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Biomedical subjects

Y Shyr

Publications and source records attributed to Y Shyr.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Diagnostic value of B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Although elevations of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) concentrations have been shown to have prognostic significance in patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the relation between plasma levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and cardiovascular mortality remains unknown. To test the prognostic value of plasma ANP and BNP after AMI, plasma concentrations were measured a mean of 3 days after infarction in 75 patients. During a median follow-up of 19.7 months, 14 patients (18.4%) died of cardiovascular causes. On univariate analysis, plasma ANP and BNP, Killip class, modified Peel index, left ventricular ejection fraction, and presence of left ventricular failure were all associated with cardiovascular mortality. In contrast, plasma ANP was the only variable that correlated with the development of symptomatic heart failure and hospitalization. For the combined end point of cardiovascular mortality, symptomatic heart failure, and hospitalization, plasma neurohormones were the only variables of predictive value. By stepwise regression analysis, plasma BNP was the only significant independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality (p = 0.001), whereas plasma ANP identified patients at risk of symptomatic heart failure and hospitalization (p = 0.002 and 0.019, respectively). This study indicates that plasma BNP measured after AMI is a powerful neurohormonal predictor of subsequent cardiovascular mortality, whereas plasma ANP correlates better with the development of symptomatic heart failure and hospitalization. Routine measurement of both of these peptides in the period immediately after an AMI may provide a simple means of risk stratification with different information gained from each peptide.

Adult↗

Heterosexual experiences and partnerships of urban, low-income African-American and Hispanic youth.

We have used data from a probability sample of African-American and Hispanic youth living in low-income urban household to describe their heterosexual experiences and the influence of relationships with different kinds of sexual partners (married/lived with, well known, casual) on types of intercourse (oral, anal, vaginal), condom use, and use of other birth control methods. The Generalized Estimating Equation method for data sets with multiple observations on the same subject was used to examine whether an individual's behavior differs with different kinds of partners and how behavior with a given partner is affected by experience with other relationships. Results indicate that (a) with the exception of African-American men, sexual and contraceptive behavior varied considerably with different kinds of partners; (b) heterosexual oral and anal intercourse is more common among Hispanic than African- American youth; and (c) regardless of experience with other relationships, consistent condom use as well as use of any type of contraceptive method tend to be less likely with a casual sex partner. Data regarding percentages of consistent condom use (20%-45%) and increased involvement in risky behavior associated with multiple partners further emphasize the need for interventions that enhance condom use and discourage involvement with multiple partners.

Adolescent↗

Anterior glenohumeral stabilization factors: progressive effects in a biomechanical model.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anterior stabilizing factors of the glenohumeral joint over a range of translations. The stabilizers examined included the capsular ligaments, the coracohumeral ligament, the rotator cuff muscles, and the long head of the biceps. Simulated muscle forces were applied to eight shoulder specimens to produce 90 degrees of total elevation of the arm in the scapular plane. Stability, defined as the force required to reach a specified subluxation, then was evaluated under varying configurations of capsule cuts, humeral rotation, and muscular loads. The overall force-displacement relationship of the subluxation was found to increase exponentially in external rotation to 239 N at 10 mm of displacement and to level off in neutral rotation to 172 N at 10 mm of displacement. Among the muscles, the biceps was the most important stabilizer in neutral rotation, providing more than 30 N of stabilization; the subscapularis provided the greatest degree of stabilization in external rotation, increasing to approximately 20 N. The subscapularis and supraspinatus were the most consistently important stabilizers in both types of rotation. In external rotation, the superior, middle, and inferior glenohumeral ligaments were the most effective ligamentous stabilizers, and all provided progressively more stabilization as higher displacements were reached. The stability provided by some of the ligaments reached nearly 50 N at 10 mm of displacement.

Aged↗

Long-term follow-up of patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma treated with extracorporeal photochemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have assessed the long-term outcome of patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) treated with extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP). OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to assess the efficacy, safety, and survival of a cohort of patients with refractory T-cell lymphoma in various stages of cutaneous involvement who were treated with ECP. METHODS: Twenty patients who had received at least 6 months of ECP between September 1988 and April 1991 were reevaluated and the data analyzed statistically to obtain outcome data through December 1995. RESULTS: A complete response (disappearance of all lesions) was obtained in five patients (25%) and a partial response (disappearance of at least 50% of lesions) in five patients (25%). Of the 10 responders, seven (70%) were weaned from ECP. Two of seven patients had a relapse. Ten patients (50%) showed no response to ECP. No statistically significant differences between responders and nonresponders were found with respect to demographic, clinical, or laboratory variables. Seven patients died of causes directly related to CTCL and two patients died of unrelated causes. Median survival time for the entire cohort was 96 months (range, 16 to 152 months). An assessment of early response after 6 to 8 months of ECP had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 90% for predicting long-term (> 4 years) outcome. Adverse effects were minimal. CONCLUSION: ECP is a safe effective alternative therapy for CTCL that is refractory to other therapies; it can induce a long-term, disease-free remission in a minority of patients. Response in the first 6 to 8 months of treatment predicts long-term outcome.

Adult↗

Paclitaxel plus carboplatin in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a phase II trial.

PURPOSE: Studies conducted by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) indicate both paclitaxel and carboplatin are associated with an improvement in 1-year survival in patients with stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Based on these findings, a phase II trial of these agents in combination was conducted in patients with advanced NSCLC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligibility included previously untreated stage IIIB or IV NSCLC patients with a good performance status (PS). Paclitaxel (135 or 175 mg/m2) was administered by 24-hour infusion on day 1, followed by a 1-hour infusion of carboplatin on day 2 (300 mg/m2 or dosed to an area under the concentration-time curve [AUC] of 6 mg/mL.min). Treatment was repeated every 28 days for a total of six cycles. Hematopoietic growth factors were not routinely used. RESULTS: Among 51 eligible patients, there were no complete and 14 partial responses, for an overall response rate of 27% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17% to 41%). The median progression-free survival time was 23.8 weeks (range, 12.1 to 73.9) and median survival time, 38 weeks. The survival rate at 1 year was 32%. Grade 3 or 4 granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia were observed in 47% and 3%, respectively, of the 184 treatment cycles administered. The most common nonhematologic toxicities included nausea and emesis, neuropathy, and arthralgia/myalgia. CONCLUSION: Paclitaxel plus carboplatin is a moderately active regimen in patients with advanced NSCLC and warrants comparison with existing cisplatin-based regimens in a prospective randomized trial. The toxicities of this regimen are well tolerated in patients with a good PS.

Adult↗

Relationship of amiodarone to postoperative complications of transthoracic implantation of automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

The purpose of this study is to report the results and complications associated with transthoracic placement of an implantable defibrillator and their relationship to amiodarone, and to identify clinical predictors of complications. There were 159 men and 41 women. The mean patients age was 61 +/- 11 years, and the mean ejection fraction was 0.33 +/- 0.14. Fifty one percent of patients developed complications including death in 14 patients (7%). Variables which differed in patients who died and those that did not were age, ejection fraction and New York heart failure classifications. Postoperative mortality was unrelated to amiodarone therapy. Twenty patients (10%) developed pneumonia and 15 patients (7.5%) developed respiratory failure. Clinical variables associated with the development of respiratory failure were age, amiodarone therapy and a prior history of pulmonary disease. Patients receiving amiodarone had a higher incidence of an elevated defibrillation threshold (> or = 25 joules) as compared with those not being treated with amiodarone. Clinical factors associated with an elevated defibrillation threshold were a history of a myocardial infarction, prior bypass surgery, and amiodarone. The results of this study demonstrate that placement of an implantable defibrillator using a transthoracic approach is associated with a high incidence of complications. Amiodarone therapy is associated with an increased incidence of pneumonia, respiratory failure, and elevated defibrillation thresholds.

Adolescent↗

Increase in circulating products of lipid peroxidation (F2-isoprostanes) in smokers. Smoking as a cause of oxidative damage.

BACKGROUND: It has been hypothesized that the pathogenesis of diseases induced by cigarette smoking involves oxidative damage by free radicals. However, definitive evidence that smoking causes the oxidative modification of target molecules in vivo is lacking. We conducted a study to determine whether the production of F2-isoprostanes, which are novel products of lipid peroxidation, is enhanced in persons who smoke. METHODS: We measured the levels of free F2-isoprostanes in plasma, the levels of F2-isoprostanes esterified to plasma lipids, and the urinary excretion of metabolites of F2-isoprostanes in 10 smokers and 10 nonsmokers matched for age and sex. The short-term effects of smoking (three cigarettes smoked over 30 minutes) and the effects of two weeks of abstinence from smoking on levels of F2-isoprostanes in the circulation were also determined in the smokers. RESULTS: Plasma levels of free and esterified F2-isoprostanes were significantly higher in the smokers (242 +/- 147 and 574 +/- 217 pmol per liter, respectively) than in the nonsmokers (103 +/- 19 and 345 +/- 65 pmol per liter; P = 0.02 for free F2-isoprostanes and P = 0.03 for esterified F2-isoprostanes). Smoking had no short-term effects on the circulating levels of F2-isoprostanes. However, the levels of free and esterified F2-isoprostanes fell significantly after two weeks of abstinence from smoking (250 +/- 156 and 624 +/- 214 pmol per liter, respectively, before the cessation of smoking, as compared with 156 +/- 67 and 469 +/- 108 pmol per liter after two weeks' cessation; P = 0.03 for free F2-isoprostanes and P = 0.02 for esterified F2-isoprostanes). CONCLUSIONS: The increased levels of F2-isoprostanes in the circulation of persons who smoke support the hypothesis that smoking can cause the oxidative modification of important biologic molecules in vivo.

Adult↗

The value of the clinical history in the differentiation of syncope due to ventricular tachycardia, atrioventricular block, and neurocardiogenic syncope.

BACKGROUND: The present study was undertaken to identify and quantitate the symptoms associated with neurocardiogenic syncope, syncope due to ventricular tachycardia, and syncope resulting from atrioventricular block. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty patients referred for evaluation of syncope in whom a diagnosis of neurocardiogenic syncope, atrioventricular block, or ventricular tachycardia was established were studied. Each patient was interviewed using a standard questionnaire. The clinical histories were then compared to identify which variables best differentiated the cause of syncope. RESULTS: The clinical histories of patients with syncope due to ventricular tachycardia and atrioventricular block were similar. Only age, the duration of prodromal symptoms, diaphoresis prior to syncope, and fatigue following syncope differed. In contrast, the clinical history in patients with neurocardiogenic syncope differed greatly from that obtained in patients with syncope due to atrioventricular block or ventricular tachycardia. Features of the clinical history that were predictive of syncope due to atrioventricular block or ventricular tachycardia were male sex, age > 54 years, < or = 2 episodes of syncope, and a duration of warning of < or = 5 seconds. Features of the clinical history predictive of syncope not due to ventricular tachycardia or atrioventricular block were palpitations, blurred vision, nausea, warmth, diaphoresis, or lightheadedness prior to syncope, and nausea, warmth, diaphoresis, or fatigue following syncope. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study identify and compare the features of the clinical history obtained in patients with syncope due to ventricular tachycardia, atrioventricular block, and neurocardiogenic syncope and demonstrate that the clinical history is of value in distinguishing patients with these three causes of syncope.

Adult↗

Evaluation of a collagen membrane with and without bone grafts in treating periodontal intrabony defects.

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical regenerative capacity of collagen membrane with and without demineralized freeze-dried bone allografts (DFDBA) in treating periodontal intrabony defects. Ten systemically healthy patients with similar bilateral periodontal defects were scheduled for surgery. Each patient had at least > or = 6 mm clinical probing depth and loss of attachment at selected sites. Baseline measurements included gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), and mobility. At the time of surgery, the defects were randomly assigned to either test (collagen membrane plus DFDBA) or control group (collagen membrane only). Stent to base of the defects, stent to crest bone, crest of bone to base of the defect, and width of the defects were recorded at the time of surgery and reentry. Eight patients returned after 6 months for reentry surgery. Statistical analysis with a paired t test was used to evaluate the treatment effect and comparison between test and control groups. In addition, a McNemar test was used to analyze the significance of GI, PI, and mobility at different times. The result of this study indicated that both the collagen plus DFDBA and the collagen alone treatment groups had a significant decrease of PD (3.4 +/- 0.4 and 3.2 +/- 0.4 mm), gain of CAL (2.3 +/- 0.5 and 2.0 +/- 0.4 mm), and defect fill (1.7 +/- 0.3 and 1.9 +/- 0.9 mm) (P < 0.05) when compared to the presurgery status. However, there was no significant difference in PD, AL, GR, defect fill, crestal bone resorption, GI, PI, or mobility between the test group and control group. No adverse tissue reaction, infection, or delayed wound healing was noted throughout the treatment in either group. This study suggests that the collagen membrane is well tolerated by the human tissues. Both treatments, either collagen membrane plus DFDBA or collagen membrane alone, promoted significant resolution of periodontal intrabony defects. The addition of a bone graft (DFDBA) with a collagen membrane appears to add no extra benefit to the collagen membrane treatment.

Adult↗

Variability in Cobb angle measurements in children with congenital scoliosis.

The variability in measurement of angles in congenital scoliosis is not known, but it is postulated that it is larger than that in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis due to skeletal immaturity, incomplete ossification, and anomalous development of the end-vertebrae. To determine this variability, we selected 54 radiographs of adequate quality showing 67 scoliotic curves from children with congenital scoliosis. The end-vertebrae were preselected. Each curve was measured by the Cobb method on two separate occasions by six different observers, using the same goniometer and marker. The intraobserver variability was +/- 9.6 degrees and the interobserver variability +/- 11.8 degrees. If 'significant progression' is to be used as a criterion for surgical fusion in congenital scoliosis, there should be at least a 23 degrees increase, the entire range of the interobserver variability, in the curvature to ensure that the perceived increase is not due to variability in measurement.

Analysis of Variance↗

The effect of bronchopulmonary dysplasia on growth at school age.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) on growth at school age. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. METHODS: The sample included 406 children selected from a reconstructed cohort of infants of very low birth weight previously enrolled in a multisite, randomized, controlled clinical trial. The children were contacted at 8 to 10 years of age. Height, weight, and head circumference (HC) were measured. Possible confounders including sociodemographic data, and neonatal factors were also recorded. RESULTS: The children in the BPD group were significantly smaller in weight (z score, -0.50 +/- 1.19 SD vs -0.06 +/- 1.30 SD) and HC (z score, -1.41 +/- 1.32 SD vs -0.63 +/- 1.62 SD) than those without BPD. However, after controlling for cofounders (using analysis of covariance), no significant differences were demonstrated between the two groups. Power analyses showed that a difference of at least 0.43 z score units could have been detected. The previously documented associations between BPD and suspected confounders were reconfirmed. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences were noted between children with and without BPD for weight and HC but not height. When possible confounders were taken into account, the differences were no longer appreciated. Thus, the previously reported poor growth in children with BPD may have been related to other factors and not necessarily to BPD.

Body Height↗

The influence of molar furcation involvement and mobility on future clinical periodontal attachment loss.

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of furcation involvement (FI) and mobility (MO) on change in probing periodontal attachment level (AL) on molar teeth. Twenty-four patients were selected from The University of Michigan longitudinal periodontal clinical trial. The patients who met the entry criteria received a baseline examination and were treated by periodontal scaling and root planing followed by different periodontal surgical approaches in a split-mouth design. Patients were placed on a 3-month interval for maintenance prophylaxis and had yearly periodontal scorings for a period of 8 years. The scorings included determination of AL, FI, MO, and tooth loss (TL). Data for molar teeth from three different time periods (at entry (A) and at 1 (B) and 8 (C) years) were analyzed. The results demonstrated that teeth with FI were 2.54 times more likely to be lost when compared to teeth without FI during the maintenance period. By using paired t test approach to the probing attachment level data, molars with FI had significantly more loss between times B and C but not between A and B or A and C. Teeth with increased MO demonstrated significantly more AL between times A and C and B and C. When the interaction between MO and FI was analyzed, teeth with both FI and MO had significantly more attachment loss during the maintenance period (B to C). No statistically significant difference was found among the three different therapeutic approaches (pocket elimination, curettage, and modified Widman flap) during any of the time periods.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Evaluation of an absorbable collagen membrane in treating Class II furcation defects.

Recent research has focused upon the utilization of an absorbable collagen membrane in guided tissue regeneration (GTR). Concern exists as to whether this type of membrane is beneficial in the treatment of periodontal defects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a type I bovine collagen membrane on treatment of Class II furcation defects. Twelve systemically healthy patients (six male and six female, ages 32 to 68) were treated. Each had bilateral mandibular furcation defects with attachment loss > or = 6 mm. Prior to surgery all patients completed initial therapy including scaling and root planing. At the time of the surgery, teeth were randomly assigned to either a control (flap debridement alone) or test (flap debridement plus collagen membrane) group. Data were collected on the day of surgery, and 2, 4, and 6 months post-surgery and at the 12 month re-entry surgery. Clinical measurements included probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession (GR), stent to base of defect (SB), crestal bone to base of defect (CB), width of defect, and mobility. Statistical analysis was performed utilizing the paired t test. Both control and test groups demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) improvement at 12 months re-entry in PD, CAL, SB, and CB when compared to the presurgery status. While there is no significant difference in PD, CAL, GR, width of defect, and mobility between control and test groups, sites treated with the collagen membrane had significantly higher bone fill (SB and CB) at re-entry.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Adherence of oral microorganisms to guided tissue membranes: an in vitro study.

Microorganisms can adhere and colonize on an exposed guided tissue regeneration (GTR) membrane thus developing a nidus of infection. The purpose of this study was to compare early bacterial adhesion to three different GTR membranes. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, polyglactin 910, and collagen were used as the test membranes. In part I of this study 15 different oral microbes were used to compare their relative ability to adhere to the membranes. Six of the most strongly adherent bacteria (Actinomyces viscosus, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus mutans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Selenomonas sputigena) were selected for part II of this study. The membranes were placed in tubes containing broth cultures containing identical concentrations (1 x 10(8) cells/ml) of these bacteria at 37 degrees C. Membranes were placed in tubes of media without bacteria as controls. At 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours, the bacterial cultures were decanted and the membranes in the tubes were agitated gently in reduced transfer fluid (RTF) 4 times to remove non-adherent bacteria. Each tube was then sonicated for 30 seconds in 10 ml RTF to detach adherent bacteria. The detached adherent bacteria were counted using a Petroff-Hausser chamber. Data were analyzed by using the SAS program. Analysis of variance was used to test for differences between multiple means. Results showed S. mutans had the strongest attachment to the collagen membrane at 4 and 6 hours. Selenomonas sputigena had the lowest adherence capability to all test membranes. Polyglactin 910 had significantly (P < 0.05) lower S. mutants adherence than either the ePTFE or the collagen membrane at 4 and 6 hours.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Actinomyces viscosus↗

The effect of platelet-derived growth factor on the cellular response of the periodontium: an autoradiographic study on dogs.

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a polypeptide growth factor considered to have a role in the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts at a wound healing site. The aim of this investigation was to determine if PDGF, when applied to root surfaces, would stimulate the proliferation of fibroblasts and further enhance regeneration. Six mongrel dogs with healthy periodontia were selected for this study. Using a closed wound surgical model, standardized 4 x 4 mm fenestration defects were created into dentin on the mid-facial of the mesial and distal roots of 4 mandibular posterior teeth in each quadrant. Each defect received either: 1) saline solution (C); 2) expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane; 3) PDGF; or 4) ePTFE + PDGF. 3H-thymidine was administered 1 hour prior to animal sacrifice at 1, 3, and 7 days postsurgery. Each time period included 2 dogs with each dog undergoing the four different treatments. Slides were prepared for autoradiography. 3H-thymidine-labeled cells were counted and results were statistically analyzed using the Bonferroni (Dunn) t test on the SAS program. Results indicated PDGF enhanced fibroblast proliferation when compared to the groups without PDGF. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were noted at day 1 and 7 when PDGF and PDGF + GT were compared to C and GT groups. No significant differences were observed in labeled fibroblasts between the C and GT groups at any time period. These findings suggest that PDGF enhances fibroblast proliferation in early periodontal wound healing, whether used alone or in combination with the ePTFE membrane.

Analysis of Variance↗

The role of the primary care physician in the care of children with serious heart disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the roles of primary care physicians and specialists in the medical care of children with serious heart disease. SETTING: Pediatric Cardiology Division; Tertiary Care Children's Hospital. SUBJECTS: Convenience sample of parents, primary care physicians, and pediatric cardiologists of 92 children with serious heart disease. DESIGN: Questionnaire study; questionnaires based on 16 medical care needs, encompassing basic primary care services, care specific to the child's heart disease and general issues related to chronic illness. RESULTS: All children had a primary care physician (PCP), and both they and the parents (P) reported high utilization of PCP for basic primary care services. However, there was little involvement of PCP in providing care for virtually any aspect of the child's heart disease. Parents expressed a low level of confidence in the ability of PCP in general or their child's own PCP to meet many of their child's medical care needs. Both PCP and pediatric cardiologists (PC) were significantly more likely than parents to see a role for PCP in providing for care specific to the heart disease as well as more general issues related to chronic illness. PC and PCP generally agreed about the role PCP should play, although PC saw a bigger role for PCP in providing advice about the child's activity than PCP themselves did. PC were less likely to see the PCP as able to follow the child for long term complications than PCP did. PC were more likely than PCP to believe that PCP were too busy or were inadequately reimbursed to care for children with serious heart disease. Only about one-third of parents reported discussing psychosocial, family, economic, or genetic issues with any provider, and PCP were rarely involved in these aspects of chronic illness. CONCLUSIONS: Primary care physicians do not take an active role in managing either the condition-specific or the more general aspects of this serious chronic childhood illness. With appropriate information and support from their specialist colleagues primary care physicians could provide much of the care for this group of children. Generalists and specialists are both responsible for educating and influencing parents about the role primary care physicians can play in caring for children with serious chronic illness.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Evaluation of ferric oxalate as an agent for use during surgery to prevent post-operative root hypersensitivity.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 6% ferric oxalate solution applied during periodontal surgery to prevent post-operative tooth hypersensitivity. Twenty-five adult patients with similar bilateral periodontal defects participated in this study. Data were collected at baseline (1 week prior to surgery) and 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks following surgery. Sensitivity level was determined using the visual analog scale (VAS) with the following stimuli: 1) mechanical stimulation with a No. 23 dental explorer; 2) water at 50 degrees C; 3) ice; and 4) electric pulp tester (EPT). Teeth were randomly assigned to either test (6% ferric oxalate in 0.9% saline) or control (0.9% saline) groups. Solutions were applied to the exposed root surfaces for 1 minute during surgery. Data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA, paired t-test, and Pearson's correlation test. Results from this study demonstrated statistically significant reduction in the responses to thermal stimuli, especially cold, between groups treated with ferric oxalate as compared to those treated with saline. For the cold test the difference increased with time from baseline to 6 weeks. Statistically significant (P < 0.05) differences in sensitivity to heat between groups were also observed, but only at 2 and 4 weeks following surgery. There were no differences at any time period between the test and control groups when tactile or EPT techniques were used. In addition, there was no correlation between sensitivity and other clinical parameters. It was concluded from this study that 6% ferric oxalate was effective in reducing post-surgical cold sensitivity when applied during periodontal surgical procedures.

Adult↗

The relationship between restoration and furcation involvement on molar teeth.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the correlation between the presence of a crown (CR) or a proximal restoration (RE) and furcation involvement (FI) on molar teeth. Data were collected from 134 periodontal maintenance patients who had restored and non-restored molars present both with and without FI. A majority of the restorations that were present in these patients had been in place for at least 5 years prior to the study. First and second molars were examined clinically using the following criteria: CR, RE, FI, mobility (MO), and probing periodontal attachment level (AL). Data were analyzed with a statistical program utilizing Pearson chi-square and the pair-difference t test. The results indicated that molars with CR or RE had a significantly (P < 0.01) higher percentage of FI but no greater mobility when compared to molars without restorations. Mean probing periodontal attachment loss was greater for restored than non-restored molars but only with marginal significance (P = 0.051). There was a greater difference in mean AL between restored versus non-restored maxillary molars than for mandibular molars. This cross-sectional study provides evidence that molars with crowns or restorations involving the proximal tooth surfaces had a higher prevalence of FI and greater AL than molars without restorations.

Chi-Square Distribution↗