OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of different sterilization/disinfection methods on the mechanical properties of orthodontic elastomeric chains. METHODS Segments of elastomeric chains with 5 links each were sent for sterilization by cobalt 60 (Co60) (20 KGy) gamma ray technology. After the procedure, the elastomeric chains were contaminated with clinical samples of Streptococcus mutans. S...

BACKGROUND Antimicrobial lock therapy (ALT) may be considered as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) when catheter removal is not a favorable option. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the outcomes associated with ALT as adjunctive treatment of CRBSI. METHODS This was a 24-month retrospective case series analysis evaluating patients treated for more tha...

BACKGROUND Female sterilization is an important tool in reducing unplanned pregnancy and maternal mortality in our environment. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, sociodemographic characteristics, technique, effectiveness and complications associated with female sterilization by bilateral tubal ligation at caesarean section. METHOD This was a retrospective analysis of the c...

BACKGROUND January 1, 2002, copayment for outpatient female sterilization in Norwegian public hospitals increased from 33 euro to 750 euro after a revision of the health care system. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the new copayment system on female sterilization epidemiology. METHODS We retrieved data on all female sterilizations 1999-2005 (N = 23 1333) from the...

A case-control study was carried out at a public teaching hospital in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil in 1997 to investigate risk factors among women who feel regret after undergoing sterilization through tubal ligation. The study compared sterilized women who had requested or undergone a tubal reversal with women who were also sterilized but had not undergone this surgery, nor had requested t...