This study aims to compare flexural strength and flexural modulus of different resin-based composites (RBCs) and to determine the impact of dietary solvents on flexural properties. Forty specimens (12x2x2mm) for each of two conventional (Aura Easy [AE]; Harmonize [HN]) and one bulk fill (Sonic Fill 2 [SF2]) were fabricated using customised plastic moulds. Specimens were light-cured, measured and randomly divided into four groups. The groups (n=10) were conditioned for 7 days at 37°C: in one of media: air (control), artificial saliva (SAGF), 0.02N citric acid and 50% ethanol–water solution. After conditioning, the specimens subjected to flexural testing. Two-way ANOVA and one-way ANOVA (post hoc: Tukey’s or Dunnett T3 tests) were used at =0.05. Significant differences in flexural properties were observed between materials and conditioning media. Flexural strength and modulus values ranged from 124.85MPa to 51.25MPa; and 6.76GPa to 4.03GPa, respectively. The highest flexural properties were obtained with conditioning in air. Exposure to aqueous solutions generally reduced flexural properties. In conclusion, the effect of dietary solvents on flexural properties were material and medium dependent. For functional longevity of restorations, patients’ alcohol intake should be considered during material selection. Dietary advice (reduce alcohol consumption) should be given to patients post operatively.

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with female sexual dysfunction in an outpatient clinic in Malaysia. Methods: The study was conducted among female patients aged 50 years and older who attended the outpatient clinic of a public hospital in Malaysia. A self-administered questionnaire was used that was based on the Malay version of the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire. The predictors of female sexual dysfunction were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 263 females were recruited in this study, with a mean age of 60.6 ± 6.7 years. The distribution of the respondents’ ethnicities was mostly Malay (42.2%), followed by Chinese (41.8%) and Indian (16.0%). The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction among participants was 68.8%. The prevalence of the subscales of female sexual dysfunction was as follows: desire (85.2%), satisfaction (74.9%), arousal (71.1%), lubrication (66.9%), pain (61.2%), and orgasm (60.8%). According to multivariate logistic regression, patients of Indian ethnicity had an increased risk of female sexual dysfunction (OR=16.60, 95% CI=2.54–108.63), and a higher frequency of sexual intercourse was correlated with a lower risk of female sexual dysfunction (OR=0.13, 95% CI=0.08–0.24). Conclusion Seven-tenths of the middle-aged female patients attending the outpatient clinic suffered from female sexual dysfunction. Indian ethnicity and having a lower frequency of sexual intercourse were predictors of female sexual dysfunction. Future intervention studies are needed to address this problem.
Prevalence ; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological ; Women ; Ambulatory Care Facilities ; Middle Aged