Abstract Back ground: Full coverage porcelain fused to metal crowns (PFM) is commonly recommended for restoration of extensively damaged teeth. Ability of the dentist to adequately prepare teeth is necessary to achieve a proper success and longevity of these restoration. Aims: This study aimed to determine the degree of axial taper and total occlusal convergence angles (TOC) for Porcelain Fused To Metal crowns (PFM) prepared with clinically practiced values, that carried out by dental practitioners in Tripoli center, Libya. Materials and Methods: It was a descriptive, cross-sectional study design and held at Alzendah private dental laboratory, Tripoli Libya. A convenience sample (40) models of Porcelain Fused To Metal Crowns (PFM) preparations carried out by private dental practitioners were scanned by employing a 3D model scanner (Ceramill Map300, Amanngirrbach, Austria). Evaluation of the total occlusal convergence (TOC), bucco-lingual and mesio-distal convergence angles of each abutment tooth was proceeded using B&B dental software (Guide system, B&B, Italy). The degree of taper was measured on the axial walls of each crown preparation and the bucco-lingual and mesio-distal convergence angles subsequently calculated. Results: A total of 40 casts having crown preparations (15 anterior, 25 posterior). The mean convergence angles mesio-distally for all preparations was 40.29° (sd 21.8°), and for the bucco-lingual was 29.92° (sd 9.3°), with mean of TOC was 35.10°. In anterior preparations, the mean bucco-lingual convergence angle was 42.32° (sd 12.2°) compared to 24.52° (sd 15.5°) for posterior preparations (p
Dr. Khaled Omar & Abdussalam Eljabali(1-2022)

INTRODUCTION: CAD/CAM denture base materials are milled from pre-polymerized pucks of resin that are highly condensed. So, they provide no polymerization shrinkage eliminating its subsequent disadvantages. This technology offered improved fit, strength properties and more bio-hygienic denture bases compared with conventional processing of the denture base material. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the physico-mechanical properties of CAD/CAM denture base material and the effect of thermo-cycling on it compared with the conventional one. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on two parallel groups, divided according to the denture material used. Group (1) conventional PMMA (control group), group (II) CAD/CAM PMMA (study group) of 40 specimens each (16 for impact strength, 16 for flexural strength, 8 for surface roughness and grinded powder form both materials for residual monomer test). Each group was divided into 2 sub-groups: (A) No thermo-cycling and (B) Thermo-cycling, then subjected to 4 different tests, impact strength, flexural strength, surface roughness and residual monomer tests. Data were collected, tabulated and statistically analyzed. Significance level was set at 5%. Bar charts were used for graphical presentations. RESULTS: Our study revealed a highly statistically significant decrease in residual monomer of CAD/CAM PMMA material in both conditions before and after thermo-cycling when compared to conventional PMMA material, which therefore leads to enhanced impact strength and significantly reduced surface roughness after heat treatment. On the other hand, also a highly significant reduction of its flexural strength after thermocycling has been observed. CONCLUSIONS: CAD/CAM dentures with lower amount of methacrylate monomer exhibit more favourable physico-mechanical properties and they have a long-term biocompatibility even with thermal changes making them a more satisfactory as a denture base material for edentulous patients.
Yusra Muftah Saad Elfaidy, Ahmed M. Abdelhamid, Sonia M. Elshabrawy(12-2018)

Background: The concept of pharmacovigilance is not well known in Libya and its practice is still in the early stages. Aims: This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of pharmacists in Tripoli, Libya about pharmacovigilance and the reporting of adverse drug reactions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to February 2020 of working pharmacists randomly selected from pharmacies in Tripoli. Participants were eligible for inclusion if they had a degree or diploma in pharmacy from a recognized university or institute. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Results: Of 500 pharmacists selected, 408 completed the questionnaire. The pharmacists' knowledge of pharmacovigilance and reporting of adverse drug reactions was poor overall: only 28.9% correctly defined pharmacovigilance and 14.7% knew about the existence of a centre for pharmacovigilance in Libya. The attitudes of the pharmacists to pharmacovigilance was positive: 77.2% believed that pharmacovigilance needed to be included in the pharmacy curriculum and 73.0% said that they would practice pharmacovigilance if trained. Pharmacists depended mostly on drug information leaflets to update their knowledge on adverse drug reactions. Conclusion: Given the pharmacists' low level of knowledge about pharmacovigilance but their readiness to become involved if trained, training programmes should be introduced for practising pharmacists to improve their knowledge and encourage their active participation in pharmacovigilance. Regulators need to reinforce the importance of reporting adverse drug reactions and implement pharmacovigilance policies in the Libyan health care system.
Ahmed Elbadri M Atia(7-2021)