Cyclic alternating pattern in narcolepsy patients and healthy controls after partial and total sleep deprivation

To investigate the regulation NREM sleep at baseline and in morning recovery sleep after partial and total sleep deprivation (SD) in narcolepsy-cataplexy (NC) using cyclic alternating pattern (CAP).

Are endodontically treated incisors reliable abutments for zirconia-based fixed partial dentures in the esthetic zone?

This ex vivo pilot study tested the influence of defect extension and quartz-fiber post placement (QFP) on the ex vivo survival rate and fracture resistance of root-treated upper central incisors served as abutments for zirconia 2-unit cantilever fixed partial dentures (2U-FPDs) exposed to 10 years of simulated clinical function.

Design of removable partial dentures: a survey of dental laboratories in Greece

The aim of this study was to compare data on design and fabrication methods of removable partial dentures (RPDs) in two major cities in Greece. A questionnaire was sent to 150 randomly selected dental technicians. The participation rate was 79.3%. The anterior palatal strap, the lingual bar, and the Roach-type clasp arm designs were preferred. Half of the RPDs fabricated were retained using precision attachments. Differences between the two cities were observed in types of major maxillary connectors used, types of attachments and impression materials used, as well as the design of distal-extension RPDs. Postdoctoral education was found to have an impact on RPD fabrication. Despite the differences observed, design and fabrication of RPDs followed commonly used principles.

Influence of Partial Lateral Corpectomy with and without Hemilaminectomy on Canine Thoracolumbar Stability: A Biomechanical Study

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the biomechanical changes induced by partial lateral corpectomy (PLC) and a combination of PLC and hemilaminectomy in a T13-L3 spinal segment in nonchondrodystrophic dogs. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro biomechanical cadaveric study. SAMPLE POPULATION: T13-L3 spinal segments (n = 10) of nonchondrodystrophic dogs (weighing, 25-38 kg). METHODS: A computed tomography (CT) scan of each T13-L3 spinal segment was performed. A loading simulator for flexibility analysis was used to determine the range of motion (ROM) and neutral zone (NZ) during flexion/extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. A servohydraulic testing machine was used to determine the changes in stiffness during compression, dorsoventral, and lateral shear. All spines were tested intact, after PLC in the left intervertebral space of L1-L2, and after a combination of PLC and hemilaminectomy. RESULTS: Statistically significant increases in ROM and NZ (P < .05) were detected during flexion/extension and lateral bending when PLC was performed. A significant increase in ROM (P < .001) was noted during axial rotation and flexion after PLC and hemilaminectomy. Stiffness decreased significantly during compression and dorsoventral shear after each procedure. Decreased stiffness during lateral shear was only significant after a combination of both procedures. CONCLUSION: PLC might lead to some spinal instability; these changes are enhanced when a hemilaminectomy is added.

Ground reaction force profiles after partial and pancarpal arthrodesis in dogs

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare long-term functional outcome after partial carpal arthrodesis and pancarpal arthrodesis in dogs using kinetic gait analysis. METHODS: Fourteen dogs with 19 partial carpal or pancarpal arthrodeses were retrospectively examined and underwent force-plate gait analysis. Mean times since surgery were 29.4 and 24.4 months for pancarpal and partial carpal arthrodesis respectively. Vertical and braking-propulsive ground reaction force profiles were compared between treatment groups, and to those of normal dogs (control group) using Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: With the exception of time to vertical peak that occurred earlier in dogs with pancarpal than in dogs with partial carpal arthrodesis (p <0.01), there was no difference between the two treatment groups. Several parameters differed significantly between operated and healthy dogs (p <0.01): vertical impulses were significantly lower in both treatment groups, braking forces and impulses were also reduced after both techniques. Propulsive forces and impulses were only reduced in dogs with pancarpal arthrodesis. When comparing gait parameters of sound limbs of unilateral operated dogs to those of control dogs, braking forces and impulses (p <0.01; p <0.05) were significantly higher in the sound legs of unilateral operated dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Long-term outcome after partial carpal and pancarpal arthrodesis is good and comparable to each other. Propulsive action may be altered more in dogs with pancarpal arthrodesis.