Effectiveness of a Water Disinfection Method Based on Osmosis and Chlorine Dioxide for the Prevention of Microbial Contamination in Dental Practices.

In dental clinics, the infections may be acquired through contaminated devices, air, and water. Aerosolized water may contain bacteria, grown into the biofilm of dental unit waterlines (DUWLs). We evaluated a disinfection method based on water osmosis and chlorination with chlorine dioxide (O-CD), applied to DUWL of five dental clinics.

Continuous deep sedation in home palliative care units: case studies in the Florence area in 2000 and in 2003-2004.

Aim: The aim of this paper was to describe the frequency and the characteristics of continuous deep sedation in terminally ill patients.

Methods: All patients who died in home palliative care units in the Florence area between March 1-December 31, 2000 and July 1, 2003-June 30, 2004 were prospectively analysed with regard to social, demographic, and clinical characteristics.

Results: The data presented refer to 1075 patients (331 in 2000 and 744 in 2003-2004).