Gary H. Westerman

Enamel caries initiation and progression after argon laser irradiation: In vitro argon laser systems comparison

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this in vitro laboratory study was to determine the effect of low-fluence argon laser (AL) irradiation delivered from two different argon laser systems on enamel caries-like lesion initiation and progression. BACKGROUND DATA Previous in vitro investigations and a recent in vivo pilot study have shown that AL irradiation of enamel provided a protective effect against in vitro and in vivo cariogenic challenges. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty extracted human molars were selected, and 10 teeth were assigned to the HGM argon laser group and 10 were assigned to the LaserMed argon laser group. The exposed buccal windows of sound enamel were exposed to low-fluence irradiation, while the lingual windows of enamel were not exposed to laser irradiation and served as the no-treatment (control) group. Enamel caries-like lesions were created using an acidified gel. Two longitudinal sections were taken per sample (n = 20 lesions per group) and evaluated by polarized light microscopy for body of the lesion depths after lesion initiation (8 weeks) and progression (12 weeks) periods. RESULTS After lesion initiation and progression, the body of lesion depths were similar for both argon-irradiated groups (p > 0.05). With the no-treatment (control) group, there were significant increases in lesion depth with a 61-78% increase for the lesion initiation period and a 50-69% increase for the lesion progression period when compared with the argon laser-treated groups. CONCLUSION Argon laser irradiation provides a certain degree of protection against in vitro enamel caries initiation and progression. Resistance to a continuous caries challenge was similar with either argon laser delivery systems (HGM and LaserMed). Argon laser irradiation may prove to be beneficial in reducing the caries susceptibility of sound enamel and white spot lesions in the clinical environment.

Variations of Palatal Dimensions in Patients with Down's Syndrome

Palatal dimensions (width, depth, and height) of 40 patients with Downs syndrome were compared to 44 control patients. The height was measured with a specially designed palatal-height gauge. The palatal dimensions of patients with Downs syndrome were narrower in width, shorter in depth, and lower in height.

A Survey of Pharmacy Students' Experiences With Gambling

Objectives. To assess gambling among pharmacy students using the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS). Methods. Six hundred fifty-eight pharmacy students enrolled at Creighton University were surveyed to determine the extent and characteristics of their gambling. Results. Four hundred eighty-eight students (74.2%) participated (mean age was 26.6 years and 63.4% were female). Almost two-thirds (63.1%) gambled at least once during the past 12 months. Slightly more than 16% (80) of students were identified as “at-risk” (SOGS scores of 1 to 2). Another 5% (24) were likely to be problem gamblers (SOGS scores of 3 to 4), while 1% of students were identified as probable pathological gamblers (SOGS scores ≥ 5). Students who gambled were significantly more likely than non-gamblers to be single males. Gamblers with a score ≥ 1were significantly more likely to report gambling had affected their relationships with others, compared to casual gamblers. Conclusions. Gambling is a common activity among pharmacy students. While the incidence of problem gambling is relatively small, the percentage of our students who may be at-risk for gambling-related problems is noteworthy.

In-vivo carieslike lesion prevention with argon laser: pilot study

In vitro research has demonstrated the ability of argon laser irradiation to reduce demineralization or loss of tooth structure. This clinical pilot study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of this procedure in vivo. Using the Ogaard model of producing demineralization, the experimental teeth were irradiated with argon laser (primarily 488 nm and 514 nm) of 250 mW, approximately 12 J/cm2 fluence, prior to banding. Polarized light evaluation of the sectioned, extracted teeth showed reduced demineralization in the experimental teeth as compared to the bilateral control teeth. Lower powered argon laser irradiation significantly reduced demineralization clinically.

A Survey of Medical Student Gambling and Implications for Medical School Educators and Program Development

In the United States, 82% of adults admit to gambling over the past year. Approximately 2.3% of people are considered to be problematic gamblers and 0.6% are considered to have pathological gambling problems. As many as 87% of college students admit to gambling over the past 12 months with up to 9% of men and 2% of women college students considered to be probable pathological gamblers. To date, no studies have been published regarding medical student gambling and its relationship to demographic variables, academics, socializing, and various risk factors. This study surveyed medical students on the prevalence of gambling, gambling behavior, problematic gambling, the relationship between gambling and academic and social issues, and other risky behaviors. Survey results found that 61% of medical students admitted to gambling over the past year. Overall, 13.6% of students who gambled reported at least one symptom or behavior related to problem gambling and less than one percent of students reported pathological gambling. Few students reported that gambling negatively impacted academics or relationships. In general, medical students reported high rates of alcohol use. Implications for medical educators and administration are discussed within the article.