No abstract

Differences in process of care and resident characteristics by facility type highlight the importance of considering: (1) the adequacy of existing process measures for evaluating smaller facilities; (2) resident case-mix when comparing facility types and outcomes; and (3) the complexity of understanding the implication of the process of care, given the importance of person-environment fit. Work is continuing to clarify the role of RC/AL vis-à-vis NHs in our nation's system of residential long-term care.

No abstract

Three solutions of EDTA--a 15% concentration of the alkaline salt, a 15% concentration of the acid salt, and a 25% concentration of the alkaline salt--were evaluated for smear layer removal in root canal systems. All solutions were adjusted to pH 7.1 using either NaOH or HCl. When the EDTA solutions were alternately used for root canal irrigation with 5.25% NaOCl, they completely removed the smear layer in the middle and coronal thirds of canal preparations, but were less effective in the apical third. None of the EDTA solutions by themselves were effective at completely removing the smear layer at any level. The alkaline tetrasodium salt, pH adjusted with HCl, is more cost effective and performed equally as well as the more commonly used disodium salt.

No single component defines "good" AL care. Predictors and outcomes are inconsistent, and effect sizes are small. Therefore, practice and policy should not focus narrowly on any one area or restrict the type of care-this being welcome news that supports diversity to accommodate individual preferences.