Search

Alessandro Picelli,1,2 Davide Lobba,1 Patrizia Vendramin,3 Giuseppe Castellano,3 Elena Chemello,1 Vittorio Schweiger,4,5 Alvise Martini,4,5 Massimo Parolini,4,5 Marialuisa Gandolfi,1,2 Enrico Polati,4,5 Nicola Smania1,2 1Neuromotor and Cognitive Rehabilitation Research Center, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; 2Neurorehabilitation Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy; 3Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Therapy Unit, “Girolamo Fracastoro” Hospital, San Bonifacio, Italy; 4Anesthesia and Intensive Care Section, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; 5Pain Therapy Center, Department of Emergency and Intensive Care, Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy Purpose: Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is the most common pain condition after stroke. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment of the suprascapular nerve (SSN) effectively relieves shoulder pain conditions. To date, there is no study about the effects of PRF treatment for HSP. Thus, our aim was to report on a case series about its use in chronic stroke. Patients and methods: Six chronic stroke patients with HSP (visual analog scale [VAS] score for pain ≥30 mm) underwent ultrasound-guided SSN PRF treatment. All were evaluated before treatment and at 4 and 16 weeks of follow-up. The main outcome was VAS score. Secondary outcomes were Modified Ashworth Scale, shoulder passive range of motion (PROM), Disability Assessment Scale (DAS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and EuroQol-5 dimension questionnaire (EuroQol-5D) scores. Results: As compared with baseline, improvement was observed in the following parameters: VAS for pain (at 4 weeks, P=0.023; at 16 weeks, P=0.023); shoulder PROM for abduction (at 4 weeks, P=0.023; at 16 weeks, P=0.024), flexion (at 4 and 16 weeks, P=0.024), extension (at 4 and 16 weeks, P=0.02), and external rotation (4 and 16 weeks, P=0.02); DAS for hygiene (at 4 and 16 weeks, P=0.024), dressing (at 4 weeks, P=0.02; at 16 weeks, P=0.024), and pain (at 4 weeks, P=0.024; at 16 weeks, P=0.023); and EuroQol-5D (at 4 and 16 weeks, P=0.024). Conclusion: Our observations support the use of ultrasound-guided SSN PRF treatment for HSP in chronic stroke patients. Keywords: chronic pain, pain management, rehabilitation

We require high-quality information on the current burden, the types of therapy and resources available, methods of delivery, care pathways and long-term outcomes for people with aphasia. To document and inform international delivery of post-stroke aphasia treatment, to optimise recovery and reintegration of people with aphasia. Multi-centre, prospective, non-randomised, open study, employing blinded outcome assessment, where appropriate, including people with post-stroke aphasia, able to attend for 30 minutes during the initial language assessment, at first contact with a speech and language therapist for assessment of aphasia at participating sites. There is no study-mandated intervention. Assessments will occur at baseline (first contact with a speech and language therapist for aphasia assessment), discharge from Speech and Language Therapy (SLT), 6 and 12-months post-stroke. Our primary outcome is changed from baseline in the Amsterdam Nijmegen Everyday Language Test (ANELT/Scenario Test for participants with severe verbal impairments) at 12-months post-stroke. Secondary outcomes at 6 and 12 months include the Therapy Outcome Measure (TOMS), Subjective Index of Physical and Social Outcome (SIPSO), Aphasia Severity Rating Scale (ASRS), Western Aphasia Battery Aphasia Quotient (WAB-AQ), stroke and aphasia quality of life scale (SAQoL-39), European Quality of Life Scale (EQ-5D), lesion description, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), resource use, and satisfaction with therapy provision and success. We will collect demography, clinical data, and therapy content. Routine neuroimaging and medication administration records will be accessed where possible; imaging will be pseudonymised and transferred to a central reading centre. Data will be collected in a central registry. We will describe demography, stroke and aphasia profiles and therapies available. International individual participant data (IPD) meta-analyses will examine treatment responder rates based on minimal detectable change & clinically important changes from baseline for primary and secondary outcomes at 6 and 12 months. Multivariable meta-analyses will examine associations between demography, therapy, medication use and outcomes, considering service characteristics. Where feasible, costs associated with treatment will be reported. Where available, we will detail brain lesion size and site, and examine correlations with SLT and language outcome at 12 months. International differences in care, resource utilisation and outcomes will highlight avenues for further aphasia research, promote knowledge sharing and optimise aphasia rehabilitation delivery. IPD meta-analyses will enhance and expand understanding, identifying cost-effective and promising approaches to optimise rehabilitation to benefit people with aphasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This 60‐month prospective study aimed to evaluate tooth survival and healing rates after root canal treatment in patients taking bisphosphonates (BPs). Secondary outcomes were complications and clinical variables observed during and after treatment. Methods: Root canal treatment was performed using manual K‐file canal instrumentation and a carrier‐based filling technique with an epoxy resin‐based sealer. Teeth without adequate root/crown integrity were restored by trained operators at the tissue level (TL group) to prevent occlusal/mechanical stress and to enable periapical lesion healing without the risk of root fracture. Other teeth were restored with normal occlusal contacts (OC group). Healthy patients who had undergone one or more root canal treatments of the same type constituted the control group. The relationships of the following variables to survival and health status were examined (chi‐squared test and multivariate analysis, P = 0.05): age, gender, smoking habit, tooth location, treatment type, BPs treatment, BPs exposure, initial periapical index (PAI) and occlusal restoration. Survival curves were constructed using Kaplan–Meier analysis, with extraction serving as the end‐point. Results: In total, 65 patients with 109 root canal‐treated teeth who were taking BPs were included. At 60 months, data from 57 patients (52F, 5M; median age 65.7 ± 8.6 years) who had undergone 96 root canal treatments were analysed (drop‐out rate = 16.9%). The survival rate was 85%, and the success rate was 76%. The control group consisted of 46 patients (21F, 25M; median age 60.3 ± 7.2 years) who had undergone 102 root canal treatments. The survival rate was 88%, with 12 teeth lost during follow‐up. The success rate was 73%. In the BP group, 55 teeth were restored normally (OC group) and 41 teeth were restored at the tissue level (TL group). No difference in the success or survival rate was observed between the BP and control groups (P > 0.05). Univariate Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that only tooth type significantly affected survival status in the BP group. The analysis revealed the clinical relevance of smoking, tooth location and initial PAI on patients' health status (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Root canal treatments and post‐endodontic restoration with tissue‐level filling procedures represent a safe approach for severely damaged teeth in patients receiving BPs having comparable results to root filled teeth restored with occlusal contacts and to the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: To evaluate the number of healthy and functional root filled teeth of patients included in a recall programme for at least 20 years. Methodology: Teeth were root filled by a single specialist following manual canal instrumentation, lateral/vertical compaction of gutta‐percha and restored with glass–ionomer cements and bonding system/composite resin. In a large percentage of teeth, a metal‐ceramic crown was placed during follow‐up. Patients included in the recall programme (n = 130) were blindly assessed both clinically and radiographically (every 2 years) to evaluate clinical symptoms and periapical status (PAI). The following variables were analysed: age, tooth location, tooth type, initial diagnosis, PAI, root filling length and coronal restoration type. Chi‐square test and multilevel analysis were performed to detect variables associated with treatment functionality and disease/lesions (P < 0.05). A cumulative teeth survival curve was constructed by means of Kaplan–Meier using extractions as the end‐point. Results: At the 20‐year recall, 72 patients (31 M, 41 F; mean age 57.7 ± 8.29 years; 196 teeth) completed the follow‐up. Thirty‐six patients were excluded for medical complications or died before the end of the study. Drop‐outs consisted of 22 patients (17%) who did not complete the follow‐up. Single metal‐ceramic crowns were positioned after 4–6 months in 40% of teeth. Composite restorations were replaced with single metal‐ceramic crowns during the follow‐up in 53% of teeth after 8–19 years. Of 196 teeth, 155 were classified as Survived (79%), 128 of which (65%) were Healthy (PAI ≤ 2). Thirty‐nine teeth (20%) were extracted for nonendodontic reasons. Twenty‐nine teeth (15%) were classified as: re‐exacerbation (11 teeth; 5.6%) or persistent asymptomatic lesions (18 teeth; 9%). Only two re‐exacerbated teeth were extracted. Multilevel analysis confirmed the clinical relevance of tooth type (P = 0.001) on Survived and healthy teeth (P = 0.007). Tooth location (P = 0.0045) and initial diagnosis (P = 0.019) significantly affected only Healthy teeth. Conclusions: Root filled teeth were more frequently extracted for non‐endodontic reasons rather than for endodontic disease. The majority of teeth with adequate root fillings, adequate restorations and included in a recall programme remained functional and healthy for more than 20 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The objective of this study was to describe the reference values of cranial measurements of capybaras, correlating the ocular orbit with the nasolacrimal duct. The documentation of its results can contribute to standardizing characteristics of anatomical normality and favouring the correct diagnosis and treatment of changes. The capybara carcasses, maintained by freezing, were distributed in two groups (G) designated GA (n = 12) adult animals (A) and GY (n = 13) for young animals (Y). All subjects underwent dacryocystography examination by computed tomography (CT) and cranial measurements. Descriptive analyses of cranial and nasolacrimal duct measurements and statistical analysis of the Pearson correlation with the variable weight were performed. In GA, there was no correlation between the nasolacrimal and cranial duct measurements. However, in the GY, a correlation was verified with facial length (r = .6233), facial width (r = .5771), cranial height (r = .6981), cranial length (r = .7116), total right length (r = .7517) and left length (r = .7999). Thus, in the young animals, cranial length measurements were strongly correlated with nasolacrimal duct lengths. However, this biological behaviour was not observed in adults, demonstrating stability in development. The capybara's ocular orbit was found to be circular and incomplete, with developed zygomatic process of the maxilla. CT dacryocystography is indicated to evaluate the nasolacrimal canal pathway in capybaras, emphasizing the importance of normal anatomical study to aid in treating animals affected by diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: This retrospective study explored survival and periapical healing outcomes in teeth root filled with Thermafil obturators. Methodology: Root canals of 213 teeth (94 subjects, mean age 48 ± 13 years), instrumented with a step‐down technique, irrigated with 5% NaOCl and 10% EDTA and filled with Thermafil and AH Plus sealer, were involved in a recall programme. Teeth were retrospectively re‐examined after 5 ± 1 years in a controlled environment. Clinical and radiographic data that were collected included the following: preoperative Periapical Index (PAI) score and signs/symptoms, treatment type, root filling length and presence/absence of voids, restoration type, follow‐up PAI score and signs/symptoms. Teeth were considered ‘healthy’ (PAI ≤ 2, no signs/symptoms) or ‘diseased’ (PAI ≥ 3, signs/symptoms present, retreated, extracted for endodontic reasons). Two PAI‐calibrated examiners assessed outcomes blinded to preoperative status. Bivariate and multilevel analyses were performed at level of patient and tooth (α = 5%). Results: Of 213 teeth treated, 187 (88%) survived and 26 were extracted, six (3%) for persistent endodontic infection (considered ‘diseased’), and 20 (9%) for root fracture, periodontal disease or coronal fracture (excluded from analysis). Whilst survival was significantly associated with tooth type (P = 0.015), type of treatment (P = 0.012) and pulpal/periapical diagnosis (P = 0.035), none of these variables were substantiated as survival predictors by the multilevel analysis. A total of 164 of 193 teeth (85%) were assessed as ‘healthy’, with significantly higher (chi‐square; P < 0.04) ‘healthy’ rates for teeth with PAI score ≤2 and root fillings of adequate length. Multilevel analysis identified PAI score ≤2 (P = 0.002) as the only predictor of periapical health. Conclusions: In this 5 ± 1 year retrospective assessment, survival and healing rates after root canal treatment with Thermafil root fillings were comparable to those previously reported for conventional root filling techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To test a novel calcium silicate cement mixed with a water-based gel (NeoMTA Plus) with regard to chemical-physical properties and apatite-forming ability. Methodology NeoMTA Plus (Avalon Biomed Inc. Bradenton, FL, USA; lot. 2014090301) and a commercial MTA-based material with similar properties (MTA Plus, Prevest Denpro Limited, Jammu, India; lot. 41001) were tested for ion-releasing ability, initial and final setting times, radiopacity, open and impervious porosity and apparent porosity, water sorption, weight loss, solubility, ability to nucleate calcium phosphates (CaP) after immersion in HBSS (Hank's Balanced Salt Solution) by ESEM-EDX and micro-Raman spectroscopy. The results were analysed statistically with the anova test ( P < 0.05). Results NeoMTA Plus had a prolonged setting time (315 min) and a satisfactory radiopacity (3.76 mm Al). Calcium and hydroxyl ion release was significantly greater and more prolonged in comparison with MTA Plus ( P < 0.05). Both NeoMTA Plus and MTA Plus had high values of open porosity and solubility. ESEM-EDX and micro-Raman confirmed the ability to nucleate calcium phosphates on their surface after immersion in HBSS. Conclusion NeoMTA Plus is a new calcium silicate-based cement for root filling with an adequate radiopacity and prolonged setting time. The ion release and CaP-forming ability could increase stability of the root filling and promote endodontic and periodontal tissue regeneration, enhancing the bioactivity and biocompatibility of the material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia is the property of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Escola de Veterinaria 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.)

Aim To investigate nondestructively the percentage of 3 D voids and marginal gaps in a pre-defined interface volume of interest ( VOI) within root fillings produced by Thermafil Obturators with either a hydrophobic epoxy-resin-based sealer ( AH Plus) or a hydrophilic flowable calcium-silicate sealer [mineral trioxide aggregate ( MTA) Flow]. Methodology Sixteen single root canals from extracted premolar teeth were prepared with Pro Taper rotary instruments, randomly allocated into two groups ( n = 8) and filled with size 30 Thermafil Obturators in association with AH Plus or MTA Flow sealers. The filled roots were stored at 37 °C in 5 mL of Hank's balanced salt solution ( HBSS) used to represent body fluids and scanned after 7 days and 6 months using a high-resolution micro- CT. From each root, images of 3000 sections were analysed in 3 D and binarized using a high-resolution micro- CT (4-μ resolution). The 3 D distribution of voids (porosity and marginal gaps) at the gutta-percha-sealer-dentine interface was detected through a threshold grey level and expressed as percentage of the 40-μ-thick pre-defined interface VOI (20 μ of interface dentine and 20 μ of gutta-percha/sealer). A method of analysis based on the root canal segmentation was used, and coronal, middle and apical thirds considered separately. The percentage of 3 D void volume was compared statistically using one-way anova (significance for P < 0.05). Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersive X-ray ( ESEM- EDX) analysis was performed on the surface of both sealers after soaking in HBSS. Results Micro- CT detected gaps at the dentine-sealer interface in both groups. Void volumes wider than 10.21 μm3 with 1.35 μm diameter were detected. Cul-de-sac-type voids (blind pores) and through-and-through voids (continuous pores) were discriminated. The apical thirds had a significantly lower 3 D void volume ( P < 0.05) than the middle and coronal thirds. The 3 D void volume reduced significantly ( P < 0.05) over time. ESEM- EDX analysis revealed that MTA Flow sealer created a dense apatite layer after 7 days of immersion in HBSS, whilst only sparse calcium phosphate deposits were detected on AH Plus even after 28 days. Conclusions Micro- CT proved to be a powerful nondestructive 3 D analysis tool for visualizing the porous internal microstructure of dental/endodontic materials at the interface with dentine. The proportion of voids was least in the apical third of root canals. Voids reduced over time in the presence of simulated body fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The hydrolysis reaction of α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) is of great interest because of its widespread use in the preparation of biomaterials for hard tissue repair. The aim of this study was to investigate how this reaction is influenced by the presence of a bioactive ion, Sr2+, and of a biopolymer, gelatin, which were previously reported to affect the setting reaction of α-TCP-based cements. Hydrolysis experiments were carried out at different Sr2+ concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20at.%) in solutions at different gelatin concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0wt.%). The results indicate that Sr2+ delays the conversion of α-TCP into calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA). The structural and morphological modifications of CDHA obtained from solutions at increasing Sr2+ concentrations indicate that during hydrolysis strontium enters the structure of CDHA, where it partially substitutes for calcium. On the contrary, α-TCP hydrolysis rate increases on increasing gelatin concentration. Gelatin promotes conversion of α-TCP into octacalcium phosphate, and strongly interacts with the nucleating and growing crystals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bone quality is the result of a complex relationship between bone mass, bone structure, and mechanical characteristics of these individual components. The mass of bone tissue is affected by nutritional factors and other causes, such as bone growth factors like bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Since chitosans promote ordered regeneration of soft tissue and osteoinduction, an osteoporotic model was studied to evaluate the pattern of bone regeneration in the presence of BMP linked to chitosan. BMP was released from the chitosan matrix as a consequence of chitosan biodegradation. Our data show that the association of BMP with chitosan seemed to improve the bone tissue regeneration in a surgical bone defect. This result provides validity to biochemical approaches for therapeutical correction of afflictions in the elderly, such as osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Hydroxyapatite nails, prepared according to a novel method and endowed with better mechanical resistance, were coated with chitosan to impart enhanced biocompatibility and were introduced in the femurs of rabbits. Chitosan was found to be a favorable interface between bone and hydroxyapatite because it promoted an osteoconductive reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents abstracts of several research papers on inguinal hernia including the laparoscopic closure of the defect associated to prosthetic repair, and the functional evaluation of muscular function after abdominoplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Experientia is the property of Springer Nature 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.)