bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraprocedural and Long‐Term Incomplete Occlusion of the Left Atrial Appendage Following Placement of the WATCHMAN Device: A Single Center Experience
Authors: BAI RONG , HORTON RODNEY P. , DI BIASE LUIGI , MOHANTY PRASANT , PUMP AGNES , CARDINAL DEB , SCALLON CHANTEL , MOHANTY SANGHAMITRA , SANTANGELI PASQUALE , BRANTES MAURICIO C. , SANCHEZ JAVIER , BURKHARDT J. DAVID , ZAGRODZKY JASON D. , GALLINGHOUSE G. JOSEPH , NATALE ANDREA
Published: November 2011

Incomplete LAA Occlusion by WATCHMAN Device. Introduction: Transcatheter left atrial appendage (LAA) closure with the WATCHMAN device has become one of the therapeutic options in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients who are at high risk for ischemic stroke. However, the incidence and evolution of incomplete occlusion of the LAA during and after placement of the WATCHMAN device has not been reported.

Methods and Results: Fifty‐eight consecutive patients who had undergone WATCHMAN device implant were included in the study. Intraprocedural, 45‐day and 12‐month transesophageal echocardiogram images were reviewed and analyzed. Peridevice gap was noted in 16 (27.6%), 17 (29.3%), and 20 (34.5%) patients across the 3 time points. Intraprocedural gaps are more likely to be persistent until 12 months and become larger in size over time. New gap also occurs during follow‐up even if the LAA was completely sealed at implantation. One patient had an ischemic stroke 4.7 months after implant; another patient developed a left atrial thrombus over the device 21.6 months after implant. Both patients had intraprocedural gap and discontinued warfarin therapy after the 45‐day evaluation.

Conclusion: Incomplete LAA occlusion with a gap between the WATCHMAN device surface and the LAA wall is relatively common. Intraprocedural gaps are more likely to become bigger over time and persist, while new gaps also occur during follow‐up. Further studies are warranted to verify whether the presence and persistence of a peridevice gap is associated with increased risk of thromboembolic event in AF patients implanted with a WATCHMAN device. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 455‐461, May 2012)
Collateral Nervous Damages After Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Isolation
Authors: GUIOT AURÉLIE , SAVOURÉ ARNAUD , GODIN BÉNÉDICTE , ANSELME FRÉDÉRIC
Published: November 2011

Collateral Nervous Damages.

Introduction: Various types of complications have been reported after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation using radiofrequency energy, but those have not been well defined when using cryoballoon ablation technique. The objective of this prospective study was to assess types, incidence, and outcome of complications after cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).

Methods and Results: This prospective monocentric study included 66 consecutive patients (39 males, age 57 ± 11 years) who underwent cryoballoon PVI for symptomatic paroxysmal AF. Phrenic nerve (PN) integrity was assessed by pacing from the superior vena cava during isolation of the right PVs. Before discharge, all patients were subjected to 24‐hour Holter electrocardiograms, echocardiography, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Cardiac MRI was scheduled between 1 and 3 months postprocedure. At 3.7 ± 1.7 months after ablation, patients underwent clinical review and 24‐hour Holter electrocardiograms.

The mean number of cryoballoon applications was 10.0 ± 2.1 per patient and 2.5 ± 1.0 per vein. A 28 mm cryoballoon was used in 49 patients (74%) and a 23 mm cryoballoon in the remaining 17 patients (26%). Twelve complications (18%) attributing to collateral nervous damage were noticed in 9 patients: asymptomatic gastroparesis was observed in 6 patients (9%), transient PN palsy (PNP) in 5 (8%), and symptomatic inappropriate sinus tachycardia requiring beta‐blocker treatment in 1 (1%). Neither cryoballoon‐related esophageal ulceration nor PV stenosis was observed.

Conclusion: Gastroparesis and PNP could be observed in a significant number of cases after cryoballoon ablation of AF. These complications are likely due to cryo‐induced damages to nervous structures surrounding the heart.
Risk of Mortality for Ventricular Arrhythmia in Ambulatory LVAD Patients
Authors: BRENYO ANDREW , RAO MOHAN , KONERU SUSHMA , HALLINAN WILLIAM , SHAH SAMIT , MASSEY H. T. , CHEN LEWAY , POLONSKY BRONISLAVA , MCNITT SCOTT , HUANG DAVID T. , GOLDENBERG ILAN , AKTAS MEHMET
Published: November 2011

Risk of Mortality for Ventricular Arrhythmia. Background: There are limited data regarding the incidence and prognostic significance of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in ambulatory continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients.

Methods: Sixty‐one consecutive patients from November 1, 2006 through December 31, 2010 with an LVAD and implantable cardioverter defibrillator that survived to discharge from the LVAD implantation admission were studied. Follow‐up began from date of discharge with both devices in situ and ended with death, transplant, on June 1, 2011. Pre‐LVAD VA history was related to the primary endpoints of post‐LVAD VA, mortality, and the combined endpoint of post‐LVAD VA/mortality.

Results: During a mean follow‐up of 622 days 19 patients (31%) experienced VA (14 episodes of VT, 5 episodes of VF). Pre‐LVAD VA was predictive of post‐LVAD VA (hazard ratio [HR] 2.91, P = 0.026) and the combined post‐LVAD VA/mortality endpoint (HR 2.70, P = 0.021) but only displayed a nonsignificant association with mortality (HR 2.30, P = 0.11). In multivariate analysis, pre‐LVAD VA remained a significant predictor of post‐LVAD VA (HR 2.84, P = 0.03) and the combined post‐LVAD VA/mortality endpoint (HR 2.65, P = 0.025). Post‐LVAD VA was the strongest univariate predictor of mortality (HR 13.92, P < 0.001) and remained so after multivariate adjustment (HR 9.69, P = 0.001). Post‐LVAD VA occurred at a mean of 1 year from mortality events with 45% within 1 month.

Conclusions: Pre‐LVAD VA is a significant predictor of post‐LVAD VA but not of mortality. VA in the continuous flow LVAD population carries a significant risk of mortality often within the first month. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 515‐520, May 2012)
Allergic Reaction to Suture Material After an ICD Procedure: Device Infection Mimicry
Authors: TSCHABRUNN CORY M. , ROSENBACH MISHA , LAVI NIMROD , COOPER JOSHUA M.
Published: November 2011

Suture Allergy Can Mimic ICD Infection. When an implanted device is infected, complete explantation of the device system, including lead extraction, is usually required. Superficial problems with wound healing may be managed more conservatively, but distinguishing between a surface process and deeper infection can pose a clinical challenge. We present a case of poor wound healing after an ICD pocket revision procedure, and an allergic reaction to the suture material was found to be the cause. Diagnosis, management, and future implications of suture allergy are discussed. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23 p. 330‐332, March 2012.)
Simultaneous Existence of Sustained Double Chamber Tachycardias Originating from the Aortic Sinus of Valsalva
Authors: MOTOKI KOICHIRO , KURITA TAKASHI , YASUOKA RYOBUN , MIYAZAKI SHUNICHI
Published: November 2011

Double Chamber Tachycardias Originating from the Aortic Sinus of Valsalva.

Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia is basically a benign phenomenon in patients without structural heart disease. The focal source of the tachycardia is usually located in the right ventricular outflow tract and more rarely in the left ventricular outflow tract. Aortic sinus of Valsalva (ASV) is a well‐known source of atrial and ventricular tachycardias. We report a case with simultaneous existence of sustained atrial and ventricular tachycardias originating from ASV, which was successfully treated with radiofrequency catheter ablation.
Interventricular Septal Mass in a Patient with Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Authors: UCHIDA MIO , SHINOHARA TETSUJI , TAKAHASHI NAOHIKO , SAIKAWA TETSUNORI
Published: November 2011

Myocardial Mass in Sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease that may involve multiple organ systems. The prognosis of sarcoidosis is influenced by the presence and severity of cardiac lesions. Thinning of the wall in the ventricular septum has often been reported, whereas an interventricular septal mass is rare. We describe a case of cardiac sarcoidosis resulting in a myocardial mass in the basal portion of the interventricular septum that was sensitive to corticosteroid treatment.
Work, Cultural Resources, and Community Commodities in the Global Economy
Authors: Colloredo‐Mansfeld Rudi
Published: November 2011

In order to defend work and livelihoods, many communities claim special cultural value for their trades, products, or crops. In this special issue, we examine what makes a trade or a particular commodity a cultural asset, drawing on the details of four distinct cases: Russian salmon, Peruvian ceramics, Indonesian textiles, and Bolivian quinoa. Our analysis focuses on two crucial features: (1) a product's embeddedness in subsistence routines, ritual, and local hierarchies of status, and (2) a good's encloseability, or the features of place, community connectivity, or economic training that allows a group to monopolize a product or service. We frame our analysis as a “commons” problem for the way that it entails balancing private enterprises with shared responsibility for stewardship of a trade. Furthermore, a commons perspective helps assess the specific vulnerabilities of cultural assets and the way they can be simultaneously underused and overused. A key contribution of this set of papers is to show how shared cultural resources emerge in the midst of market activities and are not merely legacies of premarket relations and subsistence economies.
Where Commons Meet Commerce: Circulation and Sequestration Strategies in Indonesian Arts Economies
Authors: Aragon Lorraine V.
Published: November 2011

Production commons require social maintenance or stewardship. Stewardship practices, meaning patterns of valuing and caring for cultural resources, often restrict or foster access to knowledge within or beyond a self‐defined group. I term these two protective but seemingly oppositional strategies as “sequestration” and “circulation,” respectively. How can we account for individual and group differences in the willingness to share knowledge and techniques for producing cultural expressions? To answer this question, I employ ethnographic narratives, mainly drawn from producers of Indonesian textiles (with comparisons to carvers, musicians, dramatists, and dancers), to construct typologies of informal stewardship rationales and techniques. Examples of circulation and sequestration strategies provide contextual data about what sways artisans' cooperative or competitive behaviors in “split economies.” This term refers to industries where expressive cultural productions serve both internal, embedded social purposes, contributing local cultural value mainly through delayed economic reciprocity, and external commodity markets. Untangling the economic, sociological, and identity boundary aspects of “value” helps clarify conundrums about when producers want to circulate versus sequester information. Sequestration strategies often protect inherited privileges or commercial market share of technically vulnerable industries. Yet, the classificatory divide between community and market economy realms is shown to be subject to considerable slippage.
Competitive Tradition: Intellectual Property and New Millennial Craft
Authors: Chan Anita Say
Published: November 2011

In 2006, Peru's government awarded an intellectual property (IP) title known as a denomination of origin to the traditional ceramics made by artisans in the northern town of Chulucanas. The move was celebrated by the state as a culturally sensitive strategy for regional development that promised to preserve cultural tradition and heritage and to provide a model for future economic development strategies among other native populations across the country. This study explores the means by which rural and native communities – once framed as economically marginal actors and potential liabilities for the nation‐state – are selectively transformed into new agents of cultural innovation under contemporary IP‐based development plans. Based on interviews with participants and planners of Chulucanas' IP‐based development initiative, this research highlights how local accounts question the state's claims to use IP to pursue a national “export culture” and promote rural producers' global “competitivity” while simultaneously protecting local, collectively held production techniques.
Repeated Cerebral Ischemia Caused by Extracranial Carotid Artery Dolichoectasia
Authors: Sadahiro Hirokazu , Ishihara Hideyuki , Goto Hisaharu , Oka Humiaki , Shirao Satoshi , Yoneda Hiroshi , Suzuki Michiyasu
Published: November 2011

We report the case of a 67‐year‐old man with repeating cerebral embolism caused by a dolichoectatic right common carotid artery. The patient had a history of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, cigarette smoking, and a postoperative abdominal aortic aneurysm. He presented with a sudden onset of weakness of the left arm and leg. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed old and fresh infarction in the right cerebral hemisphere. Carotid duplex ultrasonography showed a dolichoectatic right common carotid artery with a maximum diameter of 39 mm with thick plaque and strong spontaneous echo contrast. The flow velocity was considerably reduced, which caused thrombus formation, and strong antithrombotic therapy was required. This case provides a rare example of ischemic stroke caused by extracranial carotid artery dolichoectasia.
Intracranial Angioplasty and Stenting Through Direct Carotid Puncture
Authors: Samaniego Edgar A. , Dabus Guilherme , Raju Roman , Tsoukas Athanassious I. , Linfante Italo
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To describe a case of successful intracranial angioplasty and stenting of a symptomatic middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis using a transcervical approach.

METHODS

A 73‐year‐old woman presented with several ischemic strokes in the left MCA distribution. A diagnostic cerebral angiogram demonstrated more than 80% stenosis of her left MCA. Because the patient failed maximal medical therapy, it was decided to perform angioplasty and stenting. Given the patient's tortuous arch and rigid vessels, access was obtained through a transcutaneous puncture with direct visualization of the surgically exposed common carotid artery (CCA).

RESULTS

The patient tolerated well the procedure and after successful stenting her symptoms resolved.

CONCLUSION

Access of the intracranial circulation through direct CCA puncture may be a feasible alternative when the transfemoral access is not possible. The transcervical approach may be safe even with the use of antiplatelet medications and anticoagulation.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Tractography of the Corticospinal Tract in the Presence of Enlarged Virchow–Robin Spaces
Authors: Young Robert J. , Lee Valerie , Peck Kyung K. , Sierra Tania , Zhang Zhigang , Jacks Lindsay M. , Holodny Andrei I.
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We report a patient with abnormal diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography of the corticospinal tract caused by mass effect from adjacent enlarged Virchow–Robin spaces.

METHODS

DTI was performed using 25 noncollinear directions. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) maps were generated. Region‐of‐interest measurements of the corticospinal tracts were organized in histograms, and comparisons were made between sides. Statistical analysis consisted of a Wilcoxon rank‐sum nonparametric test and a two‐sample test of proportions to compare the relative percentage of voxels >.8.

RESULTS

The patient had no signs or symptoms of motor weakness. The corticospinal tract adjacent to the enlarged Virchow–Robin spaces showed significant changes in the proportion of FA > .8, distribution of FA and distribution of MD (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Diffusion tensor changes may be caused by enlarged Virchow–Robin spaces in the absence of clinical signs or symptoms. We hypothesize that the DTI changes are due to alterations in the extravascular extracellular space. Tensor changes should be interpreted with caution in patients with space occupying mass lesions such as brain tumors.
Optimal Imaging of In Vitro Clot Sonothrombolysis by MR‐Guided Focused Ultrasound
Authors: Durst Christopher , Monteith Stephen , Sheehan Jason , Moldovan Krisztina , Snell John , Eames Matt , Huerta Thomas , Walker William , Viola Francesco , Kassell Neal , Wintermark Max
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

As magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) sonothrombolysis relies on mechanical rather than thermal mechanisms to achieve clot lysis, thermometry is not useful for the intraoperative monitoring of clot breakdown by MRgFUS. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the optimum imaging sequence for sonothrombolysis.

METHODS

In vitro blood drawn from 6 healthy volunteers was imaged using T1, T2 spin‐echo, and T2 gradient‐echo (GRE) sequences both before and after sonication using an Insightec ExAblate 4000 FUS transducer. Signal intensities of the three MR imaging sequences were measured and normalized to background signal for each time point. Representative samples of the pre‐ and postsonication clot were also sent to pathology for hematologic analysis.

RESULTS

After sonication, the clot in the treatment tube was fully lysed as evidenced by physical and hematologic evaluation. The difference between pre‐ and postsonicated normalized signal intensity ratios demonstrated statistical significance only on T2 and GRE sequences (P < .001). However, significant blooming artifact limited interpretation on all GRE images.

CONCLUSION

T2 is the most appropriate sequence for the evaluation of mechanical MRgFUS sonothrombolysis of an in vitro clot. These findings are consistent across the oxidative states of clot up to 48 hours.
Comparative investigation of the effects of different materials used with a titanium barrier on new bone formation
Authors: Ezirganli Şeref , Polat Serkan , Barış Emre , Tatar İlkan , Çelik Hakan Hamdi
Published: November 2011

Objectives

In this study, we aimed to study the effects on new bone formation of autogenous blood, deproteinized bovine bone graft (DBBG), and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) bioceramic graft materials placed under titanium barriers.

Material and methods

Twenty‐four adult male New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study. Two titanium barriers were fixed on each rabbit's calvarium. The study included four groups, one of which was a control group. The experiment groups, autogenous blood,DBBG(Bio‐Oss®;GeistlichBiomaterials,Wolhusen,Switzerland) andBCP(4BoneTM;Biomatlante,Vigneux deBretagne,France) were placed under titanium barriers; in the control group, no materials were used. Half of the animals were sacrificed after 1 month, and the rest were sacrificed after 3 months. After this, micro‐computerized tomography images were taken, and a histomorphometric evaluation was carried out.

Results

The amounts of new bone formation were found to be higher at the third month than at the first month. The differences between the groups were examined with both a micro‐computerized tomography and histomorphometric analysis, and no statistical significance was noted in the first month. In contrast, the increase in the amount of new bone formation at the third month was found to be statistically significant only between theDBBGand control groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Autogenous blood with titanium barriers in guided bone regeneration seems to be as successful asDBBGandBCPbioceramic graft material.
Histomorphometrical and molecular evaluation of endosseous dental implants sites in humans: correlation with clinical and radiographic aspects
Authors: Pereira Andrea Castro , Souza Pedro Paulo Chaves , Souza João Antonio Chaves , Silva Tarcília Aparecida , Batista Aline Carvalho , Ribeiro‐Rotta Rejane Faria
Published: November 2011

Objective

To evaluate the correlations between clinical–radiographical aspects and histomorphometric–molecular parameters of endosseous dental implant sites in humans.

Material and methods

The study sample consisted of bone implant sites from the jawbones of 32 volunteers, which were classified according to two different systems: (1) based only on periapical and panoramic images (PP); (2) as proposed by Lekholm & Zarb (L&Z). Bone biopsies were removed using trephine during the first drilling for implant placement. Samples were stained with haematoxylin–eosin (HE), and histomorphometric analysis was performed to obtain the following parameters: trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number, bone volume density (BV/TV), bone specific surface (BS/BV), bone surface density and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp). In addition, immunohistochemistry analysis was performed on bone tissue samples for the proteins, Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B (RANK), RANK ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and Osteocalcin (OC). Also, the determination of the relative levels of gene expression was performed using Reverse transcription‐real‐time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT‐PCR).

Results

PP and L&Z classification systems revealed a moderate correlation with BV/TV, BS/BV, Tb.Th and Tb.Sp. L&Z's system identified differences among bone types when BV/TV, BS/BV, Tb.Th and Tb.Sp were compared. A weak correlation between PP/L&Z classifications and the expression of bone metabolism regulators (RANK, RANKL, OPG e OC) was found. The analysis of mRNA expression showed no difference between the bone types evaluated.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that PP and L&Z subjective bone‐type classification systems are related to histomorphometric aspects. These data may contribute to the validation of these classifications. Bone remodelling regulatory molecules do not seem to influence morphological aspects of the jawbone .
Experimental evidence for interfacial biochemical bonding in osseointegrated titanium implants
Authors: Sul Young‐Taeg , Kwon David H. , Kang Byung‐Soo , Oh Se‐Jung , Johansson Carina
Published: November 2011

Objectives

(i) To identify and quantify an interfacial biochemical bond and the bonding strength of osseointegrated implants with bioactive titanium oxide chemistry,ATiOxB(A, metal cations;TiOx, titanium oxides/hydroxides; B, non‐metal anions) and (ii) to provide quantitative evidence for the biochemical bond theory of osseointegration proposed by Sul et al. for description and explanation of why and how the implants withATiOxBsurface oxide chemistry may exhibit a significantly stronger bone response, in spite of the fact that the roughness values approached zero, or were equivalent to or significantly lower than those of the control implants.

Materials and methods

We applied a newly developed biochemical bond measurement (BBM) method to model implant surfaces that were “perfectly” smooth nanotopography near‐zero roughness as the constant parameter, and used the bioactive surface chemistry of titanium oxide,ATiOxBchemistry as a variable parameter in rabbit tibiae for 10 weeks. In this manner, we determined an interfacial biochemical bond and quantified its bonding strength.

Results

The increase in biochemical bond strengths of the test implant relative to the control implant was determined to be 0.018 (±0.008) MPa (0.031 vs 0.021 MPa,n = 10) for tensile strength and 8.9 (±6.1) Ncm (33.0 vs 24.1 Ncm,n = 10) for removal torque. Tensile and removal torque show strong correlation in the Pearson test (r = 0.901,P ≤ 0.001). In addition, histomorphometric measurements including bone‐to‐metal‐contact (BMC,P = 0.007), bone area and newly formed bone showed significant increases in the mean values forATiOxBchemistry (P = 0.007,n = 10). Biochemical bond theory states that the surface oxide chemistry,ATiOxBmust have more electrical and chemical molecular polarity that fractionally charges the surfaces denoted as δ+and δ−and leads to electrostatic and electrodynamic interactions with the bone healing cascade, eventually leading to the formation of biochemical bonding at the bone/implant interface.

Conclusions

The present study has provided quantitative evidence for biochemical bond theory of osseointegration of implants with bioactive surface oxide chemistry,ATiOxB. The theory of biochemical bonds may provide a scientific rationale pertinent to recent emerging trends and technologies for surface chemistry modifications of implants.
Early peri‐implant endosseous healing of two implant surfaces placed in surgically created circumferential defects. A histomorphometric and fluorescence study in dogs
Authors: de Barros Raquel Rezende Martins , Novaes Arthur Belém , Queiroz Adriana , de Almeida Adriana Luisa Gonçalves
Published: November 2011

Objective

Several implant surfaces are being developed, some in the nanoscale level. In this study, two different surfaces had their early healing properties compared in context of circumferential defects of various widths.

Material and methods

Six dogs had the mandibular premolars extracted. After 8 weeks, four implants were placed equicrestally in each side. One acted as control, while the others were inserted into sites with circumferential defects of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mm wide and 5 mm deep. A nano‐modified surface was used on one side and a micro‐rough on the other. Bone markers were administered on the third day after implant placement and then after 1, 2, 4 weeks to investigate the bone formation dynamic through fluorescence analysis. Ground sections were prepared from 8‐week healing biopsies and histomorphometry was performed.

Results

The fluorescence evaluation of the early healing showed numerically better results for the nano‐modified group; however this trend was not followed by the histomorphometric evaluation. A non‐significant numerical superiority of the micro‐rough group was observed in terms of vertical bone apposition, defect bone fill, bone‐to‐implant contact and bone density. In the intra‐group analysis, the wider defects showed the worse results while the control sites showed the best results for the different parameters, but without statistical relevance.

Conclusion

Both surfaces may lead to complete fill of circumferential defects, but the gap width has to be considered as a challenge. The nano‐scale modification was beneficial in the early stages of bone healing, but the micro‐rough surface showed numerical better outcomes at the 8‐week final period.
Retention of implant‐supported zirconium oxide ceramic restorations using different luting agents
Authors: Nejatidanesh Farahnaz , Savabi Omid , Shahtoosi Mojtaba
Published: November 2011

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the retention value of implant‐supported zirconium oxide ceramic copings using different luting agents.

Method and materials

Twenty ITI solid abutments of 5.5 mm height and ITI implant analogs were mounted vertically into autopolymerizing acrylic resin blocks. Ninety zirconium oxide copings (Cercon, Degudent) with a loop on the occlusal portion were made. All samples were airborne particle abraded with 110 μm Al2O3 and luted using different types of luting agents: resin cements (Clearfil SA, Panavia F2.0, Fuji Plus), conventional cements (Fleck's, Poly F, Fuji I), and temporary cements (Temp Bond, GC free eugenol, TempSpan) with a load of 5 Kg. (N = 10) All copings were incubated at 37°C for 24 h and conditioned in artificial saliva for 1 week, and thermal cycled for 5000 cycles 5–55°C with a 30‐s dwell time. The dislodging force of the copings along the long axis of the implant‐abutment complex was recorded using universal testing machine with 5 mm/min crosshead speed. Data were subjected to Kruskal–Wallis (α = 0.05) and Mann–Whitney tests with Bonferroni step down correction (α = 0.001).

Results

There was significant difference between the mean rank retention values of different luting agents (P < 0.001). The resin cements showed the highest retention (Clearfil SA, 203.49 ± 52.86; Fuji Plus, 190.61 ± 48.00; Panavia F 2.0, 172.16 ± 70.76 N). The conventional cements had more retention than the temporary cements and glass ionomer cement (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The retention of zircona ceramic restorations, over ITI solid abutments may be influenced by the type of cement. The application of an MDP‐containing resin and resin‐modified glass ionomer luting agents increase the retentive value of implant‐supported zirconium oxide restorations.
Pattern and rate of progression of periodontal attachment loss in an urban population of South Brazil: a 5‐years population‐based prospective study
Authors: Haas Alex Nogueira , Gaio Eduardo José , Oppermann Rui Vicente , Rösing Cassiano Kuchenbecker , Albandar Jasim M. , Susin Cristiano
Published: November 2011

Aim

The aim of this 5‐years longitudinal study was to investigate the pattern and rate of periodontal attachment loss (PAL) progression in an urban population in South Brazil.

Methods

In 2001, a multistage probability sampling strategy was used to derive a representative sample of 1,465 dentate individuals from Porto Alegre, Brazil. Five years later, 697 dentate individuals (294M/403F, mean age: 37.9 ± 13.3) were available for follow‐up. PAL was assessed by calibrated examiners using a full‐mouth protocol. Estimates of proximal PAL progression and standard errors (SE) are reported.

Results

Fifty‐six per cent (SE: 1.9) and 36% (SE: 1.8) of subjects showed PAL progression ≥3 mm affecting ≥2 and ≥4 teeth respectively. PAL progression ≥3 mm was mostly localized affecting 3.8 (SE: 0.2) teeth and 5.7 (SE: 0.3) sites. Annual PAL progression was, on average, 0.3 mm (SE: 0.01). Significant differences in PAL progression were observed according to age, gender, race and socioeconomic status. PAL progression increased with age reaching the highest progression rate in the 40–49 years cohort, and then decreased in older age groups. PAL progression was consistently higher among males and non‐Whites than females and whites.

Conclusion

A large proportion of this urban Brazilian sample was affected by PAL progression underscoring the need for health promotion initiatives aiming at preventing progression of destructive periodontal disease.
Reservoir entrapment and dam passage mortality of juvenile Chinook salmon in the Middle Fork Willamette River
Authors: Keefer Matthew L. , Taylor Gregory A. , Garletts Douglas F. , Helms Chad K. , Gauthier Greg A. , Pierce Todd M. , Caudill Christopher C.
Published: November 2011

Abstract –  High‐head dams in Oregon’s Willamette River basin inhibit seaward migration and present significant mortality risks to ESA‐listed juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Over 7 years, we passively collected 13,365 downstream‐migrating juvenile salmon in rivers above and below Willamette dams. Most salmon emigrated from upstream sites in February–June, but passed dams in November–February when reservoirs were drawn down near annual lows, and access to deep‐water passage routes improved. Samples collected above reservoirs were dominated by subyearlings, whereas below‐dam samples were a phenotypically diverse mix of subyearling, yearling and older salmon. The life history data indicated that Willamette reservoirs seasonally entrap many salmon and some sea‐ready smolts probably residualise. Annual dam‐passage mortality estimates were 8–59% (mean = 26%). Individual salmon mortality risk increased significantly with body length and varied with reservoir elevation and discharge. Operational changes that allow timely volitional emigration and development of less hazardous passage routes would benefit this threatened population.
Translation, validation, and construct reliability of a Portuguese version of the Xerostomia Inventory
Authors: da Mata ADSP , da Silva Marques DN , Freitas FMF , de Almeida Rato Amaral JP , Trindade RTVMR , Barcelos FAD , Vaz Patto JM
Published: November 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 293–298

Objectives:  To generate and validate at pretest level a cross‐culturally adapted Portuguese version of Xerostomia Inventory (XI), a 11‐item questionnaire designed to measure specific xerostomia rating of patients complaints.

Methods:  The original English version of the XI was translated into Portuguese following the guidelines for cross‐cultural adaptation of health‐related quality of life measures. Thirty patients with primary Sjögren syndrome were recruited for this study. The questionnaires were administered by trained and calibrated dental doctors to each patient. XI properties were examined including reliability, internal consistency, and test‐retest reliability, using Cronbach’s alpha, total and inter‐item correlation, and intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICC), respectively. Construct validity supported by objective measurements of xerostomia intra‐oral signs and salivary secretion was investigated. Alpha was set at 0.05. Informed consents and local ethical committee clearance were obtained.

Results:  Internal consistency and test‐retest reliability were excellent (Cronbach’s α = 0.9; ICC range = 0.79–0.94). Scatterplot interpolation and Pearson correlation coefficient suggested the presence of a strong, negative, and significant correlation between salivation and the XI scores indicating construct validity.

Conclusion:  The Portuguese version of the XI can be considered a reliable and valid instrument to measure patients’ xerostomia symptoms.
Proinflammatory cytokine levels in hyperlipidemic patients with periodontitis after periodontal treatment
Authors: Fentoğlu Ö , Kırzıoğlu FY , Özdem M , Koçak H , Sütçü R , Sert T
Published: November 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 299–306

Objective:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of periodontal treatment on serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) proinflammatory cytokine levels in hyperlipidemic patients with periodontitis.

Materials and Methods:  Fifty‐two patients with hyperlipidemia and periodontitis and 28 systemically healthy controls with periodontitis (C) were included in the study. Hyperlipidemic groups were divided into two groups as suggested diet (HD) and prescribed statin (HS). The clinical periodontal parameters, fasting venous blood, and GCF samples were obtained, and serum tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL) 1‐beta, and IL‐6 levels were evaluated at baseline and at 3 months follow‐up (3MFU) after the completion of the non‐surgical periodontal treatment that included scaling and root planning.

Results:  Percentage of bleeding on probing was significantly higher in the HS group than both the HD and C groups. In the HD and HS groups, there were significant decreases in serum IL‐6 and GCF TNF‐α levels between the 3MFU and baseline. A significant decrease was also found in GCF IL‐6 at the end of the study period in the HS group.

Conclusion:  The combination of the periodontal therapy and antilipemic treatment may provide beneficial effects on the metabolic and inflammatory control of hyperlipidemia.
Retrospective Comparison of Semipermanent and Permanent Cementation of Implant‐Supported Single Crowns and FDPs with Regard to the Incidence of Survival and Complications
Authors: Schwarz Stefanie , Schröder Christin , Corcodel Nicoleta , Hassel Alexander Jochen , Rammelsberg Peter
Published: November 2011

Purpose: To retrospectively compare the fixation modalities semipermanent and permanent for all cemented single crowns and Fixed Dental Prostheses (FDPs) placed at the Department of Prosthodontics in the years 2002 to 2010 with regard to the incidence of survival and complications.

Materials and Methods: Two hundred forty‐one patients (48.5% male, mean age 57.3 years) received 166 FDPs and 232 single crowns. A total of 50.6% of the FDPs and 54.7% of the single crowns were fixed using semipermanent cements. Aside from fixation, age, gender, type, location, and material of the suprastructures were assessed as possible factors affecting complications, namely de‐cementation, chipping, framework, or abutment fracture.

Results: During an observation period of up to 6.6 years (mean 2.24 years; standard deviation 1.38), the survival rates were 96.4% and 100% for FDPs (semipermanent/permanent cementation), and 98.4% and 92.4% for single crowns (semipermanent/permanent). The success rates achieved, counting every complication, for the FDPs were 61.9% and 70.7% (semipermanent/permanent) and for single crowns were 75.6% and 77.1% (semipermanent/permanent). The cement used had a significant effect on loss of retention of the FDPs (p = .006), but no significant effect on the retention of the single crowns. Cementation procedure exhibited no significant impact on chipping for both FDPs and single crowns. The frequency of framework or abutment fractures was too low for further statistical analyses.

Conclusion: Both semipermanent and permanent cementation of FDPs and single crowns resulted in high survival rates. Within the limitations of the study design, because of the amount of chairside aftercare required, implant‐borne FDPs could be recommended for permanent cementation.
Porcine‐Derived Xenograft Combined with a Soft Cortical Membrane versus Extraction Alone for Implant Site Development: A Clinical Study in Humans
Authors: Festa Vincenzo Maria , Addabbo Francesco , Laino Luigi , Femiano Felice , Rullo Rosario
Published: November 2011

Background: An adequate alveolar crest is essential for implant placement in terms of esthetics and function. The objective of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the preservation of the alveolar ridge dimensions following tooth extraction using porcine‐derived xenograft combined with a membrane versus extraction‐alone (EXT) sites.

Methods: Fifteen patients who required double extraction of contralateral premolars and delayed implant placement were randomly selected to receive both ridge‐preservation procedure and EXT. The test sites (alveolar ridge preservation [ARP]) included 15 sockets treated using a corticocancellous porcine bone xenograft (OsteoBiol® Gen‐Os; Tecnoss srl, Giaveno, Italy) associated with a soft cortical membrane (OsteoBiol® Lamina; Tecnoss srl), while the corresponding control sites (EXT) were left without grafting for EXT. Horizontal and vertical ridge dimensions were recorded at baseline and 6 months after extractions.

Results: After 6 months, the EXT sites showed a significantly greater reabsorption of the buccolingual/palatal dimension of the alveolar ridge (3.7 ± 1.2 mm) compared with the ARP sites (1.8 ± 1.3 mm). The mean vertical ridge height reduction in the control sockets was 3.1 ± 1.3 mm at the buccal sites and 2.4 ± 1.6 mm at the lingual sites compared with 0.6 ± 1.4 and 0.5 ± 1.3 mm, respectively, in the test sockets. The differences between test and control sockets were not significant for the mesial and distal measurements.

Conclusions: The placement of a porcine xenograft with a membrane in an extraction socket can be used to reduce the hard tissue reabsorption after tooth extraction compared with EXT.
The Ethics of Corporate Legal Strategy: A Response to Professor Mayer
Authors: Ostas Daniel T.
Published: November 2011

In this issue of the American Business Law Journal, Professor Don Mayer continues an important conversation regarding the ethics of corporate legal strategy. Addressing several of my published works, Mayer offers two primary criticisms: (1) the works are too sanguine with regard to the appropriate scope of the strategic decision to “breach‐and‐pay,” and (2) the works offer too little guidance for the well‐intentioned corporate executive. In this response, I briefly restate my views, address Mayer's two criticisms, and offer concluding remarks.
EFFECT OF IRRADIATION DOSE ON PHYSICAL, FUNCTIONAL AND PASTING PROPERTIES OF COWPEA (VIGNA UNGUICULATA [L.] WALP) CULTIVARS
Authors: FALADE KOLAWOLE O. , KOLAWOLE TITILAYO A.
Published: November 2011

Cowpea grains, stored as dry seeds, form an enormous reserve of foodstuff in the semi‐arid tropics covering Asia, Africa, Central and South America. Effect of γ‐irradiation on seed color, functional and pasting properties of six selected cowpea cultivars was investigated. Color (L*a*b*) of non‐ and γ‐irradiated cowpea cultivars was measured, and the deltachroma (ΔC), color difference (ΔE) and hue angle were calculated. Functional and physicochemical (pasting) of the milled cowpeas were determined using standards methods and rapid visco‐analyzer, respectively. Generally, L*, a* and b* values of cowpea seeds were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected by irradiation dose. Calculated chroma, color intensity and hue angle varied with cultivar and γ‐irradiation dose. Oil absorption capacities of the nonirradiated and irradiated cowpea flours varied from 1.08 to 1.30 and 0.94–1.20 g oil/ g sample, while the water absorption capacities ranged from 1.59 to 2.00 and 1.58–2.01 g water/g sample, respectively. Nonirradiated cowpea flours showed higher pasting properties (peak, trough, breakdown, final and setback viscosities) than the irradiated cowpea. Aside from breakdown viscosity, the pasting properties decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with increased γ‐irradiation dose. The IT96D‐610 and IT97K‐568‐18 cultivars showed significantly higher peak, trough, final and setback viscosities compared with other cowpeas.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Exposing foods to ionizing radiations such as gamma rays emitted from the radioisotopes 60Co and 137Cs, or high energy electrons and X‐rays produced by machine sources, helps to destroy microorganisms or insects present in the food. Depending on the absorbed radiation dose, various effects can be achieved resulting in reduced storage losses, extended shelf life and/or improved microbiological and parasitological safety of foods. Microorganisms and pests can no longer proliferate and continue their activities, and insect gametes do not survive or become incapable of proliferation. Large quantities of stored legumes are lost annually as a result of mould contamination and insect attack which continues after harvesting even to storage. Irradiation of cowpea is a viable alternative to the use of chemicals, which have adverse effects on both food and environment, associated with residues and ozone depletion, and are perceived to be carcinogenic.
ICSH recommendations for identification, diagnostic value, and quantitation of schistocytes
Authors: ZINI G. , d’ONOFRIO G. , BRIGGS C. , ERBER W. , JOU J. M. , LEE S. H. , McFADDEN S. , VIVES‐CORRONS J. L. , YUTAKA N. , LESESVE J. F.
Published: November 2011

Schistocytes are fragments of red blood cells (RBCs) produced by extrinsic mechanical damage within the circulation. The detection of schistocytes is an important morphological clue to the diagnosis of thrombotic microangiopathic anemia (TMA). Reporting criteria between different laboratories, however, are not uniform, owing to variability of shape and nature of fragments, as well as subjectivity and heterogeneity in their morphological assessment. Lack of standardization may lead to inconsistency or misdiagnosis, thereby affecting treatment and clinical outcome. The Schistocyte Working Group of the International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH) has prepared specific recommendations to standardize schistocyte identification, enumeration, and reporting. They deal with the type of smear, method of counting, morphological description based on positive criteria (helmet cells, small, irregular triangular, or crescent‐shaped cells, pointed projections, and lack of central pallor). A schistocyte count has a definite clinical value for the diagnosis of TMA in the absence of additional severe red cell shape abnormalities, with a confident threshold value of 1%. Automated counting of RBC fragments is also recommended by the ICSH Working Group as a useful complement to the microscope, according to the high predictive value of negative results, but worthy of further research and with limits in quantitation.
Siegfried the Dragonslayer Meets the Web: Using Digital Media for Developing Historical Awareness and Advanced Language and Critical Thinking Skills1
Authors: Rasmussen Ann Marie
Published: November 2011

This article describes an undergraduate, German‐language course that aimed to improve students' language skills, critical thinking, and declarative knowledge of German history and culture by studying multiple manifestations of the legend of Siegfried the Dragonslayer. The course used web‐based e‐learning tools to address two major learning challenges. Because learning to think and work with chronological data was required, a web‐based timeline building tool, Google Docs Simile, was used to put students in charge of navigating the enormous historical range of the material. The second, related challenge emerged from the geographic, linguistic, and evidentiary diversity of the surviving material, which challenged students to acquire a degree of cultural literacy for an entire region and to apply appropriate interpretive tools to different kinds of evidence. To support this learning outcome, students used blog tool to write a final, collaborative project, in which they designed a simulated alumni tour. The course enhanced students' language skills and built critical historical knowledge essential for understanding German‐speaking lands.
Freedom Without Walls: One Model for Interdisciplinarity on Campus
Authors: Gallagher Karen , Dechow Douglas , Leahy Anna
Published: November 2011

Interdisciplinary projects offer a strategy for German programs to become more visible and valued in the university context. Freedom Without Walls at Chapman University offers a case study of a project that situates the German program within an institution's larger goals. When building a project, the German program should look first to existing expertise, interests, and resources on campus. Connection with the institution's mission and vision is also essential. With funding from the German government to U.S. universities, Freedom Without Walls encompassed events in art, poetry, film, communications, and other disciplines as well as a gala and a team in the 5K run/walk.
The Global Geek: Language Training for IT Students' Study Abroad in Austria and Germany
Authors: Cliver Gwyneth E. , Khazanchi Deepak
Published: November 2011

Recognizing the global role of information technology, this article describes a USDOE‐funded transatlantic mobility program in the area of IT project management. The project enhances intercultural as well as German language skills and promotes a mutual understanding of EU and US cultures. The relationship between IT and German‐language programs addresses the MLA's recent appeal to language departments to train students in all disciplines in global readiness, cultural literacy, and the international exchange of knowledge and creativity. This article outlines the results of quantitative and qualitative assessments of the program's achievement of these goals.
Novel Therapy with Intravesical Liposomes for Ulcerative Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome
Authors: PETERS Kenneth M. , HASENAU Deborah L. , ANTHONY Michele , KAUFMAN Jonathan , KILLINGER Kim A.
Published: November 2011

Objectives: A Federal Drug Administration‐approved, compassionate‐use, investigational new drug single‐subject trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes of intravesical instillation of liposomes in a woman with ulcerative interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS).

Methods: After obtaining informed consent, the 48‐year‐old woman, diagnosed with ulcerative IC/PBS, received four weekly instillations of intravesical liposomes. Subsequently she was evaluated for 8 weeks post bladder instillation.

Results: No side effects or adverse events were reported during the 12 week study period. Voids per day decreased from a baseline of 18 voids per 24 h to 11.3 voids per 24 h at week 3, and 12.6 voids per 24 h at 8 weeks after final instillation. Urgency score also decreased from a pre‐instillation mean of 1.75 (out of 10) to 1.07 8 weeks after the final instillation. Bladder ulcers noted by cystoscopy at baseline were absent at the 8 weeks post‐treatment and no evidence of bladder inflammation was noted.

Conclusion: Intravesical liposome instillation is minimally invasive and presents an appealing new treatment for IC/PBS. Prospective trials are needed to assess intravesical liposomes for IC/PBS.