bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of Impression Techniques for Impants. Part 2 – Comparison of Splinting Techniques
Authors: Filho Humberto Gennari , Mazaro José Vitor Quinelli , Vedovatto Eduardo , Assunção Wirley Gonçalves , Santos Paulo Henrique dos 
Published: October 2008

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare splinting techniques for impression copings of osseointegrated implants with different angulations. Materials and Methods: Replicas (N = 24) of a metal matrix (control) containing two implants at 90° and 65° in relation to the horizontal surface were obtained by using four impression techniques: Technique 1 (T1), direct technique with square copings without union in open trays; Technique 2 (T2), square copings splinted with dental floss and autopolymerizing acrylic resin; Technique 3 (T3),square copings splinted with dental floss and autopolymerizing acrylic resin, sectioned and splinted again with autopolymerizing acrylic resin; Technique 4 (T4), square copings splinted with prefabricated acrylic resin bar. The impression material was polyether. The replicas were individually scanned to capture the images, which were assessed in a graphic computation program. The program allowed the angulation between the bases of the replicas and the reading screws to be measured. The images of the replicas were compared with the matrix image (control), and the differences in angulations from the control image were calculated. The analysis of variance and the Tukey test for comparisons (p < 0.05) were used for statistical analysis. Results: All groups showed significant differences in the implant angulations in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). Group T1 showed the highest difference (1.019°) followed by groups T2 (0.747°), T3 (0.516°), and T4 (0.325°), which showed the lowest angular alteration compared to the control group. There were significant differences between inclined and straight implants in all the groups, except in group T4. Conclusions: Based on the results, the splinting of pick‐up impression copings is indicated for osseointegrated implant impressions. The square copings splinted with a prefabricated acrylic resin bar presented the best results among the pick‐up impression techniques evaluated in this study.
Metal‐Ceramic Alloys in Dentistry: A Review
Authors: Roberts Howard W. , Berzins David W. , Moore B. Keith , Charlton David G. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this article is to review basic information about the alloys used for fabricating metal‐ceramic restorations in dentistry. Their compositions, properties, advantages, and disadvantages are presented and compared. In addition to reviewing traditional noble‐metal and base‐metal metal‐ceramic alloys, titanium and gold composite alloys are also discussed. Materials and Methods: A broad search of the published literature was performed using Medline to identify pertinent current articles on metal‐ceramic alloys as well as articles providing a historical background about the development of these alloys. Textbooks, the internet, and manufacturers' literature were also used to supplement this information. Results: The review discusses traditional as well as more recently‐developed alloys and technologies used in dentistry for fabricating metal‐ceramic restorations. Clear advantages and disadvantages for these alloy types are provided and discussed as well as the role that compositional variations have on the alloys' performance. This information should enable clinicians and technicians to easily identify the important physical properties of each type and their primary clinical indications. Conclusions: A number of alloys and metals are available for metal‐ceramic use in dentistry. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, primarily based on its specific composition. Continuing research and development are resulting in the production of new technologies and products, giving clinicians even more choices in designing and fabricating metal‐ceramic restorations.
The Danish version of the Medication Adherence Report Scale: Preliminary Validation in Cancer Pain Patients
Authors: Jacobsen Ramune , Møldrup Claus , Christrup Lona , Sjøgren Per , Hansen Ole Bo 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjective:  To examine the psychometric properties of the Danish version of the Medication Adherence Report Scale (DMARS‐4) adapted to measure adherence to analgesic regimen among cancer patients.Methods:  The validated English version of the Medication Adherence Report Scale was translated into Danish following the repeated back‐translation procedure. Cancer patients for the study were recruited from specialized pain management facilities. Thirty‐three patients responded to the DMARS‐4, the Danish Barriers Questionnaire II, The Danish version of Patient Perceived Involvement in Care Scale measuring the quality of patient‐physician pain communication, and the Danish Brief Pain Inventory pain severity scale.Results:  A factor analysis of the DMARS‐4 resulted in one factor. Mean (SD) score on the cumulative scale ranging from 4 to 20, with higher scores indicating better medication adherence, was 17.8 (0.42). The DMARS‐4 scores were related to the measures of patients' concerns about pain management and patients' pain communication. The internal consistency of the DMARS‐4 was 0.70.Conclusions:  The DMARS‐4 seems to be a valid and reliable measure of self‐reported adherence to analgesic regimen in the context of cancer pain.
Molecular typing of HLA genes using whole genome amplified DNA
Authors: Creary Lisa E. , Girdlestone John , Zamora Jorge , Brown Juliette , Navarrete Cristina V. 
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: The outcome of clinical transplantation and a number of disease susceptibilities show very strong associations with genetic variants within the major histocompatibility complex, particularly in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes. A problem with many association studies is the lack of sufficient DNA to perform multiple genetic analyses, particularly with transplantation outcomes where donor and recipient DNA are often in short supply. This study assesses whether a multiple‐strand displacement whole genome amplification (WGA) method could generate sufficient template of high quality to perform unbiased amplification for analysis of the HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1, and ‐DQB1 genes.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A panel of DNA samples from various biological sources was subjected to WGA reaction using Φ29 DNA polymerase. The HLA genotypes were subsequently determined using standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based methods including sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probes (PCR‐SSOP, Luminex, Luminex Corp.) and sequence‐based typing (PCR‐SBT). WGA products and original DNA samples were used to determine the sensitivity of the Luminex assay; in addition, reamplified WGA products were also genotyped.RESULTS: The WGA templates, as well as serially amplified DNA for two successive rounds, yielded HLA genotypes fully concordant with those determined for the original DNA samples. WGA products and original DNA gave reproducible HLA‐DQB1 genotypes with 100 to 10 ng of template. Purification of the WGA products was required for successful PCR‐SBT, but not for the PCR‐SSOP method.CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that WGA can be a reliable method for generating unlimited DNA for medium‐ or high‐resolution HLA typing using the techniques described above.
Faith in an Interdependent World
Authors: BLAIR TONY 
Published: October 2008

The resurgence of political Islam and the endurance of broad religious belief in the most modern of societies—America—has created a crisis of faith among secularists. If modernity no longer implies a secular outlook, and secularism, by definition, cannot generate any values beyond an indifferent tolerance of all belief, what role will religion play in the 21st century?In an interesting confluence of reflection, Jürgen Habermas, one of Europe's leading secular liberal thinkers, argues that secular citizens must be open to religious influence, especially since the very identity of Western culture is rooted in Judeo‐Christian values. In his political afterlife, Tony Blair has converted to Catholicism and established a Faith Foundation to press for religious literacy because “you can't understand the modern world unless you understand the importance of religious faith.”Similarly, when Pope Benedict XVI visited secular France in September, President Nicholas Sarkozy scandalized the lay establishment by saying, like Habermas, that “rejecting a dialogue with religion would be a cultural and intellectual error.” He called for “a positive secularism that debates, respects and includes, not a secularism that rejects.”Despite the flurry of controversy over a recent spate of books extolling the virtues of atheism in the wake of Islamist terrorism, the more interesting issue by far is the emergence of post‐secular modernity.
Saving Globalization From the Republicans
Authors: REICH ROBERT 
Published: October 2008

Globalization may not be coming apart at the seams—yet—but the seams are ever more apparent. Rising fuel prices challenge a model of global transportation based on cheap energy, reinforcing the possibility of decoupling through great regionaliza‐tion of trade. Already, 50 percent of trade among ASEAN plus China and Japan is among each other.The Wall Street meltdown has spread a lack of confidence in the American financial system and the model of deregulation which stimulated rapid globalization of capital flows.Along with other developments, all this raises the question of whether the United States is prepared to operate successfully in a world it no longer dominates.An anti‐globalization leader, a former US labor secretary, a top American intellectual and a Nobel laureate address these issues.
Is America Ready for a Post‐American World?
Authors: FUKUYAMA FRANCIS 
Published: October 2008

Globalization may not be coming apart at the seams—yet—but the seams are ever more apparent. Rising fuel prices challenge a model of global transportation based on cheap energy, reinforcing the possibility of decoupling through great regionaliza‐tion of trade. Already, 50 percent of trade among ASEAN plus China and Japan is among each other.The Wall Street meltdown has spread a lack of confidence in the American financial system and the model of deregulation which stimulated rapid globalization of capital flows.Along with other developments, all this raises the question of whether the United States is prepared to operate successfully in a world it no longer dominates.An anti‐globalization leader, a former US labor secretary, a top American intellectual and a Nobel laureate address these issues.
The Fall of Wall Street
Authors: STIGLITZ JOSEPH 
Published: October 2008

Globalization may not be coming apart at the seams—yet—but the seams are ever more apparent. Rising fuel prices challenge a model of global transportation based on cheap energy, reinforcing the possibility of decoupling through great regionaliza‐tion of trade. Already, 50 percent of trade among ASEAN plus China and Japan is among each other.The Wall Street meltdown has spread a lack of confidence in the American financial system and the model of deregulation which stimulated rapid globalization of capital flows.Along with other developments, all this raises the question of whether the United States is prepared to operate successfully in a world it no longer dominates.An anti‐globalization leader, a former US labor secretary, a top American intellectual and a Nobel laureate address these issues.
The Azygos Defibrillator Lead for Elevated Defibrillation Thresholds: Implant Technique, Lead Stability, and Patient Series
Authors: COOPER JONAS A. , LATACHA MATTHEW P. , SOTO GABRIEL E. , GARMANY RICHARD G. , GLEVA MARYE J. , CHEN JANE , FADDIS MITCHELL N. , SMITH TIMOTHY W. 
Published: October 2008

Background:

Conventional insertion of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) includes an evaluation of the defibrillation threshold (DFT). Implanting an ancillary defibrillation lead in the azygos vein has been introduced as a therapeutic option in patients with “high” DFT. This study reports the efficacy and stability of azygos defibrillation coils implanted for elevated DFTs.
Methods:

This is a retrospective review of seven consecutive patients with right and left pectoral, single‐ and dual‐chamber, and biventricular ICDs and elevated DFTs, in whom an azygos defibrillation coil was introduced.
Results:

Addition of an azygos defibrillator lead achieved a satisfactory safety margin during single energy defibrillation efficacy testing in four out of seven patients, with success at maximum device output in two patients. No satisfactory safety margin was achieved in the remaining patient, despite the further addition of a subcutaneous defibrillation coil. No change in lead position was observed over a mean radiographic follow‐up of 8 months. No complications were noted during a mean follow‐up of 14 months, including no deaths, and no ICD shocks.
Conclusion:

Implanting a defibrillation coil into the azygos vein is feasible and safe. In a majority of patients with failed defibrillation efficacy testing, adding an azygos coil achieves success on repeat testing. Therefore, this technique is one option for lowering the defibrillation threshold in patients who fail DFT testing of their ICD.
Impact of Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Recalls on Patients' Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life
Authors: UNDAVIA MANISH , GOLDSTEIN NATHAN E. , COHEN PILAR , SINTHAWANARONG KAMOLTIP , SINGSON MAGDALENA , BHUTANI DIVAYA , MUNSON TRACEY , GOMES JOSEPH ANTHONY , FISCHER AVI , MEHTA DAVENDRA 
Published: October 2008

Background:

In the past 2 years, multiple implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) manufacturers have issued recalls on ICD models due to the potential for serious malfunction and even patient death. Previous studies examining the relationship between these recalls and patients' psychological well‐being have been limited by small sample size and conflicting results. The purpose of this study is to examine the association between ICD recalls and patients' anxiety, depression, and quality of life.
Methods:

Patients were drawn from an outpatient electrophysiology clinic at a tertiary care hospital in New York City. Patients who had devices subject to a recall (cases) were identified from lists provided by device manufacturer and controls (patients with ICDs not subjected to a recall) were drawn from a convenience sample of outpatients. The survey instrument consisted of two validated questionnaires–‐Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS) and MacNew heart disease health‐related quality of life (QOL) instrument. In addition, a series of Likert‐type scales were designed to elucidate patients' concerns related to the following domains: anger, trust, hope, concerns regarding ICD shock, fear of death (FOD), and physicians' ability to reduce their concern about the ICD recall. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses (χ2 and t‐test) as appropriate.
Result:

Sixty‐one cases and 43 control patients were enrolled. Thirty‐two patients (52%) with devices subject to a recall opted for a generator replacement. There were no significant differences in the mean scores on the HADS scale, or the MacNew QOL scale between these two groups of patients (cases and controls). Subgroup analysis within the group of patients whose ICDs were recalled (cases) revealed a reduced QOL among patients with a class I recall (reasonable probability that the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death) as compared to those with a class II recall (product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences) (P = 0.01). Both cases and control patients reported having reduced trust in the health‐care system. On the whole, however, patients were satisfied with the way their physicians dealt with the recall. There was no significant change in the overall concern of ICD shocks or FOD between the two groups.
Conclusion:

In this study of ICD recall, we found no difference in the levels of anxiety, depression, or QOL expressed by patients with an ICD subject to a recall as compared to those without. These findings may be a reflection of good physician‐patient communication, which might have reduced any anxiety associated with recalls.
Overdrive Versus Conventional or Closed‐Loop Rate Modulation Pacing in the Prevention of Atrial Tachyarrhythmias in Brady‐Tachy Syndrome: On Behalf of the Burden II Study Group
Authors: PUGLISI ANDREA , FAVALE STEFANO , SCIPIONE PIETRO , MELISSANO DONATO , PAVIA LETTERIO , ASCANI FRANCESCO , ELIA MASSIMO , SCACCIA ALBERTO , SAGONE ANTONIO , CASTALDI BRUNO , MUSACCHIO EMILIO , BOTTO GIOVANNI LUCA 
Published: October 2008

Background:

Optimizing dual‐chamber pacing to prevent recurrences of atrial tachyarrhythmias (AT) in sinus node dysfunction is still debated. Despite the large number of studies, efficacy of sophisticated preventive algorithms has never been proven. It is not clear whether this is due to imperfect study designs or to a substantial inefficacy of pacing therapies.
Aim:

To intraindividually compare AT burden between an atrial overdrive and two heart rate modulation approaches: a conventional accelerometric‐sensor‐based DDDR mode and a contractility‐driven rate responsive closed loop (CLS) algorithm.
Methods and Results:

Four hundred fifty‐one patients with Brady‐Tachy syndrome (BTS), severe bradycardia, and a documented episode of atrial fibrillation were enrolled. One month after implant, each pacing therapy was activated for 3 months in random order. A simple log transformation was used to handle large and skew AT burden distributions. Estimates were adjusted for false‐positive AT episodes and reported as geometric means (95% confidence interval). A significantly higher AT burden was observed during overdrive, 0.14% (0.09%, 0.23%) (adjusted, 0.12%[0.07%, 0.20%]). Both DDDR and CLS performed better: respectively, 0.11% (0.07%, 0.17%) (adjusted, 0.08%[0.05%, 0.14%]), 0.06% (0.03%, 0.09%) (adjusted, 0.04%[0.03%, 0.07%]). All the comparisons were statistically significant. During overdrive significantly more patients had AT episodes of duration between 1 minute and 1 hour. No significant differences were observed for longer episodes.
Conclusions:

Atrial overdrive showed the worst performance in terms of AT burden reduction and should not be preferred to heart rate modulation approaches that still have to be considered as a first‐choice pacing mode in BTS.
Mediators of the association between depression and role functioning
Authors: Buist‐Bouwman M. A. , Ormel J. , De Graaf R. , De Jonge P. , Van Sonderen E. , Alonso J. , Bruffaerts R. , Vollebergh W. A. M. ,   the ESEMeD/MHEDEA 2000 investigators
Published: October 2008

Objective:  While the adverse effect of Major Depressive Episode on role functioning is well established, the exact pathways remain unclear.Method:  Data from The European Study of the Epidemiology of Mental Disorders, a cross‐sectional survey including 21 425 adults from six European countries, were used to assess 12‐month depression (Composite International Diagnostic Interview), activity limitations and role functioning in the past 30 days (Disability Assessment Schedule). An a priori model based on the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health was designed and a structural equation model for categorical and ordinal data was used (MPlus) to estimate the extent to which six limitations mediated the association between depression and role functioning.Results:  The unadjusted association between depression and role functioning was strong (0.43; SE = 0.04). In the best‐fitting model, only concentration and attention problems and embarrassment mediated a significant amount of association (direct effect dropped to 0.17; SE = 0.10, which was no longer significant).Conclusions:  Targeting cognition and embarrassment in treatment could help reduce depression‐associated role disfunctioning.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Immune Status, Psychosocial Distress and Reduced Quality of Life in Infertile Patients with Endometriosis
Authors: Siedentopf Friederike , Tariverdian Nadja , Rücke Mirjam , Kentenich Heribert , Arck Petra C. 
Published: October 2008

Problem  The aim of the study was to identify if (i) psychosocial factors differ in endometriosis; (ii) related psychosocial aspects alter immune markers of depression/sickness behaviour; and (iii) serum immune marker may be indicative for endometriosis.Method of study  We enrolled 103 women in a case–control study. Psychosocial data were obtained, serum levels of interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐13, interferon (IFN)‐γ, TNF‐α, IFN‐α and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1) were analysed.Results Among 69 eligible patients, endometriosis was diagnosed in 38 women. Patients with endometriosis reported reduced quality of life, increased stress perception/depressive symptoms; the Th1/Th2 ratio was in favour of Th1, accompanied by the increased levels of IFN‐α. sICAM‐1 levels were unaffected. No correlation could be confirmed between psychosocial and immune markers.Conclusion  Women with endometriosis may benefit from strategies contributing to reduction of stress and development of coping mechanisms, thus helping to break the vicious circle of inflammation, sickness behaviour and depression.
Influence of CYP3A5 Genetic Polymorphism on Tacrolimus Daily Dose Requirements and Acute Rejection in Renal Graft Recipients
Authors: Quteineh Lina , Verstuyft Céline , Furlan Valerie , Durrbach Antoine , Letierce Alexia , Ferlicot Sophie , Taburet Anne‐Marie , Charpentier Bernard , Becquemont Laurent 
Published: October 2008

Abstract:  Tacrolimus is a widely used immunosuppressive drug in organ transplantation. Its oral bioavailability varies greatly between individuals, and it is a substrate of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) and P‐glycoprotein. Our objective was to determine the influence of CYP3A5 and ABCB1 genetic polymorphisms on tacrolimus daily requirements and on transplantation outcome. One hundred and thirty‐six renal graft recipients treated with tacrolimus were genotyped for CYP3A5 (6986A>G), ABCB1 exon26 (3435C>T) and exon21 (2677G>T/A) single nucleotide polymorphisms. Genotypes were correlated to tacrolimus daily dose at 1‐week, 1‐, 6‐ and 12‐month post‐transplantation and with transplantation outcome. At 1‐month post‐transplantation, tacrolimus daily dose was higher for patients with CYP3A5*1/*1 genotype compared to CYP3A5*3/*3 genotype (0.26 ± 0.03 versus 0.16 ± 0.01 mg/kg/day, respectively, P < 0.0001). Similar results were obtained at 6‐ and 12‐month post‐transplantation. Furthermore, CYP3A5*1 homozygotes were associated with increased risk of acute rejection episodes compared to patients with CYP3A5*1/*3 and CYP3A5*3/*3 genotypes (38% versus 10% and 9%, respectively, P = 0.01). CYP3A5 genetic polymorphism was not associated with tacrolimus‐related nephrotoxicity. ABCB1 polymorphisms were not related with transplantation outcome. CYP3A5 genetic polymorphism appeared in our study to affect tacrolimus daily dose requirements and transplantation outcome. Screening for this single nucleotide polymorphism before the transplantation might be helpful for the selection of adequate initial daily dose and to achieve the desired immunosuppression.