scholarly journals Prospective, Clinical Pilot Study with Eleven 4-Mm Extra-Short Implants Splinted to Longer Implants for Posterior Maxilla Rehabilitation

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Torassa ◽  
Pablo Naldini ◽  
José Luis Calvo-Guirado ◽  
Enrique Fernández-Bodereau
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Clinical Performance ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Short Implants ◽  
Posterior Maxilla ◽  
Bone Height ◽  
Maxillary Region

In many clinical situations, rehabilitation with implants in the posterior maxillary region is complicated by limited bone availability. In this context, the use of 4 mm long implants (known as extra-short implants) may be used thanks to the concept of osseointegration enhancement. It has been demonstrated that short implants offer an alternative to the regeneration procedures involved in placing longer implants in areas where bone height is compromised. This prospective pilot study tested a treatment protocol in which 11 extra-short (4 mm) implants were splinted to 11 mesially placed longer (8 mm) implants in the posterior maxillary regions of partially edentulous patients, without using supplementary bone regeneration procedures. Eleven patients were included in this single cohort study. The clinical performance of the extra-short implants was assessed during a two-year follow-up period, obtaining a 100% survival rate and mean bone loss of 0.3 mm. Implant stability measured by resonance frequency analysis (RFA) at the time of placement was 54.9 ± 4.9, increasing to 77.0 ± 2.6 at 24 months. The study demonstrated the gradual consolidation of osseointegration in bone of less-than-ideal quality in the posterior maxillary region. The results obtained show that a partially edentulous maxilla with reduced bone height may be rehabilitated by using an extra-short implant splinted to a mesial implant of 8mm length or longer. Despite the small sample size, this pilot study observed that extra-short implants achieved adequate bone stability and clinical performance after a 24-month follow-up.

scholarly journals Mindfulness Based Specific Phobia Intervention: A Pilot Study of Dissociated Ego State Resolution

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (1-2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Genine Smith ◽  
Glenn Hartelius
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Specific Phobia ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Medical Assistance ◽  
Individual Session ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Larger Sample

This pilot study was designed to investigate the efficacy of a mindfulness based intervention for the treatment of needle phobia. The research question was whether one session of the dissociated ego state [DES] trauma release intervention would result in significant and durable release of needle phobia. It was hypothesized that the process tested in this study may reduce needle phobia by locating, identifying, and engaging with a dissociated aspect of the psyche developed from earlier trauma. Six participants who self reported fear of needles and resulting avoidance of medical assistance completed one 60-minute, individual session of a mindfulness based protocol for the release of specific phobia. After the DES intervention session, all participants but one reported reduced subjective units of distress while holding the needle against their skin: reduction of 61% post-test, 71% at 3-month follow-up, and 70% at 6-month follow up. Results at 6-month follow-up were statistically significant despite small sample size. Future investigations should involve larger sample sizes, populations drawn from various settings, more facilitators and a randomized, waitlist group.

Predictive value of serum gelsolin and Gc globulin in sepsis – a pilot study

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (8) ◽  
pp. 1373-1382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoltán Horváth-Szalai ◽  
Péter Kustán ◽  
Balázs Szirmay ◽  
Ágnes Lakatos ◽  
Per Hjort Christensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Septic Shock ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Turbidimetric Assay ◽  
Therapeutic Decision Making

Abstract Background: Simultaneous determination of the two main actin scavenger proteins in sepsis has not been investigated until now. In our pilot study, we elucidated the predictive values of Gc globulin and gelsolin (GSN) in sepsis by comparing them to classic laboratory and clinical parameters. Methods: A 5-day follow-up was performed, including 46 septic patients, 28 non-septic patients and 35 outpatients as controls. Serum Gc globulin and GSN levels were determined by automated immune turbidimetric assay on a Cobas 8000/c502 analyzer. Patients were retrospectively categorized according to the sepsis-3 definitions, and 14-day mortality was also investigated. Results: First-day GSN also differentiated sepsis from non-sepsis (AUC: 0.88) similarly to C-reactive protein (AUC: 0.80) but was slightly inferior to procalcitonin (PCT) (AUC: 0.98) with a cutoff value of GSN at 22.29 mg/L (sensitivity: 83.3%; specificity: 86.2%). Only first-day SOFA scores (0.88) and GSN (0.71) distinguished septic survivors from non-survivors, whereas lactate (0.99), Gc globulin (0.76) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (0.74) discriminated septic shock from sepsis. Logistic regression analyses revealed SOFA scores and GSN being significant factors regarding 14-day mortality. First-day GSN levels were higher (p<0.05) in septic survivors than in non-survivors. Gc globulin levels remained higher (p<0.01) in sepsis when compared with septic shock during the follow-up period. Conclusions: Both serum GSN and Gc globulin may have predictive values in sepsis. Considering the small sample size of our study, further measurements are needed to evaluate our results. Measurement of Gc globulin and GSN maybe useful in assessment of sepsis severity and in therapeutic decision-making.

Combination Anthelmintic Treatment for Persistent Ancylostoma caninum Ova Shedding in Greyhounds

2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 160-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindie B. Hess ◽  
Laurie M. Millward ◽  
Adam Rudinsky ◽  
Emily Vincent ◽  
Antoinette Marsh
Keyword(s):  
Combination Treatment ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Anthelmintic Treatment ◽  
Ancylostoma Caninum ◽  
Fecal Examination ◽  
Animal Care ◽  
Privately Owned

ABSTRACT Ancylostoma caninum is a nematode of the canine gastrointestinal tract commonly referred to as hookworm. This study involved eight privately owned adult greyhounds presenting with persistent A. caninum ova shedding despite previous deworming treatments. The dogs received a combination treatment protocol comprising topical moxidectin, followed by pyrantel/febantel/praziquantel within 24 hr. At 7–10 days posttreatment, a fecal examination monitored for parasite ova. Dogs remained on the monthly combination treatment protocol until they ceased shedding detectable ova. The dogs then received only the monthly topical moxidectin maintenance treatment. The dogs remained in the study for 5–14 mo with periodical fecal examinations performed. During the study, three dogs reverted to positive fecal ova status, with two being associated with client noncompliance. Reinstitution of the combination treatment protocol resulted in no detectable ova. Use of monthly doses of combination pyrantel, febantel and moxidectin appears to be an effective treatment for nonresponsive or persistent A. caninum ova shedding. Follow-up fecal examinations were important for verifying the presence or absence of ova shedding despite the use of anthelmintic treatment. Limitations of the current study include small sample size, inclusion of only privately owned greyhounds, and client compliance with fecal collection and animal care.

Pilot Study in the Identification of Stability Values for Determining Immediate and Early Loading of Implants

2007 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatsuo Shiigai
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Insertion Torque ◽  
Implant Survival ◽  
Implant Stability ◽  
Early Loading ◽  
Implant Loading ◽  
The Impact

Abstract This pilot study assessed the impact of implant stability criteria on implant loading time. Insertion torque (IT) and baseline implant stability quotients (ISQ) from resonance frequency analysis were recorded for 41 tapered-screw implants placed in the mandibles of 20 patients. Immediate (IL), early (EL) (6 weeks postoperative), or delayed (DL) (12 weeks postoperative) prosthetic loading was performed based on results and study criteria. Postoperative ISQ values were also recorded at 6 time intervals for the IL and EL groups and after healing for the DL group. All implants were definitively restored after 6 weeks of provisionalization. There were no failures, complications, or stability differences based on loading time. At week 12 of follow-up, ISQ values were slightly higher for IL implants compared with EL implants. IL and EL implants showed significantly higher cumulative ISQ values compared with DL implants. High IT and baseline ISQ values in all groups corresponded to high implant survival. Postoperative ISQ values in the IL and EL groups were less certain indicators of implant survival because of fluctuations relative to baseline values. Small sample size and inequitable patient distribution across groups skewed results. More research is needed before definitive results can be drawn. IL and EL were safely performed within the IT and ISQ ranges in this study, but it is unknown whether EL criteria would have also sufficed for IL.

scholarly journals The Symbiotic Mutualism between Co-Creation and Entrepreneurship

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6285
Author(s):  
Sandra Misiak-Kwit ◽  
Małgorzata Wiścicka-Fernando ◽  
Kelaniyage Shihan Dilruk Fernando
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intentions ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Symbiotic Mutualism

In this manuscript, the authors aim to explore firstly the association between entrepreneurial mindset and co-creation experience, secondly the association between co-creation experience and entrepreneurial intentions, and thirdly the association between entrepreneurial mindset and entrepreneurial intentions within the sustainability context. In this paper, the authors present the results of the pilot study. Primary data were collected from 500 university students from China, Georgia, Poland, Romania, and Sri Lanka by using a convenient sampling technique, and a literature review was the primary method of the concept development. The authors selected the above-mentioned countries to collect primary data by using a convenient sampling technique based on accessibility; they also visited all analysed countries in order to conduct the pilot survey personally. Descriptive statistics and the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient were applied as primary statistical methods. The findings reveal that there is a very strong association between co-creation experience and entrepreneurial intentions, a very weak negative association between entrepreneurial mindset and co-creation experience, and, surprisingly, a weak association between entrepreneurial mindset and entrepreneurial intentions. The added value of the conducted pilot research involves filling in a gap regarding the relationship between experience and the subjective norm. In the presented pilot research, co-creation experience was compared with not only entrepreneurial mindset but with entrepreneurial intentions as well. An additional value of this exploratory research is compiling an international comparison. The main contribution of this pilot study is examining the symbiotic mutualism between co-creation and entrepreneurship. Among many platforms of associations, the following can be differentiated: creativity, innovativeness, openness, engagement, awareness, motivation, trust (level of social capital), and recognizing the significance of social and sustainable development objectives. Due to the small sample size, the results cannot be generalised. Results refer only to the respondents. However, the findings of the pilot study are the basis for further research studies on symbiotic mutualism between entrepreneurship and co-creation.

scholarly journals Blinding in electric current stimulation in subacute neglect patients with current densities of 0.8 A/m2: a cross-over pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Gorsler ◽  
Ulrike Grittner ◽  
Nadine Külzow ◽  
Torsten Rackoll
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Electric Fields ◽  
Standard Care ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Attentional Deficits ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Current Densities ◽  
Improve Standard

Abstract Objective Neglect after stroke is a disabling disorder and its rehabilitation is a major challenge. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) seems to be a promising adjuvant technique to improve standard care neglect therapy. Since electric fields are influenced by age-related factors, higher current densities are probably needed for effective treatment in aged stroke patients. Validation of treatment efficacy requires sham-controlled experiments, but increased current densities might comprise blinding. Therefore, a pilot study was conducted to test sham adequacy when using current density of 0.8 A/m2. Whether especially neglect patients who mainly suffer from perceptual and attentional deficits are able to differentiate beyond chance active from sham tDCS was investigated in a randomized cross-over design (active/sham stimulation) in 12 early subacute patients with left-sided hemineglect. Stimulation (0.8 A/m2) was performed simultaneous to standard care neglect therapy. Results Odds ratio of correct guessing an atDCS condition compared to wrongly judge an atDCS condition as sham was 10.00 (95%CI 0.65–154.40, p = 0.099). However, given the small sample size and high OR, although likely somewhat overestimated, results require careful interpretation and blinding success in neglect studies with current densities of 0.8 A/m2 should be further confirmed.

scholarly journals Short (6 mm) and Regular Dental Implants in the Posterior Maxilla–7-Years Follow-up Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 940
Author(s):  
Jakub Hadzik ◽  
Paweł Kubasiewicz-Ross ◽  
Izabela Nawrot-Hadzik ◽  
Tomasz Gedrange ◽  
Artur Pitułaj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Survival Rate ◽  
Dental Implants ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Implant Survival ◽  
Implant Survival Rate ◽  
Short Implants ◽  
Posterior Maxilla ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Bone Level

Short 6 mm dental implants are considered as an alternative to the maxillary sinus elevation and bone augmentation procedure where there is a reduced alveolar ridge height. The aim of this study was to compare the implant survival rate between short dental implants (6 mm) and regular length implants (11–13 mm) when placed in combination with bone grafting and loaded with a single non splinted crown, seven years after placing the implant. It was conducted as a controlled clinical study of 30 patients with partial edentulism in the posterior maxilla. The protocol included radiological and clinical evaluation of the C/I ratio (length of the superstructure divided by the length of the implant crestal part), marginal bone level (MBL), ultrasonography measurement of soft tissue surrounding implant (STT), patient-reported outcomes, and biological and technical complications. A total number of 28 implants (93%) remained integrated during follow-up period. MBL of 0.50 and 0.52 mm was observed for short implants and regular implants, respectively. MBL was checked for correlation with STT, and a negative correlation was found between MBL: STT. Our study has demonstrated a significantly lower implant survival rate for short implants compared to regular implants (87% compared to 100%). Despite the loss of several implants, good clinical results were achieved in the remaining implants in both groups. It is, therefore, worth considering short implants as an alternative to regular implants with a sinus lift surgery.

Perceptions and Understanding of Diabetes Mellitus Technology in Adults with Type 1 or Type 2 DM: A Pilot Survey from Pakistan

2021 ◽  
pp. 193229682110111
Author(s):  
Sarah Nadeem ◽  
Uswah Siddiqi ◽  
Russell Seth Martins ◽  
Kaleemullah Badini
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Diabetes Care ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cost Of Care ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Specific Patient

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus technology (DMT) is increasingly used for routine management in developed countries, yet its uptake in developing countries is not as consistent. Multiple factors may influence this, including country specific patient perception regarding DMT. We conducted a pilot study in Pakistan to understand this important question which has not been studied yet. Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in Pakistan. An anonymous survey exploring perceptions of diabetes technology was circulated on social media platforms, collecting responses over 2 weeks. Target population included adults (≥18 years) living in Pakistan, with DM1 or 2. Results: A total of 40 responses were received. The majority (36/40) reported using conventional glucometers. Nine used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Thirty-two of 40 patients believed DMT improved diabetes care, 22 felt it helped decreased risk of Diabetes-related complications. 15/40 stated that DMT results in increased cost of care. Sixteen reported their diabetes care teams had never discussed wearable DMT options whereas 11 disliked them because they did not want a device on their self. Conclusion: In our pilot study we have identified broad themes of opportunity and challenges to DMT use in Pakistan. Patients’ perceptions regarding DMT were generally positive but significant barriers to its acceptance included high cost, lack of discussion between doctor and patient about available technology and personal hesitation. Limitations of our study include sampling bias (online survey) and small sample size, but this data can help inform larger studies, to look at this important topic in greater detail.

scholarly journals Assessing Biomarkers of Breast Cancer Risk in Underserved Women in a Midwestern County

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110177
Author(s):  
Marla A. DeWitt ◽  
Ivana T. Croghan ◽  
Celine M. Vachon ◽  
Thomas D. Thacher ◽  
Marcia R. Venegas Pont ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Mammographic Density ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Screening Mammography ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Small Pilot Study ◽  
Unexpected Findings

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of collecting risk factor information and accessing digitized mammographic data in a medically marginalized population. A secondary aim was to examine the association between vitamin D status and mammographic density. Methods: Breast-screening examinations were provided for age-appropriate patients, and a referral for no-cost screening mammography was offered. Study participants were asked to undergo 25-hydroxyvitamin D testing at mammography and 1-year follow-up. Results: Of 62 women approached, 35 (56%) consented to participate. Of 32 participants who had baseline mammography, the median mammographic density measured by VolparaDensity (Volpara Solutions Limited) was 5.7%. After 1 year, 9 women obtained follow-up mammograms, with a median density of 5.7%. Vitamin D status was measured for 31 participants at baseline and 13 participants in the following year. Insufficient vitamin D status (<30 ng/mL) was noted in 77% at each time point. Mammographic density was not significantly correlated with vitamin D status ( P = .06). Conclusions: On the basis of this small pilot study, vitamin D insufficiency is common in this study population. Owing to the small sample size, an association between vitamin D insufficiency and breast density was not clear. Additional unexpected findings included substantial barriers in initial access to care and longitudinal follow-up in this population. Further study of these issues is needed.

Combination Therapies for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Retrospective Chart Review of 31 Patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 270-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan L. McPhie ◽  
Alanna C. Bridgman ◽  
Mark G. Kirchhof
Keyword(s):  
Disease Severity ◽  
Hidradenitis Suppurativa ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Combination Therapies

Background: Although a variety of medical and surgical interventions exist for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), it remains a challenging disease to manage because of its variable presentation and unpredictable clinical course. Apart from the combination of clindamycin and rifampin, the success of other combination therapies is largely unknown. Objectives: The goal of our study was to examine the clinical utility of various combination therapies for the treatment of HS. Methods: We conducted a qualitative retrospective chart review of 31 patients with dermatologist-diagnosed HS who were seen at an academic teaching hospital between 2014 and 2018. Demographic data, disease location, disease severity, and treatment protocol were retrieved for analysis. Hurley stage was used to classify disease severity on initial presentation, and the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4) was used to track changes across visits. Results: Of the 31 patients (Mage = 37.7 years; 67.7% female) included in the study, 6 (19.4%), 11 (35.5%), and 14 (45.2%) patients were classified as Hurley stages I, II, and III, respectively. Although no statistical results are provided because of the small sample size, we have identified several drug combinations that show promising clinical response for patients with HS based on their IHS4 score, such as isotretinoin/spironolactone for mild disease, isotretinoin or doxycycline with adalimumab for moderate disease, and cyclosporine/adalimumab for severe disease. Conclusions: This preliminary work demonstrates that HS treatment with combination therapy appears to be a promising method of disease management.

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