Biological considerations of dental materials as orifice barriers for restoring root-filled teeth

There is ample published literature regarding the technical aspects of restoring root-filled teeth, but little concerning the biological impacts, consequences, and criteria for the selection of direct restorative materials following endodontic treatment. The provision of an effective coronal seal in addition to a sound root filling is known to be important in the prevention of root canal infection. This review seeks to explore the evidence concerning the selection of dental materials in the restoration of root-filled teeth, specifically with a close examination of the properties of commonly used materials as orifice barriers. © 2023 Australian Dental Association.

Age at onset in geriatric bipolar disorder. Effects on clinical presentation and treatment outcomes in an inpatient sample

The authors report on 62 inpatients over age 60 who met DSM-III-R criteria for bipolar disorder, divided into early- and late-onset groups by their median age at lifetime onset, 49 years, in order to examine differences in demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment parameters, and outcome in the two groups during a short-term hospitalization. The late-onset group was more likely to have psychotic features and to demonstrate cerebrovascular risk/burden. However, both groups had similar and highly significant improvements in the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Global Assessment Scale, and the Mini-Mental State Exam, and 87% were able to be discharged to settings no more restrictive than those at admission.

Fluvoxamine pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders in later life: preliminary open-trial data

The authors present data from an open trial of fluvoxamine (median daily dosage: 200 mg) in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder in 19 older outpatients (mean age = 66.8). Of the 12 subjects completing the 21-week trial, 8 achieved a good response (50% reduction in symptom measures) and 7 were rated as much or very much improved. Fluvoxamine pharmacotherapy also had a significant effect in reducing comorbid depressive symptoms and in increasing levels of functioning. These data support the effectiveness of fluvoxamine in older subjects with anxiety disorders (particularly generalized anxiety disorder) and warrant further double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation.