 based on buoyancy method. However, optical method (p < 0.05) showed that Group 3 had the lowest shrinkage, followed by Group 1 and lastly Group 2. Besides, Group 3 showed a significantly higher degree of conversion (p < 0.05) than Group 1 and comparable conversion value with Group 2.
CONCLUSIONS: Zirconia-reinforced rice husk nanohybrid composite showed excellent shrinkage and conversion values, hence can be considered as an alternative to commercially available composite resins.
KEYWORDS: Wegener granulomatosis; Young girl; Cyclophophamide; cANCA.
Methods: Forty-eight male Sprague Dawley rats were allocated into eight groups of six rats (n = 6): control, CP only (200 mg kg-1), AM only (100 mg kg-1, 300 mg kg-1 and 500 mg kg-1) and CP + AM (100 mg kg-1, 300 mg kg-1 and 500 mg kg-1). Animals were sacrificed after 63 days of treatment and the sperm from the caudal epididymis was taken for sperm analysis.
Results: The body and the reproductive organs weight, sperm count and motility did not differ between CP and other groups (P > 0.05). A significant increase (P < 0.05) in percentage of the dead and abnormal sperm were seen in the CP alone treated group compared to the control group. Co-administration of AM to the CP exposed rats significantly reduced the (P < 0.05) percentage of abnormal sperm as compared to the CP only group.
Conclusion: Overall, the present results represent the potential of AM to protect against CP induced reproductive toxicity.
CASE PRESENTATION: We report a patient who developed overt lupus nephritis after consuming a course of herbal supplement. Her renal status did not improve upon cessation of the offending drug, and she required immunosuppressive therapy. After one cycle of IV cyclophosphamide, we managed to get the patient into remission - she is now on tapering doses of steroids.
CONCLUSION: We wish to highlight the possibility of consumption of herbal medication and the emergence of drug-induced lupus nephritis. A thorough anamnesis and high index of suspicion of drug-induced lupus nephritis is warranted when a patient on supplements presents with urinary abnormalities.