Tick Tock-A Matter of Time: Two Cases of Babesia Acquired in Urban Newark, NJ.

Babesiosis is a parasitic tick-borne infectious disease that is well elucidated in medical literature and known to be endemic to the Midwest and northeast United States. However, like other infectious diseases, its epidemiology is subject to change. This case report documents two cases with clinical presentations that deviate from what is expected in typical cases of Babesiosis.

Timing of Acquisition of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Carriage: Can we Limit Repeat Screening?

Introduction: Broad-spectrum empiric antibiotics are routinely administered to hospitalized patients with potential infections. These antibiotics provide protection; however, they come with their own negative effects. The utility of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) nasal screening to steward anti-MRSA empiric antibiotics in hospitalized patients is established.

Sensitivity and specificity of the ICDAS II system and bitewing radiographs for detecting occlusal caries using the Spectra™ caries detection system as the reference test in children.

Background: Most studies assessing the sensitivity and specificity of caries detection methods have been performed in vitro using the histological method as the gold standard showing inconsistent values. The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity in detecting occlusal caries using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II) with the radiographic method (RM), while using the Spectra™ Caries Detection System (SCDS) as the reference test.

Methods: One hundred sixty children, ages 7-12 years, participated in the study.

Evaluating Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Polymerase Chain Reaction Nasal Screening as a Tool for Antimicrobial Stewardship.

Introduction: Initiation of broad-spectrum empiric antibiotics is common when infection is suspected in hospitalized adults. The benefits of early utilization of effective antibiotics are well documented. However, the negative effects of inappropriate antibiotic use have led to antimicrobial stewardship mandates.

The use of resin-based composite restorations in pulpotomized primary molars.

The purpose of this retrospective clinical study was to report a 12- to 54-month follow-up, in which a resin-based composite filling material was used in direct contact with a fast-setting zinc oxide eugenol cement to restore the function and anatomy of 51 pulpotomized primary molars in 2- to 11-year-old children who needed a Class I or II restoration. Formocresol pulpotomy using Temrex cement was performed in all cases. The total-etch technique was used with: (1) 35% phosphoric acid; (2) OptiBond Solo Plus bonding agent; and (3) Filtek P60/shade B2 resin-based composite material.

The shear bond strength of acetone and ethanol-based bonding agents to bleached teeth.

Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the: (1) shear bond strength (SBS) of acetone and ethanol-based bonding agents to composite resin 24 hours after being bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide; and (2) interface morphology and mode of fracture (IMMF) between composite resin and enamel.

Methods: Forty extracted teeth were randomly assigned into 4 groups: (1) group 1: 35% H2O2 + acetone; (2) group 2: H2O2 + ethanol; (3) group 3: acetone; (4) group 4: ethanol. All teeth were acid etched, bonding agents were applied, and a composite resin stub was bonded and stored again in saline for 24 hours.

An in vitro evaluation of the effect of sealant characteristics on laser fluorescence for caries detection.

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to: (1) evaluate the ability of a laser fluorescence (LF) unit to detect simulated caries under pit and fissure sealants; (2) determine the effect of an opacifying agent in sealants on LF values; and (3) determine interexaminer reproducibility values of the unit in a highly controlled, laboratory setting. Sealant characteristics specifically considered were: (1) filler content; (2) opacity; and (3) intrinsic fluorescence.

Methods: Three sealants were used in this study: 2 unfilled and 1 filled.