Quality of life and satisfaction of patients wearing implant-supported fixed partial denture: a cross-sectional survey of patients from Aracatuba city, Brazil

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life and satisfaction of patients wearing implant-supported fixed partial dentures.Materials &methodsA total of 106 patients were selected and submitted to clinical examination and collection of the demographic data for evaluation of the implant-supported fixed dentures conditions. All participants agreed to answer to the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-EDENT) questionnaire and another questionnaire about satisfaction with the implant-supported prostheses. The patients were classified into the following three groups for statistical analysis: patients wearing splinted implant-supported prosthesis (E), patients wearing single implant-supported prosthesis (U), and patients wearing single implant-supported prosthesis associated with splinted prosthesis (E+U). Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the answers between the groups, and a logistic regression model was measured to verify the relation between variables of the patients and the questionaries'items.ResultsThere were significant differences among groups (P=0.006) for discomfort during surgery itself of the satisfaction questionnaire. The marital status, groups, and hygiene condition were significant mainly for physical pain item.ConclusionsIt was concluded that the patients presented high level of satisfaction and quality of life for the most of the items evaluated as well as the groups showed similar results.

Axial loads on implant-supported partial fixed prostheses for external and internal hex connections and machined and plastic copings: strain gauge analysis

The aim of this in vitro study was to use strain gauge (SG) analysis to compare the effects of the implant-abutment joint, the coping, and the location of load on strain distribution in the bone around implants supporting 3-unit fixed partial prostheses. Three external hexagon (EH) implants and 3 internal hexagon (IH) implants were inserted into 2 polyurethane blocks. Microunit abutments were screwed onto their respective implant groups. Machined cobalt-chromium copings and plastic copings were screwed onto the abutments, which received standard wax patterns. The wax patterns were cast in a cobalt-chromium alloy (n = 5): group 1 = EH/machined. group 2 = EH/plastic, group 3 = IH/machined, and group 4 = IH/plastic. Four SGs were bonded onto the surface of the block tangentially to the implants. Each metallic structure was screwed onto the abutments and an axial load of 30 kg was applied at 5 predetermined points. The magnitude of microstrain on each SG was recorded in units of microstrain (mu epsilon). The data were analyzed using 3-factor repeated measures analysis of variance and a Tukey test (alpha = 0.05). The results showed statistically significant differences for the type of implant-abutment joint, loading point, and interaction at the implant-abutment joint/loading point. The IH connection showed higher microstrain values than the EH connection. It was concluded that the type of coping did not interfere in the magnitude of microstrain, but the implant/abutment joint and axial loading location influenced this magnitude.

The relationship between obesity, low back pain, and lumbar disc degeneration when genetics and the environment are considered: a systematic review of twin studies

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The relationships between obesity and low back pain (LBP) and lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) remain unclear. It is possible that familial factors, including genetics and early environment, affect these relationships.PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between obesity-related measures (eg, weight, body mass index [BMI]) and LBP and LDD using twin studies, where the effect of genetics and early environment can be controlled.STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review with meta-analysis.METHODS: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were searched from the earliest records to August 2014. All cross-sectional and longitudinal observational twin studies identified by the search strategy were considered for inclusion. Two investigators independently assessed the eligibility, conducted the quality assessment, and extracted the data. Metaanalyses (fixed or random effects, as appropriate) were used to pool studies'estimates of association.RESULTS: In total, 11 articles met the inclusion criteria. Five studies were included in the LBP analysis and seven in the LDD analysis. For the LBP analysis, pooling of the five studies showed that the risk of having LBP for individuals with the highest levels of BMI or weight was almost twice that of people with a lower BMI (odds ratio [OR] 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6-2.0; I-2 = 0%). A dose-response relationship was also identified. When genetics and the effects of a shared early environment were adjusted for using a within-pair twin case-control analysis, pooling of three studies showed a reduced but statistically positive association between obesity and prevalence of LBP (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.1-2.1; I-2 = 0%). However, the association was further diminished and not significant (OR 1.4; 95% CI 0.8-2.3; I-2 = 0%) when pooling included two studies on monozygotic twin pairs only. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria for LDD. When familial factors were not controlled for, body weight was positively associated with LDD in all five cross-sectional studies. Only two cross-sectional studies investigated the relationship between obesity-related measures and LDD accounting for familial factors, and the results were conflicting. One longitudinal study in LBP and three longitudinal studies in LDD found no increase in risk in obese individuals, whether or not familial factors were controlled for.CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this review suggest that genetics and early environment are possible mechanisms underlying the relationship between obesity and LBP; however, a direct causal link between these conditions appears to be weak. Further longitudinal studies using the twin design are needed to better understand the complex mechanisms underlying the associations between obesity, LBP, and LDD.

Learning kernels for support vector machines with polynomial powers of sigmoid

In the pattern recognition research field, Support Vector Machines (SVM) have been an effectiveness tool for classification purposes, being successively employed in many applications. The SVM input data is transformed into a high dimensional space using some kernel functions where linear separation is more likely. However, there are some computational drawbacks associated to SVM. One of them is the computational burden required to find out the more adequate parameters for the kernel mapping considering each non-linearly separable input data space, which reflects the performance of SVM. This paper introduces the Polynomial Powers of Sigmoid for SVM kernel mapping, and it shows their advantages over well-known kernel functions using real and synthetic datasets.

Instantaneous complex power applied to three-phase machines

The theory presented in this paper was primarily developed to give a physical interpretation for the instantaneous power flow on a three-phase induction machine, without a neutral conductor, on any operational state and may be extended to any three-phase load. It is a vectorial interpretation of the instantaneous reactive power theory presented by Akagi et al. Which, believe the authors, isn't enough developed and its physical meaning not yet completely understood. This vectorial interpretation is based on the instantaneous complex power concept defined by Torrens for single-phase, ac, steady-state circuits, and leads to a better understanding of the power phenomenon, particularly of the distortion power. This concept has been extended by the authors to three-phase systems, through the utilization of the instantaneous space vectors. The results of measurements of instantaneous complex power on a self-excited induction generator's terminals, during an over-load application transient, are presented for illustration. The compensation of reactive power proposed by Akagi is discussed and a new horizon for the theory application is opened.

Oral rehabilitation with implantations: association of fixed partial prosthesis, UCLA system, and EsthetiCone

The objective of modern odontology is to reconstitute to the patient the comfort, the function, the aesthetic form, the phonetic capability, and normal health. However, the more the patient is toothless, the more this objective becomes difficult inside traditional dentistry. As a result of continuous research of materials and techniques, permissible success is now a reality, whitewashing many challenging clinical situations. Thus, the objective of the article was to present a clinical case where association of the universal cast to long abutment pillars and EsthetiCone were used for aesthetic whitewashing. A man presented to the clinic of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universidade Estadual Paulista. After clinical examination and radiographic evaluation evidenced the necessity of substitution of fixed prostheses (15-25), he was presented with disadaptation and a favorable aesthetic solution. Ahead of the evaluated picture and considering the extension of the toothless space made, it was opted more, to the accomplishment of surgery, the setting of 2 implantations in the region and 2 in each edentate side of the posterior portion of the jaw. On 6 implants and 2 teeth, 10 metal ceramic crowns had been confectioned: 4 of them being joined in the region of the 12 to the 22 and the other 6 as unit crowns in the region of the 13, the 14, the 15, the 23, the 24, and the 25. The carried-through treatment was capable to return the aesthetic form, the function, the phonetic capability, the comfort, and the health of the verbal socket.

Safety and efficacy of fixed-combination travoprost/timolol in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension not controlled with timolol monotherapy

To assess the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect of travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% fixed-dose combination (TRAV/TIM-FC) in patients not achieving the target IOP of ≤18 mmHg while on timolol 0.5% (TIM) monotherapy. A multicenter, prospective, open-label study (NCT01336569) was conducted in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Eligible patients were receiving TIM monotherapy with a screening/baseline IOP of 19-35 mmHg in ≥1 eye. TIM was discontinued on the baseline visit day (no washout period) and TRAV/TIM-FC was initiated and administered once daily at 8 pm for 4-6 weeks. The primary efficacy variable was mean change in IOP from TIM-treated baseline to study end, measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry. Results were analyzed by analysis of variance and paired samples t-test (5% significance). A total of 49 patients were enrolled (mean age, 63 [range, 42-82] years; 55.1% White; 73.5% women), and 45 were included in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population. Mean duration of treatment with TRAV/TIM-FC was 31 days. Mean ± standard deviation IOP reduction from baseline (TIM) to the follow-up visit (TRAV/TIM-FC) was -5.0±3.6 mmHg. IOP decreased significantly (P<0.0001) from baseline (22.1±2.6 mmHg) to study end (17.1±3.9 mmHg) in the ITT population, with a mean IOP reduction of 22.3%. Most patients (n=33/45; 73.3%) achieved IOP ≤18 mmHg. Two patients experienced a total of four adverse events (AEs), including a patient who reported one serious AE (enterorrhagia) that was considered unrelated to treatment, and a patient who reported one event each of drug-related redness, pruritus, and foreign body sensation. Most patients (n=47/49; 95.9%) reported no AEs. TRAV/TIM-FC lowered IOP in patients who were not at target IOP while receiving TIM monotherapy, with most patients achieving an IOP ≤18 mmHg with TRAV/TIM-FC. TRAV/TIM-FC was well tolerated in this population.

Deformações elásticas e áreas de contato de pneus agrícolas e florestais utilizando prensa hidráulica em superfície rígida

Pós-graduação em Agronomia (Energia na Agricultura) - FCA

Vacuum energy and the fixed point of QED

The vacuum energy of QED, as a function of the coupling constant α, is shown to have an absolute minimum at the critical coupling αc=π/3. The effect of chiral symmetry breaking diminishes as the coupling is increased. We argue that these aspects of the vacuum energy shall remain unaltered beyond the ladder approximation.

Distal extension removable partial denture with resilient attachment connect to an anterior fixed implant-supported prosthesis: a clinical report

Background: Considering the limited qualitative and quantitative bone in the posterior arch, this modality of prosthetic treatment could provide a positive emotional factor reestablished by immovability of the anterior fixed implant-supported segment. Objective: This clinical report demonstrates the possibility of achieving positive results with a removable partial denture connected to an implant-supported fixed prosthesis associated to an extra resilient attachment. Clinical significance: In cases of posterior mandibular and maxilla atrophy added to the patients desire against the bone graft, this kind of prosthetic treatment has an important place as an alternative.

Mandibular cortical bone evaluation on cone beam computed tomography images of patients with bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaws

Objectives The objective of this study was to develop a technique for detecting cortical bone dimensional changes in patients with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). Study Design Subjects with BRONJ who had cone-beam computed tomography imaging were selected, with age- and gender-matched controls. Mandibular cortical bone measurements to detect bisphosphonate-related cortical bone changes were made inferior to mental foramen, in 3 different ways: within a fixed sized rectangle, in a rectangle varying with the cortical height, and a ratio between area and height. Results Twelve BRONJ cases and 66 controls were evaluated. The cortical bone measurements were significantly higher in cases than controls for all 3 techniques. The bone measurements were strongly associated with BRONJ case status (odds ratio 3.36-7.84). The inter-rater reliability coefficients were high for all techniques (0.71-0.90). Conclusions Mandibular cortical bone measurement is a potentially useful tool in the detection of bone dimensional changes caused by bisphosphonates. Long-term administration of bisphosphonates (BPs) affects bone quality and metabolism following accumulation in bone.1 Since the first cases of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) were published in 2003,2 there has been a search for factors that can predict the onset of the condition. Oral and intravenous BPs reduce bone resorption, increase mineral content of bone, and alter bony architecture.3, 4, 5 and 6 Previous studies have demonstrated these changes both radiographically and following histologic analysis.1, 3, 7, 8, 9 and 10 The BP-related jaw changes may present radiological features, such as thickening of lamina dura and cortical borders, diffuse sclerosis, and narrowing of the mandibular canal3 and 11; however, oral radiographs of patients taking BPs do not consistently show radiographic changes to the jaws.11 and 12 The challenge is to find imaging tools that could improve the detection of changes in the bone associated with BP use. Various skeletal radiographic features associated with BRONJ in conventional periapical and panoramic radiographs, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear bone scanning have been described.3, 8, 9, 10 and 11 There has also been a search for BP-related quantitative methods for the evaluation of radiographic images, to avoid observer subjectivity in interpretation. Factors thought to be important include trabecular and cortical structure, and bone mineralization.4 Consequently, measurable bone data have been reported in subjects taking BPs through many techniques, including bone density, architecture, and cortical bone thickness.1, 4, 7 and 13 Trabecular microarchitecture of postmenopausal women has been evaluated with noninvasive techniques, such as high-resolution magnetic resonance images showing less deterioration of the bone 1 year after initiation of oral BP therapy.4 A decrease in bone turnover and a trend for an increase in the bone wall thickness has been detected by histomorphometry in subjects taking BPs.1 Alterations in the cortical structure of the second metacarpal have been detected in digital x-ray radiogrammetry of postmenopausal women treated with BPs.7 Mandibular cortical width may be measured on dental panoramic radiographs, and it has been suggested as a screening tool for referring patients for bone densitometry for osteoporosis investigation.14 and 15 Inhibition of the intracortical bone remodeling in the mandible of mice taking BPs has been reported.16 Thus, imaging evaluation of the mandibular cortical bone could be a biologically plausible way to detect BP bone alterations. Computed tomography can assess both cortical and trabecular bone characteristics. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) can provide 3-dimensional information, while using lower doses and costing less than conventional CT. The CBCT images have been studied as a tool for the measurement of trabecular bone in patients with BRONJ.13 Therefore, cortical bone measurements on CBCT of the jaws might also help to understand bone changes in patients with BRONJ. There is no standard in quantifying dimensional changes of mandibular cortical bone. We explored several different approaches to take into consideration possible changes in length, area, and volume. These led to the 3 techniques developed in this study. This article reports a matched case-control study in which mandibular cortical bone was measured on CBCT images of subjects with BRONJ and controls. The aim of the study was to explore the usefulness of 3 techniques for detecting mandibular cortical bone dimensional changes caused by BP.

Monitoramento de integridade estrutural e de sistemas utilizando dispositivos de baixo custo

Pós-graduação em Engenharia Mecânica - FEB

Preliminary diagnosis of ophtalmological diseases through machine learning techniques

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Expert system to detect incipient fauts in rotating machines using fuzzy logic and virtual instrumentation

This paper refers to the design of an expert system that captures a waveform through the use of an accelerometer, processes the signal and converts it to the frequency domain using a Fast Fourier Transformer to then, using artificial intelligence techniques, specifically Fuzzy Reasoning, it determines if there is any failure present in the underlying mode of the equipment, such as imbalance, misalignment or bearing defects.

Effect of veneering material on the deformation suffered by implant-supported fixed prosthesis framework

The aim of this study was to evaluate the deformation suffered by cantilevered implant-supported fixed prostheses frameworks cast in silver-palladium alloy and coated with two occlusal veneering materials: acrylic resin or porcelain. Material and Methods: Two strain gauges were bonded to the inferior surface of the silver-palladium framework and two other were bonded to the occlusal surface of the prosthesis framework covered with ceramic and acrylic resin on each of its two halves. The framework was fixed to a metallic master model and a 35.2 N compression force was applied to the cantilever at 10, 15 and 20 mm from the most distal implant. The measurements of deformation by compression and tension were obtained. The statistical 2-way ANOVA test was used for individual analysis of the experiment variables and the Tukey test was used for the interrelation between all the variables (material and distance of force application). Results: The results showed that both variables had influence on the studied factors (deformation by compression and tension). Conclusion: The ceramic coating provided greater rigidity to the assembly and therefore less distortion compared with the uncoated framework and with the resin-coated framework. The cantilever arm length also influenced the prosthesis rigidity, causing higher deformation the farther the load was applied from the last implant.