bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical and histomorphometric comparison between zirconia implants with varying surface textures and a titanium implant in the maxilla of miniature pigs
Authors: Gahlert M. , Gudehus T. , Eichhorn S. , Steinhauser E. , Kniha H. , Erhardt W. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground: Mechanical properties and biocompatibility make zirconia ceramics suitable implant material. The characteristics of tooth‐color like, the ability to be machined and the low plaque affinity make zirconia especially suitable as a dental implant material. The influence of surface modification on the osseointegration of this material has not been extensively investigated.Purpose: Long‐term investigations with titanium implants have shown superior biomechanical results with the sandblasted acid‐etched (SLA) surface, demonstrating a high bone–implant interaction. The objective of this study was to compare two different zirconia surface topographies biomechanically and histologically with the well‐documented titanium SLA surface.Material and methods: Zirconia implants with either a machined (ZrO2m) or a sandblasted (rough, ZrO2r) surface were manufactured with the exact same cylindrical shape with a standard ITI thread configuration as the SLA titanium implants. The incisors 2 and 3 were removed from both sides of the maxillae of 13 adult miniature pigs and the tissues left to heal for 6 months. After this time period the animals received a total of 78 implants using a randomized scheme, with the titanium SLA implant used as an only individual reference. After healing periods of 4, 8, and 12 weeks 20, 24, and 25 implants, respectively, were subjected to removal torque tests (RTQ) as the main biomechanical analysis of the of the study. A fewer number was resected on bloc, embedded in methylmethacrylat and analyzed for their direct bone apposition under a light microscope.Results: Surface analysis revealed the highest surface roughness for the SLA‐implant, followed by ZrO2r and ZrO2m. The turned ZrO2m implants showed statistically significant lower RTQ values than the other two implants types after 8 and 12 weeks, while the SLA implant showed significantly higher RTQs values than ZrO2r surface after 8 weeks. Differences in the bone apposition were observed in the histomorphometric analysis using light microscopy for all surfaces at any time point.Conclusion: The findings suggest that ZrO2r implants can achieve a higher stability in bone than ZrO2m implants. Roughening the turned zirconia implants enhances bone apposition and has a beneficial effect on the interfacial shear strength.
Trichophytic Majocchi granuloma mimicking Kaposi sarcoma
Authors: Brod Corinna , Benedix Frauke , Röcken Martin , Schaller Martin 
Published: June 2007

SummaryA 68‐year‐old man presented with a one month history of painful blue‐red papules and nodules on an erythematous base on the top of his feet, as well as dystrophic toenails. He had undergone renal transplantation six months previously for membranous glomerulonephritis, and was immunosuppressed with tacrolimus 3 g, mycophenolate mofetil 1500 mg and prednisolone 5 mg daily. His tacrolimus level was 29.8 ng/ml (expected level 6–8 ng/ml). Even though the cutaneous lesions strongly suggested Kaposi sarcoma, the histological examination revealed a dermal abscess in which hyphae and spores were seen with PAS staining. ELISA‐PCR of the biopsy identified Trichophyton rubrum, which was also grown on culture of the biopsy tissue. The diagnosis of Majocchi granuloma secondary to excessive immunosuppression was made. Systemic treatment with terbinafine 250 mg per day and topical ciclopirox olamine completely cured the granulomatous skin lesions, and later the nails.
Treatment goals in psoriasis
Authors: Reich Kristian , Mrowietz Ulrich 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe introduction of biologics has not only broadened the therapeutic armamentarium for psoriasis but also stimulated discussion about the treatment of this common skin condition. The recently presented German S3 psoriasis guideline contains detailed information on the efficacy of the different products and describes important safety and practical aspects of psoriasis treatments. Patient surveys and recent studies in Germany indicate a relatively high mean severity of skin symptoms and low quality of life among affected patients. One possible explanation is that the conventional traditional and new treatment options are not being used consistently. In this paper, minimum treatment goals for psoriasis that should be achieved by an individually selected treatment regimen are presented. If, after a defined period of time, an at least 50 % reduction of the baseline Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and a Dermatology Life Quality Index of ≤ 5 is not reached, patients should be switched to another therapy, after a balanced discussion. Whenever necessary, a continuous maintenance therapy should be instituted with special attention to these goals. Patients should carefully be monitored for the presence of psoriatic arthritis and comorbidities because these may need to be integrated in the planning of treatment goals on an interdisciplinary basis.
Cutaneous lymphomas
Authors: Dummer Reinhard , Stadler Rudolf , Sterry Wolfram 
Published: June 2007

SummaryCutaneous lymphomas are rare skin diseases. They must be differentiated from secondary skin infiltrates by primary nodal lymphomas. Primary cutaneous lymphomas can be classified into B‐ and T‐cell lymphomas and hematodermic neoplasms; they usually possess a favorable prognosis and run a chronic course. Treatment is dependent on stage. As complete cure is not possible, it is essential to control the disease and alleviate symptoms. In recent years numerous new drugs have been developed to treat these diseases.
Collaborative New Product Development Environments: Implications for Supply Chain Management
Authors: Tan Chong Leng , Tracey Michael 
Published: June 2007

SUMMARYInput from managers at manufacturing firms was utilized to learn more about the state of new product development (NPD). This study confirms that many firms do not take an integrated approach to NPD despite the advantages of doing so. Senior managers can assist in attaining higher levels of customer satisfaction by shaping organizational settings conducive to collaborative NPD. Supply chain managers can promote integrated NPD by championing the inclusion of manufacturing, suppliers and customers.
A Conceptual Framework for Computing U.S. Non‐manufacturing PMI Indexes
Authors: Cho Danny I. , Ogwang Tomson 
Published: June 2007

SUMMARYThis research develops a conceptual framework for computing new weighted composite indexes for the U.S. non‐manufacturing sector using a two‐step sequential approach — a correlation analysis, followed by a principal components analysis. The results suggest that different weights (i.e., the highest weight to New orders and the lowest weight to Supply deliveries) be assigned if all diffusion indexes in the initial set of six are retained. It also turns out that a simpler index based on two (New orders and Supply deliveries) of the six diffusion indexes, with equal weights, can be computed with little information loss. The new indexes are shown to correlate highly with many key business/economic indicators.
Syringomyelia in cavalier King Charles spaniels: the relationship between syrinx dimensions and pain
Authors: Rusbridge C. , Carruthers H. , Dubé M.‐P. , Holmes M. , Jeffery N. D. 
Published: June 2007

Objectives: This study was designed to test the hypothesis that pain associated with syringomyelia in dogs is dependent upon size and involvement of the dorsal part of the spinal cord. Methods: Masked observers determined syrinx dimensions and precise location within the spinal cord on magnetic resonance images of 55 cavalier King Charles spaniels with syringomyelia. After removal of masking, syrinx size and location were compared between the cohorts of dogs that exhibited pain with those that did not. Results: Maximum syrinx width was the strongest predictor of pain, scratching behaviour and scoliosis in dogs with syringomyelia. Both pain and syrinx size were positively correlated with syrinxes located in the dorsal half of the spinal cord. Clinical Significance: Large syrinxes associated with damage to the dorsal part of the spinal cord are associated with persistent pain suggesting that the pain behaviour expressed by this group of patients is likely to be “neuropathic pain,” resulting from disordered neural processing in the damaged dorsal horn. As such it is likely that conventional analgesic medication may be ineffective.
Photobleaching of Dissolved Organic Material from a Tidal Marsh‐Estuarine System of the Chesapeake Bay†
Authors: Tzortziou Maria , Osburn Christopher L. , Neale Patrick J. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTWetlands and tidal marshes in the Rhode River estuary of the Chesapeake Bay act as important sources of dissolved organic carbon and strongly absorbing dissolved organic matter (DOM) for adjacent estuarine waters. The effects of solar exposure on the photochemical degradation of colored DOM (CDOM) were examined for material derived from different sources (estuarine and freshwater parts of the Rhode River, sub‐watershed stream, marshes) in this estuarine ecosystem. Consistent with changes in fluorescence emission, absorption loss upon exposure to different portions of the solar spectrum (i.e. different long‐pass cut‐off filters) occurred across the entire spectrum but the wavelength of maximum photobleaching decreased as the cut‐off wavelength of the filter decreased. Our results illustrate that solar exposure can cause either an increase or a decrease in the CDOM absorption spectral slope, SCDOM, depending on the spectral quality of irradiation and, thus, on the parameters (e.g. atmospheric composition, concentration of UV‐absorbing water constituents) that affect the spectral characteristics of the light to which CDOM is exposed. We derived a simple spectral model for describing the effects of solar exposure on CDOM optical quality. The model accurately, and consistently, predicted the observed dependence of CDOM photobleaching on the spectral quality of solar exposure.
Accumulation of Photofrin in Lesions of Airway Stenosis Rabbit Models
Authors: Nakagishi Yoshinori , Morimoto Yuji , Fujita Masanori , Ozeki Yuichi , Maehara Tadaaki , Kikuchi Makoto 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTAirway stenosis in childhood is resistant to conventional treatments. Endoscope‐assisted photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a potent candidate for the therapeutic modality owing to the easy approach to the tracheal lesion and low degree of invasiveness. The aim of the present study was to examine whether a photosensitizer preferentially accumulates in the lesion of airway stenosis in order to explore the possible applicability of PDT. The tracheal mucosa of rabbits was scraped off, and the rabbits were intravenously administered with Photofrin. The tissue concentration of Photofrin was quantitatively measured by fluorometric analysis. Granulation formation was seen in the mucosa‐deprived lesion, causing airway stenosis. Photofrin concentration in the granulation tissue was four‐fold higher than that in the intact trachea and 10‐fold higher than that in the liver, spleen, skin and muscle. Photofrin preferentially accumulated in the lesion of airway stenosis. A preliminary experiment on PDT using transtracheal illumination showed an amelioration of airway stenosis, resulting in reduction in respiratory stridor.
Protective Effect of Sanguinarine on Ultraviolet B‐mediated Damages in SKH‐1 Hairless Mouse Skin: Implications for Prevention of Skin Cancer
Authors: Ahsan Haseeb , Reagan‐Shaw Shannon , Eggert David M. , Tan Thomas C. , Afaq Farrukh , Mukhtar Hasan , Ahmad Nihal 
Published: June 2007

AbstractExcessive exposure of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly its UVB component (280–320 nm), to human skin is the major cause of skin cancers. UV exposure also leads to the development of precancerous conditions such as actinic keratosis and elicits a variety of other adverse effects such as sunburn, inflammation, hyperplasia, immunosuppression and skin aging. Therefore, there is a need to intensify our efforts towards the development of novel mechanism‐based approaches/agents for the protection of UVB‐mediated damages. Chemoprevention is being investigated as a potential approach for the management of UV damages including skin cancer. We have earlier shown that sanguinarine, a benzophenanthridine alkaloid, inhibits UVB exposure‐mediated damages in HaCaT keratinocytes. In this study, to determine the relevance of our in vitro findings to in vivo situations, we assessed the effects of sanguinarine on UVB‐mediated damages in SKH‐1 hairless mice. Our data demonstrated that a topical application of sanguinarine (5 μmol 0.3 mL−1 ethanol per mouse), either as a pretreatment (30 min prior to UVB) or posttreatment (5 min after UVB), resulted in a significant decrease in UVB‐mediated increases in skin edema, skin hyperplasia and infiltration of leukocytes. Further, sanguinarine treatments (pre and post) also resulted in a significant decrease in UVB mediated (1) generation of H2O2 and (2) increases in the protein levels of markers of tumor promotion/proliferation viz. ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Kiel antigen‐67. Based on this data, we suggest that sanguinarine could be developed as an agent for the management of conditions elicited by UV exposure including skin cancer. However, further detailed studies are needed to support this suggestion.
Hepatic iron accumulation may be associated with insulin resistance in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Sumida Yoshio , Kanemasa Kazuyuki , Fukumoto Kohei , Yoshida Naohisa , Sakai Kyoko 
Published: June 2007

Background/Aim:  Insulin resistance and hepatic iron overload are frequently demonstrated in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related liver diseases. We investigated the relationship between insulin resistance and hepatic iron deposition in patients with chronic HCV infection.Methods:  Insulin resistance was evaluated using the homeostasis model assessments for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) in 56 non‐diabetic non‐obese patients with biopsy proven chronic hepatitis C. The relationship between insulin resistance and serum ferritin levels or the grade of hepatic iron deposition was assessed.Results:  The levels of plasma immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and HOMA‐IR were significantly correlated with serum ferritin levels and the grade of hepatic iron deposition (P = 0.003).Although IRI and HOMA‐IR increased in parallel with the development of hepatic fibrosis, insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR > 2) was observed in 11 (26.2%) of 42 patients even without severe fibrosis (F0–2). Among patients without severe fibrosis, IRI and HOMA‐IR were significantly higher in patients with iron deposits than in those without iron deposits.Conclusion:  Hepatic iron overload may be associated with insulin resistance in patients with chronic hepatitis C, especially in patients with mild to moderate fibrosis.
SU‐FF‐J‐44: Accuracy of Automatic Couch Corrections with On‐Line Volumetric Imaging
Authors: Moseley D , Li W , Jaffray D 
Published: July 2007

Purpose: To assess the accuracy of patient positioning using on‐line image‐guidance and automatic couch correction. Method and Materials: During device commissioning, automated movements of the robotic couch were assessed using a Rando phantom and a Polaris optical navigation system giving sub‐millimeter accuracy at approximately 18 Hz. Clinically, after assessment of a volumetric scan, a couch correction is applied if the displacement falls outside a pre‐defined action‐level of 3mm in any translational plane or greater than 5° of rotation. If the setup was outside of tolerance, the remote automatic couch was used to adjust patient position. Verification scans were acquired after the shift and the residual error analysis was evaluated retrospectively. The data from 34 patients over a one month period is included in this study, representing a total of 135 CBCT volumetric images. Results: The Rando phantom's residual error over 10 trials for a 10mm movement in the L/R, S/I, and A/P directions was 0.16±0.48mm, 0.32±0.30mm, and 0.11±0.12mm. The mean residual error for 34 patients in the L/R, S/I and A/P directions was 0.00±0.11cm, 0.01±0.10cm, and −0.03±0.08cm respectively. The rotational setup errors about the L/R, S/I and A/P axes were 0.67±1.33°, −0.47±1.30°, and −0.32±1.31°. The maximum measurement in the translational L/R, S/I and A/P directions was 0.28cm, 0.29cm, and 0.22cm, while the minimum values were −0.30cm, −0.29cm, and −0.27cm. The maximum rotational residual was 4.3°, 3.0°, and 3.1° about the L/R, S/I and A/P axes, while the minimum values were −2.2°, −3.9°, and −3.8°. Rotational errors are still apparent, as the remote couch does not correct for this. Conclusions: The remote automatic couch movement is reliable and accurate for adjusting the patient position. This gives the confidence that we can treat the intended target on a daily basis, quickly and efficiently.Research sponsored by Elekta.
SU‐FF‐J‐45: A Comparison of Daily Megavoltage CT and Ultrasound Imaging Guided Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Peng C , Kainz K , Lawton C , Li X 
Published: July 2007

Purpose: To compare the prostate localization capabilities of ultrasound imaging and megavoltage CT (MVCT) for on‐line daily image‐guided radiotherapy (IGRT) of the prostate cancer. Method and Materials: Daily shifts were analyzed to account for inter‐fractional variations collected from a total of 129 prostate cancer patients, 106 with ultrasound‐based imaging (BAT, B‐mode Acquisition and Targeting) and 23 with MVCT of a TomoTherapy (HiArt) unit. The shifts indicated by the two systems were compared statistically along the right/left (R/L), superior/inferior (S/I), and anterior/posterior (A/P) directions. The systematic and random variations among the daily alignments were calculated. Margins to account for these shifts were estimated. The daily shifts from the first 25 treatment fractions and from the remaining fractions were compared for both systems to examine whether a difference in the prostate motion pattern exists between the first 25 fractions and the rest. Results: The mean shifts and standard deviations along the R/L, S/I, and A/P directions were −0.11±3.80mm, 0.67±4.67mm, and 2.71±6.31mm for BAT localizations and −0.88±5.36mm, 0.41±3.38mm, and 0.91±3.33mm for MVCT localizations, respectively. It is clear that the systematic and random variations in daily shifts based on MVCT were generally smaller than those based on BAT, especially along the A/P direction. A t‐test showed this difference to be statistically significant. The PTV margins estimated to account for daily variations were 6.69 mm and 14.66 mm based on MVCT and BAT data, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the daily prostate movement pattern between the first 25 fractions and the remaining. Conclusion: The MVCT technique results in smaller variations in daily shifts than ultrasound imaging, indicating that MVCT is more reliable and precise for prostate localization. Ultrasound‐based localization may overestimate the daily prostate motion, particularly in the A/P direction.This work is supported partially by MCW Cancer Center Fotsch Foundation.
SU‐FF‐T‐06: 4D In‐Vivo Dosimetry in Radiotherapy
Authors: Cygler J , Saoudi A , Cherpak A , Ding W , Ashton R 
Published: July 2007

Purpose: To present a novel concept of 4D in‐vivo dosimetry in radiotherapy. Method and Materials: A prototype of a new system capable of simultaneous measurement of dose and spatial position has been developed. The device, controlled by a computer, consists of a probe combining two technologies: MOSFET radiation detector coupled with a magnetic positioning device. Special software that allows sampling position and dose in user defined time intervals has been developed. The preliminary tests of the new device have been performed. The tests included measurements of spatial position accuracy as well as a dosimetric evaluation of the device in beam from a Theratron teletherapy unit. In addition, some tests were performed in a 6 MV beam from a Siemens linear accelerator to assess if the electromagnetic field from the linac interferes with the performance of the 4D dosimeter system. Results: Measurements of the angular response of the probe over 3600 range in a beam have been found isotropic within +/− 7%. Measurements of dose profiles in air in a beam have been performed. They agree very well with the measurements performed using RFA300 dosimeter system and a high quality photon diode. Tests conducted in a 6 MV beam indicate that there is no interference from the linac electromagnetic field on the performance of this new 4D dosimeter system. Conclusion: The results of the preliminary tests indicate that the device can be used for in‐vivo dosimetry in a and high energy beams from linear accelerators. Future work will involve technical improvements to the device, experiments in a 4D phantom and finally patient in‐vivo dosimetry.This project has been supported by HTX‐OCE‐IRAP grant.
SU‐FF‐T‐08: A Comparison of EBT Radiochromic and EDR2 Radiographic Films for Tomotherapy Treatments Dose Verification
Authors: Avanzo M , Cappelletto C , Capra E , Dassie A , Drigo A , Kaiser S Ren , Sartor G 
Published: July 2007

Purpose: To determine which film between EDR2 radiographic (Kodak, Rochester, NY) and EBT radiochromic (ISP, Wayne, NJ) is more accurate for dose verification in HI‐ART Tomotherapy System (Tomotherapy Incorporated, Madison, WI) treatments. Matherials and methods: We performed six Tomotherapy treatments (1 prostate, 2 head and neck, 1 lung, 1 brain, 1 spine cancer) on a “cheese” phantom loaded with EDR2 films, and repeated the procedure using EBT films. EDR2 films were scanned with a Vidar (Vidar Systems Corporation, Herndon, VA) scanner and elaborated with the Tomotherapy Film Analizer software. EBT films were read with an Epson 1680 Scanner using only the central 10×15cm2 scanner region. Net optical density was calculated and converted to dose with a home‐made MATLAB routine.We compared measured 2‐dimensional dose distributions with dose calculated by the treatment planning software using the gamma function, with a tolerance of 3mm and 3% of the maximum calculated dose. We compared absolute dose readings in points inside regions in the phantom corresponding to patients' OARs and PTV. We repeated the gamma test after normalizing measured dose distributions to dose at the same point. Results: Radiochromic films show, in 5 over 6 treatments, better results of the gamma test for absolute dose. After normalization, EBT films still give better results in 4 patients over 6. Absolute dose readings in regions corresponding to OARs and PTV do not show a significant difference in films' behavour. Conclusions: 2‐dimensional dose distributions measured with EBT radiochromic films have a better agreement to calculated dose. We advise to perform treatment plan verifications in Helical Tomotherapy treatments using EBT films, especially when interested in verification of absolute dose.