bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Modeling of New Stent Platforms to Evaluate Cost Effectiveness: Analysis of the TAXUS Liberté Versus TAXUS Express Stents
Authors: TURCO MARK A. , KANSAL ANURAAG R. , STERN SEAN , AMOROSI STACEY L. , UNDERWOOD PAUL L. , LISSOVOY GREG DE , DAWKINS KEITH D.
Published: May 2012

Background: With the changing health care environment, cost effectiveness is an important adjunct to clinical investigation when assessing new medical devices. This study presents an economic model to evaluate cost effectiveness of coronary stents.

Methods: Markov modeling was developed comparing total costs (Medicare payer perspective) between TAXUS Liberté and TAXUS Express based on 3‐year clinical outcomes from the TAXUS ATLAS Small Vessel and Long Lesion trials.

Results: The TAXUS Liberté 2.25‐mm stent provided cost savings relative to TAXUS Express from a payer perspective ($17,605 vs. $20,281), driven by reduced target vessel revascularization (0.16 events/patient vs. 0.33 events/patient). In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, TAXUS Liberté was less costly with fewer major adverse cardiac events in over 99% of parameter sets. The TAXUS Liberté Long (38 mm) stent was cost neutral relative to TAXUS Express from a payer perspective ($18,545 vs. $18,551) with fewer myocardial infarctions and cardiac deaths. Accounting for angiography‐driven revascularizations, TAXUS Liberté 2.25 mm still provided cost savings relative to TAXUS Express ($16,822 vs. $19,139), although TAXUS Liberté Long was more expensive than TAXUS Express ($17,886 vs. $17,652). From a hospital perspective, TAXUS Liberté Long provided cost savings up to a price premium of $671/stent, driven by fewer stents employed per patient.

Conclusions: This analysis confirms the utility of economic modeling in assessing new stent platforms. TAXUS Liberté 2.25 mm is economically dominant relative to TAXUS Express when treating small vessels. TAXUS Liberté Long is cost neutral to modestly more costly than TAXUS Express 2.25 mm from a payer perspective. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:353–363)
Medication Noncompliance and Patient Satisfaction Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: AGHABEKYAN SEDA , THOMPSON MICHAEL E. , ABRAHAMYAN LUSINE
Published: May 2012

Objectives:
 This study evaluated the relationship between medication noncompliance and patient satisfaction in patients with drug‐eluting stent revascularization in Armenia.

Background:
 Reasons for medication noncompliance are multifactorial—often related to health system, patient, condition, therapy, and socioeconomic factors.

Methods:
 The analytical cross‐sectional survey used a simple random sample of patients aged 18 and over who had undergone percutaneous coronary artery intervention with drug‐eluting stent from 2006 to 2008 (n = 271) at Nork Marash Medical Center, Yerevan, Armenia. Medication noncompliance was assessed using the Morisky Adherence Scale. Patient satisfaction items were selected from the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ‐18).

Results:
 Respondents’ mean age was 57.5 ± 9.8 years. Most (87.8%) were male. Nearly one‐third of patients (31.0%) were noncompliant. Most reported good health (91.9%). Respondents most often cited out‐of‐pocket costs as a reason for noncompliance (19.2%). Age, gender, health status, smoking status, and cost were associated with medication noncompliance (P < 0.05). Noncompliance was not associated with elapsed time after the intervention or satisfaction (P > 0.05). Medication noncompliance was positively related to cost (odds ratio [OR]= 2.57, 95% CI = 1.33–4.97) and inversely related to health status (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.25–0.85) and age (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.91–0.97).

Conclusion:
 Medication noncompliance is a multifactorial problem. Strategies reducing the economic burden on patients should improve compliance and, thus, treatment outcomes. These findings further efforts to benchmark performance in Armenia and other post‐Soviet countries against western standards and experiences. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:469–475)
Raman Spectroscopy Evaluation of Subsurface Hydrothermal Degradation of Zirconia
Authors: Wulfman Claudine , Djaker Nadia , Dupont Nathalie , Ruse Dorin , Sadoun Michaël , de la Chapelle Marc Lamy
Published: May 2012

The aims of this study were to calibrate the collection depth for RMS and, using the calibration, to evaluate the in‐depth phase transformation induced in a dental 3Y‐TZP ceramic by hydrothermal aging, simulating LTD. Objectives 10x and 80x affording spatial resolutions of ~3 and ~1 μm, respectively, were used. Probe size was controlled by the confocal pinhole aperture. The collection depth of each probe (objective – pinhole combination) was calibrated on a wedge‐shaped pure tetragonal zirconia specimen. Pure tetragonal samples of a dental 3Y‐TZP were aged in vitro in an autoclave, in Ringer solution, at 130°C, under 0.6 MPa, for 10, 15, 20, 25, and 90 h. Two specimens were used for each time interval and two unexposed specimens served as controls. Monoclinic volume fraction (Vfm) was determined by X‐ray diffraction and by in‐depth probing with RCMS. Probes based on 10x objective penetrated up to 68 μm, whereas those based on the 80x were limited to 5 μm. Aging induced significant increase in Vfm, ranging from 30% after 10 h to 80% after 90 h. After 90 h aging, the 80% Vfm extended to at least 20 μm from the surface. A maximum Vfm was identified at 2.5 μm subsurface depth in 10, 15, and 20 h aged specimens.
Strength and Durability in Acid Media of Alkali Silicate‐Activated Metakaolin Geopolymers
Authors: Burciaga‐Díaz Oswaldo , Escalante‐García José Iván
Published: May 2012

The Mechanical and chemical properties of inorganic polymers based on metakaolin activated by alkaline blends of sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide were characterized. Twenty‐four formulations were elaborated with variable molar composition SiO2/Al2O3 (2.6–3.0), Na2O/Al2O3 (0.55–0.7), and H2O/Solids (0.53–0.57). The effect of the chemical composition on the compressive strength development was first investigated. Infrared spectroscopy showed that the condensed reaction products were formed by bonds of T–O–T (T = Si and/or Al) and water retained.

Two formulations of highest strength were chosen to evaluate their chemical resistance after immersion for 10 days in 0.5 N HCl solutions at 60°C; the compressive strength and microstructural changes were characterized. Before the acid exposure the strengths reached up to ~80 MPa, and after acid attack, the loss of strength was a function of the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio. Infrared spectroscopy and electron microscopy suggested that the deterioration was due to the destruction of the polymeric network with migration of Na and Al toward the solution and the incorporation of H3O+ and ingress of Cl− ions in the corroded structure; however, the chemical resistance was good considering the aggressiveness of the acid solutions.
Microstructure and Electrical Properties in Low‐ Sb2O3‐Doped Pr6O11 Ceramics
Authors: Peng Shujie , Wang Yu , Wang Haiqing , Dong Xiang , Dong Liang , Gan Yingjie
Published: May 2012

The microstructure and electrical properties of the Pr6O11‐based varistor ceramics composed of Pr6O11–Sb2O3 ceramics were investigated in the Sb2O3 content range 0–5.0 mol%. The samples were fabricated by conventional ceramic techniques. The results demonstrated that the addition of Sb2O3 to Pr6O11 can promote the grain growth and the densification of the Pr6O11‐based ceramics. The average grain size of Pr6O11 increased and then decreased as the Sb2O3 content increased, reaching 16.4 μm by doping with 1.0 mol%. Highly dense ceramics were obtained, and the relative density reached the maximum value of 96.8%. System densification was attributed to a mass transport mechanism, caused by the presence of Sb2O3, which could favor the oxygen vacancy apparition. Only phase corresponding to Pr6O11 in the sample was detected within the limit of detection of the XRD technique. The electric measurement indicated that the minor incorporation of Sb2O3 can improve the nonlinear electrical properties. This change was ascribed to the Schottky barriers at interface of grain boundary.
Extremely High Tunability of Low Dielectric Constant 1‐3 Type (Ba,Sr)TiO3/Resin Epoxy
Authors: Liang Ruihong , Liao Wanfang , Wu Junwei , Cao Fei , Dong Xianlin
Published: May 2012

A 1‐3 type (Ba,Sr)TiO3 (BST)/resin epoxy composites were prepared by dice and fill technique. The microstructure, dielectric, and tunable properties of columnar composites were investigated. An important feature of 1‐3 type composites is that the dc field is efficiently applied to the high‐permittivity ferroelectric phase. With the increase of resin epoxy content, the tunability of the composite remains nearly unchanged while the permittivity decreases much. The coefficient of dielectric nonlinearity β increases sharply with the increase of resin epoxy volume and β increases up to 2.8 × 1012 when the resin epoxy volume is 90%. These properties make 1‐3 type composites very promising for potential tunable device applications.
A Route Forwards to Narrow the Performance Gap between PZT and Lead‐Free Piezoelectric Ceramic with Low Oxygen Partial Pressure Processed (Na0.5K0.5)NbO3
Authors: Kobayashi Keisuke , Doshida Yutaka , Mizuno Youichi , Randall Clive A.
Published: May 2012

Reduced atmosphere firing of (Na0.5K0.5)NbO3 (NKN) ceramics opens up an important opportunity for lead‐free piezoelectric materials; one of the promising applications is base metal cofired multilayer actuators. Here, we extend an investigation on the effects of reduced atmosphere firing (PO2 = 10−10 atm) on the piezoelectric properties and associated point defects in NKN–LiF ceramics. To access the domain dynamics contribution to the converse piezoelectric properties and consider point defects in the sintered ceramics, Rayleigh analysis and thermal stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) were used. The piezoelectric properties and Rayleigh analysis of NKN–LiF ceramics demonstrated that the intrinsic and extrinsic piezoelectric response is essentially independent of firing atmosphere. Furthermore, reduced fired ceramic was found to have much higher resistivity than in the air‐fired case. From the TSDC analysis, the space charge in the reduced fired ceramic was considered to be much smaller than in the air‐fired ceramic, implying that the alkali volatilization was suppressed in reduced fired NKN–LiF ceramic.
Efficacy of Several Candidate Protein Biomarkers in the Differentiation of Vaginal from Buccal Epithelial Cells*
Authors: Simons Joanne L. , Vintiner Sue K.
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  Currently, there is no accurate method to differentiate vaginal epithelial cells from buccal epithelial cells in biological samples typically encountered in forensic casework. This study tested the expression of a selection of candidate proteins in buccal and vaginal epithelial cells. We investigated six candidate biomarkers, such as loricrin, vimentin, stratifin, cytokeratin 4, cytokeratin 13, small proline‐rich protein 2, and involucrin, using Western blot analysis on whole protein extracts and immunohistochemistry (IHC) on intact cells in an attempt to identify cell‐specific markers that would differentiate these cells by microscopy. Involucrin, loricrin, and stratifin showed differential expression during Western blot analysis and were carried through to IHC. Although proteins unique to vaginal epithelial cells and buccal epithelial cells were not identified from among the proteins tested, the increased expression levels of two proteins, loricrin and stratifin in vaginal cells, when compared to buccal cells, do provide encouraging results in the search for epithelial cell‐specific markers.
Serologic response to a 23‐valent pneumococcal vaccine administered prior to autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Hinge Maja , Ingels Helene A.S. , Slotved Hans‐Christian , Mølle Ingolf
Published: May 2012

Patients with multiple myeloma are known to have an increased risk of infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae and vaccination is recommended. We retrospectively investigated the response of a 23‐valent polysaccharide‐based pneumococcal vaccine in 60 patients with multiple myeloma administered prior to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Specific antibody titers were measured before and after vaccination. Disease stage was evaluated and associated to the response. We found that 33% of the patients responded to the vaccine. There was a statistic significant association between response to the vaccine and disease stage (p = 0.01). We conclude that vaccination against S. pneumoniae prior to ASCT is reasonable at least in patients responding well to induction therapy, but still it is important to be aware that the response is frequently poor and the duration of it is unknown.
Gemcitabine‐associated livedoid thrombotic microangiopathy with associated sclerema neonatorum‐like microscopic changes
Authors: Mir‐Bonafé José M. , Román‐Curto Concepción , Santos‐Briz Ángel , Cañueto Javier , Fernández‐López Emilia , Unamuno Pablo
Published: May 2012

Gemcitabine is a deoxycytidine analog antimetabolite that is now accepted as first‐line treatment for advanced and metastatic pancreatic carcinoma. Gemcitabine‐related thrombotic microangiopathy associated with systemic hemolytic‐uremic syndrome or thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura has rarely been described. Herein, we report a patient who developed a livedoid thrombotic microangiopathy with no signs of associated hemolytic‐uremic syndrome. Cutaneous thrombotic microangiopathy occurred after the administration of his 17th cycle and a cumulative dose of 53.65 g/m2 of gemcitabine. Some authors have suggested that this toxicity may be dose‐related, and a 10th cycle or a cumulative dose of 9–56 g/m2 have been proposed as the prothrombotic threshold. Interestingly, dermatopathologic findings were limited to the subcutis and they consisted of small‐vessel occlusion by intravascular fibrin and leukocytes, vessel wall thickening and endothelial cell swelling. Surprisingly, we observed some structures arranged radially with needle‐shaped clefts resembling those of sclerema neonatorum. Awareness of this potential cutaneous toxicity by dermatologists and dermatopathologists is extremely important.

Mir‐Bonafé JM, Román‐Curto C, Santos‐Briz A, Cañueto J, Fernández‐López E, Unamuno P. Gemcitabine‐associated livedoid thrombotic microangiopathy with associated sclerema neonatorum‐like microscopic changes.
Manual microdissection technique in a case of subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma: a case report and review
Authors: Hoffman Daniel , Chaffins Marsha , Cankovic Milena , Maeda Koichi , Meehan Shane
Published: May 2012

Demonstration of T‐cell receptor gene monoclonality often plays an important role in the diagnosis of T‐cell lymphoma. When a test to detect monoclonality is performed on whole tissue sections, the presence of a reactive lymphocyte population may reduce sensitivity. This may be especially true for early or borderline cases of lymphoma. Microdissection techniques may be utilized to more readily identify a clonal population of lymphocytes. Subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma represents a cutaneous lymphoid neoplasm whose clinical course may vary from an indolent, waxing and waning course to an aggressive course resulting in death. We report the first case of a microdissection technique used to facilitate diagnosing a case of subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lympoma.

Hoffman D, Chaffins M, Cankovic M, Maeda K, Meehan S. Manual microdissection technique in a case of subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma: a case report and review.
Performance of an artificial neural network for vertical root fracture detection: an ex vivo study
Authors: Kositbowornchai Suwadee , Plermkamon Supattra , Tangkosol Tawan
Published: May 2012

Aim

To develop an artificial neural network for vertical root fracture detection.

Materials and methods

A probabilistic neural network design was used to clarify whether a tooth root was sound or had a vertical root fracture. Two hundred images (50 sound and 150 vertical root fractures) derived from digital radiography – used to train and test the artificial neural network – were divided into three groups according to the number of training and test data sets: 80/120,105/95 and 130/70, respectively. Either training or tested data were evaluated using grey‐scale data per line passing through the root. These data were normalized to reduce the grey‐scale variance and fed as input data of the neural network. The variance of function in recognition data was calculated between 0 and 1 to select the best performance of neural network. The performance of the neural network was evaluated using a diagnostic test.

Results

After testing data under several variances of function, we found the highest sensitivity (98%), specificity (90.5%) and accuracy (95.7%) occurred in Group three, for which the variance of function in recognition data was between 0.025 and 0.005.

Conclusions

The neural network designed in this study has sufficient sensitivity, specificity and accuracy to be a model for vertical root fracture detection.
Traumatic dental injuries at a German University Clinic 2004–2008
Authors: Bücher Katharina , Neumann Claudia , Hickel Reinhard , Kühnisch Jan
Published: May 2012

Aim

This study was designed to analyse the distribution and treatment management of patients who presented at a German university dental emergency department for trauma in a 5‐year period.

Materials/Methods

Clinical and radiographical baseline data and recall of patients presenting from 2004 to 2008 for dental trauma were evaluated with regard to age, gender, type of injury and treatment strategies. In addition, trauma management as performed was compared with the guidelines of the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT).

Results

A total of 361 teeth in 219 patients from 1 to 68 years were treated with 1.7 injured teeth per incident and patient. Over 75% of the patients were < 14 years. In 23% of all incidents, primary teeth were affected with a male‐to‐female ratio of 2.1:1. Luxation injuries were predominant in the deciduous dentition. The domestic environment was the most common trauma location (44%), followed by nursery schools (36%) and outdoors during recreational activities (20%) mainly caused by falls (72%). In 76% of all dental injuries, permanent teeth were involved; 65% of patients were men; and 35%, women (1.8:1). With permanent teeth, enamel‐dentine fracture without pulp involvement was most common. Falls (38%), accidental contacts (21%) and sports accidents (18%) caused the most injuries. The majority of teeth were treated in concordance with the guidelines (89%).

Conclusions

The distribution of traumatic injuries is similar to other national and international data with regard to gender, age and in relation to injury type, location and causes. International and national healthcare associations and teachers in under‐ and postgraduate education should put effort on increasing the awareness of the guidelines.
Efficacy and tolerability of blonanserin in 48 patients with intractable schizophrenia
Authors: Takaki Manabu , Okahisa Yuko , Kodama Masafumi , Mizuki Yutaka , Sakamoto Shinji , Ujike Hiroshi , Uchitomi Yosuke
Published: May 2012

Takaki M, Okahisa Y, Kodama M, Mizuki Y, Sakamoto S, Ujike H, Uchitomi Y. Efficacy and tolerability of blonanserin in 48 patients with intractable schizophrenia.

Background: Blonanserin is effective for the treatment of schizophrenia in Korea and Japan.

Methods: We administered blonanserin to 48 Japanese patients with schizophrenia for whom other atypical antipsychotics were not sufficiently effective or tolerated.

Results: Previous antipsychotics were replaced with blonanserin because of its effectiveness (54.2%; 26/48) or tolerability (45.8%; 22/48). Blonanserin was more effective in 65.4% (17/26) of the and better tolerated in 95.5% (21/22) of the patients. Of 48 patients, 33 continued blonanserin for 1 year. The mean Clinical Global Impression of Severity scores improved from 4.60 to 2.48. The mean Global Assessment of Functioning score improved from 29.8 to 51.7. Nineteen patients (39.6%; 19/48) had a social role. The reasons for discontinuation of blonanserin were ineffectiveness against psychosis (27.1%; 13/48) or intolerability (4.2%; 2/48). The ratio of discontinuation for intolerability versus ineffectiveness was 0.15, which was the lowest among atypical psychotics.

Conclusions: Blonanserin may be effective and safe for the treatment of intractable schizophrenia.
COMPARISON OF ABDOMINAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY AND ABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND IN SEDATED DOGS
Authors: Fields Erica L. , Robertson Ian D. , Osborne Jason A. , Brown James C.
Published: May 2012

Abdominal ultrasound (US) is used frequently as a first‐line screening tool for abdominal disease. Although computed tomography (CT) is superior to US in the diagnosis of some abdominal diseases, a major impediment is the requirement of general anesthesia to prevent motion and for safe restraint. With multidetector helical CT, faster examinations allow general anesthesia to be avoided, while producing diagnostic‐quality images. Abdominal US and CT were compared for lesion detection in 27 sedated dogs, divided into three even groups based on body weight. Lesions were categorized further as to subjective clinical relevance. In dogs less than 25 kg, there is no significant difference in lesion detection between CT and US. In dogs weighing greater than 25 kg, more lesions were detected with CT than with US (P = 0.0001), including clinically relevant lesions (P = 0.0277). From these results, it appears that CT has an advantage in lesion detection in dogs greater than 25 kg, making it a better screening test for abdominal disease in these patients.
Asymptomatic nodules of the upper lip: report of a canalicular adenoma with immunoprofile presentation
Authors: Oliveira‐Santos Christiano , Freitas‐Faria Patrícia , Damante José Humberto , Consolaro Alberto
Published: May 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00388.x

Asymptomatic nodules of the upper lip: report of a canalicular adenoma with immunoprofile presentation

Canalicular adenoma is an uncommon benign tumour that generally arises in the minor salivary glands of individuals over 60 years old. This study illustrates a case of canalicular adenoma in a 70‐year‐old female, presenting as two distinct asymptomatic nodules in the upper lip. Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed. Clinical features, management, histology and immunoprofile from this case and from the literature are discussed.
Prevention of trauma to edentulous ridge from opposing natural teeth
Authors: Singh Kunwarjeet , Aeran Himanshu , Gupta Nidhi
Published: May 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00397.x

Prevention of trauma to edentulous ridge from opposing natural teeth

Objective:  To suggest a technique to prevent trauma of the edentulous ridge from opposing natural or restored teeth.

Background:  The prevalence of the condition where one edentulous arch opposes a natural or restored dentition is quite common. In most of cases, the maxillary arch is completely edentulous and either all teeth or only anterior teeth are present in the mandibular arch. These remaining teeth may continuously cause trauma to the opposing edentulous ridge during the night when a removable prosthesis is kept out of the mouth.

Materials and methods:  A thermoplastic acrylic resin mouthguard was fabricated on a cast of the remaining teeth dentition.

Conclusion:  This article presents a simple and inexpensive procedure to prevent self‐induced trauma of the edentulous ridge from opposing natural teeth by using a thermoplastic acrylic resin mouthguard.
Oral desmoplastic melanoma mimicking inflammatory hyperplasia
Authors: Jou Adriana , Miranda Fábio V. , Oliveira Márcia G. , Martins Manoela D. , Rados Pantelis V. , Filho Manoel S.
Published: May 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00482.x

Oral desmoplastic melanoma mimicking inflammatory hyperplasia

Introduction:  Desmoplastic melanoma (DM) arising in the oral cavity is a rare neoplasm that may be confused with a variety of non‐melanocytic benign or malignant lesions.

Objectives:  To present a case of DM in the oral mucosa mimicking fibrous inflammatory hyperplasia, discusses the difficulties involved in the diagnosis and offers a literature review on the clinicopathologic and immunohistochemincal aspects of this neoplasm.

Case report:  A 62‐year‐old white male, smoker, was referred with a chief complaint of pain and swelling in the palate. The oral examination revealed multiple brown‐to‐black patches and a non‐pigmented sessile nodule located on the mucosa of the hard palate. The clinical diagnosis of the pigmented lesions was either oral melanosis or melanoma. The nodular lesion was clinically diagnosed as fibrous inflammatory hyperplasia. Incisional biopsy was performed on the pigmented lesion and the microscopic sections revealed a melanotic macule. The nodular lesions histologically revealed an amelanotic desmoplastic melanoma.

Conclusions:  Reactive lesions close to a pigmented area should be investigated with great care.
Antifungal and physical characteristics of modified denture base acrylic incorporated with silver nanoparticles
Authors: Nam Ki‐Young , Lee Cheong‐Hee , Lee Chul‐Jae
Published: May 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00489.x

Antifungal and physical characteristics of modified denture base acrylic incorporated with silver nanoparticles

Objective:  This study evaluated the antifungal and physical characteristics of denture base acrylic combined with silver nanoparticles.

Materials and methods:  Polymerized denture acrylic disc specimens containing 0 (control), 1.0, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0 and 30.0 wt% of silver nanoparticles were placed on separate culture plate dish and 100 ìL samples of yeast suspension of Candida albicans strain were inoculated on each specimens and incubated at 37°C, for 24 h. The antifungal effects were evaluated as a number of viable cells in retrieved fungal suspension. To characterize physical aspects, specimens were tested for elution of silver cation (Ag+) at 24 h and 30th day, thermal analysis (TG/DTA), scanning electron microscope and energy dispersed X‐ray analysis (SEM/EDX) and color stability.

Results:  Significant reduced CFU was exhibited at 20.0 and 30.0 wt% of silver nanoparticles incorporated (p < 0.01) and Ag+ elution from specimens (maximum 0.356 ± 0.11 mg/L) contributed little to the antifungal activity considering MIC of Ag+ in this study (3.0 mg/L). The successful synthesis of modified denture acrylic containing silver nanoparticles was accessed by TG/DTA and EDX analysis.

Conclusion:  The modified denture base acrylic combined with silver nanoparticles displayed antifungal properties and acted like latent antifungal material itself with low‐releasing Ag+, however, the improvement of poor color stability was still required.
Leishmaniasis with oral mucosa involvement
Authors: Pellicioli Ana C. A. , Martins Marco A. T. , Filho Manoel Sant’ana , Rados Pantelis V. , Martins Manoela D.
Published: May 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00512.x

Leishmaniasis with oral mucosa involvement

Introduction:  The term leishmaniasis comprises a group of diseases caused by different protozoan species of the genus Leishmania. There are three main clinical forms of leishmaniasis: visceral, cutaneous and mucocutaneous. Exclusive involvement of the mucosa is very rare.

Objectives:  To present a case of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in an elderly patient, discuss the clinical presentation, diagnostic process and treatment emphasizing the distinctions from other granulomatous lesions.

Case report:  A 71‐year‐old male presenting with a symptomatic lesion on the hard and soft palate, which had developed over a period of 6 months was evaluated. The oral exam revealed a lesion with multiple ulcerated nodules on the hard and soft palate extending to the oropharynx. The diagnostic hypothesis was chronic infectious disease (paracoccidioidomycose, tuberculosis and leishmaniasis) or squamous cell carcinoma. Histopathological, histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis were performed. A chest x‐ray revealed a normal pulmonary pattern. The Montenegro skin test was positive. The definitive diagnosis was leishmaniasis with exclusive oral manifestation and the patient was treated with liposomal amphotericin.

Conclusions:  Localized oral mucosa leishmaniasis is an uncommon event in an immunocompetent patient. Dentists play an important role in the diagnosis of oral leishmaniasis, which has systemic repercussions.
CAD/CAM treatment for the elderly – a case report
Authors: Van Zeghbroeck Lieve
Published: May 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00521.x

CAD/CAM treatment for the elderly – a case report

Background:  When elderly develop signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease they lose their independence and neglect dental hygiene. Dentists are increasingly confronted by seniors who are in need but who have limited access to dental care. Caretakers and family are also often confronted with behaviour problems besides the dental problems.

Objective:  To report the importance of shorter and lower impact treatment for seniors when caretakers and family are confronted with a behavioural problem in addition to the dental problem.

Materials and methods:  In this case report, the oral management of a patient with Alzheimer’s disease was described using chairside computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology while constructing a bonded bridge.

Discussion:  The case report emphasises the importance of interaction with the patient and added a treatment method for patients with limited cognitive skills who become easily agitated or aggressive.

Conclusion:  The fabrication of a full ceramic bonded bridge utilising the Cerec 3D chairside CAD/CAM technology in an Alzheimer patient has been shown to be a feasible, precise, aesthetic and durable solution. It added a technique for intervening with patients with limited tolerance for dental procedures, which improves the quality of life of both patient and family.
Social interactions, body image and oral health among institutionalised frail elders: an unexplored relationship
Authors: Donnelly Leeann R. , MacEntee Michael I.
Published: May 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00523.x

Social interactions, body image and oral health among institutionalised frail elders: an unexplored relationship

Objectives:  This paper draws on theories of ageing, body image and disfigurement, to explore the potential for relationships between oral health, body image and social interactions between institutionalised elders.

Background:  Social relationships are important at all stages of life. A positive body image increases confidence in social interactions, which contributes substantially to health, well‐being and quality of life. Body image can be negatively impacted by oral conditions, particularly those that are appearance related and do not meet cultural ideals.

Results:  Typically, the oral health of frail elders in long‐term care facilities is poor, but to what extent poor oral health and dysfunction influence body image, and social behaviours is unclear.

Conclusions:  We conclude that there is the potential for poor oral health conditions to contribute negatively to the social well‐being in this population, but suggest that it requires further investigation.
Implant‐supported palatal lift prosthesis in a patient with velopharyngeal incompetence: a case report
Authors: Montagner Aline , da Fontoura Frasca Luis Carlos , Rivaldo Elken Gomes
Published: May 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00561.x

Implant‐supported palatal lift prosthesis in a patient with velopharyngeal incompetence: a case report

Objective:  To describe the use of dental implants in the treatment of velopharyngeal incompetence.

Background:  Velopharyngeal incompetence is characterized by the inability to contract the tissues of the soft palate. The most common causes are neuromuscular problems resulting from concussion and degenerative conditions of the central nervous system.

Materials and methods:  The treatment using palatal lift prosthesis is well established in the literature; however, reports on the use of osseointegrated implants are scarce. Rehabilitation using only this type of fibromucosal support is difficult in edentulous patients, since the prosthesis has a palatal lift extension.

Results:  The implants provided retention and stability to the prosthesis, improving swallowing and speech and contributing to improve the patient’s quality of life.

Conclusion:  This article reports the rehabilitation of a patient with a totally edentulous maxilla with velopharyngeal incompetence using an implant‐retained palatal lift prosthesis.
Surgical and prosthetic treatment in an elderly patient affected by unilateral idiopathic gingival fibromatosis: a case report
Authors: Millet Catherine , Rodier Philippe , Farges Jean‐Christophe , Labert Nicolas , Duprez Jean‐Pierre
Published: May 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00564.x

Surgical and prosthetic treatment in an elderly patient affected by unilateral idiopathic gingival fibromatosis: a case report

Objectives:  The aim was to present the diagnosis and treatment of a case of unilateral idiopathic gingival fibromatosis (IGF) in a geriatric patient.

Background:  IGF is a rare condition characterised by an enlargement of the attached and marginal gingivae with no obvious association to any causative factor. Gingival overgrowth causes inaesthetic changes and clinical symptoms such as speech disturbances, tooth movement, and occlusal problems.

Materials and methods:  A 65‐year‐old female presented localised enlargement of mandibular gingiva, malpositioning of anterior mandibular teeth, and difficulty in speech and mastication. IGF also causes numerous aesthetic and psychological problems. Treatment consisted of multiple extractions, surgical therapy, and early prosthetic rehabilitation to restore function and appearance and to prevent recurrence.

Results:  Excellent aesthetic result and psychological benefit were achieved, and no fibromatosis recurrence was detected after 1 year following surgery.

Conclusion:  Gingival resection of the tissue excess and early oral rehabilitation with removable dentures have so far greatly improved patient’s quality of life.
Management of a dentigerous cyst in a medically compromised geriatric patient: a case report
Authors: Loomba Anju , Loomba Kapil , Bains Rhythm , Bains Vivek K.
Published: May 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00576.x

Management of a dentigerous cyst in a medically compromised geriatric patient: a case report

Background:  Because of the increasing number of older persons seeking dental care, the growing trend towards a longer dental appointment and increased administration of drugs in dentistry, the possibility of occurrence of medical emergencies in dental offices has shown an upward trend.

Objective:  This case report discusses enucleation of a central dentigerous cyst in a 72‐year old male on long‐term low dose aspirin therapy.

Material and methods:  Surgical removal of impacted tooth with total enucleation of cystic lesion was performed in the dental chair under 2% lidocaine with 1:200,000 adrenaline, 3 days after aspirin cessation. After complete debridement of the surgical site, the wound was sutured and a gauge saturated with 10% tranexamic acid was placed on surgical site for 30 minutes.

Result:  No post‐operative complications or bleeding was seen on subsequent appointment and healing was normal.

Conclusion:  A geriatric and medically compromised patient demands special care and attention; and the decision to cease aspirin before surgery or not is of critical importance.
Pulp sensibility test in elderly patients
Authors: Farac Roberta Vieira , Morgental Renata Dornelles , de Pontes Lima Regina Karla , Tiberio Denise , dos Santos Maria Teresa Botti Rodrigues
Published: May 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00623.x
 
Pulp sensibility test in elderly patients

Background:  The ageing process transforms the histological composition of the dental pulp and may affect the response to pulp sensibility tests.

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to assess the influence of age on pulp response time and on pain intensity.

Material and methods:  Fifty elderly patients and 50 young patients were selected. Different classes of teeth were evaluated. The pulp sensibility test was performed with a refrigerant spray. The pulp response time was measured in seconds and the pain intensity was assessed by visual analogue scale.

Results:  The Spearman coefficient was calculated and detect a positive correlation between age and pulp response time for maxillary incisors, premolars, mandibular incisors, and mean (p < 0.05). On the contrary, there was a negative correlation between age and pain intensity for maxillary incisors, mandibular incisors, and mean (p < 0.05). Also, the results of elderly and young groups were compared by Mann–Whitney test. Significant difference was noted regarding the pulp response time for maxillary incisors, premolars, mandibular incisors, and mean (p < 0.05). Significant difference was detected regarding the pain intensity for mandibular incisors only (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:  Pulp response time increases when people get older while pain intensity decreases. There were variations among the classes of teeth.
Langerhans’s cell histiocytosis in old subjects: two rare case reports and review of the literature
Authors: Lajolo Carlo , Campisi Giuseppina , Deli Giorgio , Littarru Cristiano , Guiglia Rosario , Giuliani Michele
Published: May 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00629.x

Langerhans’s cell histiocytosis in old subjects: two rare case reports and review of the literature

Background:  Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a proliferative disease of histiocyte‐like cells that generally affects children; LCH onset is rare in adults; immunohistochemistry is essential to obtain the correct diagnosis, and treatment protocols are controversial.

Objective:  To describe two new cases of adult onset oral LCH.

Case reports:  Case 1: a 71‐year‐old woman, complaining of diffuse oral pain, presented with erythematous mucosal lesions; the panoramic radiograph and CT scan showed multiple mandible radiolucent areas. Immunohistochemical assay for S‐100, CD1a and langerin test was essential in reaching the correct diagnosis. Case 2: a 77‐year‐old female patient presented with a non‐painful, non‐bleeding, slightly elevated erythematous palatal lesion of 6 months duration, together with a genital vulvar lesion of uncertain nature. The pathology confirmed the diagnosis of LCH. Many therapies (etoposid, radiotherapy) could induce only a clinical partial remission; Cladribine induced a complete recovery.

Conclusion:  The first case was difficult to diagnose: the clinical presentation and course of the disease (LCH) in the elderly are multiple and unpredictable. An immunohistochemistry study is often essential to obtain the correct diagnosis. The second case required several therapeutic interventions: even though some cases regress spontaneously, others require systemic chemotherapy.
Cytotoxic effects of denture adhesives on primary human oral keratinocytes, fibroblasts and permanent L929 cell lines
Authors: Chen Fengying , Wu Tianfu , Cheng Xiangrong
Published: May 2012

Background

To date, there have been very little data on the cytotoxic responses of different cell lines to denture adhesives.

Objective

To determine the cytotoxicity of three denture adhesives on primary human oral keratinocytes (HOKs), fibroblasts (HOFs) and permanent mouse fibroblasts cell lines (L929).

Methods

Three commercial denture adhesives (two creams and one powder) were prepared for indirect contact using the agar diffusion test, as well as extracts in MTT assay. The results of the MTT assay were statistically analysed by one‐way anova and Tukey's test (p < 0.05).

Results

All of the tested denture adhesives showed mild to moderate cytotoxicity to primary HOKs (p < 0.001), whereas none of three was toxic to L929 cells (p > 0.05) in both assays. For primary HOFs cultures, slight cytotoxicity was observed for one of the products from the agar diffusion test and undiluted eluates of all tested adhesives with MTT assay (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Denture adhesives are toxic to the primary HOKs and HOFs cultures, whereas non‐toxic to L929 cells. The results suggest that primary human oral mucosal cells may provide more valuable information in toxicity screening of denture adhesives.
Factors Associated with Higher Fecundity in Female Maternal Relatives of Homosexual Men
Authors: Camperio Ciani Andrea S. , Fontanesi Lilybeth , Iemmola Francesca , Giannella Elga , Ferron Claudia , Lombardi Luigi
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Recent evidence suggests that sexually antagonistic genetic factors in the maternal line promote homosexuality in men and fecundity in female relatives. However, it is not clear if and how these genetic factors are phenotypically expressed to simultaneously induce homosexuality in men and increased fecundity in their mothers and maternal aunts.

Aims

The aim of the present study was to investigate the phenotypic expression of genetic factors that could explain increased fecundity in the putative female carriers.

Methods

Using a questionnaire-based approach, which included also the Big Five Questionnaire personality inventory based on the Big Five theory, we investigated fecundity in 161 female European subjects and scrutinized possible influences, including physiological, behavioral, and personality factors. We compared 61 female probands who were either mothers or maternal aunts of homosexual men. One hundred females who were mothers or aunts of heterosexual men were used as controls.

Main Outcome Measures

Personality traits, retrospective physiological and clinical data, behavior and opinions on fecundity-related issues were assessed and analyzed to illustrate possible effects on fecundity between probands and control females.

Results

Our analysis showed that both mothers and maternal aunts of homosexual men show increased fecundity compared with corresponding maternal female relatives of heterosexual men. A two-step statistical analysis, which was based on t-tests and multiple logistic regression analysis, showed that mothers and maternal aunts of homosexual men (i) had fewer gynecological disorders; (ii) had fewer complicated pregnancies; (iii) had less interest in having children; (iv) placed less emphasis on romantic love within couples; (v) placed less importance on their social life; (vi) showed reduced family stability; (vii) were more extraverted; and (viii) had divorced or separated from their spouses more frequently.

Conclusions

Our findings are based on a small sample and would benefit from a larger replication, however they suggest that if sexually antagonistic genetic factors that induce homosexuality in males exist, the factors might be maintained in the population by contributing to increased fecundity greater reproductive health, extraversion, and a generally relaxed attitude toward family and social values in females of the maternal line of homosexual men.
Effects of lactic acid bacteria and urea treatment on fermentation quality, digestibility and ruminal fermentation of roll bale rice straw silage in wethers
Authors: Fang Jiachen , Matsuzaki Masatoshi , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Cai Yimin , Horiguchi Ken‐ichi , Takahashi Toshiyoshi
Published: May 2012

The digestibility, nitrogen retention and ruminal fermentation of dry rice straw (DRS), untreated rice straw silage (NRS), lactic acid bacteria (LAB) treated rice straw silage (LRS) and urea treated rice straw silage (URS) were compared in a feeding trial with wethers supplemented with concentrate. Both NRS and LRS provided good fermentation quality although the lactic acid content in LRS was higher than in NRS (P < 0.05). The digestibility of the feed component did not differ among DRS, NRS and LRS treatments; however, the digestibility of crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADFom), neutral detergent fiber (NDFom) and energy increased in the URS treatment (P < 0.05). With the increase in digestibility, the nutritive values of digestible crude protein (DCP) and digestible energy (DE) also increased in URS treatment (P < 0.05). The high urinary excretion of nitrogen (N) with URS treatment did not influence its improved N retention compared with the other treatments (P < 0.05). The higher ruminal total volatile fatty acid (VFA) and ratio of acetate to propionate (A:P) in ruminal fluid of wethers following URS treatment (P < 0.05) indicated that the urea treatment resulted in effective ruminal fermentation. These results show that although LAB treatment can improve fermentation quality, it had no effect on the digestibility of feed components. Urea was an effective treatment for improving digestibility, N retention and ruminal fermentation.
Organic carbon stocks in grassland soils and their spatial distribution in Japan
Authors: Matsuura Shoji , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Kohyama Kazunori
Published: May 2012

To evaluate the nationwide status of grasslands and their soil organic carbon stocks in Japan, we used 1990 as a base year and estimated: (i) the area and the spatial distribution of grasslands, and (ii) the size and the spatial distribution of their soil organic carbon stocks. The carbon stocks were estimated to a 30 cm depth based on datasets containing information on vegetation, wetlands, soils and land classifications. The total grassland area (including natural grasslands, semi‐natural grasslands, meadows/pastures and artificial grasslands for non‐agricultural use) was estimated at 18 700 km2, which is 5.0% of Japan’s total land area. Nearly two‐thirds of the total grassland area contained Andosols or Brown Forest soils, and the percentage of area covered by each soil group differed with grassland type. The estimated soil organic carbon density value (11.4 kg C m–2 for all Japanese grasslands) was consistent with previously reported values (4.0–20.2 kg C m–2 for several Japanese grasslands). A map of the soil organic carbon stocks in grasslands shows a characteristic distribution of high and low carbon stock areas. The total estimated carbon stock in grassland topsoils was 214 Tg C, which is 8.0% of the total carbon stock in Japanese topsoils. The techniques used and the results obtained in this study are valuable for the evaluation of future changes in soil organic carbon stocks in Japan. To obtain more accurate and comprehensive estimates of these changes, it is important to develop the unified grassland categorization system and to collect soil organic carbon data for several types of grasslands, at least meadows/pastures and semi‐natural grasslands for agricultural use.