Mean Number Of Implantations Research Articles

The Effect of Dental Implants on Secretory Iga Level in Saliva

Background and aims: The host immune response is altered by a series of physiological and pathological factors such as age, gender, inflammation, surgery, and medications. This study was conducted to evaluate differences in salivary IgA (S-IgA) levels in individuals who underwent dental implant surgery and compare them to individuals who were not exposed to dental treatments. S-IgA levels were determined at least 3 months after implant installation. Methods: A total of 60 healthy individuals were included in the study; 30 participants received implant treatment (Implant Group) and were compared with 30 participants with no implant treatment as controls (Control Group). 1.5 ml of unstimulated saliva was obtained for all participants. The quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was used for the measurement of salivary IgA levels. Results: The age range of the participants in the implant group was 38-62 years, with a mean age of 47.9 years; 18 (60%) were males and 12 (40%) were females. The age range of the study's controls was 38-59 years, with a mean age ± SD of 45.2 ± 5.2 years for 18 (60%) males and 12 (40%) females. The mean number of implants was 2.7 ± 0.83, and the mean period after implant placement was 19.2 ± 8.2 months. A low sIgA level (< 250 μg/mL) was present in 10% of implant patients, but not in any cases in the control group. In contrast, only 6.7% of implant patients had this amount at a level greater than 351 μg/mL, compared to 53.3% in the control group. The mean ± SD for cases was 302.7 ± 36.8 g/mL versus 370.8 ± 59.2 μg/mL for controls, indicating that all normal distribution values were significantly lower in the implant patient group compared to higher values in healthy controls. Males had higher normal values across the board in both groups (cases and controls). Male dental implant patients' mean and standard deviation (312.2 ± 38.3 vs. 408.2 ± 42.2 µg/ml) showed a statistically significant decrease. Female dental implant patients' mean and standard deviation (287.3 30.6 vs. 314.7 ± 27.6 µg/ml) showed a statistically significant decrease. Overall, there was a significant decrease in the mean ±SD of dental implant patients (302.7 ± 36.8 µg/ml) versus the rising level in the total healthy control group (370.8 ± 36.8 µg/ml). The observed averages of sIgA for the presence of peri-implant mucositis in the two independent samples (yes, no) differed significantly by 60.7, with a 95% confidence interval of 41.1-80.3, and this finding is very significant (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Salivary immunoglobulin A level values were significantly lower statistically in implant patients compared to the control group. The results, however, showed that there is a connection between lower sIgA levels in saliva and the development of pre-implant mucositis, meaning that low sIgA levels are risk factors for peri-implant mucositis or that peri-implant mucositis causes lower sIgA levels to be produced in mouth saliva.

Selection criteria for immediate implant placement and immediate loading for single tooth replacement in the maxillary esthetic zone: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this study was to review available evidence for Type 1A (immediate implant placement and immediate loading) of single tooth replacement in the maxillary esthetic zone. An electronic search was conducted utilizing the databases of MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane to identify publications reporting on the outcomes of Type 1A for single tooth replacement in the maxillary esthetic zone. The success and survival rates of the included articles were reported, which were further categorized according to the clinical criteria reported in Type 1A. Mean survival rates were univariately compared between risk groups and additionally between studies published before and since 2012 using bias-corrected and study size-weighed bootstrap tests. A study time-correcting meta-analysis was then performed to obtain an overall effect for the study pool. A total of 3118 publications were identified in the search, with a total of 68 articles included. A mean number of implants per study were 37.2 and mean follow-up was 2.8 years. All the included studies utilizing Type 1A report highly selective inclusion and exclusion criteria. Univariate risk group comparison determined that studies before 2012 report a significantly lower mean survival rate (difference of -1.9 percentage points [PP], 95% CI: [-0.3, -4.0], p = .02), facial gap dimension had an impact on survival rates (+3.1 PP [0.2, 5.3] for width >2 mm, p = .04), as well as presence of endodontic infection (+2.6 PP [0.9, 5.1], p = .004). Type 1A has a high survival rate in studies reporting strict patient and site selection criteria. Further research is required to assess esthetic and functional success with Type 1A treatments.

The effect of type of specialty (periodontology/oral surgery) on early implant failure: a retrospective “Big-Data” study from a nation-wide dental chain in Israel

ObjectivesTo evaluate early implant failure rate of implants placed by maxillofacial-oral surgeons and periodontists.Material and methodsA nested case-case study was performed to analyze treatment outcome of 27 oral surgeons and 30 periodontists who performed at least 100 dental implants between 2017 and 2019 in 54 clinics of “Maccabi-Dent,” a nation-wide dental chain. A total of 26,865 implants were evaluated.ResultsThe early failure rate of 1.3% achieved by the periodontists was lower than the 1.7% early failure rate achieved by oral surgeons. Differences were not statistically different. Oral surgeons in the study cohort were insignificantly older in age, with more years of experience as dentists and as specialists. However, the only parameter found to be a predictor to early implant failure in a linear regression model was related to postgraduate training. Explicitly, the mean number of implants placed during specialty program. This number was higher for the periodontists and found to be significantly contributing predictor to early implant failure. Clinicians’ age and years of experience as dentists or as specialist were not found to be predictors to early implant failure rate.ConclusionsNo statistically significant differences were found in early implant failure rate between oral surgeons and periodontists. The number of implants placed during specialty program has a statistical predictive value to early implant failure rate.Clinical relevanceCare and attention should be taken to re-evaluate clinical training in the field of implantology during specialty program. To optimize surgeons’ control on treatment outcome.

Initial experience of left bundle branch area pacing using stylet-driven pacing leads: A multicenter study.

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has been performed exclusively using lumen-less pacing leads (LLL) with fixed helix design. This registry study explores the safety and feasibility of LBBAP using stylet-driven leads (SDL) with extendable helix design in a multicenter patient population. This study prospectively enrolled consecutive patients who underwent LBBAP for bradycardia pacing or heart failure indications at eight Belgian hospitals. LBBAP was attempted using SDL (Solia S60; Biotronik) delivered through dedicated delivery sheath (Selectra3D). Implant success, complications, procedural, and pacing characteristics were recorded at implant and follow-up. The study enrolled 353 patients (mean age 76 ± 39 years, 43% female). The mean number of implants per center was 25 (range: 5-162). Overall, LBBAP with SDL was successful in 334/353 (94%), varying from 93% to 100% among centers. Pacing response was labeled as left bundle branch pacing in 73%, whereas 27% were labeled as myocardial capture. Mean paced QRS duration and stimulus to left ventricular activation time measured 126 ± 21 ms and 74 ± 17. SDL-LBBAP resulted in low pacing thresholds (0.6 ± 0.4 V at 0.4 ms), which remained stable at 12 months follow-up (0.7 ± 0.3, p = .291). Lead revisions for SDL-LBBAP occurred in 5 (1.4%) patients occurred during a mean follow up of 9 ± 5 months. Five (1.4%) septal coronary artery fistulas and 8 (2%) septal perforations occurred, none of them causing persistent ventricular septal defects. The use of SDL to achieve LBBAP is safe and feasible, characterized by high implant success in low and high volume centers, low complication rates, and stable low pacing thresholds.

Long-term survival of implant-based oral rehabilitation following maxillofacial reconstruction with vascularized bone flap

AimThe aim of the study was to assess the 5-year cumulative survival rate of implant-based dental rehabilitation following maxillofacial reconstruction with a vascularized bone flap and to investigate the potential risk factors which might influence the survival rate.Materials and methodsA retrospective cohort study was designed. Inclusion criteria involved 18 years old or above patients with the availability of clinical and radiological data and a minimum follow-up 1 year following implant placement. The cumulative survival rate was analyzed by Kaplan–Meier curves and the influential risk factors were assessed using univariate log-rank tests and multivariable Cox-regression analysis.Results151 implants were assessed in 40 patients with a mean age of 56.43 ± 15.28 years at the time of implantation. The mean number of implants placed per patient was 3.8 ± 1.3 with a follow-up period of 50.0 ± 32.0 months. The cumulative survival at 1-, 2- and 5-years was 96%, 87%, and 81%. Patients with systemic diseases (HR = 3.75, 95% CI 1.65–8.52; p = 0.002), irradiated flap (HR = 2.27, 95% CI 1.00–5.17; p = 0.05) and poor oral hygiene (HR = 11.67; 95% CI 4.56–29.88; p < 0.0001) were at a significantly higher risk of implant failure.ConclusionThe cumulative implant survival rate was highest at 1st year followed by 2nd and 5th year, indicating that the risk of implant failure increased over time. Risk indicators that seem to be detrimental to long-term survival include poor oral hygiene, irradiated flap and systemic diseases.

Cardiac implantable electronic devices in Bulgaria: results from the electronic registry BG-Pace for the period 2019-2021

The current study analyses the activity in cardiac pacing in Bulgaria in 2019, 2020 and 2021 based on data derived from a national registry of patients with cardiac electronic implantable devices (CIEDs). Materials and methods. Data from the national registry BG-Pace in the period 08.2019-06.2021 was retrospectively studied. Demographic data, procedure and device type, pacing mode, etiology, symptoms, preimplantation ECG, number of implantations and centre and operator volumes were analysed. Results. Six thousand nine hundred forty-nine devices were implanted by 47 operators in 28 centres for the study period. Median age was 75 (IQR 68-81, 21-103) years in males and 77 (IQR 71-82, 17-98) years in females, P ‹ 0.05. The largest number of devices were implanted in the age group 70-79 years. The most commonly implanted CIEDs were antibradycardia devices with a total of 486.7/million implantations for the period 08.2019-08.2020 and 353.9/million for the period 08.2020-06.2021. Implanted cardioverter-defibrillators demonstrated a growth from 14.1/million to 20.1/million in the period 08.2020 – 06.2021. The number of all implantations dropped signifi cantly during the two epidemic waves of COVID-19. The mean number of implantations per centre and per operator for the whole period was 232.3±204 (2-705) and 148±139.1 (2-660), respectively. Dual chamber device implantations were more prevalent, representing 65.8% of implantations in AV block I and II degree, 63.5% in complete AV block, 59.8% in intraventricular conduction disturbances and 60.9% in sick sinus syndrome. Pacing modes with atrial sensing represented more than 55% of the implantations for all indications. Increasing age was associated with signifi cantly more common use of VVI pacing mode (P ‹ 0.001). Conclusion. The national registry BG-Pace includes systematic clinical, demographical and procedural data for CIED implantations in Bulgaria. Results demonstrate lower number of implantations compared to the average European volume. There was a signifi cant drop in the implantation rate during the two waves of COVID-19.

Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity of Triclosan (TCN) in Wistar Rats

Triclosan (TCN) was evaluated for reproductive and developmental toxicity on male and female reproductive performance such as gonadal function, mating behaviour, conception, development of the conceptus and parturition. Wistar rats (10/sex/dose) were administered by oral gavage at the dose levels of 0, 25, 75 and 150 mg/kg bwt/day, prior to mating, during mating and post-mating periods (for males), during pregnancy and up to lactation day 13 (for females). The results showed that, no treatment related mortality or clinical signs. Body weight, food consumption, pre-coital time, gestation length, mating and fertility parameters, percentage of pre- and post-implantation losses, anogenital distance, anogenital ratio were not affected by the treatment. The male pups did not exhibit areola/nipple retention on postnatal day 13. Treatment resulted in significantly lower mean litter size, mean viable litter size and mean number of implantations at 150mg/kg bwt/day. The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and Thyroxine (T4) levels in adult rats and pups were not affected. External evaluation of pups as well as gross and microscopic examination of the reproductive organs of the parent animals revealed no adverse triclosan related changes. Considering the changes observed in the mean litter size, mean viable litter size, mean number of implantations and Day 4 surviva index at 150mg/ kg bwt/day, the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL)” for reproductive toxicity is considered to be 75mg/kg Bwt/day.

PD23-03 FAILURE OF PROSTATIC URETHRAL LIFT BASED ON SUBSEQUENT MEDICAL AND/OR SURGICAL MANAGEMENT: DATA FROM A L.I.F.T. STUDY CENTER

You have accessJournal of UrologyBenign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Surgical Therapy & New Technology IV (PD23)1 Sep 2021PD23-03 FAILURE OF PROSTATIC URETHRAL LIFT BASED ON SUBSEQUENT MEDICAL AND/OR SURGICAL MANAGEMENT: DATA FROM A L.I.F.T. STUDY CENTER Rahul Dutta, Ethan Matz, Nicholas Deebel, Elizabeth Boes, and Ryan Terlecki Rahul DuttaRahul Dutta More articles by this author , Ethan MatzEthan Matz More articles by this author , Nicholas DeebelNicholas Deebel More articles by this author , Elizabeth BoesElizabeth Boes More articles by this author , and Ryan TerleckiRyan Terlecki More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002016.03AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The prostatic urethral lift (PUL) is a popular surgical option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Prior 5-year data from the multicenter L.I.F.T. trial suggested durability and a surgical retreatment rate of 13.6%. To determine the rate of definitive correction, we sought to assess the need for ongoing medical or surgical BPH management following PUL. METHODS: With IRB approval, all cases of PUL performed from 2015-2020 at our academic center, notably a participating institution for the L.I.F.T. trial, were retrospectively reviewed. Data extracted included: demographics, medication use, symptomatology, operative details, and surgical reinterventions. RESULTS: 209 men were identified, with follow-up data available for 198 (95%). Mean age was 68.9 years (42–92) and mean follow-up was 18.5 months (0.5–66.4). Mean prostate size was 43.0 grams (8–138). Prior to PUL, significant intravesical protrusion and urethral stricture were noted cystoscopically in 22% and 8% of men, respectively. Mean procedure time was 19 minutes (2–60) and mean number of implants was 5.0 (1–10). Patients were discharged from recovery in 97% of cases, with 29% requiring indwelling or intermittent catheterization. The rate of 30-day complications was 18%, with 89% graded Clavien I or II. Postoperatively, mean improvements in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality of life (QOL) were 5.3 and 1.1 points, respectively. Unplanned emergency room or clinic visits occurred in 14% and 17% of men, respectively, with 4% requiring hospital readmission. Medication for LUTS attributed to BPH (α-blocker or 5α-reductase inhibitor) was continued or initiated postoperatively for 44% of men. 20% of men required repeat surgical intervention at a mean of 19.2 months (1.4–56.4), consisting of repeat PUL (30%), transurethral resection of prostate (28%), or thulium laser enucleation (18%). Overall, 53% of men needed medication and/or repeat surgery for BPH following PUL, and this was independent of age, race, prostate volume, intravesical prostate protrusion, baseline IPSS and QOL, stricture, number of implants used, or a history of urinary retention (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that the majority of men undergoing PUL require ongoing medical and/or surgical management for BPH. Patients should be counseled as to the likelihood of failure as a unimodal therapy long-term. As this does not appear related to patient selection, the overall value of PUL to men with LUTS attributed to BPH should be carefully assessed. Source of Funding: None © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e421-e421 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Rahul Dutta More articles by this author Ethan Matz More articles by this author Nicholas Deebel More articles by this author Elizabeth Boes More articles by this author Ryan Terlecki More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Embryonic cadmium exposure of male rats alters reproductive functions at adulthood, but without overt alterations in developmental and behavioral outcomes and metabolism

The effects of exposure of pregnant rats to cadmium (Cd) on the developmental and behavioral outcomes, reproductive functions, and metabolism of their male progeny were evaluated. Rats (Wistar) were injected intraperitoneally with either 0.5 or 5.0 µg Cd/kg body weight from day 12 to day 19 of pregnancy. The male offspring were evaluated for their developmental outcomes and behavioral changes. All developmental and behavioral parameters assessed were comparable among the different groups. All male pups were allowed to develop until 100 days of age and evaluated for reproductive end points. The results revealed that although the body weights and relative weights of liver, brain, kidney, testis, and epididymis were not altered, reproductive parameters, including daily sperm production, epididymal sperm numbers, and concentrations of motile, viable, and hypo-osmotic tail-swelled sperm declined significantly in rats exposed to 0.5 and 5.0 µg Cd during embryonic development. In addition, plasma testosterone levels and activity levels of testicular steroidogenic enzymes also decreased in these rats. In the fertility study, although each male in the 0.5, 5.0 µg, and control groups produced a copulatory plug and impregnated a female, the mean number of implantations and live fetuses was reduced significantly in females mated with rats exposed to 0.5 and 5.0 µg Cd during the prenatal period. The general metabolism of the animals exposed to Cd during embryonic development was comparable with the controls as evidenced by no significant changes in the activity levels of succinate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransaminase, and alanine aminotransaminases in the liver, kidney, and testis. The results thus suggest that maternal Cd exposure during embryonic development markedly affected the spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis, and fertility potential, but without alterations in the development, behavior, and metabolism.

Effect of Peri-implant Keratinized Tissue Width on Tissue Health and Stability: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

There is uncertainty in the literature on whether the presence of keratinized tissue (KT) ameliorates the state of peri-implant tissue health. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to synthesize evidence on the association between peri-implant keratinization, defined as adequate (≥ 2 mm) or inadequate (0 to 2 mm), and peri-implant health and stability, measured as tissue inflammation, plaque accumulation, tendency to bleeding, and probing depth (PD). This systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement and was registered on PROSPERO. According to predefined inclusion criteria, full papers for potentially eligible studies resulted from electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane, and OpenGrey) and screening of titles/abstracts. Publication bias and risk of bias in primary studies were assessed. The primary outcome was gingival inflammation, measured with Gingival Index (GI) and modified Gingival Index (mGI). Additional outcomes were plaque accumulation (mPI/PI), bleeding (bleeding on probing/modified Bleeding Index), and PD. For each outcome, a random-effects meta-analysis was performed comparing the adequate group (≥ 2 mm, KT1) and the inadequate group (< 2 mm, KT0) KT width. The mean number of implants and proportion of mandibular implants were investigated as potential causes of heterogeneity using meta-regression. Sensitivity analysis was performed excluding low-quality studies. From 362 screened studies, a total of 15 papers were included in the systematic review, and 8 articles were finally included in the meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was found for all outcomes. The main analysis showed a statistically significant association between adequate KT level and a lower mGI-GI (standard mean difference [SMD] KT1 vs KT0 = -1.25, 95% CI = -2.12 to 0.37, P = .01). For plaque accumulation (SMD = -1.18, 95% CI = -2.36 to 0.00, P = .05), bleeding (SD = -1.99, 95% CI = -4.60 to 0.61, P = .13), and PD (MD = -0.06, 95% CI = -0.13 to 0.01, P = .10), no statistically significant difference was detected; however, the trend of results was in favor of the KT1 group. The sensitivity analysis supported the main analysis conclusions. The importance of having an adequate KT width around implants was confirmed by this review; adequate KT was significantly associated with less peri-implant inflammation evaluated qualitatively with mGI/GI. No difference was found for plaque accumulation and bleeding, but a positive trend was found favoring implants with adequate KT.

How many times 125I seed implantation brachytherapy can be repeated for pulmonary metastases: clinical efficacy and complications.

PurposeThe aim of the study was to determine how many times iodine-125 (125I) seed brachytherapy (ISB) for recurrent pulmonary metastases (RPM) can be done, and the clinical efficacy and complications of repeated ISB in RPM treatment.Material and methodsBetween September 2013 and August 2018, 18 patients with RPM, after conventional chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and trans-arterial chemoembolization, received CT-guided repeated ISB. Patients were followed up, and local control, survival, and post-operative complications were analyzed retrospectively. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analyses.ResultsEighty-two metastases in 18 patients were treated with ISB, with 71 implantations (mean number of implantations per patient, 4; range, 3-8). The total number of implanted 125I seeds was 1,220 (mean number per patient, 68; minimum, 40; maximum, 110). The mean value of D90 for ISB was 138 Gy. Local control was 91.46%, 90.24%, and 89.02% at 1, 3, and 6 months after ISB, respectively. After repeated ISB, good local control was achieved, and all patients were discharged from hospital within 3 days. One month after, six metastases of large diameter were treated with ISB; computed tomography revealed level 1 radioactive injury to the lungs, but special treatment was not administered. Post-operative renal, hepatic, and vascular functions were normal.ConclusionsISB for RPM is safe and efficacious. RPM treatment seems not to be limited by number of times ISB could be repeated; at least up to 8 times for different sites of lung.

Dexamethasone Implants in Diabetic Macular Edema Patients with High Visual Acuity

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implants in patients affected by diabetic macular edema (DME) with high best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and contraindications to therapy with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor over a 12-month follow-up. Methods: In this interventional nonrandomized clinical study, 14 consecutive patients (14 eyes) affected by DME with a BCVA of 0.3 LogMAR or better were prospectively enrolled. All patients were treated with a sustained-release 700-μg DEX implant at baseline, revaluated every 6 weeks, and retreated on a pro re nata basis. Primary outcomes included changes in BCVA and central macular thickness (CMT). Secondary outcomes included number of implants, average period between injections, and incidence of side effects. Results: At the 12-month examination, a significant improvement in mean BCVA was noted compared to baseline (from 0.25 ± 0.05 to 0.10 ± 0.07 LogMAR; p < 0.001); CMT decreased from 484 ± 127 to 311 ± 51 μm (p < 0.001). No differences in BCVA and CMT improvements were found between treatment- naïve patients and previously treated patients (p = 0.768 and 0.119, respectively). The mean number of implants was 1.71 ± 0.61 (range, 1-3). The mean period between the first and the second implant was 6.1 ± 1.6 months. Conclusions: The DEX implant on a pro re nata basis can be considered a beneficial approach for DME patients with high BCVA over a 12-month follow-up; functional and anatomical outcome of the patients significantly improved with few injections and a good safety profile.

Altered spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis and suppressed fertility in adult male rats exposed to genistein, a non-steroidal phytoestrogen during embryonic development

This article focuses on the effects of prenatal exposure to genistein on the mother, her pregnancy and reproductive functions of the male progeny, since these issues have ethological relevance in both animals and humans. Pregnant Wistar rats received i.p. injections of genistein at a dose level of 2, 20 or 100 mg/kg body weight daily from 12th to 19th day of gestation. Male pups from control and genistein exposed animals were weaned and allowed to develop until 100 days of age; however, when they were 90 days old, twelve males from each group were cohabited with untreated 90-day old females for 8 days. Results revealed a significant decrease in indices of reproductive organs in adult male rats exposed to genistein during embryonic development. Dose dependent reduction was observed in daily sperm production and epididymal sperm density and quality in genistein treated rats. Significant decrease was observed in the activity levels of 3β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in testis of experimental rats with a decline in plasma testosterone levels. Histological examination of testis of genistein treated rats indicated deterioration in testicular architecture. In the fertility study, the mean number of implantations and live fetuses per dam mated with 100 mg genistein exposed males was reduced.

DEXAMETHASONE IMPLANT FOR MACULAR EDEMA SECONDARY TO ISCHEMIC RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSIONS

To evaluate the effects of dexamethasone implant for the treatment of macular edema secondary to ischemic retinal vein occlusions (IRVO). Consecutive patients affected by macular edema related to IRVO were prospectively recruited. After a comprehensive ophthalmological examination, including visual acuity, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography, each patient received a first implant. Further re-treatments were performed on the basis of macular edema detection from the fourth month on. The primary outcome measure was the change in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letter score at the 12-month examination. Secondary outcome measures included changes in central foveal thickness and number of implants over the follow-up. Fifteen patients with central IRVO and 14 patients with branch IRVO were recruited. The median ETDRS letter score at baseline was 10 (Snellen Equivalent 20/640) in the central IRVO subgroup, improving to 37 (Snellen Equivalent 20/200²⁺) at the 12-month examination. The median ETDRS letter score in the branch retinal vein occlusion subgroup changed from 48 (Snellen equivalent 20/125³⁺) at baseline to 62 (Snellen equivalent 20/63²⁺) at the 12-month examination. The baseline median central foveal thickness was 749 μm in central IRVO, and 459 μm in branch IRVO, improving to 363 μm and 323 μm, respectively, at the 12-month examination. Mean number of implants was 2.8 in the central IRVO and 2 in the branch IRVO. Dexamethasone implant can reduce macular edema in eyes affected by IRVO, leading to a slight improvement in visual acuity.

56th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and the World Congress of Oral Implantology 7 Abstracts, 2007

56th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and the World Congress of Oral Implantology 7 Abstracts, 2007

Effect of pentoxifylline on vascular endothelial growth factor C and flk-1 expression on endometrial implants in the rat endometriosis model

To investigate the effects of pentoxifylline, on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and flk-1 expression in the rat endometriosis model. Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Academic institution. Twenty Wistar rats with surgically induced endometriosis. Animals were evaluated after surgical induction of endometriosis and random allocation to a group that received pentoxifylline and a control group that received NaCl 0.9%, for 3 weeks. At the end of the treatment period the animals were killed and the implants evaluated macroscopically as well as by immunohistochemistry. Morphologic changes of the endometriotic implants; and evaluation of VEGF-C and flk-1 expression by a semiquantitative analysis (HSCORE) for the intensity of immunohistochemical reactivity. A significant reduction was observed in the mean volume of the endometriotic implants per animal in the treatment group as compared with the control group. There was a significant reduction not only in the mean volume of implants per animal but also in the mean number of implants per animal after treatment. By immunohistochemical evaluation (HSCORE), there was a significant reduction in VEGF-C expression after treatment in all areas examined. A significant reduction of flk-1 expression was also noted in the glandular compartment after treatment but not in the epithelial surface or stroma. Pentoxifylline may cause suppression of endometriotic lesions by suppressing angiogenesis through VEGF-C and flk-1 expression.

インプラント治療における下顎臼歯部から採取した自家頬側皮質骨移植についての検討

Molar sites of the mandible can provide larger quantities of autogenous bone than other intraoral sites. We clinically investigated the bone harvest procedure from the mandibular molar region. The subjects were 21 patients (28 regions) who underwent veneer grafting, onlay grafting, sinus lifting, or combinations of these procedures. The fragments were harvested from cortical bone in the mandibular body, and their mean size was 14.6×22.4 (range of minor axis 10-25, range of major axis 10-40) mm on each side. The fragments were used inblock or particulate form, and the platelet rich plasma was used to promote bone proliferation and avoid complications. As for the results of bone augmentation, we could obtain adequate bone volume for the placement of fixtures in all patients. The mean extent of augmentation was equivalent to 3.24 (range 1-8) teeth, and the mean number of implants placed was 2.81 (range 1-7) fixtures. Two cases of mental nerve paresthesia and 1 case of boneexposure occurred as postoperative complications. In addition, bone blocks cracked in 2 patients at the time of fixture placement. However, the outcome of all cases of implant treatment was uneventful. This preliminary modified technique for harvesting bone from the ramus was useful for bone augmentation in patients undergoing implant treatment.

Final Report of the Safety Assessment of Urea1

Although Urea is officially described as a buffering agent, humectant, and skin-conditioning agent-humectant for use in cosmetic products, there is a report stating that Urea also is used in cosmetics for its desquamating and antimicrobial action. In 2001, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that Urea was used in 239 formulations. Concentrations of use for Urea ranged from 0.01% to 10%. Urea is generally recognized as safe by FDA for the following uses: side-seam cements for food contact; an inhibitor or stabilizer in pesticide formulations and formulations applied to animals; internal sizing for paper and paperboard and surface sizing and coating of paper and paper board that contact water-in-oil dairy emulsions, low-moisture fats and oils, moist bakery products, dry solids with surface containing no free fats or oil, and dry solids with the surface of fat or oil; and to facilitate fermentation of wine. Urea is the end product of mammalian protein metabolism and the chief nitrogenous compound of urine. Urea concentrations in muscle, liver, and fetuses of rats increased after a subcutaneous injection of Urea. Urea diffused readily through the placenta and into other maternal and fetal organs. The half-life of Urea injected into rabbits was on the order of several hours, and the reutilization rate was 32.2% to 88.8%. Urea given to rats by a bolus injection or continuous infusion resulted in distribution to the following brain regions: frontal lobe, caudate nucleus, hippocampus, thalamus plus hypothalamus, pons and white matter (corpus callosum). The permeability constant after treatment with Urea of whole skin and the dermis of rabbits was 2.37 +/- 0.13 (x 10(6)) and 1.20 +/- 0.09 (x10(3)) cm/min, respectively. The absorption of Urea across normal and abraded human skin was 9.5% +/- 2.3% and 67.9% +/- 5.6%, respectively. Urea increased the skin penetration of other compounds, including hydrocortisone. No toxicity was observed for Urea at levels as high as 2000 mg/kg in acute oral studies using female rats or mice. No signs of toxicity were observed in male piglets dosed orally with up to 4 g/kg Urea for 5 days. Dogs dosed orally with 5 to 30 g/L Urea for 4 to 10 days had signs of toxicity, including weakness, anorexia, vomiting and retching, diarrhea and a decreased body temperature, which led to a deep torpor or coma. No significant microscopic changes were observed in the skin of male nude mice dermally exposed to 100% Urea for 24 h. No observable effect on fetal development was seen in rats and mice dosed orally with an aqueous solution of Urea (2000 mg/kg) on days 10 and 12 of gestation. The mean number of implants, live fetuses, percent fetal resorptions, mean fetal weight, and percent fetuses malformed were comparable to control group. A detergent containing 15% Urea was injected into pregnant ICR-JCl mice and dams and fetuses had no significant differences when compared to control animals. Urea given orally did not enhance the developmental toxicity of N-nitrosomethylurea. Female Sprague-Dawley rats injected in the uterine horn with 0.05 ml Urea on day 3 (preimplantation) or on day 7 (post implantation) exhibited no maternal mortality or morbidity; a dose-dependent reduction in embryo survival was seen with preimplantation treatment. Urea injected intra-amniotically induces mid-trimester abortions in humans. Urea was not genotoxic in several bacterial and mammalian assays; although in assays where Urea was used at a high concentration, genotoxicity was found, many in in vitro assays. Urea is commonly used in studies of DNA because it causes uncoiling of DNA molecules. Urea was not carcinogenic in Fisher 344 rats or C57B1/6 mice fed diets containing up to 4.5% Urea. Exposure of normal human skin to 60% Urea produced no significant irritation in one study, but 5% Urea was slightly irritating and 20% Urea was irritating in other reports. Burning sensations are the most frequently reported effect of Urea used alone or with other agents in treatment of diseased skin. Overall, there are few reports of sensitization among the many clinical studies that report use of Urea in treatment of diseased skin. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel determined the data provided in this report to be sufficient to assess the safety of Urea. The Panel did note that Urea can cause uncoiling of DNA, a property used in many DNA studies, but concluded that this in vitro activity is not linked to any in vivo genotoxic activity. Although noting that formulators should be aware that Urea can increase the percutaneous absorption of other chemicals, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that Urea is safe as used in cosmetic products.

Stavudine effects on rat pregnancy outcome.

Stavudine is an inhibitor of HIV reverse transcriptase and acts as a chain terminator during DNA synthesis. The aim of the study presented here was to evaluate the effects of stavudine during rat pregnancy. Female rats were randomly divided into four treatment groups: GI (treated with the drug vehicle); GII; GIII; and GIV (treated with 1, 3 or 9 mg/kg of stavudine, respectively) (n = 25 pregnant rats for every group). Rats were treated by gavage once daily. The treatment period extended from day 0 until the 20th day of pregnancy. Body weights were recorded weekly during this period. At term, the rats were sacrificed, and the implantation sites and number of fetuses and resorptions were recorded. The fetuses were evaluated for external abnormalities under a stereomicroscope. No differences in body weight gain between the groups were observed. The mean number of implantations per dam in stavudine-treated groups was higher than in the control group (P < 0.05); however, only GIII presented an increase in the mean number of resorptions compared to the other groups (P < 0.01). The resorption/implantation rate was higher in the GII group and lower in the GIV group as compared to the other groups. Neither the mean fetal weights nor the placental weights differed significantly among the groups. No external anomalies were observed at dissection in rat fetuses, placentae or uteri. Rat pregnancy outcome seems to be affected by stavudine, mainly with respect to the mechanisms of intrauterine concept survival.

Computer-aided navigation in dental implantology: 7 years of clinical experience

Purpose This long-term study gives a review over 7 years of research, development, and routine clinical application of computer-aided navigation technology in dental implantology. Benefits and disadvantages of up-to-date technologies are discussed. Materials and methods In the course of the current advancement, various hardware and software configurations are used. In the initial phase, universally applicable navigation software is adapted for implantology. Since 2001, a special software module for dental implantology is available. Preoperative planning is performed on the basis of prosthetic aspects and requirements. In clinical routine use, patient and drill positions are intraoperatively registered by means of optoelectronic tracking systems; during preclinical tests, electromagnetic trackers are also used. Results In 7 years (1995 to 2002), 55 patients with 327 dental implants were successfully positioned with computer-aided navigation technology. The mean number of implants per patient was 6 (minimum, 1; maximum, 11). No complications were observed; the preoperative planning could be exactly realized. The average expenditure of time for the preparation of a surgical intervention with navigation decreased from 2 to 3 days in the initial phase to one-half day in clinical routine use with software that is optimized for dental implantology. Conclusions The use of computer-aided navigation technology can contribute to considerable quality improvement. Preoperative planning is exactly realized and intraoperative safety is increased, because damage to nerves or neighboring teeth can be avoided.