bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inference in a Binary Response Model with Applications to Data Analysis*
Authors: Teebagy Nicholas , Chatterjee Sangit 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTStandard errors of the coefficients of a logistic regression (a binary response model) based on the asymptotic formula are compared to those obtained from the bootstrap through Monte Carlo simulations. The computer intensive bootstrap method, a nonparametric alternative to the asymptotic estimate, overestimates the true value of the standard errors while the asymptotic formula underestimates it. However, for small samples the bootstrap estimates are substantially closer to the true value than their counterpart derived from the asymptotic formula.The methodology is discussed using two illustrative data sets. The first example deals with a logistic model explaining the log‐odds of passing the ERA amendment by the 1982 deadline as a function of percent of women legislators and the percent vote for Reagan. In the second example, the probability that an ingot is ready to roll is modelled using heating time and soaking time as explanatory variables. The results agree with those obtained from the simulations. The value of the study to better decision making through accurate statistical inference is discussed.
Detectable Troponin Levels Predict Poor Prognosis in Patients With Left Ventricular Dysfunction Undergoing Internal Defibrillator Implantation
Authors: SONEL ALI F. , SHALABY ALAA , MCCONNELL JOSEPH P. , CZARNECKI TAMMY , HOGEN SCOTT , ZAHID MALIHA , AMIDI MORTEZA 
Published: June 2007

Introduction:

Troponin levels have been demonstrated to predict mortality in patients with cardiomyopathy. Implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) devices have been demonstrated to improve survival. It is not clear if ICDs would mitigate the negative outcome predicted by elevated troponin levels.
Methods:

We collected baseline blood samples for troponin T (TnT) and creatinine kinase‐MB fraction in consecutive patients immediately before successful pectoral transvenous ICD implant. Patients were followed for total mortality. For analysis, patients were grouped by TnT detectablility (≥0.01 ng/mL).
Results:

Fifty‐two men, aged 68 ± 10 years, were studied. Mean ejection fraction was 29 ± 12% and 65% had ischemic cardiomyopathy. Follow‐up duration was 17 ± 8 months. None of the patients had abnormal creatinine kinase‐MB fraction levels (1.7 ± 1.1 ng/mL). There were 37 patients with no detectable TnT (Group I) and 15 with detectable TnT (Group II). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of age (68 vs 69, P = NS), ejection fraction (30 vs 29%, P = NS), or proportion of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (68 vs 60%, P = NS). During follow‐up 16 (31%) patients died. Patients in group I had mortality of 16% (6/37) compared to 67% mortality (10/15, P < 0.001) in group II. On multivariate analysis, detectable TnT remained an independent predictor of mortality (HR 4.5, CI 1.4–14.25, P = 0.01).
Conclusion:

In a cohort of patients with cardiomyopathy undergoing ICD implantation for standard clinical indications, presence of detectable TnT was associated with high mortality despite ICD implantation. TnT obtained before ICD implantation may be useful for risk stratification.
The Influence of Symptoms and Device Detected Atrial Tachyarrhythmias on Medical Management: Insights from A‐HIRATE
Authors: GHALI JALAL K. , ORLOV MICHAEL V. , ARAGHI‐NIKNAM MOHSEN , SHERFESEE LOU , HETTRICK DOUGLAS A. 
Published: June 2007

Background:

The influence of symptoms and device‐detected atrial tachyarrhythmias (AT) on the management of AT in a pacemaker population has not been well described. We report the influence of symptoms and device detected AT on pharmacological disease management.
Methods:

Group 1 (n = 331) included patients without and Group 2 (n = 96) included patients with prior history of AT with an approved pacemaker indication. Dual chamber pacemakers, (kappa® 700 or kappa® 900, Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) were implanted. The impact of symptoms, AT burden, a history of AT, and time since implant on changes in the use of anticoagulation, β‐blockers, and antiarrhythmic drugs was analyzed.
Results:

A total of 232 patients experienced at least one atrial high rate episode (AHRE). AT burden was higher in Group 2. Symptoms were reported by 154 patients in Group 1 and 47 patients in Group 2. Among patients experiencing AHRE, symptoms were reported in 17 patients in Group 1 (5.3%) and 22 patients in Group 2 (24.7%). Changes in antiarrhythmic drugs and anticoagulation were influenced by history of AT and AT burden, while changes in the use of β‐blockers were influenced by symptoms. The probability of a pharmacologic therapy change decreased with time since implant for all agents except coumadin.
Conclusion:

Pharmacologic AT therapy is differentially influenced by patient‐reported symptoms of AT compared to device‐detected asymptomatic AT. Anticoagulation and antiarrhythmic therapies are influenced by device detection of asymptomatic AT, whereas initiation of β‐blockers is more strongly influenced by symptoms.
Difference in Humoral Biomarkers for Myocardial Injury and Inflammation in Radiofrequency Ablation versus Cryoablation
Authors: OSWALD HANNO , GARDIWAL AJMAL , LISSEL CHRISTOPH , YU HONG , KLEIN GUNNAR 
Published: June 2007

Background:

Markers of myocardial injury and inflammation have been shown to be elevated following radiofrequency (RF) ablation. This study aimed to compare RF ablation and cryoablation for their impact on markers for myocardial injury and inflammation.
Methods:

Nineteen patients received catheter ablation for atrial flutter by either cryoablation (10 patients) or open‐irrigated RF ablation (nine patients). Venous blood samples for troponin T (TnT), creatinkinase (CK), and the cardiac isoenzyme MB (CKMB) were obtained before, at six hours after the end of ablation, and the following day. C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured before ablation and the following day.
Results:

Bidirectional isthmus block was achieved in all patients. Cryoablation showed significantly higher TnT following ablation (0.85 μg/l ± 0.39 μg/l) compared to RF ablation (0.36 μg/l ± 0.24 μg/l;
p
= 0.01) with declining levels the following day (cryoablation: 0.58 μg/l ± 0.20 μg/l; RF ablation 0.34 μg/l ± 0.21 μg/l;
p
= 0.03). We observed equal findings for CK and CKMB, both significantly higher in cryoablation. RF ablation led to a nonsignificant rise in CK and CKMB. CRP was elevated significantly higher following RF ablation (12.3 mg/dl ± 4.1 mg/dl) compared to cryoablation (6.9 mg/dl ± 4.0 mg/dl;
p
= 0.01).
Conclusions:

We show reduced inflammation despite higher markers for myocardial injury in cryoablation. The difference in biomarkers reflects different lesion formation in cryoablation and RF ablation. Cryoablation shows less systemic inflammatory reaction. This might be due to less endothelial damage and surface thrombosis in cryoablation.
Using the Initial Vector from Surface Electrocardiogram to Distinguish the Site of Outflow Tract Tachycardia
Authors: YANG YANFEI , SAENZ LUIS C. , VAROSY PAUL D. , BADHWAR NITISH , JUSTIN H. TAN , KILICASLAN FETHI , KEUNG EDMUND C. , NATALE ANDREA , MARROUCHE NASSIR F. , SCHEINMAN MELVIN M. 
Published: June 2007

Background:

The purpose of this study is to determine whether initial vector force might best distinguish tachycardias arising from the right ventricular (RV) outflow tract (OT) versus aortic sinus cusps (ASCs).
Methods:

Among 45 patients with OT tachycardia, we measured the time from the earliest QRS onset in any lead to local onset and to the first QRS peak/nadir in each surface leads during VT. We compared the earliest phase differences among patients with foci in RVOT (n = 32) and in ASCs (n = 13) (determined by ablation), using unpaired t‐tests. We determined the optimum cut‐points by analyzing the receiver–operator characteristics curves, and derived an algorithm to discriminate ASC from RVOT foci.
Results:

Compared with an RVOT focus, origin in the ASC was associated with lower likelihood that the earliest lead of QRS activation was V2 (4/13 [12%] vs 29/32 [88%], P = 0.0001), later initial peak/nadir in III (110 ± 19 vs 93 ± 16 ms, P = 0.0026) and V2 (75 ± 26 vs 42 ± 19 ms, P < 0.0001). After determining the optimum cut‐points for each, we found that the presence of any one of these findings discriminated well between RVOT and ASC foci (sensitivity 92%, specificity 88%, positive predictive value 75%, and negative predictive value 97%). The sensitivity and specificity using standard ECG criteria were inferior to the vector approach.
Conclusions:

The ECG phase differences during VT can distinguish the origin of OT‐VT. Earliest onset or first peak/nadir in V2 and early initial peak/nadir in the inferior leads suggest a RVOT focus.
What are the longevities of teeth and oral implants?
Authors: Holm‐Pedersen Poul , Lang Niklaus P. , Müller Frauke 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective: To analyse tooth loss and to evaluate the longevity of healthy teeth and teeth compromised by diseases and influenced by therapy as well as that of oral implants.Material and methods: On the basis of an electronic and manual search using key words for survival, success, longevity of teeth, longevity of implants, epidemiology, periodontally compromised, endodontically compromised, risk for tooth extraction 49 full‐text articles were identified to construct a traditional review. Among these, six systematic reviews addressing longevity were found.Results: Tooth loss is a complex outcome, it is influenced by the extent of dental caries and its sequelae and/or the presence or absence of periodontitis as well as the decisions taken by dentists when evaluating possible risk factors for rendering successful therapy. In addition, tooth loss is related to behavioural and socio‐economic factors and associated morbidity and cultural priorities. Generally, teeth surrounded by healthy periodontal tissues yield a very high longevity (up to 99.5% over 50 years). If periodontally compromised, but treated and maintained regularly, the survival of such teeth is still very high (92–93%). Likewise, endodontically compromised, but successfully treated devital teeth yield high survival and success rates. The survival of oral implants after 10 years varies between 82% and 94%.Conclusions: Teeth will last for life, unless they are affected by oral diseases or service interventions. Many retained teeth thus may be an indicator of positive oral health behaviour throughout the life course. Tooth longevity is largely dependent on the health status of the periodontium, the pulp or periapical region and the extent of reconstructions. Multiple risks lead to a critical appraisal of the value of a tooth. Oral implants when evaluated after 10 years of service do not surpass the longevity of even compromised but successfully treated natural teeth.
What dentition assures oral function?
Authors: Gotfredsen Klaus , Walls Angus W. G. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the relationship between dentition and oral function.Material and methods: A search of the English literature was undertaken using PubMed and appropriate keywords. Citations were identified and hand sorted to confirm their validity against our inclusion criteria. Four specific areas of oral function were addressed; (I) masticatory function, (II) aesthetics, satisfaction and psychosocial ability, (III) occlusal support and stability and (IV) other functionality including tactile perception, phonetics and taste.Results: From an initial pool of 1460 citations, 83 articles met the inclusion criteria. These were summarized and relevant data extracted for incorporation into the review. Masticatory efficiency (assessed as comminution efficiency) and masticatory ability (self‐reported) are both linked to the number of teeth. A minimum of 20 teeth with nine to 10 pairs of contacting units (including anterior teeth) is associated with adequate efficiency and ability. Tooth numbers below that level yield impaired masticatory efficiency and are likely to result in reduction in reported masticatory ability. Aesthetics and satisfaction are markedly impaired with loss of anterior teeth. Satisfaction is most likely to be achieved in people who also retain a premolar dentition. Further, there is little increase in satisfaction seen in subjects who retained molar teeth. However, there are marked variations in subjective measures of aesthetics and psychosocial comfort between age groups, social classes, cultures, regions and countries. For most people, occlusal support and stability are obtained with three to four functional posterior units with a symmetrical pattern of tooth loss or five to six units with an asymmetrical pattern. There was no relationship between occlusal factors and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction. Phonetics may be maintained even with large anterior restorations. Patients generally attribute a low significance to phonetics, tactile perception and taste compared with mastication and appearance.Conclusions: The World Health Organization goal for the year 2000, namely to maintain a natural dentition of not less than 20 teeth throughout life, is substantiated by the current literature review as this proposed dentition will assure an acceptable level of oral function.
Developing meaningful systematic review of CAD/CAM reconstructions and fiber‐reinforced composites*
Authors: Kelly J. Robert 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective: Clinical literature was examined for evidence supporting use of CAD/CAM reconstructions and fiber‐reinforced materials.Materials and methods: Potential evidence was identified via databases [PubMed; EMBASE (R) Drugs & Pharmacology; Center for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York; Cochrane Library], hand search of non‐indexed literature, secondary reference searches, and personal contacts with clinical trial PI's. Search terms included: dental restorations; CAD/CAM; CEREC; LAVA; CERCON; Procera; inlay/onlay; dental prosthesis; fiber‐reinforced composite (FRC).Results: Two randomized‐controlled clinical trials were identified as examined in one Cochrane Collaboration review relevant to CAD/CAM inlays. One systematic review of 15 CAD/CAM inlay studies was examined. Six studies were identified of three commercial FRC endodontic posts and eight reported on FRC use for fixed denture prostheses. Fifteen ongoing prospective trials were identified studying CAD/CAM fabricated zirconia‐based prostheses. A total of 76 papers were referenced including those related to use of in vitro measures as evidence.Conclusions: Review of the Cochrane analysis raised concerns that typical RCT protocols may prove insufficient for stratification of confounding variables (patient, practitioner, material) when treatment outcomes are primarily prosthesis‐ or material‐based (not patient‐based, e.g., as in fracture). RCT designs are most straightforward when treatment outcomes are patient‐based (e.g., soft tissue changes). When treatment responses are material‐based, controls also become difficult to define and studies become tests of equivalency/superiority; where well‐stratified cohort designs are likely preferred. Large numbers of independent cohort studies support the use of CAD/CAM ceramic inlay/onlay restorations and crowns but many complications inhibit the application of high‐level systematic review. Except perhaps for fiber‐based endodontic posts, the clinical FRC literature appears insufficient for expert review. Single in vitro measures cannot currently serve as evidence for clinical practice, except in limited cases of simple function (e.g., impression material accuracy). Batteries of in vitro measures are often applied during materials development but cannot substitute for clinical study.
Attrition, occlusion, (dys)function, and intervention: a systematic review
Authors: Van 't Spijker Arie , Kreulen Cees M. , Creugers Nico H. J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectives: Attrition and occlusal factors and masticatory function or dysfunction are thought to be related. This study aims to systematically review the literature on this topic with the emphasis to find evidence for occlusion‐based treatment protocols for attrition.Materials and methods: Literature was searched using PubMed (1980 to 2/2006) and the Cochrane Library of Clinical Trials with the keywords ‘tooth’ and ‘wear’. Five steps were followed. Exclusion was based on the following: (1) reviews, case‐reports, studies on non‐human tooth material, and studies not published in English and (2) historical or forensic studies. Included were (3) in vivo studies. Next, studies on (4) occlusal factors, function or dysfunction [temporomandibular disorders (TMD), bruxism], or intervention, and (5) attrition were included. Two investigators independently assessed the abstracts; measure of agreement was calculated using Cohen's κ; disagreement was resolved by discussion. Full‐text articles were obtained and correlation between outcomes on occlusal factors, (dys)function, treatment, and attrition were retrieved. References in the papers included in the final analysis were cross‐matched with the original list of references to add references that met the inclusion criteria.Results: The search procedure revealed 1289 references on tooth wear. The numbers of included studies after each step were (1) 345 (κ=0.8), (2) 287 (κ=0.87), (3) 174 (κ=0.99), (4) 81 (κ=0.71), and (5) 27 (κ=0.68). Hand searches through the reference lists revealed six additional papers to be included. Analysis of the 33 included papers failed to find sound evidence for recommending a certain occlusion‐based treatment protocol above another in the management of attrition.Conclusion: Some studies reported correlations between attrition and anterior spatial relationships. No studies were found suggesting that absent posterior support necessarily leads to increased attrition, though one study found that fewer number of teeth resulted in higher tooth wear index (on the remaining teeth). Attrition seems to be co‐existent with self‐reported bruxism. Reports on attrition and TMD signs and symptoms provide little understanding of the relationship between the two.
A systematic review of the survival and complication rates of all‐ceramic and metal–ceramic reconstructions after an observation period of at least 3 years. Part II: fixed dental prostheses.
Authors: Sailer Irena , Pjetursson Bjarni E. , Zwahlen Marcel , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectives: The objective of this systematic review was to assess the 5‐year survival rates and incidences of complications of all‐ceramic fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) and to compare them with those of metal–ceramic FDPs.Methods: An electronic MEDLINE and Dental Global Publication Research System search complemented by manual searching was conducted to identify prospective and retrospective cohort studies on all‐ceramic and metal–ceramic reconstructions with a mean follow‐up time of at least 3 years. Patients had to have been examined clinically at the follow‐up visit. Assessment of the identified studies and data abstraction was performed independently by three reviewers. Failure rates were analyzed using standard and random‐effects Poisson regression models to obtain summary estimates of 5‐year survival proportions.Results: The search provided 3473 titles for single crowns and FDPs and resulted in 100 abstracts for all‐ceramic FDPs. Full‐text analysis was performed for 39 articles, resulting in nine studies of ceramic FDPs that met the inclusion criteria. The data on survival and complication rates of metal–ceramic FDPs were obtained from a previous systematic review of Tan et al. (2004) and the updated version from the same authors (Pjetursson et al. 2007). In Poisson regression meta‐analysis, the 5‐year survival of metal–ceramic FDPs was significantly (P<0.0001) higher with 94.4% [95 confidence interval (CI): 91.1–96.5%] than the survival of all‐ceramic FDPs, being 88.6% (95 CI: 78.3–94.2%). The frequencies of material fractures (framework and veneering material) were significantly (P<0.0001) higher for all‐ceramic FDPs (6.5% and 13.6%) compared with those of metal–ceramic FDPs (1.6% and 2.9%). Other technical complications like loss of retention and biological complications like caries and loss of pulp vitality were similar for the two types of reconstructions over the 5‐year observation period.Conclusion: Based on the present systematic review of all‐ceramic FDPs, significantly lower survival rates at 5 years were seen compared with metal–ceramic FDPs. The most frequent reason for failure of FDPs made out of glass‐ceramics or glass‐infiltrated ceramics was fracture of the reconstruction (framework and veneering ceramic). However, when zirconia was used as framework material, the reasons for failure were primarily biological and technical complications other than framework fracture.
Do adverse effects of dental materials exist? What are the consequences, and how can they be diagnosed and treated?
Authors: Schedle Andreas , Örtengren Ulf , Eidler Nicole , Gabauer Michael , Hensten Arne 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectives: All dental biomaterials release substances into the oral environment to a varying degree. Various preclinical biocompatibility test systems have been introduced, aiming at an evaluation of the potential risks of dental materials. Potential pathogenic effects of released substances from dental materials have been demonstrated. For the biocompatibility of a biomaterial, it is not only important that minimal diffusable substances are released when it is in body contact – the material must also fulfill the function for which it has been designed. This is also very much dependent on the material properties and its handling properties. The aim of this review was to generate an overview of the present status concerning adverse reactions among patients and personnel.Materials and methods: A systematic review was performed using a defined search strategy in order to evaluate all MEDLINE‐literature published between 1996 and 2006.Results: The compilation of the literature available has revealed that the majority of studies have been carried out on patients compared with personnel. Adverse reactions towards dental materials do occur, but the prevalence and incidence are difficult to obtain. The results were essentially based on cohort studies. Clinical trials, especially randomized‐controlled trials, are in the minority of all studies investigated, with the exception of composite and bonding studies, where clinical trials, but not randomized‐controlled trials, represent the majority of studies. Patients and personnel were treated separately in the manuscript. Amalgam studies show the lowest degree of verified material‐related diagnosis. Even if objective symptoms related to adverse reactions with polymer resin‐based materials have been reported, postoperative sensitivity dominates reports concerning composites/bondings. Verified occupational effects among dental personnel show a low frequency of allergy/toxic reactions. Irritative hand eczema seemed to be more common than in the general population.Conclusions: Patient‐ and personnel‐related studies are of variable quality and can be improved. There is a need for a better description of the content of materials. A registry for adverse effects of dental materials would be useful to detect the occurrence of low‐incidence events.