Successful treatment of four types of chronic urticaria with anti-IgE omalizumab in the same patient

Urticaria is a skin disorder that is characterized by the appearance of wheals (hives), angioedema or both1. Chronic urticaria (CU) is defined as wheals (with or without angioedema) that persists for ≥6 weeks, and is further classified into two subtypes: chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU)1. In most cases of CU a trigger cannot be identified. These cases are defined as CSU. The term inducible urticaria is used when a specific trigger can be linked to the development of CU.

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

Antibiotic choice and MRSA rate in children who are hospitalized for atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin condition of childhood. It is associated with allergic co-morbities including asthma and allergic rhinitis. AD patients are also affected by sleep deprivation and psychosocial problems. Those with uncontrolled AD may require hospitalization.1 Previous studies have shown that about 70% of children who were treated inpatient for AD exacerbation were given an antibiotic.2,3 However, information on the choice of antibiotics used to treat AD exacerbation is limited.

from Allergy and Immunology via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2E8W1wF

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Combined With Voice Therapy in Women With Muscle Tension Dysphonia

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of Voice Therapy (VT) with and without Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) in women with Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD).

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2G5LHbo

Comparison of Maximum Oxygen Uptake and Rating Perceived Exertion in Woman's Kabaddi Athletes (Without Breathy Voice to Severe Breathy Voice)

There is limited research on voice problems of athletes, especially Kabaddi athletes who use their voice during Kabaddi exercises and may damage their vocal folds and impair their voice quality. The present study aimed to compare maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and rating perceived exertion (RPE) in Woman's Kabaddi athletes without breathy voice (BV) to severe BV.

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

Image Quality and ADC Assessment in Turbo Spin-Echo and Echo-Planar Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging of Tumors of the Head and Neck

Publication date: Available online 6 December 2018

Source: Academic Radiology

Author(s): Wannakamon Panyarak, Toru Chikui, Yasuo Yamashita, Takeshi Kamitani, Kazunori Yoshiura

Rationale and Objectives

We aimed to compare the distortion ratio (DR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between turbo spin-echo (TSE)-diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and echo-planar imaging (EPI)-DWI of the orofacial region and prove the usefulness of TSE-DWI for the differential diagnosis of orofacial lesions.

Materials and methods

The DR, SNR, and CNR of both sequences were compared in 42 cases. Then, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of various orofacial lesions obtained by TSE-DWI was investigated in 143 lesions.

Results

In the first study, 38 of 42 cases were analyzed. TSE-DWI showed a significantly lower DR (p < 0.05) and higher SNR and CNR than EPI-DWI (p < 0.05), indicating the superiority of TSE-DWI. In the second study, 114 cases (79.3%) were successfully analyzed. When lesions were divided into cysts, benign tumors, squamous cell carcinoma, malignant lymphoma, and other malignant tumors (OT), significant differences were observed in all pairs of lesions (p < 0.05) except squamous cell carcinoma and OT (p = 0.877). The area under the curve for distinguishing benign from malignant tumors was 0.80 with a cutoff ADC of 1.29 × 10^-3 mm²/s.

Conclusion

TSE-DWI produced better quality images than EPI-DWI. TSE-DWI yields the high possibility of obtaining ADC in the orofacial region, and this value was considered useful for the differential diagnosis of orofacial lesions.

from Imaging via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2AYm0UD

Quantification of Hemodynamic Changes in Chronic Liver Disease: Correlation of Perfusion-CT Data with Histopathologic Staging of Fibrosis

Publication date: Available online 6 December 2018

Source: Academic Radiology

Author(s): Thaiss WM, Sannwald L, Kloth C, Ekert K, Hepp T, Bösmüller H, Klag T, Nikolaou K, Horger M, Kaufmann S

Rationale and Objectives

To noninvasively estimate the severity of liver fibrosis using perfusion-CT (PCT)-based quantification of dual liver blood supply prior to liver transplantation or liver resections and to correlate results with histological grading of fibrosis stages and AST-platelet ratio index.

Materials and methods

Institutional review board approved this retrospective study. We analysed 41 consecutive patients (19 classified as Child-Pugh A, 17 as Child-Pugh B, and 5 as Child-Pugh C; MELD score ranged from 7 to 28) who underwent PCT prior to liver transplantation/liver resections between 2013 and 2016. The examination protocol included a scan time of 40 s, 80 kV, 100/120 mAs. Arterial liver perfusion, portal-venous perfusion and hepatic perfusion index (HPI) were registered in liver parenchyma by three readers. Fibrosis was histological graded according to Ishak scoring system as liver fibrosis (F3, n = 10), incomplete liver cirrhosis (F5, n = 5), and complete liver cirrhosis (F6, n = 26).

Results

Portal-venous perfusion was significantly higher in liver fibrosis (F3 69.5±23.7 ml/100 ml/min) compared to incomplete liver cirrhosis (F5, 52.9±25.7 ml/100 ml/min) and complete liver cirrhosis (F6, 46.4±24.8 ml/100 ml/min (range 6.3–112.0 ml/100 ml/min; F = 15, p < 0.0001). HPI showed the same group differences (F = 20, p < 0.0001; HPI F3: 19.1±10.7%, HPI F5: 38.5±24.3%, HPI F6: 43.4±25.8%). Group comparisons were not significant for arterial liver perfusion (F = 3, p = 0.15). PCT parameters as well as histological fibrosis grading did neither correlate with laboratory findings including AST-platelet ratio index and MELD-Score, nor with Child-Pugh-Score.

Conclusion

Quantitative data from perfusion-CT can be used to differentiate between liver fibrosis (F3) and liver cirrhosis (F5/F6).

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

Relationship between Background Parenchymal Enhancement on High-risk Screening MRI and Future Breast Cancer Risk

Publication date: January 2019

Source: Academic Radiology, Volume 26, Issue 1

Author(s): Lars J. Grimm, Ashirbani Saha, Sujata V. Ghate, Connie Kim, Mary Scott Soo, Sora C. Yoon, Maciej A. Mazurowski

Rationale and Objectives

To determine if background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) on screening breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in high-risk women correlates with future cancer.

Materials and Methods

All screening breast MRIs (n = 1039) in high-risk women at our institution from August 1, 2004, to July 30, 2013, were identified. Sixty-one patients who subsequently developed breast cancer were matched 1:2 by age and high-risk indication with patients who did not develop breast cancer (n = 122). Five fellowship-trained breast radiologists independently recorded the BPE. The median reader BPE for each case was calculated and compared between the cancer and control cohorts.

Results

Cancer cohort patients were high-risk because of a history of radiation therapy (10%, 6 of 61), high-risk lesion (18%, 11 of 61), or breast cancer (30%, 18 of 61); BRCA mutation (18%, 11 of 61); or family history (25%, 15 of 61). Subsequent malignancies were invasive ductal carcinoma (64%, 39 of 61), ductal carcinoma in situ (30%, 18 of 61) and invasive lobular carcinoma (7%, 4of 61). BPE was significantly higher in the cancer cohort than in the control cohort (P = 0.01). Women with mild, moderate, or marked BPE were 2.5 times more likely to develop breast cancer than women with minimal BPE (odds ratio = 2.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.3–4.8, P = .005). There was fair interreader agreement (κ = 0.39).

Conclusions

High-risk women with greater than minimal BPE at screening MRI have increased risk of future breast cancer.

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

Observer Variability in Breast Cancer Diagnosis between Countries with and without Breast Screening

Publication date: January 2019

Source: Academic Radiology, Volume 26, Issue 1

Author(s): Delgermaa Demchig, Claudia Mello-Thoms, Warwick Lee, Khulan Khurelsukh, Asai Ramish, Patrick Brennan

Rational and Objectives

Image reporting is a vital component of patient management depending on individual radiologists' performance. Our objective was to explore mammographic diagnostic efficacy in a country where breast cancer screening does not exist.

Materials and Methods

Two mammographic test sets were used: a typical screening (TS) and high-difficulty (HD) test set. Nonscreening (NS) radiologists (n = 11) read both test sets, while 52 and 49 screening radiologists read the TS and HD test sets, respectively. The screening radiologists were classified into two groups: a less experienced (LE) group with ≤5 years' experience and a more experienced (ME) group with ≥5 years' experience.

A Kruskal–Wallis and Tukey–Kramer post hoc test were used to compare reading performance among reader groups, and the Wilcoxon matched pairs tests was used to compare TS and ND test sets for the NS radiologists.

Results

Across the three reader groups, there were significant differences in case sensitivity (χ² [2] = 9.4, P = .008), specificity (χ² [2] = 10.3, P = .006), location sensitivity (χ² [2] = 19.8, P < .001), receiver operating characteristics, area under the curve (χ² [2] = 19.7, P < .001) and jack-knife free-response receiver operating characteristics (JAFROCs) (χ² [2] = 18.1, P < .001).

NS performance for all measured scores was significantly lower than those for the ME readers (P < .006), while only location sensitivity was lower (χ² [2] = 17.5, P = .026) for the NS compared to the LE group. No other significant differences were observed.

Conclusion

Large variations in mammographic performance exist between radiologists from screening and nonscreening countries.

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

Volumetric Textural Analysis of Colorectal Masses at CT Colonography: Differentiating Benign versus Malignant Pathology and Comparison with Human Reader Performance

Publication date: January 2019

Source: Academic Radiology, Volume 26, Issue 1

Author(s): B. Dustin Pooler, Meghan G. Lubner, Jake R. Theis, Richard B. Halberg, Zhengrong Liang, Perry J. Pickhardt

Rationale and Objectives

To (1) apply a quantitative volumetric textural analysis (VTA) to colorectal masses at CT colonography (CTC) for the differentiation of malignant and benign lesions and to (2) compare VTA with human performance.

Materials and Methods

A validated, quantitative VTA method was applied to 63 pathologically proven colorectal masses (mean size, 4.2 cm; range, 3–8 cm) at noncontrast CTC in 59 adults (mean age, 66.5 years; range, 45.9–91.6 years). Fifty-one percent (32/63) of the masses were invasive adenocarcinoma, and the remaining 49% (31/63) were large benign adenomas. Three readers with CTC experience independently assessed the likelihood of malignancy using a 5-point scale (1 = definitely benign, 2 = probably benign, 3 = indeterminate, 4 = probably malignant, 5 = definitely malignant). Areas under the curve (AUCs) and accuracy levels were compared.

Results

VTA achieved optimal sensitivity of 83.6% vs 91.7% for human readers (P = .034), with specificities of 87.5% and 77.4%, respectively (P = .007). No significant difference in overall accuracy was seen between VTA and human readers (85.5% vs 84.7%, P = .753). The AUC for differentiating benign and malignant lesions was 0.936 for VTA and 0.917 for human readers. Intraclass correlation coefficient among the human readers was 0.76, indicating good to excellent agreement.

Conclusion

VTA demonstrates excellent performance for distinguishing benign from malignant colorectal masses (≥3 cm) at CTC, comparable yet potentially complementary to experienced human performance.

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

News From the Academy

Publication date: Available online 6 December 2018

Source: Academic Radiology

Author(s): Hedvig Hricak, Steven E. Seltzer

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

Imaging Characterization of Thyroid Nodules

Publication date: Available online 6 December 2018

Source: Academic Radiology

Author(s): Chaitanya R. Divgi

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

Is there any association between green tea consumption and the risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Finding from a case-control study

Publication date: Available online 7 December 2018

Source: Archives of Oral Biology

Author(s): Rafieian Nasrin, Azimi Somayyeh

Abstract

Objective

Green tea consumption has been shown to reduce the incidence of head and neck Squamous cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) in experimental animal models, however the results from human studies are inconclusive. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between green tea consumption and the risk of HNSCC.

Design

The study utilised a standardised questionnaire to investigate the relationship between green tea consumption and HNSCC experience. Data about amount of green tea consumption was recorded from 147 patients with HNSCC and 263 age and gender matched controls. The results were analyzed with SPSS statistical software Version 21 using Chi- square test, and Logistic Regression (with a 95% confidence interval). Significance levels were set at 95% and p-values less than 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

Statistical analysis indicated significant differences between different groups of tea consumers in terms of HNSCC risk (P < 0.001). The risk of developing oral cancer those who consume <1 cup of green tea daily was (OR = 0.29 (0.16-0.52) and for the group of > = 1 cup green tea consumers was 0.38(0.17- 0.86) of those who never consume green tea (Reference point) after adjustment for other risk factors.

Conclusions

The findings support that green tea consumption may reduce the risk of HNSCC. To confirm the efficacy of green tea intake in preventing the development of HNSCC in humans further investigation is needed.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2rotJ9Z

Philtrum reconstruction in unilateral cleft lip repair

Publication date: Available online 7 December 2018

Source: International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Author(s): S. Naidoo, K.-W. Bütow

Abstract

The philtrum is an important aesthetic structure in the midface. A number of philtrum reconstruction techniques have been advocated for secondary cleft lip revision procedures. Conventional surgical management involves end-to-end orbicularis oris muscle approximation during primary cleft lip repair, often resulting in a flat lip appearance that requires secondary revision surgery at a later stage. A novel modification of the approximation of the orbicularis oris muscle is described that may be implemented with any cleft lip technique in order to create an accentuated philtrum column for a natural looking philtrum. The muscle roll technique results in eversion of the orbicularis oris muscle, successfully recapturing the philtrum column topography. This is achieved by utilizing two inverted horizontal sutures, with an additional philtrum takedown suture placed in the region of the dimple to accentuate the philtrum anatomy and three-dimensional profile. This novel technique in unilateral cleft lip repair addresses philtrum architecture during primary surgery, which may reduce the requirement for secondary surgical intervention. Its application may be particularly suitable in outreach programmes where postoperative follow-up may be compromised.

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

Kinesio Taping Application in Dysphonic Singers

Publication date: Available online 6 December 2018

Source: Journal of Voice

Author(s): Chiara Mezzedimi, MariaCarla Spinosi, Valentina Mannino, Fabio Ferretti, Hasan Al-Balas

Abstract

Introduction

Kinesio Taping (KT) application in speech therapy has been studied in a few works about dysphonia, facial nerve palsy, sialorrhea, atypical deglutition, postsurgical recovery after thyroidectomy and laryngectomy. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the possible role of KT in supporting speech therapy in singers complaining of dysphonia using singing voice handicap index (SVHI), fundamental frequency (F0), shimmer, jitter and harmonic to noise ratio (mean H/N).

Materials and methods

We enrolled consecutive singers and singing students complaining of dysphonia and voice problems. Control group (DG1) was composed of 15 individuals who underwent traditional speech therapy only, while Case group (DG2), also composed of 15 subjects, underwent traditional speech therapy associated with KT application. A computerized voice analysis was conducted using PRAAT software observing F0, jitter, shimmer and mean H/N before (t1), at mid (t2) and after (t3) the treatment. Moreover, each patient filled in the SVHI before (t1) and after (t3) the complete speech therapy treatment.

Results

The mean F0 and H/N measured before, during and after the logopedic treatment, showed a notable increase over time (P value <0.001) both for DG1 and DG2. However, no significant difference was found comparing the two groups. Jitter and Shimmer after treatment were clearly seen to be lower than before in both groups (P value <0.001), and followed a significantly different trend over time (P value <0.001). Moreover, unlike F0 and mean H/N, these parameters underwent a significantly greater decrease in DG2 compared to DG1. Lastly, SVHI improved at t₃ and although these reductions were clear in both groups, it was greater in DG2 than in DG1.

Discussion and Conclusions

Our findings are encouraging and suggest the possibility of using KT in case of vocal pathologies in singers. It is imperative to underline that the tape does not replace speech therapy, but could possibly enhance the effects of the treatment.

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

A prospective histomorphometric and cephalometric comparison of bovine bone substitute and autogenous bone grafting in Le Fort I osteotomies

Publication date: Available online 6 December 2018

Source: Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery

Author(s): Andreas Naros, Bayazeed Bassem, Schwarz Ulrich, Nagursky Heiner, Siegmar Reinert, Rainer Schmelzeisen, Sebastian Sauerbier

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the present study was the histomorphometric and cephalometric comparison of autogenous bone grafting of the anterior iliac crest and the application of bovine bone substitute concerning new bone formation and postoperative stability in patients undergoing orthognathic Le Fort I osteotomy.

Patients and Methods

Twenty-five patients requiring orthognathic surgery with Le Fort I osteotomy were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into three groups receiving either autogenous iliac crest BONE grafting (BONE; n=8) or xenogenic bovine bone grafting (Bio-Oss®) in INTER (n=12) or in ONLAY (n=5) position. Histomorphometric analysis was performed using trephine bone biopsies from the autogenous, respectively xenogenic bone grafting region. Postoperative stability was evaluated using teleradiographies of three different timepoints.

Results

All groups showed comparable mineralized fractions in bone biopsies of 50.2% (±13.2%) INTER, 46.48% (±12.3%) ONLAY and 57.1% (±20.6%) BONE as well as comparable percentage of connective tissue. Patients in the INTER-group revealed the lowest relapse rate of 20.5% (INTER) compared to 30.3% (ONLAY) and 33.0% (BONE). All groups underwent comparable maxillary advancement and healing time.

Conclusions

Present results indicate that block shaped bovine bone substitute is a promising alternative to autogenous bone grafting to bridge the Le Fort I osteotomy gap in orthognathic surgery.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2rs2H1j

Acute open callus manipulation: clinical experience with a new surgical technique for solving old problems in distraction osteogenesis

Publication date: Available online 7 December 2018

Source: Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery

Author(s): Alberto R. Pereira, André P. Pereira

Summary

Background

Transport distraction osteogenesis is challenged as a potential alternative to free-flap reconstruction of segmental jaw defects due to its longer treatment time, vector control difficulties, need for additional bone-grafting, and problems creating a curvilinear shape. We propose a new technique of acute open callus manipulation and fixation (AOCMF), which addresses these challenges.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all patients with jaw defects who underwent DO and AOCMF between 2006 and 2015 was performed. Clinical and demographic data were recorded and analysed. Representative treated cases were presented.

Results

Fourteen adult patients were treated, seven for maxillary and seven for mandibular defects of mixed etiology. The mean length of distraction was 4.9 cm (range 3–8 cm). AOCMF was performed between the first and third week of the consolidation phase. Average treatment time was 7.6 weeks (range 4–13 weeks). Mean follow-up was 38 months (range 25–76 months). Stable curvilinear bone shape and soft tissue coverage was achieved in all patients except one. Four complications were recorded.

Conclusions

AOCMF following DO is a safe and reliable technique for reconstruction of segmental defects. It represents a useful alternative to free-flap reconstruction in selected patients. When compared with traditional bone transport techniques, it allows a decrease in the number of surgical procedures and in average treatment time.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2G4N6PJ

Esophageal transit scintigraphy in children: a user’s guide and pictorial review

Abstract

Technical and clinical aspects of esophageal transit scintigraphy in pediatric patients are reviewed via several illustrative cases that highlight its utility in evaluating primary and secondary esophageal motility disorders.

from Imaging via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2G4XtD9

When is epinephrine prescribed for anaphylaxis?

Publication date: Available online 7 December 2018

Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Author(s): Alberto Alvarez-Perea, Margarita Tomás-Pérez, Beatriz Ameiro, José M. Zubeldia, María L. Baeza

from Allergy and Immunology via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2G2qtvd

A randomized controlled evaluation of posterior resin restorations of an altered resin modified glass-ionomer cement with claimed bioactivity

Publication date: Available online 7 December 2018

Source: Dental Materials

Author(s): Jan W.V. van Dijken, Ulla Pallesen, Ana Benetti

Abstract

Objective

The objective of this randomized controlled prospective clinical trial was to evaluate the short time clinical behaviour of an altered resin modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC), which is claimed to possess bioactivity, in posterior restorations and to compare it intraindividually with a nanofilled resin composite.

Methods

Totally 78 pairs Class II and 4 pairs Class I restorations were placed in 29 female and 38 male participants with a mean age of 58.3 years (range 37–86). Each patient received at random at least one pair of, as similar as possible, Class II or Class I restorations. In the first cavity of each pair, the modified flowable RMGIC (ACTIVA Bioactive; AB) was placed after phosphoric acid etching of the cavity and without adhesive, according to the instructions of the manufacturer. In the other cavity a well established nanofilled resin composite (CeramX; RC) with a single step self-etch adhesive (Xeno Select) was placed. The restorations were evaluated using slightly modified USPHS criteria at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Caries risk and parafunctional habits of the participants were estimated.

Results

158 restorations, 8 Class I and 150 Class II, were evaluated at the one year recalls. At baseline two failed restorations were observed (2AB), at 6 months six failures (5AB, 1RC) and at 12 months another thirteen failed restorations were observed (12AB, 1RC). This resulted in annual failure rates of 24.1% for the AB and 2.5% for RC (p < 0.0001). The main reasons for failure for AB were lost restorations (5), postoperative symptoms (4) and secondary caries (3). Do to the unacceptable very high one-year failure frequency, the clinical study was stopped and no further evaluation will be performed.

Significance

The use of the AB restorative in Class II cavities, applied as instructed by the manufacturer after a short phosphoric acid pretreatment but without adhesive system, resulted in a non-acceptable very high failure frequency after a one year period. Further studies should be conducted using a bonding agent

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

Uniaxial/biaxial flexure strengths and elastic properties of resin-composite block materials for CAD/CAM

Publication date: Available online 7 December 2018

Source: Dental Materials

Author(s): Beom-Jin Choi, Sungsik Yoon, Yong-Woon Im, Jung-Hwan Lee, Hyung-Jo Jung, Hae-Hyoung Lee

Abstract

Objective

Comparing strengths under different loading conditions provides useful information on the mechanical behaviour of restorative materials under multiaxial masticatory loading in the oral cavity. The aims of this study was to investigate the flexural strengths and the reliability of resin-composite blocks for CAD/CAM by uniaxial and biaxial flexure tests and to compare the elastic properties measured by different methods including digital image correlation (DIC).

Methods

Four resin-composite blocks for CAD/CAM, namely, VE (Vita Enamic), LU (Lava Ultimate), MD (Mazic Duro), and CS (Cerasmart), were investigated. Beam specimens (4.0 × 1.4 × 18.0 mm³) and disks (12–14 mmϕ × 1.5 mm) were prepared to determine the uniaxial (three-point bending) and biaxial (ball-on-ring, BOR) flexural strengths and flexural moduli. A compression test (8 × 4 × 18 mm³) with DIC analysis was utilized to measure the elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio. Data were analysed by a 2-parameter Weibull function and ANOVA with Scheffe's test.

Results

The mean uniaxial and biaxial strengths and Weibull moduli of the specimen groups were as follows: uniaxial VE (140.1 ± 7.0, 24.1), LU (159.1 ± 6.3, 31.5), MD (144.9 ± 13.3, 13.6), and CS (165.4 ± 16.9, 11.2) and biaxial VE (153.6 ± 10.4, 19.0), LU (231.0 ± 29.3, 9.7), MD (148.9 ± 23.8, 7.4), and CS (249.7 ± 22.4, 13.8). Although the ranking of both sets of strength data remained unchanged, the strength reliability was significantly affected by the loading; the Weibull moduli of the specimens decreased when they were subjected to biaxial tests (except for that of CS). The elastic modulus values of the materials varied significantly under the different test loadings, although they were in the same order regardless of the test method: VE > >LU ≈ MD > CS. The DIC technique yielded elastic moduli that were in good agreement with those measured by the uniaxial flexure test.

Significance

The flexural strength, reliability, and elastic modulus of resin-composite block materials differed with the uniaxial and biaxial flexural loading and the test method. The different behaviours under both loadings should be considered in the evaluation of the mechanical performance of those materials.

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

Dental pulp stem cells in chitosan/gelatin scaffolds for enhanced orofacial bone regeneration

Publication date: Available online 7 December 2018

Source: Dental Materials

Author(s): Athina Bakopoulou, Αnthie Georgopoulou, Ioannis Grivas, Chryssa Bekiari, Oleg Prymak, Κateryna Loza, Matthias Epple, George C. Papadopoulos, Petros Koidis, Μaria Chatzinikolaidou

Abstract

Objective

Biomimetic chitosan/gelatin (CS/Gel) scaffolds have attracted great interest in tissue engineering of several tissues. However, limited information exists regarding the potential of combining CS/Gel scaffolds with oral cells, such as dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), to produce customized constructs targeting alveolar/orofacial bone reconstruction, which has been the aim of the present study.

Methods

Two scaffold types, designated as CS/Gel-0.1 and CS/Gel-1, were fabricated using 0.1 and 1% (v/v) respectively of the crosslinker glutaraldehyde (GTA). Scaffolds (n = 240) were seeded with DPSCs with/without pre-exposure to recombinant human BMP-2. In vitro assessment included DPSCs characterization (flow cytometry), evaluation of viability/proliferation (live/dead staining, metabolic-based tests), osteo/odontogenic gene expression analysis (qRT-PCR) and structural/chemical characterization (scanning electron microscopy, SEM; energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, EDX; X-ray powder diffraction, XRD; thermogravimetry, TG). In vivo assessment included implantation of DPSC-seeded scaffolds in immunocompromised mice, followed by histology and SEM-EDX. Statistical analysis employed one/two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc tests (significance for p < 0.05).

Results

Both scaffolds supported cell viability/proliferation over 14 days in culture, showing extensive formation of a hydroxyapatite-rich nanocrystalline calcium phosphate phase. Differential expression patterns indicated GTA concentration to significantly affect the expression of osteo/odontogenic genes, with CS/Gel-0.1 scaffolds being more effective in upregulating DSPP, IBSP and Osterix. In vivo analysis demonstrated time-dependent production of a nanocrystalline, mineralized matrix at 6, 8 and 10 weeks, being more prominent in constructs bearing rhBMP-2 pre-treated cells. The latter showed higher amounts of osteoid and fully mineralized bone, as well as empty space reduction.

Significance

These results reveal a promising strategy for orofacial bone tissue engineering.

Graphical abstract

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Qkzkx2

Whiteness difference thresholds in dentistry

Publication date: Available online 6 December 2018

Source: Dental Materials

Author(s): María M. Pérez, Luis Javier Herrera, Francisco Carrillo, Oscar E. Pecho, Diana Dudea, Cristina Gasparik, Razvan Ghinea, Alvaro Della Bona

Abstract

Objective

To determine the visual whiteness thresholds for esthetic dentistry using the whiteness index for dentistry based on CIELAB color space (WI_D).

Methods

A total of 60 observers (Dentists and Laypersons; n = 30) from three research sites participated in the study. A psychophysical experiment based on visual assessments of simulated images of teeth on a calibrated display was performed. Images of simulated upper central incisors (SUCI) were consecutively displayed in pairs (60) and the whiteness of each SUCI pair was compared. WI_D was used to calculate the visual thresholds (WPT- perceptibility threshold; and WAT- acceptability threshold) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and a Takagi-Sugeno-Kang (TSK) Fuzzy Approximation model was used as fitting procedure. Data was statistical analyzed using paired t-test (α= 0.05).

Results

WPT and WAT were 0.72 (CI: 0.0–2.69; r² = 0.52) and 2.62 (CI: 0.2-7+; r² = 0.57) WI_D units, respectively. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between WPT and WAT, and between dentist (WPT = 0.46WI_D units; WAT = 2.20 WI_D units) and layperson (WPT = 0.94 WI_D units; WAT = 2.95 WI_D units).

Significance

The visual whiteness difference thresholds determined with WI_D index can serve as reference values for research and manufacturing of dental materials, and for clinical practice situations such as assessing the effectiveness of bleaching treatments.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2RF05Zv

Between-speaker rhythmic variability is not dependent on language rhythm, as evidence from Persian reveals

Acoustic measures of speech rhythm based on the durational characteristics of consonantal and vocalic intervals (henceforth C- or V-intervals) as well as syllabic intensity reveal between-speaker variability. The evidence obtained so far is based on speakers of stressed-timed languages, which are assumed to have complex consonant clusters and a higher degree of vowel reduction. Speakers of stressed-timed languages might operate their articulatory organs in different ways due to the syllable complexity and vowel reduction. Complex consonant clusters are released differently, and vowel reduction tends to be produced more or less strongly depending on speakers. When a language lacks such features, it is possible that rhythmic variation between its speakers decreases. In the present study, we aimed at exploring between- and within-speaker rhythmic variability in Persian, an Indo-European language categorised as syllable-timed. Acoustic correlates of speech rhythm (%V, ΔV[ln], ΔC[ln], n-PVI-V) and articulation rate were obtained from two Persian corpora with different sources of within-speaker variability. In the first corpus, the source of within-speaker variability mainly comes from non-contemporaneous recording sessions, and in the second corpus, from different speech rates. Results revealed that there were significant differences between speakers in all investigated speech rhythm measures in Persian and %V best discriminated between speakers. This reveals that the lack of typical stress-time features does not affect between-speaker variability in speech rhythm.

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2BVLW4W

Discourse processes and topic management in false confession contamination by police investigators

This article advances an analysis of discourse processes which produce confession contamination by two police investigators in an interrogation which resulted in a voluntary false confession. Specifically, I identify and exemplify processes which I call 'clueing', 'stacking', 'marking' and 'telling', which are recruited to both covertly and overtly disclose inside crime knowledge to an innocent suspect who is being questioned about such knowledge but is, of course, unable to supply it.

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

Connecting Language and Disciplinary Knowledge in English for Specific Purposes: Case Studies in Law, by Alissa J. Harting

Connecting Language and Disciplinary Knowledge in English for Specific Purposes: Case Studies in Law, by Alissa J. Harting (2017), Multilingual Matters xi +191 pp

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

Book announcements

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2L5pKIE

Sub-regional ‘other-accent’ effects on lay listeners’ speaker identification abilities: a voice line-up study with speakers and listeners from the North East of England

Previous studies have shown that listeners perform worse in speaker identification experiments when they are unfamiliar with the accents of the speakers. Such effects have been documented for listeners hearing unfamiliar foreign languages (language familiarity effect) and unfamiliar regional accents ('other-accent' effect). The present study investigates the 'other-accent' effect at a sub-regional level. Listeners from three different localities (Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough) within the same greater dialectal region (the North East of England) participated in one of three target-present voice line-ups using samples spoken by speakers from one of the three localities. Listeners who heard a voice line-up in their own local accent (ingroup listeners) missed the target speaker's voice significantly less often than listeners who heard a voice line-up comprised of speakers of one of the other two local accents (out-group listeners). The proportions of correct hits and false alarms were approximately similar across in-group and out-group listeners.

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2L4mexO

Individual patterns of disfluency across speaking styles: a forensic phonetic investigation of Standard Southern British English

Features of speech related to fluency such as filled and silent pauses, sound prolongations, repetitions and self-interruptions exhibit considerable variation among speakers, yet the speaker-specificity of such features has received little attention inforensic phonetic research. The present study investigates the extent to which individual differences in disfluency behaviour are preserved across different speaking styles, a key concern for forensic speaker comparison cases. Disfluency phenomena in the speech of 20 male speakers of Standard Southern British English undertaking a simulated police interview task are compared with the occurrence of the same set of phenomena in the speech of the same speakers participating in a telephone conversation with an 'accomplice'. The speakers' disfluency features are analysed using TOFFA 'Taxonomy of Fluency Features for Forensic Analysis' (McDougall and Duckworth 2017). Individuals exhibit a wide range of variation in their overall rate of production of disfluency features, and these rates are relatively consistent within-speaker across interview and telephone styles. The results for each specific disfluency feature type also show patterns of relatively consistent behaviour within-speaker across-style for most features. For both interview and telephone styles, discriminant analyses based on speaker profiles of disfluency features demonstrate that disfluency features carry speaker-specific information which could be considered alongside other analyses in forensic speaker comparison cases.

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2L1Rpdb

Composition of event concepts: Evidence for distinct roles for the left and right anterior temporal lobes

Publication date: January 2019

Source: Brain and Language, Volume 188

Author(s): Songhee Kim, Liina Pylkkänen

Abstract

Characterizing the precise computations carried out by the various nodes of the semantic network remains a central challenge. One of the better understood nodes within this system is the left anterior temporal lobe (LATL), which shows an early (∼250 ms) amplitude increase if the semantic composition between the current word and its context is in some ways "simple." As this type of effect has only been demonstrated for noun-modifier composition, we asked if a similar pattern is elicited for verb phrase composition. Agentive, resultative, and eventive adverbs were employed to vary whether the meaning of the adverb directly applies to the verb or not, with only eventives exemplifying direct and straightforward composition. Results showed that eventives, but not agentives or resultatives, elicited a significant increase in the LATL at 250 ms. The RATL showed a sharply contrasting pattern, with agentives showing the largest activity, suggesting a distinct role in semantic composition.

from Speech via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2KZR7Ua

Acute open callus manipulation: clinical experience with a new surgical technique for solving old problems in distraction osteogenesis

Transport distraction osteogenesis is challenged as a potential alternative to free-flap reconstruction of segmental jaw defects due to its longer treatment time, vector control difficulties, need for additional bone-grafting, and problems creating a curvilinear shape. We propose a new technique of acute open callus manipulation and fixation (AOCMF), which addresses these challenges.

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

A prospective histomorphometric and cephalometric comparison of bovine bone substitute and autogenous bone grafting in Le Fort I osteotomies

The aim of the present study was the histomorphometric and cephalometric comparison of autogenous bone grafting of the anterior iliac crest and the application of bovine bone substitute concerning new bone formation and postoperative stability in patients undergoing orthognathic Le Fort I osteotomy.

from OroFacial via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2G5lcDb

Comparative microbiome analysis of Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and Tyrophagus putrescentiae

Publication date: Available online 6 December 2018

Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Author(s): Jinyoung Lee, Ju Yeong Kim, Myung-hee Yi, Younjee Hwang, In-Yong Lee, Sung-Hyun Nam, Dongeun Yong, Tai-Soon Yong

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

Adverse reactions to drugs and biologics in patients with clonal mast cell disorders: A Work Group Report of the Mast Cells Disorder Committee, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Publication date: Available online 6 December 2018

Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Author(s): Melody C. Carter, Dean D. Metcalfe, Almudena Matito, Luis Escribano, Joseph H. Butterfield, Lawrence B. Schwartz, Patrizia Bonadonna, Roberta Zanotti, Massimo Triggiani, Mariana Castells, Knut Brockow

Abstract

Providers caring for patients with mastocytosis are tasked with the decision to consider therapeutic options. This may come with some trepidation since the information available in the public domain lists numerous mast cell activators based on data that does not discriminate between primates, rodents and mast cell lines, does not consider dosage and does not take into account previous exposure and resultant clinical findings. This being said, there is support in the literature for an enhanced mast cell response in some patients with mastocytosis and where there is higher incidence of adverse reactions associated with certain antigens such as venoms as well as drugs. This report thus provides a comprehensive guide for those providers who must decide on therapeutic options in the management of patients with clonal mast cell disease.

from Allergy and Immunology via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2Qm3XSV

Staphylococcus aureus, epithelial disruption and nasal polyps. Are we one step ahead in combatting this foe?

Publication date: Available online 6 December 2018

Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Author(s): Mahboobeh Mahdavinia, Pete S. Batra

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

When is epinephrine prescribed for anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis represents a severe allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and can be fatal 1. Epinephrine is the first-choice medication in the treatment of anaphylaxis, both in the community and in the hospital setting 2. Nonetheless, epinephrine is largely underused 3. The purpose of this study was to examine the reasons that currently motivate professionals to treat anaphylaxis with epinephrine in the Emergency Department (ED) and the prescription of EAI for outpatient use after the allergy workup.

from Allergy and Immunology via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2rosx6n