IL‐27 Signaling Deficiency Develops Th17‐enhanced Th2‐dominant Inflammation in Murine Allergic Conjunctivitis Model

Abstract

Background

While most studies focus on pro‐allergic cytokines, the protective role of immunosuppressive cytokines in allergic inflammation is not well elucidated. This study was to explore a novel anti‐inflammatory role and cellular/molecular mechanism of IL‐27 in allergic inflammation.

Methods

A murine model of experimental allergic conjunctivitis (EAC) was induced in BALB/c, C57BL/6 or IL‐27Rα deficient (WSX‐1 ^‐/‐) mice by short ragweed pollen, with untreated or PBS‐treated mice as controls. The serum, eyeballs, conjunctiva, cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) were used for study. Gene expression was determined by RT‐qPCR, protein production and activation were evaluated by immunostaining, ELISA and Western blotting.

Results

Typical allergic manifestations and stimulated TSLP signaling and Th2 responses were observed in ocular surface of EAC models in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. The decrease of IL‐27 at mRNA (IL‐27/EBI3) and protein levels were detected in serum, conjunctiva and CLN, as evaluated by RT‐qPCR, immunofluorescent staining, ELISA and Western blotting. EAC induced in WSX‐1 ^‐/‐ mice showed aggravated allergic signs with higher TSLP‐driven Th2‐dominant inflammation, accompanied by stimulated Th17 responses, including IL‐17A, IL‐17F, and transcription factor RORγt. In contrast, Th1 cytokine IFNγ and Treg marker IL‐10, with their respective transcription factors T‐bet and foxp3 were largely suppressed. Interestingly, imbalanced activation between reduced phosphor (P)‐STAT1 and stimulated P‐STAT6 were revealed in EAC, especially WSX‐1 ^‐/‐ ‐EAC mice.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrated a natural protective mechanism by IL‐27, of which signaling deficiency develops a Th17‐type hyper‐response that further aggravates Th2‐dominant Allergic Inflammation.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

from Allergy and Immunology via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Qbx8rv

Emerging concepts and challenges in implementing the exposome paradigm in allergic diseases and asthma

Abstract

Exposome research can improve the understanding of the mechanistic connections between exposures and health to help mitigate adverse health outcomes across the lifespan. The exposomic approach provides a risk profile instead of single predictors and thus is particularly applicable to allergic diseases and asthma. Under the PRACTALL collaboration between the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) we evaluated the current concepts and the unmet needs on the role of the exposome in allergic diseases and asthma.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

from Allergy and Immunology via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2RAzjlb

Urticaria control test might misevaluate disease control in particular patients treated with omalizumab

Since its effectiveness in H1-antihistamine refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) was shown, omalizumab has been increasingly used across the world. Omalizumab is licensed at a dose of 300 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks in Turkey and in the European Union[1, 2]. The urticaria activity, control and response to treatment should be assessed by a reliable and easily applicable tool during this 4 week-interval. Urticaria activity score (UAS) and urticaria control test (UCT) are two well-developed and validated patient reported outcome measures (PRO).

from Allergy and Immunology via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2G0JApq

Impact of Nasalis Muscle Repair in Unilateral Cleft Lip Patients

Although the role of nasalis muscle in the establishment of nasal deformity is well recognized; its abnormal anatomy and role in the correction of alar deformity in cleft lip patients have not been adequately studied. This work aimed to study the effect of nasalis muscle repair on the postoperative nasal symmetry.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2QFObla

Does vertical incomitance predict the diplopia outcome in orbital fracture patients? A prospective study of 188 patients

To determine the predictive value of vertical incomitance for diplopia outcome in orbital fracture patients.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2E5OIpR

Pediatric Radiology editorial board — acknowledgments and updates

from Imaging via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2UgQXfB

Imaging features of extranodal involvement in paediatric Hodgkin lymphoma

Abstract

Detecting extranodal disease in paediatric Hodgkin lymphoma is of great importance for both treatment and prognosis. Different imaging techniques can be used to identify these extranodal sites. This pictorial essay provides an overview of imaging features of extranodal disease manifestation in paediatric Hodgkin lymphoma.

from Imaging via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2B0KCMz

Developmental Shifts in Detection and Attention for Auditory, Visual, and Audiovisual Speech

Purpose

Successful speech processing depends on our ability to detect and integrate multisensory cues, yet there is minimal research on multisensory speech detection and integration by children. To address this need, we studied the development of speech detection for auditory (A), visual (V), and audiovisual (AV) input.

Method

Participants were 115 typically developing children clustered into age groups between 4 and 14 years. Speech detection (quantified by response times [RTs]) was determined for 1 stimulus, /buh/, presented in A, V, and AV modes (articulating vs. static facial conditions). Performance was analyzed not only in terms of traditional mean RTs but also in terms of the faster versus slower RTs (defined by the 1st vs. 3rd quartiles of RT distributions). These time regions were conceptualized respectively as reflecting optimal detection with efficient focused attention versus less optimal detection with inefficient focused attention due to attentional lapses.

Results

Mean RTs indicated better detection (a) of multisensory AV speech than A speech only in 4- to 5-year-olds and (b) of A and AV inputs than V input in all age groups. The faster RTs revealed that AV input did not improve detection in any group. The slower RTs indicated that (a) the processing of silent V input was significantly faster for the articulating than static face and (b) AV speech or facial input significantly minimized attentional lapses in all groups except 6- to 7-year-olds (a peaked U-shaped curve). Apparently, the AV benefit observed for mean performance in 4- to 5-year-olds arose from effects of attention.

Conclusions

The faster RTs indicated that AV input did not enhance detection in any group, but the slower RTs indicated that AV speech and dynamic V speech (mouthing) significantly minimized attentional lapses and thus did influence performance. Overall, A and AV inputs were detected consistently faster than V input; this result endorsed stimulus-bound auditory processing by these children.

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2rk5Y2H

An Eye-Tracking Study of Receptive Verb Knowledge in Toddlers

Purpose

We examined receptive verb knowledge in 22- to 24-month-old toddlers with a dynamic video eye-tracking test. The primary goal of the study was to examine the utility of eye-gaze measures that are commonly used to study noun knowledge for studying verb knowledge.

Method

Forty typically developing toddlers participated. They viewed 2 videos side by side (e.g., girl clapping, same girl stretching) and were asked to find one of them (e.g., "Where is she clapping?"). Their eye-gaze, recorded by a Tobii T60XL eye-tracking system, was analyzed as a measure of their knowledge of the verb meanings. Noun trials were included as controls. We examined correlations between eye-gaze measures and score on the MacArthur–Bates Communicative Development Inventories (CDI; Fenson et al., 1994), a standard parent report measure of expressive vocabulary to see how well various eye-gaze measures predicted CDI score.

Results

A common measure of knowledge—a 15% increase in looking time to the target video from a baseline phase to the test phase—did correlate with CDI score but operationalized differently for verbs than for nouns. A 2nd common measure, latency of 1st look to the target, correlated with CDI score for nouns, as in previous work, but did not for verbs. A 3rd measure, fixation density, correlated for both nouns and verbs, although the correlation went in different directions.

Conclusions

The dynamic nature of videos depicting verb knowledge results in differences in eye-gaze as compared to static images depicting nouns. An eye-tracking assessment of verb knowledge is worthwhile to develop. However, the particular dependent measures used may be different than those used for static images and nouns.

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2rkGZfG

Modifying and Validating a Measure of Chronic Stress for People With Aphasia

Purpose

Chronic stress is likely a common experience among people with the language impairment of aphasia. Importantly, chronic stress reportedly alters the neural networks central to learning and memory—essential ingredients of aphasia rehabilitation. Before we can explore the influence of chronic stress on rehabilitation outcomes, we must be able to measure chronic stress in this population. The purpose of this study was to (a) modify a widely used measure of chronic stress (Perceived Stress Scale [PSS]; Cohen & Janicki-Deverts, 2012) to fit the communication needs of people with aphasia (PWA) and (b) validate the modified PSS (mPSS) with PWA.

Method

Following systematic modification of the PSS (with permission), 72 PWA completed the validation portion of the study. Each participant completed the mPSS, measures of depression, anxiety, and resilience, and provided a sample of the stress hormone cortisol extracted from the hair. Pearson's product–moment correlations were used to examine associations between mPSS scores and these measures. Approximately 30% of participants completed the mPSS 1 week later to establish test–retest reliability, analyzed using an interclass correlation coefficient.

Results

Significant positive correlations were evident between the reports of chronic stress and depression and anxiety. In addition, a significant inverse correlation was found between reports of chronic stress and resilience. The mPSS also showed evidence of test–retest reliability. No association was found between mPSS score and cortisol level.

Conclusion

Although questions remain about the biological correlates of chronic stress in people with poststroke aphasia, significant associations between chronic stress and several psychosocial variables provide evidence of validity of this emerging measure of chronic stress.

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2G005SG

Frequencies in Perception and Production Differentially Affect Child Speech

Purpose

Frequent sounds and frequent words are both acquired at an earlier age and are produced by children more accurately. Recent research suggests that frequency is not always a facilitative concept, however. Interactions between input frequency in perception and practice frequency in production may limit or inhibit growth. In this study, we consider how a range of input frequencies affect production accuracy and referent identification.

Method

Thirty-three typically developing 3- and 4-year-olds participated in a novel word-learning task. In the initial test block, participants heard nonwords 1, 3, 6, or 10 times—produced either by a single talker or by multiple talkers—and then produced them immediately. In a posttest, participants heard all nonwords just once and then produced them. Referent identification was probed in between the test and posttest.

Results

Production accuracy was most clearly facilitated by an input frequency of 3 during the test block. Input frequency interacted with production practice, and the facilitative effect of input frequency did not carry over to the posttest. Talker variability did not affect accuracy, regardless of input frequency. The referent identification results did not favor talker variability or a particular input frequency value, but participants were able to learn the words at better than chance levels.

Conclusions

The results confirm that the input can be facilitative, but input frequency and production practice interact in ways that limit input-based learning, and more input is not always better. Future research on this interaction may allow clinicians to optimize various types of frequency commonly used during therapy.

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2rn6Sf0

Individualized Patient Vocal Priorities for Tailored Therapy

Purpose

The purposes of this study are to introduce the concept of vocal priorities based on acoustic correlates, to develop an instrument to determine these vocal priorities, and to analyze the pattern of vocal priorities in patients with voice disorders.

Method

Questions probing the importance of 5 vocal attributes (vocal clarity, loudness, mean speaking pitch, pitch range, vocal endurance) were generated from consensus conference involving speech-language pathologists, laryngologists, and voice scientists, as well as patient feedback. The responses to the preliminary items from 213 subjects were subjected to exploratory factor analysis, which confirmed 4 of the predefined domains. The final instrument consisted of a 16-item Vocal Priority Questionnaire probing the relative importance of clarity, loudness, mean speaking pitch, and pitch range.

Results

The Vocal Priority Questionnaire had high reliability (Cronbach's α = .824) and good construct validity. A majority of the cohort (61%) ranked vocal clarity as their highest vocal priority, and 20%, 12%, and 7% ranked loudness, mean speaking pitch, and pitch range, respectively, as their highest priority. The frequencies of the highest ranked priorities did not differ by voice diagnosis or by sex. Considerable individual variation in vocal priorities existed within these large trends.

Conclusions

A patient's vocal priorities can be identified and taken into consideration in planning behavioral or surgical intervention for a voice disorder. Inclusion of vocal priorities in treatment planning empowers the patient in shared decision making, helps the clinician tailor treatment, and may also improve therapy compliance.

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2FX4QfG

The Effects of Static and Moving Spectral Ripple Sensitivity on Unaided and Aided Speech Perception in Noise

Purpose

This study evaluated whether certain spectral ripple conditions were more informative than others in predicting ecologically relevant unaided and aided speech outcomes.

Method

A quasi-experimental study design was used to evaluate 67 older adult hearing aid users with bilateral, symmetrical hearing loss. Speech perception in noise was tested under conditions of unaided and aided, auditory-only and auditory–visual, and 2 types of noise. Predictors included age, audiometric thresholds, audibility, hearing aid compression, and modulation depth detection thresholds for moving (4-Hz) or static (0-Hz) 2-cycle/octave spectral ripples applied to carriers of broadband noise or 2000-Hz low- or high-pass filtered noise.

Results

A principal component analysis of the modulation detection data found that broadband and low-pass static and moving ripple detection thresholds loaded onto the first factor whereas high-pass static and moving ripple detection thresholds loaded onto a second factor. A linear mixed model revealed that audibility and the first factor (reflecting broadband and low-pass static and moving ripples) were significantly associated with speech perception performance. Similar results were found for unaided and aided speech scores. The interactions between speech conditions were not significant, suggesting that the relationship between ripples and speech perception was consistent regardless of visual cues or noise condition. High-pass ripple sensitivity was not correlated with speech understanding.

Conclusions

The results suggest that, for hearing aid users, poor speech understanding in noise and sensitivity to both static and slow-moving ripples may reflect deficits in the same underlying auditory processing mechanism. Significant factor loadings involving ripple stimuli with low-frequency content may suggest an impaired ability to use temporal fine structure information in the stimulus waveform. Support is provided for the use of spectral ripple testing to predict speech perception outcomes in clinical settings.

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2rgXycC

The Relationship Between Non-Orthographic Language Abilities and Reading Performance in Chronic Aphasia: An Exploration of the Primary Systems Hypothesis

Purpose

This study investigated the relationship between non-orthographic language abilities and reading in order to examine assumptions of the primary systems hypothesis and further our understanding of language processing poststroke.

Method

Performance on non-orthographic semantic, phonologic, and syntactic tasks, as well as oral reading and reading comprehension tasks, was assessed in 43 individuals with aphasia. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between these measures. In addition, analyses of variance examined differences within and between reading groups (within normal limits, phonological, deep, or global alexia).

Results

Results showed that non-orthographic language abilities were significantly related to reading abilities. Semantics was most predictive of regular and irregular word reading, whereas phonology was most predictive of pseudohomophone and nonword reading. Written word and paragraph comprehension were primarily supported by semantics, whereas written sentence comprehension was related to semantic, phonologic, and syntactic performance. Finally, severity of alexia was found to reflect severity of semantic and phonologic impairment.

Conclusions

Findings support the primary systems view of language by showing that non-orthographic language abilities and reading abilities are closely linked. This preliminary work requires replication and extension; however, current results highlight the importance of routine, integrated assessment and treatment of spoken and written language in aphasia.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.7403963

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2FX4LZq

Language Skill Mediates the Relationship Between Language Load and Articulatory Variability in Children With Language and Speech Sound Disorders

Purpose

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between language load and articulatory variability in children with language and speech sound disorders, including childhood apraxia of speech.

Method

Forty-six children, ages 48–92 months, participated in the current study, including children with speech sound disorder, developmental language disorder (aka specific language impairment), childhood apraxia of speech, and typical development. Children imitated (low language load task) then retrieved (high language load task) agent + action phrases. Articulatory variability was quantified using speech kinematics. We assessed language status and speech status (typical vs. impaired) in relation to articulatory variability.

Results

All children showed increased articulatory variability in the retrieval task compared with the imitation task. However, only children with language impairment showed a disproportionate increase in articulatory variability in the retrieval task relative to peers with typical language skills.

Conclusion

Higher-level language processes affect lower-level speech motor control processes, and this relationship appears to be more strongly mediated by language than speech skill.

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2G1UThf

Basic Measures of Prosody in Spontaneous Speech of Children With Early and Late Cochlear Implantation

Purpose

Relative to normally hearing (NH) peers, the speech of children with cochlear implants (CIs) has been found to have deviations such as a high fundamental frequency, elevated jitter and shimmer, and inadequate intonation. However, two important dimensions of prosody (temporal and spectral) have not been systematically investigated. Given that, in general, the resolution in CI hearing is best for the temporal dimension and worst for the spectral dimension, we expected this hierarchy to be reflected in the amount of CI speech's deviation from NH speech. Deviations, however, were expected to diminish with increasing device experience.

Method

Of 9 Dutch early- and late-implanted (division at 2 years of age) children and 12 hearing age-matched NH controls, spontaneous speech was recorded at 18, 24, and 30 months after implantation (CI) or birth (NH). Six spectral and temporal outcome measures were compared between groups, sessions, and genders.

Results

On most measures, interactions of Group and/or Gender with Session were significant. For CI recipients as compared with controls, performance on temporal measures was not in general more deviant than spectral measures, although differences were found for individual measures. The late-implanted group had a tendency to be closer to the NH group than the early-implanted group. Groups converged over time.

Conclusions

Results did not support the phonetic dimension hierarchy hypothesis, suggesting that the appropriateness of the production of basic prosodic measures does not depend on auditory resolution. Rather, it seems to depend on the amount of control necessary for speech production.

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2rjDqqj

UW researchers help take major step in study of elusive bacteria

Two University of Washington researchers and their colleagues have helped take a significant step forward in the study of especially tiny bacteria that may be linked to gum disease.

The post UW researchers help take major step in study of elusive bacteria appeared first on UW School of Dentistry.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2BRln0Q

Safety and Tolerability of Pharyngeal High-Resolution Manometry

Purpose

Pharyngeal high-resolution manometry is an emerging practice for diagnosis of swallowing disorders in the upper aerodigestive tract. Advancement of a catheter through the upper esophageal sphincter may introduce safety considerations. There are no published studies of catheter placement complications, side effects, or tolerability. This study examines patient-reported side effects and tolerability of pharyngeal high-resolution manometry.

Method

Data were collected prospectively from 133 adult patients who underwent pharyngeal high-resolution manometry for the 1st time. Patients rated tolerability specific to "nose" and "throat" using a visual analog scale for 4 procedure time points: catheter passage, during the procedure, catheter removal, and after the procedure. Complications during catheter passage and removal were recorded. A telephone call was placed to the patient within 6 days to survey side effects experienced after the procedure.

Results

The patient sample was composed of 91 males and 42 females with a mean age of 66 years (SD = 14.4). Tolerability scores for catheter passage showed no significant difference (p = .7288) in the nose versus throat. Tolerability for females was significantly less (p = .0144) than that for males. Participants with the shortest procedure duration showed greatest discomfort in the nose (p = .0592) and throat (p = .0286). Complications included gag response (14%), emesis (2%), and epistaxis (< 1%). Side effects included sore throat (16%), nose discomfort (16%), coughing (11 %), nosebleed (4%), and nausea/vomiting (4%).

Conclusions

High-resolution manometry appears to have high patient tolerability with low incidence of side effects. Rates of complications and side effects are similar to those reported for other transnasal procedures.

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Ee3yLC

Estimates of the Prevalence of Speech and Motor Speech Disorders in Youth With 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

Purpose

Speech sound disorders and velopharyngeal dysfunction are frequent features of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q). We report the first estimate of the prevalence of motor speech disorders (MSDs) in youth with 22q.

Method

Seventeen children and adolescents with 22q completed an assessment protocol that included a conversational speech sample. Data reduction included phonetic transcription, perceptual speech ratings, prosody-voice coding, and acoustic analyses. Data analyses included 3 motor speech measures and a cross-classification analytic. Prevalence estimates of speech and MSDs in youth with 22q were compared with estimates in speakers with other complex neurodevelopmental disorders: Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and galactosemia.

Results

Results indicated that 58.8% of the participants with 22q met criteria for speech delay, and 82.4% of the participants met criteria for MSDs, including 29.4% with speech motor delay, 29.4% with childhood dysarthria, 11.8% with childhood apraxia of speech, and 11.8% with concurrent childhood dysarthria and childhood apraxia of speech. MSDs were not significantly associated with velopharyngeal dysfunction.

Conclusions

In summary, 82.4% of the participants with 22q met criteria for 1 of 4 MSDs, predominantly speech motor delay and childhood dysarthria. Cross-validation of the present findings would support viewing MSDs as a core phenotypic feature of 22q.

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2St2s1O

The Effects of Speech Compression Algorithms on the Intelligibility of Two Individuals With Dysarthric Speech

Purpose

Telemedicine, used to offset disparities in access to speech-language therapy, relies on technology that utilizes compression algorithms to transmit signals efficiently. These algorithms have been thoroughly evaluated on healthy speech; however, the effects of compression algorithms on the intelligibility of disordered speech have not been adequately explored.

Method

This case study assessed acoustic and perceptual effects of resampling and speech compression (i.e., transcoding) on the speech of 2 individuals with dysarthria. Forced-choice vowel identification and transcription tasks were utilized, completed by 20 naive undergraduate listeners.

Results

Results showed relative improvements and decrements in intelligibility, on various measures, based on the speakers' acoustic profiles. The transcoding of the speech compression algorithm resulted in an enlarged vowel space area and associated improvements in vowel identification for 1 speaker and a smaller vowel space area and decreased vowel identification for the other speaker. Interestingly, there was an overall decrease in intelligibility in the transcription task in this condition for both speakers.

Conclusions

There is a complex interplay between dysarthria and compression algorithms that warrants further exploration. The findings suggest that it is critical to be mindful of apparent changes in intelligibility secondary to compression algorithms necessary for practicing telemedicine.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.7291940

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Efy73o

Chemical analysis of in vivo –irradiated dentine of head and neck cancer patients by ATR-FTIR and Raman spectroscopy

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of in vivo radiotherapy on the chemical properties of human dentine by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman analysis.

Materials and methods

Chemical composition was evaluated comparing control and irradiated group (n = 8). Irradiated teeth were obtained from radiotherapy patients subjected to fractionated X-ray radiation of 1.8 Gy daily totaling 72 Gy. The teeth were sectioned according to the type of dentine (crown or root dentine), obtaining 3-mm dentine cervical slices. The analyzed parameters by FTIR and Raman spectroscopies were mineral/matrix ratio (M:M), carbonate/mineral ratio (C:M), amide I/amide III ratio, and amide I/CH₂ ratio. Raman also calculated the phosphate and carbonate crystallinity.

Results

FTIR revealed that M:M had a decrease in both factors (p = 0.008; p = 0.043, respectively) and root dentine showed a lower C:M in the irradiated group (p = 0.003). Raman revealed a higher phosphate crystallinity and a lower carbonate crystallinity in crown dentine of irradiated group (p = 0.021; p = 0.039). For amide I/amide III, the irradiated showed a lower ratio when compared to the control group (FTIR p = 0.002; Raman p = 0.017). For amide I/CH₂, the root dentine showed a higher ratio than the crown dentine in both methods (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Radiotherapy altered the chemical composition of human dentine. The exchange of phosphate-carbonate ions in the hydroxyapatite and higher concentration of organic components was found after radiotherapy.

Clinical relevance

The increased risk of radiation-related caries in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy is due not only to salivary, dietary, and microbiological changes but also to changes in tooth chemical composition.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Uh0eUH

Vocal Health, Voice Self-concept and Quality of Life in German School Teachers

For school teachers, the voice is a mandatory occupational tool during teaching. Several studies, however, proved that teachers are at high risk of developing voice disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the voice health, voice self-concept, and quality of life in German teachers.

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2QcLEiU

The Clinical Course of Idiopathic Bilateral Vocal Fold Motion Impairment in Adults: Case Series and Review of the Literature

Steps for assessment and successful management of bilateral vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) are (1) recognition of its presence, (2) identifying the etiology and factors restricting vocal fold motion, (3) evaluation of airway patency, and (4) establishing a management plan. No large series documenting the course and outcome of adult idiopathic bilateral VFMI has been published within the past 15 years.

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2RBkGxN

The Prevalence of Self-Reported Voice Disorders in Israel

Data on the prevalence of voice disorders is vital in order to describe and understand the phenomenon. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of voice disorders in Israel, and perform a preliminary comparison between the two major societies in the country.

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2QaQQUi

The “Morning Voice”: The Effect of 24 Hours of Sleep Deprivation on Vocal Parameters of Young Adults

Fatigue following sleep deprivation adversely affects various aspects of human performance. It also induces recognizable voice changes, but the literature is inconsistent regarding their nature. The current study used acoustical analyses to assess the effect of 24 hours of sleep deprivation on vocal parameters of young adults. Forty-seven participants (23 females and 24 males) were tested after nocturnal sleep and after 24 hours of sleep deprivation. Different voice samples were recorded (sustained phonation, words, and sentences) and analyzed for fundamental frequency (F0, in Hz), vocal intensity (in dB), harmonic-noise ratio (HNR, in dB), jitter, and shimmer (in %).

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2RxO0Ft

Comparison of clinical outcomes of treatment of dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint between conventional and ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis

Patients with disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) who do not respond to non-operative treatment may require invasive procedures such as arthrocentesis and arthroscopy. We divided 80 patients with dysfunction of the TMJ into two groups: a control group who were treated by conventional arthrocentesis, and an experimental group who were treated by ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis. Both groups were monitored three days, one week, and one month postoperatively and the clinical outcomes compared.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2QbYopS

Comparison of retroauricular and small transcervical approaches for endoscopic-assisted selective neck dissection: a cadaveric study

Advances in endoscopic-assisted neck surgery have allowed surgeons to conceal the scars via various approaches. However, studies comparing the approaches are still rare. The aim of this study was to comparatively analyze the feasibility and oncological outcomes of the retroauricular approach (RA) and the small transcervical approach (STC) for endoscopic-assisted selective neck dissection (EASND). Five fresh cadavers were recruited. EASND was performed via RA on one side and via STC on the contralateral side of each of the cadavers.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2QH4XAp

Analysis of an in-house technique for temporary mandibulotomy and its impact on postoperative radiotherapy

The purpose of this study was to describe a newly developed procedure for temporary mandibulotomy and subsequent osteosynthesis. Clinical outcomes were evaluated, including complications and the impact on postoperative treatment, particularly postoperative radiotherapy. Twenty-four patients underwent temporary mandibulotomies for the surgical resection of malignancies located in the posterior oral or oropharyngeal region. All were treated with postoperative radiotherapy. An angulated median mandibulotomy was followed by osteosynthesis with three anchor screws directed towards the inferior aspect of the mandible.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2E2CePp

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems: Oral Health Implications and Oral Cancer Risk

Abstract

There is a paucity of evidence surrounding the potential detrimental effects of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) for both systemic and oral health. The effects of conventional cigarettes on the development of oral cancer are well known, however the role of ENDS in oral carcinogenesis is yet to be elucidated. Furthermore, the exponential rise of the use of ENDS by the general public means that dental healthcare providers are more likely to encounter questions on their safety in the oral cavity, and on their effectiveness as a smoking cessation aid. Herein, we review the most up to date literature on the systemic and oral health complications of ENDS. Moreover, evidence‐based recommendations on the use of ENDS as a smoking cessation tool within the dental setting are discussed.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2QGMfZH

Issue Information

from Allergy and Immunology via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Qx9jd8

Defining quality in chronic rhinosinusitis management

from Allergy and Immunology via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2E0EyXl

Science in endoscopic cranial base, rhinology, and allergy

from Allergy and Immunology via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2QzqLh4

Biomechanically stimulated chondrocytes promote osteoclastic bone resorption in the mandibular condyle

Publication date: Available online 3 December 2018

Source: Archives of Oral Biology

Author(s): Bin Kuang, Zhaobin Zeng, Qing Qin

Abstract

Objective

Chondrocyte signaling is important in osteoclastic bone resorption in mice tibiae. The present study aimed to test whether biomechanically stimulated chondrocytes promote osteoclastic bone resorption in the mandibular condyle.

Methods

Primary chondrocytes isolated from rat condylar cartilage were stimulated by fluid flow shear stress (FSS) for 30, 60, 120 min at intensities of 10, 20, or 30 dynes/cm². The levels of pro-osteoclastic factors and pro-osteoclastic function of FSS-stimulated chondrocytes were tested. Abnormal molar occlusion was established in rats, and the relationship between cartilage degeneration and osteoclastogenesis in the subchondral bone of the mandibular condyle, and the expression of pro-osteoclastic factors in condylar cartilage, were evaluated.

Results

The mRNA and protein levels of SDF-1 and TGFβ-1 increased significantly in all FSS-treated groups; the levels of RANKL and RANKL:OPG increased in all intensities and in 60 and 120 min of FSS; and those of Wnt5 A increased in all time-points and in 20 and 30 dynes/cm² of FSS-treated groups (all compared with their levels the controls; P < 0.05). The percent area of degenerative cartilage changes correlated positively with osteoclast number and osteoclast surface/bone surface in the mandibular condyles of abnormal occlusion rats (P < 0.05). Abnormal occlusion increased the immune-positive area and the mRNA expression levels of Sdf1, Tgfb1, Rankl, Wnt5a and the RANKL:OPG ratio in rat condylar cartilage compared with those in the controls (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Chondrocytes under mechanical stimulation could express higher levels of pro-osteoclastic factors and induced condylar subchondral bone resorption by promoting osteoclastogenesis.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2KTbNgx

Methylation status of SFRP1, SFRP2, RASSF1A, RARβ and DAPK1 genes in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma

Publication date: Available online 3 December 2018

Source: Archives of Oral Biology

Author(s): Joanna Katarzyna Strzelczyk, Łukasz Krakowczyk, Aleksander Jerzy Owczarek

Abstract

Our study assessed the methylation status of the SFRP1, SFRP2, RASSF1 A, RARβ and DAPK1 genes, which are associated with epigenetic silencing in cancers. In a group of 75 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma, aberrant methylation was detected using methylation-specific PCR in tumours and matched margins. Our results showed significantly higher methylation frequency in tumours than in surgical margin of SFRP2 (26.6% vs 11.9%, p < 0.05) and DAPK1 (65.3% vs 41.3%, p < 0.01) genes. Moreover, methylation of the SFRP1 and DAPK1 genes was associated with older age. Advanced tumour stages were associated with lower rates of SFRP1 gene methylation. Decreased methylation levels of the SFRP2 and RASSF1 A genes were associated with positive N stage. On the contrary, lymph node metastasis were associated with higher methylation rates of RARβ and DAPK1 genes. Patients with a familial history of cancer were associated with more frequently methylated SFRP1, SFRP2 and DAPK1 genes. Hypermethylation of DAPK1 was associated with decreased risk of death in patients. Our results are suggestive, although not conclusive, that some epigenetic changes, especially frequent hypermethylation of SFRP2 and DAPK1 genes, can be useful as potential diagnostic biomarkers of oral cavity cancer. Moreover, estimating the methylation status in surgical margins could become an additional strategy for more accurate treatment methods. Further efforts are needed to identify and validate this finding on a larger patient group and using new advanced methylation testing methods.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2BPtxXr

Relationship between vitamin D and chronic spontaneous urticaria: a systematic review

Vitamin D has been reported to be associated with many allergic diseases. There are a limited number of the studies of vitamin D supplementation in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). This study...

from Allergy and Immunology via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2KS88zG

Orthognathic Surgery in “Older” Adults with Hemi-Mandibular Elongation: Long-Term Occlusion Outcomes

Publication date: Available online 3 December 2018

Source: Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery

Author(s): Jeffrey C. Posnick, Anish Chavda, Brian E. Kinard

Summary

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe a consecutive series of subjects with HME who underwent orthognathic correction after 26 years of age. The investigators hypothesized that for this group of HME subjects, bimaxillary orthognathic correction would result in a favorable initial and long-term occlusion.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study was implemented. The sample included a consecutive series of HME subjects > 26 years of age undergoing bimaxillary osteotomies. The outcome variables were the achievement and maintenance of a corrected occlusion after surgery. We compared the occlusion at intervals before surgery (T₁), 5 weeks postoperatively (T₂), >2 years after surgery (T₃). Descriptive and bivariate statistics were calculated. P<0.05 was considered significant.

Results

13 subjects met inclusion criteria with a mean age of 36 years. All subjects underwent maxillary advancement. All subjects underwent mandibular surgery with 92% receiving advancement. Sixty-nine percent of subjects had a maxillary occlusal cant. In 12 of 13 subjects, a favorable occlusion was maintained long-term (T₃) after surgery.

Conclusion

We confirmed that bimaxillary orthognathic surgery in HME subjects >26 years of age results in a favorable initial occlusion which is maintained long-term. These findings are similar to that previously reported in HME subjects <26 years of age.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Q9rF4o

Development process of traumatic heterotopic ossification of the temporomandibular joint in mice

Publication date: Available online 3 December 2018

Source: Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery

Author(s): Yan Zhao, Pengchao Liu, Qiming Chen, Ningjuan Ouyang, Yuheng Lin, Wenbin Zhang, Jiewen Dai, Guofang Shen

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2RAx2GA

Coincidence of craniocerebral and craniofacial injuries

Publication date: Available online 3 December 2018

Source: Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery

Author(s): Bartłomiej Błaszczyk, Maciej Studziński, Piotr Ładziński

Abstract

Purpose

To determine the incidence of craniocerebral injuries in patients who experienced upper facial or midfacial traumas associated with the disorders of consciousness. To find which types of craniofacial traumas predisposed to craniocerebral injuries. To analyze a relationship between the site of the force application and the type of resultant craniocerebral injury.

Materials and methods

The study included 3,481 patients with upper facial and midfacial traumas. All 425 patients with craniofacial traumas and disorders of consciousness at the time of the event or hospital admission, were qualified for computed tomography (CT) of the head.

Results

In 85/425 patients (20%), 70 men and 15 women (age 14-71 years), craniofacial trauma coincided with a craniocerebral injury. Upper facial dislocation and zygomatic-orbital-maxillary complex fracture significantly more often co-existed with skull, dura mater or cranial nerve injuries, and zygomatico-orbital fracture with the injuries of the brain. Application of force both centrally and laterally to the horizontal plane predisposed to skull, dura mater and cranial nerve injuries.

Conclusion

The recommendation to perform head CT in each patient with craniofacial trauma who experienced the disorders of consciousness is as simple as possible, yet provides high diagnostic sensitivity, facilitating proper management at initial stages post-injury.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Q9rypu

The Protective Effects of Levo-Tetrahydropalmatine on ConA-Induced Liver Injury Are via TRAF6/JNK Signaling

Aims. Levo-tetrahydropalmatine (L-THP) is an active ingredient of Corydalis yanhusuo W. T. Wang, which has many bioactive properties. Herein, we investigated the protective effects of L-THP on concanavalin A- (ConA-) induced hepatitis in mice and explored its possible mechanisms of these effects. Main Methods. Balb/c mice were intravenously injected with 25 mg/kg ConA to generate a model of acute autoimmune hepatitis, and L-THP (20 or 40 mg/kg) was administered orally once daily for 5 d before the ConA injection. The liver enzyme levels, proinflammatory cytokine levels, and other marker protein levels were determined 2, 8, and 24 h after ConA injection. Results. L-THP could decrease serum liver enzymes and pathological damage by reducing the release of inflammatory factors like IL-6 and TNF-α. The results of Western Blot and PCR indicated that L-THP could ameliorate liver cell apoptosis and autophagy. L-THP could suppress T lymphocyte proliferation and the production of TNF-α and IL-6 induced by ConA in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Additionally, the protective functions of L-THP depended on downregulating TRAF6/JNK signaling. Conclusion. The present study indicated that L-THP attenuated acute liver injury in ConA-induced autoimmune hepatitis by inhibiting apoptosis and autophagy via the TRAF6/JNK pathway.

from Imaging via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2QBKYCS

Using Hyperpolarized Xenon-129 MRI to Quantify Early-Stage Lung Disease in Smokers

Publication date: Available online 3 December 2018

Source: Academic Radiology

Author(s): Kai Ruppert, Kun Qing, James T. Patrie, Talissa A. Altes, John P. Mugler

Rationale and Objectives

Hyperpolarized xenon-129 magnetic resonance (MR) provides sensitive tools that may detect early stages of lung disease in smokers before it has progressed to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) apparent to conventional spirometric measures. We hypothesized that the functional alveolar wall thickness as assessed by hyperpolarized xenon-129 MR spectroscopy would be elevated in clinically healthy smokers before xenon MR diffusion measurements would indicate emphysematous tissue destruction.

Materials and Methods

Using hyperpolarized xenon-129 MR we measured the functional septal wall thickness and apparent diffusion coefficient of the gas phase in 16 subjects with smoking-related COPD, 9 clinically healthy current or former smokers, and 10 healthy never smokers. All subjects were age-matched and characterized by conventional pulmonary function tests. A total of 11 data sets from younger healthy never smokers were added to determine the age dependence of the septal wall thickness measurements.

Results

In healthy never smokers the septal wall thickness increased by 0.04 μm per year of age. The healthy smoker cohort exhibited normal pulmonary function test measures that did not significantly differ from the never-smoker cohort. The age-corrected septal wall thickness correlated well with diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (R² = 0.56) and showed a highly significant difference between healthy subjects and COPD patients (8.8 μm vs 12.3 μm; p < 0.001), but was the only measure that actually discriminated healthy subjects from healthy smokers (8.8 μm vs 10.6 μm; p < 0.006).

Conclusion

Functional alveolar wall thickness assessed by hyperpolarized xenon-129 MR allows discrimination between healthy subjects and healthy smokers and could become a powerful new measure of early-stage lung disease.

from Imaging via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2UdeMF0

Constricting the Radiologic Lexicon: An Orwellian Errand?

Publication date: Available online 3 December 2018

Source: Academic Radiology

Author(s): Benjamin R. Gray, Richard B. Gunderman

from Imaging via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2AUvr7g

Esthetic tunnel exposure: A combination technique for peri-implant soft tissue development at second-stage surgery

Publication date: Available online 4 December 2018

Source: The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry

Author(s): Howard Gluckman, Maurice Salama, Jonathan Du Toit

Abstract

An esthetically pleasing result is the product of both prosthetic excellence and the health and quality of the soft tissue that frames the restoration. Management of the peri-implant coronal soft tissue is key to the ultimate success of treatment. This clinical report describes an alternative, novel approach, combining established concepts and methods into a single technique to improve esthetic results.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2FYEgD2

Computable translucency as a function of thickness in a multi-layered zirconia

Publication date: Available online 4 December 2018

Source: The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry

Author(s): Kurt Erdelt, Madalena Lucia Pinheiro Dias Engler, Florian Beuer, Jan-Frederik Güth, Anja Liebermann, Josef Schweiger

Abstract

Statement of problem

Determining the relationship between variable thicknesses and the translucency of dental ceramics is essential for optimizing esthetics in different clinical situations.

Purpose

The purpose of this in vitro study was to analyze the relationship between layer thickness and translucency of 2 multi-layered monolithic zirconia materials and to develop an equation by which the grade of translucency can be calculated dependent on the materials' layer thicknesses in advance.

Material and methods

Two semisintered multi-layered zirconia blanks, namely KATANA Zirconia Super Translucent Multi-Layered Disk (Noritake Dental Supply Co, Ltd) and Zirconia Ultra Translucent Multi-Layered Disk (UTML) (Noritake Dental Supply Co, Ltd), were sectioned (N=96) to separate the 4 layers (n=12 per layer): enamel layer, transition layer 1, transition layer 2, body layer. All specimens were sintered in a furnace (M2 Plus; Thermo-Star) at 1500°C for 2 hours and automatically polished under water cooling up to P2400 for the thicknesses of 1.6, 1.3, 1.0, 0.7, and 0.4 mm. Transmittance of visible light was measured using a spectrophotometer (Lambda 35; Perkin Elmer). Data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, 2-way ANOVA, and Scheffé post hoc tests (α=.01) and curve fitting.

Results

Analyzing the fitting of the values of the 8 material groups to the linear, exponential, and logarithmic curves, 7 of the 8 groups (not UTML body layer) fitted the most (R-square value closer to 1.0) to the logarithmic curve. Constants were obtained from the distance to the x-axis and the curvature.

Conclusions

The methodology of this study provided the materials' specific constants a and b by analyzing the translucency behavior of KATANA Super Translucent Multi-Layered Disk and Ultra Translucent Multi-Layered Disk in different thicknesses, allowing further translucency calculation by applying the developed formula and the constants.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2QfMfQH

Optimal number of implants for complete-arch implant-supported prostheses with a follow-up of at least 5 years: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Publication date: Available online 4 December 2018

Source: The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry

Author(s): Jéssica Marcela de Luna Gomes, Cleidiel Aparecido Araújo Lemos, Joel Ferreira Santiago Junior, Sandra Lúcia Dantas de Moraes, Marcelo Coelho Goiato, Eduardo Piza Pellizzer

Abstract

Statement of problem

Consensus is lacking regarding the optimal number of implants for supporting complete-arch prostheses with good survival rates and lower prosthetic complications and marginal bone loss.

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the influence of the number of implants used for complete-arch prostheses with at least 5 years of follow-up.

Material and methods

A search was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria and was registered in The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42016048468). The following was the population, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) question: Does the number of implants influence the longevity of complete-arch prostheses?

Results

Nineteen studies including 1006 patients with a mean age of 61.44 years were selected for evaluation. The number of implants per jaw ranged between 2 and 9 in the maxilla, mandible, or both jaws. For implant survival rate in complete-arch prostheses with fewer than 5 implants per jaw, the pooled weighted event rate was 1.4% (I²=25.26%; P=.211) and 4.2% (I²=81.35%; P<.001) for complete arches with more than 4 implants per jaw. For the prosthesis survival rate, the pooled weighted event rate for a complete-arch with fewer than 5 implants per jaw was 1.5% (I²=0%; P=.677) and 9% (I²=17.33%; P=.304) for complete arches with more than 4 implants per jaw. For prosthesis complications for complete arches with fewer than 5 implants per jaw, the pooled weighted event rate was 19.9% (I²=93.5%; P<.001) and 24.5% (I²=88.89; P<.001) for complete arches with more than 4 implants per jaw. The mean marginal bone loss for complete arches with fewer than 5 implants per jaw was 1.22 ±0.49 mm (I²=99.46; P<.001) and 1.46 ±0.46 mm (I²=99.6; P <.001) for more than 4 implants per jaw.

Conclusions

The current systematic review indicated no relationship of the number of implants used to support a complete-arch prosthesis with implant survival rate, prosthesis survival rate, prosthesis complications, or marginal bone loss in studies with follow-up periods of between 5 and 15 years.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2G0mejI

Usefulness of noncontrast MRI in differentiation between gallbladder carcinoma and benign conditions manifesting as focal mild wall thickening

Publication date: Available online 4 December 2018

Source: Clinical Imaging

Author(s): So Yeon Cha, Young Kon Kim, Ji Hye Min, Jisun Lee, Dong Ik Cha, Soon Jin Lee

Abstract

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a reliable imaging tool for evaluating gallbladder carcinoma, but it is costly and time-consuming.

Purpose

To compare noncontrast MRI with multidetector row CT (MDCT) and gadoxetic acid-enhanced whole MRI in distinguishing gallbladder carcinoma from benign disease.

Materials and methods

101 patients (36 with gallbladder carcinoma and 65 with benign disease) with mild focal gallbladder wall thickening were included. Two radiologists reviewed the MDCT and MRI to determine the differential features between malignancy and benignity. Then, the diagnostic performance of MDCT and MRI (T1-, T2- and diffusion-weighted images) with and without gadoxetic acid enhancement in the diagnosis of gallbladder carcinoma was evaluated.

Results

The benign group more often showed T2 necklace sign or T2 hyperintensity within the thickened wall (P < 0.0001) and T1 hyperintensity within the wall or gallbladder lumen (P = 0.0002). Meanwhile, malignancy more frequently showed T2 moderate hyperintensity of the thickened wall, papillary appearance, and diffusion restriction (all P < 0.0001). There were significant differences in sensitivity (79.2% vs 98.6% for observer 1; 84.7% vs 100% for observer 2) and specificity (80.7% vs 96.9%; 79.2% vs 95.4%) between the MDCT and noncontrast MRI (P < 0.05). We found similar diagnostic values between the noncontrast MRI and whole MRI (P = 0.479–1.000) for both observers.

Conclusion

Noncontrast MRI could be a useful alternative to gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI in the diagnosis of gallbladder carcinoma that presents as mild gallbladder wall thickening on MDCT.

from Imaging via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2AM27zK

Biomimetic transformation of polyphosphate microparticles during restoration of damaged teeth

Publication date: Available online 3 December 2018

Source: Dental Materials

Author(s): Maximilian Ackermann, Emad Tolba, Meik Neufurth, Shunfeng Wang, Heinz C. Schröder, Xiaohong Wang, Werner E.G. Müller

Abstract

Objective

In the present study, we investigated the fusion process between amorphous microparticles of the calcium salt of the physiological polymer comprising orthophosphate units, of inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), and enamel.

Methods

This polymer was incorporated as an ingredient into toothpaste and the fusion process was studied by electron microscopy and by synchrotron-based X-ray tomography microscopy (SRXTM) techniques.

Results

The data showed that toothpaste, supplemented with the amorphous Ca-polyP microparticles (aCa-polyP-MP), not only reseals tooth defects on enamel, like carious lesions, and dentin, including exposed dentinal tubules, but also has the potential to induce re-mineralization in the enamel and dentin regions. The formation of a regeneration mineralic zone on the tooth surface induced by aCa-polyP-MP was enhanced upon exposure to artificial saliva, as demonstrated by SRXTM. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis revealed an increase in the calcium/phosphorus atomic ratio of the enamel deposits to values characteristic for the particles during the treatment with polyP applied in the toothpaste, indicating a fusion of the particles with the tooth mineral.

Significance

Our results suggest that toothpaste enriched with aCa-polyP-MP is a promising biomimetic material for accelerating enamel and dentin restoration.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2QaaxvF

Effect of slow-cooling protocol on biaxial flexural strengths of bilayered porcelain-ceria-stabilized zirconia/alumina nanocomposite (Ce-TZP/A) disks

Publication date: Available online 3 December 2018

Source: Dental Materials

Author(s): Tomofumi Sawada, Verena Wagner, Christine Schille, Sebastian Spintzyk, Ernst Schweizer, Jürgen Geis-Gerstorfer

Abstract

Objective

The present study investigated the biaxial flexural strengths of bilayered ceria-stabilized zirconia/alumina nanocomposite (Ce-TZP/A) disks with various layering porcelains veneered using a slow-cooling protocol.

Methods

Five porcelain materials (VITA VM9, Cercon Ceram Kiss, and Vintage ZR with experimental coefficient of thermal expansions; CTEs of 8.45, 9.04, and 9.61 ppm/°C) were veneered on Ce-TZP/A disks and slow-cooled after firing to fabricate bilayered specimens (core-to-porcelain thickness: 0.8 mm/1.5 mm). Biaxial flexural strengths of the specimens with the porcelain layer in tension were tested based on the piston-on-three-ball method (ISO 6872:2008). The data were statistically analyzed using Weibull distribution and Fisher's exact test.

Results

Tensile stresses were observed in the entire porcelain layer while compressive stress at the surface of the Ce-TZP/A layer shifted to tensile stress at the interface between the materials. The cases of small CTE mismatches between the materials showed high Weibull characteristic strengths at the internal and external surfaces of the specimens, except the VM9 group (CTE: 9.0–9.2 ppm/°C). The maximum tensile stress was observed on the surface of the porcelain layer, where cracks originated and continuously propagated into the Ce-TZP layer. The Ce-TZP/A fractured into two pieces for large CTE mismatches between the materials, resulting in significantly lower flexural strengths than those fracturing into three pieces for small CTE mismatches.

Significance

Flexural strengths and fracture behaviors of bilayered porcelain-Ce-TZP/A disks were influenced by the CTE mismatches, and a small CTE mismatch between the materials was preferred when using a slow-cooling protocol.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2RxdsLq

Sonodynamic Therapy for Malignant Glioma Using 220-kHz Transcranial Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Focused Ultrasound and 5-Aminolevulinic acid

Publication date: Available online 4 December 2018

Source: Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology

Author(s): Michiharu Yoshida, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Shunsuke Terasaka, Shogo Endo, Shigeru Yamaguchi, Hiroaki Motegi, Rachmilevitch Itay, Shuji Suzuki, Omer Brokman, Yeruham Shapira, Kenji Moriyama, Yumiko Kawase, Toshiaki Akahane, Yasutaka Kato, Hajime Kamada, Kiyohiro Houkin

Abstract

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is used to treat various malignancies and can be applied to brain tumors using a transcranial magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound (TcMRgFUS) device. This study investigated the efficacy of 220-kHz TcMRgFUS combined with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) on malignant glioma in vitro and in vivo. F98 cells were irradiated with focused ultrasound (FUS) (4000 J, 20 W, 240 s, 100% duty cycle, target medium temperature <40°C) after treatment with 200 µg/mL 5-ALA, and cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated with the water-soluble tetrazolium-1 assay, triple fluorescent staining and Western blot analysis 20 h later. The anti-tumor effects of 5-ALA combined with FUS (500 J, 18 W, 30 s, 100% duty cycle, 10 repeats, target tissue temperature ≤42°C) were assessed on the basis of changes in tumor volume determined by MRI and histopathological analysis before and after treatment. The FUS/5-ALA combination reduced cell viability by inducing apoptosis and suppressed tumor proliferation and invasion as well as angiogenesis in vivo, while causing minimal damage to normal brain tissue. SDT with 220-kHz TcMRgFUS and 5-ALA can be safely used for the treatment of malignant glioma.

from Imaging via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2UdRiPR

Tooth substance removal for ceramic single crown materials—an in vitro comparison

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the tooth structure removal required for currently available ceramic crown materials.

Material and methods

Ninety typodont teeth (60 incisors, 30 molars) were assigned to nine study groups. The teeth were digitized, weighed with a high-precision balance, and fixed in carriers in identical alignment. Full-crown restorations were prepared according to material-specific guidelines for monolithic zirconia (MZ), polymer-infiltrated ceramics (PIC), buccally veneered zirconia (BVZ), feldspathic ceramics (FC), fully veneered zirconia (FVZ), and lithium disilicate (LD). Tooth structure removal was assessed by weighing the teeth before and after preparation. Coronal volume loss was analyzed statistically by use of one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey HSD tests with α = 0.05.

Results

Mean tooth structure removal for incisors was 42% (SD 2%) for MZ, 46% (SD 1%) for PIC, 50% (SD 2%) for BVZ, 57% (SD 1%) for FC, 57% (SD 2%) for FVZ, and 59% (SD 2%) for LD. Mean tooth structure removal for molars was 21% (SD 2%) for MZ, 31% (SD 1%) for PIC, and 35% (SD 1%) for LD. Inter-group differences were statistically significant, except for between FC and FVZ.

Conclusions

Preparation of full ceramic crowns for restoration-free teeth is an invasive procedure. Selecting the ceramic material can, however, reduce loss of tooth structure substantially.

Clinical relevance

Monolithic zirconia is the least invasive material for the preparation of incisor and molar ceramic single crowns. Prescribing buccally veneered instead of fully veneered zirconia reduces preparation invasiveness significantly.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2QxJaux

An Investigation of Reliability of the Sunderland Tracheosophageal Voice Perceptual Scale

Background: The Sunderland Tracheosophageal Voice Perceptual scale (SToPS) is the only perceptual rating scale designed specifically for tracheosophageal voice [Hurren et al.: Clin Otolaryngol. 2009 Dec; 34(6): 533–8]. Objective: To investigate the inter rater reliability of the SToPS when analyzing alaryngeal voice. Methods: Prospective evaluation of inter rater reliability of the SToPS based on audio recordings of 230 voice samples from 41 laryngectomy patients rated by 3 experts. Interval data were analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) while categorical data were analyzed using Kappa. Results: ICC of above 0.6 was observed between raters for each prosthesis on a majority of parameters demonstrating a good level of reliability. Reliability was fair (ICC of between 0.40 and 0.59) on Q11 (Articulatory precision) and Q12 (Paralinguistics). Reliability was also fair (0.21–0.40) or slight (0.00–0.20) for Q2 (Tonicity), which was analyzed using Kappa. Kappa above 0.61 signified a good level of reliability. Conclusions: This study demonstrates good rater reliability for the majority of parameters on the SToPS scale, supporting the use of this tool within the clinical realm. However, further research is required to ascertain if any methods of increasing inter rater reliability on those parameters which did not reach good reliability can be identified.
Folia Phoniatr Logop 2019;71:16–23

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2KQ82sh