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To explore the feasibility, safety and cost effectiveness of the use of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in children with hemophilia A and inhibitors who underwent ITI treatment. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the effect of PICC placement and ITI on bleeding rates, costs, and parents' satisfaction before and within 6 months after PICC placement in children with hemophilia A and inhibitors. A total of 20 children with hemophilia A and high-titer inhibitors were included, with a success rate for PICC placement of 100%, at a cost of ¥6730.50. Parents' satisfaction with PICC was 100%, and the total length of catheter indwelling was 6055 days. In terms of curative effect, the success rate of ITI treatment was 75%, and the annualized bleeding rate was decreased from 10.90 ± 12.16 times before placement to 2.10 ± 3.32 times (p < 0.05). The transportation expense for children and their parents to the clinic decreased from ¥20,920 ± 32,274.57 before catheter placement to ¥2915 ± 2195.99 (p < 0.05). Time of children missed school and their parents missed work decreased from 10.85 ± 22.36 days to 1.90 ± 3.58 (p < 0.05) days and 40.33 ± 46.11 days to 3.83 ± 7.11 days (p < 0.05), respectively. The use of PICC for ITI treatment in children with hemophilia A and accompanying inhibitors in developing countries (e.g. China) can ensure the effect of ITI, reducing expense and improving the quality of life without obvious side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to assess the usefulness of monitoring inter-alpha trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 4 (ITIH4) and haptoglobin (Hp) in peripheral and local blood in canine pyometra, and evaluation the relationships among acute phase proteins (APPs), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and the presence of bacteria. The material was collected from bitches with pyometra and from healthy ones. Blood was taken from the cephalic and uterine veins. APPs levels were quantified by ELISA. In the peripheral circulation, the Hp was higher in animals with open-cervix pyometra (OCP) than in the closed-cervix pyometra (CCP) and the control group. The Hp concentration was not correlated with age, with the presence of SIRS or with the type of bacteria (Gram-negative, Gram-positive or mixed flora). The ITIH4 concentrations in the peripheral blood did not differ significantly in the cases of pyometra. The Hp concentration in the local circulation increased in the OCP but not in the CCP groups, although the histopathological changes in the endometrium were similar. Peripheral Hp concentrations may be a useful tool in differentiating between the types of pyometra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multilayer deposits of 2319 aluminum alloy were made using the Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding-based Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) technique. The effect of interlayer time interval (ITI) on deposits' microstructure and mechanical behavior is investigated. The microstructure of the ten-layer (all regions), twenty-layer (top), and forty-layer (top) deposits show that there are grains that are all equiaxed. But the middle and bottom parts of the twenty-and-forty-layered deposits comprised both columnar and equiaxed grains. The strength of the twenty-layer deposits with two- and five-minute interlayer time intervals are 217±5 and 237±5 MPa, respectively. In contrast, the forty-layer deposits recorded strengths of 247±5 and 258±5MPa, respectively. Therefore, the twenty- and forty-layered deposits fabricated at 5 min interlayer time intervals recorded better tensile properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Haemophilia A care has changed with the introduction of emicizumab. Experience on the youngest children is still scarce and clinical practice varies between haemophilia treatment centres. Aim: We aimed to assess the current clinical practice on emicizumab prophylaxis within PedNet, a collaborative research platform for paediatricians treating children with haemophilia. Methods: An electronic survey was sent to all PedNet members (n = 32) between October 2022 and February 2023. The survey included questions on the availability of emicizumab, on the practice of initiating prophylaxis in previously untreated or minimally treated patients (PUPs or MTPs) and emicizumab use in patients with or without inhibitors. Results: All but four centres (28/32; 88%) responded. Emicizumab was available in clinical practice in 25/28 centres (89%), and in 3/28 for selected patients only (e.g. with inhibitors). Emicizumab was the preferred choice for prophylaxis in PUPs or MTPs in 20/25 centres; most (85%) started emicizumab prophylaxis before 1 year of age (30% before 6 months of age) and without concomitant FVIII (16/20; 80%). After the loading dose, 13/28 centres administered the recommended dosing, while the others adjusted the interval of injections to give whole vials. In inhibitor patients, the use of emicizumab during ITI was common, with low‐dose ITI being the preferred protocol. Conclusion: Most centres choose to initiate prophylaxis with emicizumab before 12 months of age and without concomitant FVIII. In inhibitor patients, ITI is mostly given in addition to emicizumab, but there was no common practice on how to proceed after successful ITI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reaction of the N‐heterocylic carbene ligand iPrIm (L1) and lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (TMSA) as a base with UCl4 resulted in U(IV) and U(V) complexes. Uranium's +V oxidation state in (HL1)2[U(V)(TMSI)Cl5] (TMSI=trimethylsilylimido) (2) was confirmed by HERFD‐XANES measurements. Solid state characterization by SC‐XRD and geometry optimisation of [U(IV)(L1)2(TMSA)Cl3] (1) indicated a silylamido ligand mediated inverse trans influence (ITI). The ITI was examined regarding different metal oxidation states and was compared to transition metal analogues by theoretical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immune tolerance induction (ITI) is the only proven strategy to eradicate factor VIII inhibitors in patients with haemophilia A (HA). Aim: To identify patients and treatment options with the highest chance of inhibitor eradication by primary ITI. Patients and methods: In the frame of the Italian ITI Registry, carried out from 1995 to 2015 (last follow‐up 2018), 137 primary ITI courses in severe HA patients (90/137 with poor prognosis) were analysed for predictors of outcome (complete/partial response or failure). Sixty‐six of them (48%) were prospectively evaluated. Results: ITI was successful in 91/137 patients (66.4%) and 70 (51.1%) achieved complete response within 11 months (median). Historical peak titres ≤200 BU/ml (P =.033), inhibitor titres ≤5 BU/ml at ITI start (P =.001), peak titres ≤100 BU/ml during ITI (P <.001) and missense mutations and small insertions/deletions of FVIII gene (P =.027) predicted complete inhibitor eradication. A score that considers the cumulative number of these variables predicted complete response with positive predictive values up to.81 at ITI start and.91 during ITI, respectively. Patients who had no bleeding (OR, 3.45, 95% CI: 1.4–8.6) nor other adverse events (OR 2.6, 95%CI: 1.3–5.3) during ITI had higher chances of complete response. During the 120‐month follow‐up (median), 2/70 patients who had achieved complete response relapsed (2.9%). Conclusions: This Registry, with a centralized review of outcomes, homogeneous data collection (half of which prospective) and long‐term follow‐up, provides insights for optimizing ITI, with a rationale for further studies in the currently evolving scenario of inhibitor management in HA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In good risk patients (historic inhibitor peak < 200BU), the International Immune Tolerance Study demonstrated equal efficacy to induce tolerance between high (200iu/kg/day) and low dose (50iu/kg ×3 times/week) immune tolerance induction (ITI) regimens. However, the trial stopped early on account of the excessive bleed rate in the low dose ITI arm. Methods: United Kingdom Haemophilia Centre Doctors' Organization (UKHCDO) Paediatric and Inhibitor working parties considered available ITI data alongside the bi‐phenotypic antibody emicizumab (Hemlibra®) efficacy and safety data to develop a consensus guideline for the future UK ITI guideline. Results: This revision of UKHCDO ITI guidance incorporates the recommendation to use emicizumab as a prophylaxis haemostatic agent to reduce bleeding rates and to facilitate low dose and reduced frequency of FVIII CFC for ITI in the majority of children. Conclusion: This consensus protocol will facilitate future evaluation of ITI outcomes in the evolving landscape of haemophilia therapeutics and ITI strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EU planning for the years 2014-2020 introduced a new instrument for financing territorial cohesion policy - namely Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI). There is a notable lack of analyses concerning the evaluation of Poland's use of this innovative instrument for the uptake of EU funds. The aim of the article is to evaluate the implementation of ITI in Poland in the context of the system of obtaining and spending EU funds for the territorial cohesion policy in the years 2014-2020. The analyses were carried out in a normative economic perspective using secondary data on EU funds within the framework of regional operational programs. The research shows that the implementation of ITI in Poland has had the intended effect of meeting the conditions for obtaining EU funds for integrated territorial investments. However, this opportunity was not fully exploited due to the lack of tradition of cooperation between local government units other than in urban functional areas. Furthermore, the implementation of ITI in Poland indicates the danger of evaluating the effects of ITI in the context of contracting or certification of EU funds, which is not in line with the European Commission's guidelines for this instrument. Thus, the 2014-2020 period was not fully used by Polish beneficiaries to prepare for the new rules for receiving EU funds under the regional cohesion policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We investigated the underlying mechanisms in atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with R33Q mutation and Ca2+-triggered activity. Methods and Results: We examined AF susceptibility with intraesophageal burst pacing in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ leak model calsequestrin 2 R33Q (Casq2R33Q/R33Q) mice. Atrial trigger appeared in R33Q mice but not WT mice (17.24%, 5/29 vs. 0.00%, 0/32, P < 0.05). AF was induced by 25 Hz pacing in R33Q mice (48.27%, 14/29 vs. 6.25%, 2/32, P < 0.01). The mice were given 1.5 mg/kg isoproterenol (Iso), and the incidences of AF increased (65.51%, 19/29 vs. 9.21%, 3/32, P < 0.01). Electrophysiology experiments and the recording of intracellular Ca2+ indicated significant increases in the Ca2+ sparks (5.24 ± 0.75 100 μM-1.s-1 vs. 0.29 ± 0.04 100 μM-1.s-1, n = 20, P < 0.05), intracellular free Ca2+ (0.238 ± 0.009 μM vs. 0.172 ± 0.006 μM, n = 20, P < 0.05), Ca2+ wave (11.74% vs. 2.24%, n = 20, P < 0.05), transient inward current (ITi) (-0.56 ± 0.02 pA/pF vs. -0.42 ± 0.01 pA/pF, n = 10, P < 0.05), and oscillation in membrane potentials (10.71%, 3/28 vs. 4.16%, 1/24, P < 0.05) in the R33Q group, but there was no significant difference in the L-type calcium current. These effects were enhanced by Iso, and the inhibition of calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) by 1 μM KN93 reversed the effects of Iso on Ca2+ sparks (5.01 ± 0.66 100 μm-1.s-1 vs. 11.33 ± 1.63 100 μm-1.s-1, P < 0.05), intracellular Ca2+ (0.245 ± 0.005 μM vs. 0.324 ± 0.008 μM, P < 0.05), Ca2+ wave (12.35% vs. 17.83%, P < 0.05), ITi (-0.61 ± 0.02 pA/pF vs. -0.78 ± 0.03 pA/pF, n = 10, P < 0.05), and oscillation in membrane potential (17.85% 5/28 vs. 32.17% 9/28, P < 0.05). The reduction of ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) stable subunits (Casq2, triadin, and junctin) rather than RYR2 and the increase in CaMKII, phosphor-CaMKII, phosphor-RyR2 (Ser 2814), SERCA, and NCX1.1 was reflected in the R33Q group. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the increase in spontaneous calcium elevations corresponding to ITi that may trigger the oscillation in membrane potentials in the R33Q group, thereby increasing the risk of AF. The occurrence of spontaneous calcium elevations in R33Q atrial myocytes is due to the dysfunction of RyR2 stable subunits, CaMKII hyperactivity, and CaMKII-mediated RyR phosphorylation. An effective therapeutic strategy to intervene in Ca2+-induced AF associated with the R33Q mutation may be through CaMKII inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews how the UK is implementing Integrated Territorial Investment (ITI) as part of the Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) agenda in 2014-20, in line with ERDF Article 7 requirements and the use of ITI outwith the Article 7 requirements. This article provides an overview of the current status of these instruments in the UK and how they are being implemented. The specific case of London is used to provide a detailed example at local level of the operationalisation of SUD using the ITI instruments. This is compared with the ITI in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly which is implemented as a non-SUD ITI. The article reflects on the main differences between the two approaches and their policy implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews how Greece is implementing sustainable urban development (SUD) strategies in 2014-20 as a part of ERDF Regulation Article 7 requirements, through the use of Integrated Territorial Investments (ITIs). The article provides an overview of the current status of these instruments in Greece and how they are being implemented. The specific case of Patras is used to provide a detailed example at local level of the operationalisation of SUD and ITI instruments, along with policy recommendations gathered from implementation experience so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is based on a research carried out for the European Commission's Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy. The importance of assessing the impact and results of public policy interventions is clear. The Commission expects integrated, place-based strategies and their interventions to be developed with results in mind. For reasons of accountability and efficiency, policy-makers, stakeholders and beneficiaries require knowledge and understanding of the progress and effectiveness of the strategies. It is, therefore, important to gather information with which to better understand the role of the interventions and an evidence base comparable to other interventions. However, measuring effectiveness presents several challenges, related to the specific characteristics of these strategies and to the fact that, at least in some Member States, integrated approaches to territorial and urban development are relatively new. Against this background, this article explores the challenges involved in assessing the achievements of integrated place-based strategies and reviews existingmethodological approaches to assessing territorial provisions under Cohesion policy and under urban development. It then explores emerging approaches to the assessment of territorial and urban strategies launched under the territorial provisions set out for 2014-2020. Looking forward, the article then outlines options for developing frameworks for future assessments before presenting conclusions and recommendations on a framework and approach for measuring effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews how Poland is implementing Integrated Territorial Investments (ITIs) and sustainable urban development (SUD) strategies. Enhancing integrated, partnershipbased approaches to the governance of urban development initiatives is seen by policy-makers as an important added value in these initiatives in Poland, as traditions of inter-municipal cooperation are weak and there are few instruments that provide incentives to Polish local authorities to coordinate their investments. The article provides an overview of the current status of these instruments in Poland and how they are being implemented. It compares the cases of two SUD strategies in Katowice and Lublin that have adopted different implementation models, providing detailed examples at local level of the operationalisation of SUD, along with policy recommendations gathered from implementation experience so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews how Finland is implementing its sustainable urban development (SUD) strategy in 2014-20 as a part of ERDF Regulation Article 7 requirements, through the use of an Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI) called the 'Six City Strategy'. The article provides a detailed analysis of the Six City Strategy, describing its development, implementation and progress, and distilling some elements of good practice and lessons learned fromthis unique city network approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews how the Czech Republic is implementing sustainable urban development (SUD) strategies in 2014-20 as a part of ERDF Regulation Article 7 requirements, through the use of Integrated Territorial Investments (ITIs). The article provides an overview of preparation of these instruments in the Czech Republic and how they are being implemented. The specific case of the Brno metropolitan area is used to provide a detailed example at local level of the operationalisation of SUD and ITI instruments, along with policy recommendations gathered from implementation experience so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A commutative ring is said to have ITI with respect to an ideal𝔞if the𝔞-torsion functor preserves injectivity of modules. Classes of rings with ITI or without ITI with respect to certain sets of ideals are identified. Behavior of ITI under formation of rings of fractions, tensor products, and idealization is studied. Applications to local cohomology over non-noetherian rings are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of the territoriality principle in the programming period 2014 - 2020 has validated the emergence of local development tools dedicated exclusively to some clearly outlined areas. One of these tools is the ITI. Romania chose to dedicate such a tool in the Danube Delta region. The importance of the research is linked to present a clear image of the framework in which Romania will implement ITI. Identifying the financial allocations in every operational program, correlation between operational programs, projects which will be submitted, the differences between the values of the projects and allocation are representing a clear contribution of the author. The main outcome is that the paper is that is proving that there is a difference between the vision of the implementation of ITI presented by local actors and the programing documents in terms of allocations. The paper is providing a characterization and highlight, in a coherent manner, the risks arising from Romania's decision to use such a tool and implement ITI in the Danube Delta region. The paper in considering the full set of operational programs and the planning documents promoted by local actors dedicated to the implementation of ITI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studia Regionalne i Lokalne is the property of University of Warsaw and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The integration of the territoriality principle in the programming period 2014-2020 has validated the emergence of local development tools dedicated exclusively to some clearly outlined areas. One of these tools is the ITI. Romania chose to dedicate such a tool in the Danube Delta region. The importance of the research is linked to present a clear image of the framework in which Romania will implement ITI. Identifying the financial allocations in every operational program, correlation between operational programs, projects which will be submitted, the differences between the values of the projects and allocation are representing a clear contribution of the author. The main outcome is that the paper is that is proving that there is a difference between the vision of the implementation of ITI presented by local actors and the programing documents in terms of allocations. The paper is providing a characterization and highlight, in a coherent manner, the risks arising from Romania's decision to use such a tool and implement ITI in the Danube Delta region. The paper in considering the full set of operational programs and the planning documents promoted by local actors dedicated to the implementation of ITI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on new evidence from the tomb of princess Sheretnebty at Abusir South, which was uncovered during the 2012 and 2013 archaeological seasons. Three individuals are attested by names on finds from this tomb, including the statuette of Iti and an offering table and a decorated block of Ankhiemaptah and his wife Neferhekenhathor. The decorated block bears a very specific offering formula referring to Osiris, and a depiction of the owner and his wife. The style of the relief indicates that Ankhiemaptah lived later than Sheretnebty, and the article discusses the possible interpretations of this find and the possible relationship of its owners with Sheretnebty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Electronic Turkish Studies is the property of Electronic Turkish Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Development of inhibitors (alloantibodies to exogenous factor VIII) is the most significant treatment complication in patients with haemophilia A. The only proven way to eradicate inhibitors is through immune tolerance induction ( ITI), while bypassing agents are typically employed to treat or prevent bleeds in patients with high titre inhibitors. Costs of these approaches have not been well studied. The aim of this study was to compare lifetime costs of treating patients with severe haemophilia A with inhibitors using on-demand or prophylaxis treatment with bypassing agents and ITI. A decision-analytic model was developed to compare the treatment costs and outcomes. Quantitation of the reduction in bleeding events for patients on prophylaxis and after eradication of inhibitors when on ITI and relapse of inhibitors was derived from published studies. Costs were obtained from standard US costing sources and are reported in 2014 US dollars. Costs and outcomes were discounted 3% per annum. Lifetime costs of treating patients with inhibitors are lower for ITI vs. on-demand or prophylaxis. Patients are also projected to live longer, have greater quality-adjusted life-years, and have fewer bleeding events than patients treated on-demand. Treating patients via ITI to eradicate inhibitors may result in lower lifetime costs and greater life-years and quality-adjusted life-years than treating with bypassing agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The natural history of inhibitors in patients with haemophilia A not undergoing immune tolerance induction (ITI) is largely unknown. A recent randomized controlled trial suggests that the higher the FVIII dose used for ITI, the faster the clearance and the lower the rate of bleeding, without any difference in the rate of tolerance. We aimed at assessing the rate of spontaneous inhibitor clearance in a large cohort of patients not undergoing ITI. Methods: A retrospective analysis of anti-FVIII inhibitors of long-term registry data in a single centre cohort of 524 haemophilia A patients considered for synovectomy was performed. Patients were tested for inhibitors before and 15 days after any and each surgical episode and thereafter did not undergo immune tolerance at any time. Results: The cumulative incidence of inhibitors overall was 34% (180 out of 524) with the highest percentage of 39% (168 out of 434) in severe patients which represented 83% of the cohort. Among the 180 inhibitor patients: 63 had permanent inhibitors; 70 fulfilled current criteria for transient inhibitors but a third category of 47 additional patients cleared the alloantibody spontaneously in >6 months. At logistic regression, both the inhibitor titre and the gene mutation were shown to predict time to clearance. Conclusions: Spontaneous clearance of inhibitors over variable time in the absence of ITI treatment was found in up to 2/3 of the cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of inhibitors that neutralize the function of clotting factor VIII (FVIII) is currently the most challenging complication associated with the treatment of hemophilia A as it increases the disease-related morbidity and mortality. Immune tolerance induction (ITI) is the only documented strategy to eradicate persistent inhibitors in severe hemophilia A patients. Several studies have been conducted so far to identify patient- and treatment-related factors associated with greater ITI success. The currently available literature on ITI in hemophilia A will be critically reviewed in this article. In particular, we will focus on the role of the type of FVIII product on ITI outcome by analyzing the clinical and experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An antibody response to therapeutically administered factor VIII (FVIII) can occur in up to 30% of patients with haemophilia, resulting in the production of inhibitors that neutralize FVIII coagulant activity. Immune tolerance induction (ITI) therapy can be used to eradicate inhibitors in these patients, allowing them to continue with factor replacement therapy. Patients with inhibitors (prior to initiation of ITI, while on ITI or those who fail ITI) experience more difficulty in treating bleeds than those patients who do not develop inhibitors. Increasingly, prophylaxis with bypassing therapy is being employed in patients who develop inhibitors. Two bypassing agents, a plasma-derived activated prothrombin complex concentrate [aPCC (FEIBA®; Baxter AG, Vienna, Austria)] and NovoSeven® [recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa); NovoNordisk, Denmark] are potentially available for prophylaxis in patients with haemophilia who have developed inhibitors. Results from recent retrospective studies demonstrate the efficacy and safety of both aPCC and rFVIIa in decreasing the frequency of bleeding episodes in patients with haemophilia and inhibitors. In this article, we highlight a number of ongoing studies that aim to identify patients who should be placed on prophylaxis with bypassing agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate an optical solution to eliminate the undesirable shine-through effect of implants on peri-implant mucosa by selecting an optimized implant neck color based on an objective and quantifiable method. Material and methods: The optical effect of color strips on 15 peri-implant mucosal sites of 14 patients with Straumann® single-tooth implant replacements in the maxillary anterior region was analyzed. The color differences between the peri-implant mucosa with insertion of each of eight different color strips (white, black, light pink, pink, light orange, orange, gold, violet) and the gingiva of an adjacent or contralateral tooth without any color strips were compared for the selection of optimal color of implant neck. Spectrophotometric color measurements were performed to compare the color difference index (Δ E) and color coordinates (Δ L*, Δ a*, Δ b* and Δ C*). Results: The colors of the peri-implant mucosa with color strips and the gingiva of natural tooth demonstrated that the test site soft tissue with color strips of light pink, pink, light orange and orange showed a significantly smaller Δ E value ( P<0.05). Moreover, light pink exhibited the lowest mean Δ E value of 2.6±0.6, indicating a clinically indistinguishable color difference. Conclusions: The results suggest that it is possible to improve gingival esthetics by coloring the implant neck, most effectively with light pink, to mask the impact of the underlying titanium implant. The use of implants with optimized neck colors to correct an esthetic deficiency may be a feasible approach to establish improved peri-implant soft tissue esthetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in optical appearance of the soft tissues labial to dental implants and to analyze the effects of titanium implant neck colors transmitted through the marginal mucosa. Materials and methods: Fourteen patients with 15 Straumann® single implant replacements in the maxillary anterior region were recruited. Color measurements of the peri-implant mucosa of test sites and the gingivae of contralateral or adjacent natural teeth as controls were made at the facial aspect of the teeth using a spectrophotometer. The color data (CIELAB color coordinates; L*, a*, b* and C*) in five incremental areas of 1 × 2 mm from the gingival margin toward the apical direction were obtained. Results: A significant difference existed ( P<0.01) between the test site and the control site on the mean L* and b* values in all five incremental areas (area 1–5). In contrast, there was no significant difference in the mean a* values. Discrepancies between color distributions of soft tissues were stronger in areas close to the gingival margin and decreased toward the apical direction. The mean color difference Δ E between the test site and the control site was 7.7 in area 1 and decreased toward area 5 with a value of 6.5. However, there was no statistical difference in each of the mean values of differences in optical data, Δ L*, Δ a* and Δ b*, when five incremental areas of the control and the test sites were compared. Conclusion: It was observed that the color of soft tissue around the titanium implant was significantly different compared with the gingiva of natural teeth. Significantly lower values of CIELAB color coordinates, L* and b* were found in the peri-implant soft tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tinnitus can be a very troubling complaint but its impact may vary between individuals, both in the perceived severity and the aspects of life affected. The International Tinnitus Inventory (ITI) is an eight-item questionnaire based on the commonest patient reported complaints attributed to tinnitus. It is modelled on the International Outcomes Inventory – Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) to be brief, have a clear and simple response format and be comparable across languages. The psychometric properties of the English and French versions have been examined in this paper. Preliminary results show that the ITI is a robust questionnaire. It is unifactorial, has a good response rate and high internal consistency and it is easy to interpret. Responses from the inventory relate to hearing level but not to other demographic factors. The ITI is a simple and patient friendly measure which can be a helpful tool to highlight the predominant tinnitus-related complaint(s) of the individual, thus providing useful information not only about the tinnitus but also to help plan and assess a rehabilitation programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to test the retention of metal copings fabricated to fit on the one-groove, one flat-sided solid titanium abutment using six different cements. Materials and methods: Ten hollow screw 3.8 mm ITI implants were mounted in acrylic resin blocks. A solid titanium abutment was placed on each implant and torqued at 35 Ncm. Prefabricated burn-out caps were placed on the titanium abutment and wax loops added to the occlusal surface to allow for subsequent retention testing. All plastic caps were embedded in phosphate-bonded investment and cast with noble alloy. Castings were inspected for surface irregularities using a stereomicroscope at 10× magnification. The six cements were: 1) eugenol-free zinc oxide (Temp Bond NE); 2) zinc-oxide eugenol (IRM); 3) zinc phosphate (Hy-Bond); 4) resin-modified glass ionomer (Protec Cem); 5) zinc polycarboxylate (Durelon) and 6) 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate resin (Panavia 21). After cementation, implant–abutment–casting assemblies were stored for 24 h in 100% humidity. Samples were subjected to a pull-out test using an Instron universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The load required to de-cement each coping was recorded and mean values for each group calculated. Means and standard deviations of loads at failure were analyzed using ANOVA and a Tukey studentized test. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: The mean values (± SD) of loads in kilograms at failure (n = 10) for the various cements were as follows: Temp Bond 3.18 ( ± 1.1) (Tukey group D), IRM 9.25 (± 3.83) (Tukey group CD), HY-Bond 10.9 (± 6.52) (Tukey group C), Protec Cem 18.98 (± 6.23) (Tukey group B), Durelon 23.55 (± 4.29) (Tukey group B) and Panavia 21, 36.53 (± 8.1) (Tukey group A). Means with the same letter in the Tukey grouping are not significantly different. Conclusions: The retention values of castings... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present report a repair set to retrieve fractured abutments remaining in the implants of the ITI® Dental Implant System is presented. In 1 case in which such fractures occurred, the repair set was successfully applied. After removal of all particles of the fractured prosthetic abutments and recutting the threads, new abutments were used, and the original suprastructure could be reinserted. The causes for such technical failures are discussed considering the relatively sparse information in the literature on that topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new approach to the intelligent navigation of a mobile robot. The hybrid control architecture described combines properties of purely reactive and behaviour-based systems, providing the ability both to learn automatically behaviours from inception, and to capture these in a distributed hierarchy of decision tree networks. The robot is first trained in the simplest world which has no obstacles, and is then trained in successively more complex worlds, using the knowledge acquired in the previous worlds. Each world representing the perceptual space is thus directly mapped on a unique rule layer which represents in turn the robot action space encoded in a distinct decision tree. A major advantage of the current implementation, compared with the previous work, is that the generated rules are easily understood by human users. The paper demonstrates that the proposed behavioural decomposition approach provides efficient management of complex knowledge, and that the learning mechanism is able to cope with noise and uncertainty in sensory data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the Infaunal Trophic Index (ITI) and its suitability for marine environmental monitoring. Topics discussed include using macrobenthic invertebrate data from the San Pedro Shelf, California; community response to organic material in the water column, and effect on ITI due to water depth, granulometry, and distance from an outfall of wastewater to the ocean.

The aim of this prospective comparative study was to evaluate the condition of the peri-implant tissues of three different implant systems supporting a mandibular overdenture. Ninety edentulous patients (Cawood class V–VI) participated in this study. After randomization, 30 patients were treated with 2 Brånemark implants, 30 patients with 2 IMZ implants and 30 patients with 2 ITI implants. The implants were inserted in the canine region of the mandible. After 3 months overdentures were fabricated supported by a round bar and clip attachment. A standardized clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed 0,6 and 12 months after insertion of the denture. The intra-oral radiographs were made, using the long-cone technique with an aiming device. Two implants were lost (1 Brånemark, 1 IMZ) during the healing period. None of the patients showed any sensory change in lip or chin region. The pocket depth in the Brinemark group decreased significantly whereas the mucosa recession increased significantly in both the Brånemark as well as in the IMZ group. After 12 months, there was significantly less bone loss in the ITI group. From our study it was concluded that 2 (Brånemark, IMZ or ITI) implants placed in the interforaminal region connected with a bar supply a proper base for the support of a mandibular overdenture in the (Cawood V–VI) edentulous patient. The ITI implant appears to be the implant of choice for mandibular overdenture therapy. because only one operation is required for a comparable result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most individuals undergo traumatic stresses at some points in their life, but only a small proportion develop stress-related disorders such as anxiety diseases and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although stress susceptibility is one determinant of mental disorders, the underlying mechanisms and functional implication remain unclear yet. We found that an increased amount of freezing that animals exhibited in the intertrial interval (ITI) of a stress-enhanced fear learning paradigm, predicts ensuing PTSD-like symptoms whereas resilient mice show ITI freezing comparable to that of unstressed mice. To examine the behavioral features, we developed a systematic analytical approach for ITI freezing and stress susceptibility. Thus, we provide a behavioral parameter for prognosis to stress susceptibility of individuals in the development of PTSD-like symptoms as well as a new mathematical means to scrutinize freezing behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this letter, we investigate the iterative detection/decoding algorithms for two-track partial response channels. We first describe the iterative algorithm as an iterative message-passing/processing algorithm over a high-level normal graph and then propose two trellis-based detection algorithms. The natural one is based on a joint trellis, which can be implemented for low-order channels. For moderate-order channels, we propose a separated detection, which is based on two single-track trellises. Compared with the joint detection, the separated detection is simpler in most cases. Simulation results show that, for two-track EPR4 channels with minor intertrack interferences, the separated detection causes only marginal degradation in performance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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