Circulating Nucleated Red Blood Cells: An Updated Reference Interval.

Context.—: Nucleated red blood cells (nRBCs) are not identified in the peripheral blood in healthy individuals beyond the neonatal period. Their presence in children and adults is traditionally considered pathologic.

Influence of eight debridement techniques on three different titanium surfaces: A laboratory study.

Objectives: Debridement methods may damage implant surfaces. This in vitro study investigated eight debridement protocols across three implant surfaces to assess both biofilm removal and surface alterations.

Material And Methods: One hundred sixty commercially pure titanium discs were treated to simulate commercially available titanium implant surfaces-smooth, abraded and abraded and etched.

Cost-effectiveness of herpes zoster vaccines in the U.S.: A systematic review.

The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the cost-effectiveness evidence of herpes zoster vaccines in the U.S. A systematic literature review was undertaken for U.

Effectiveness of implant surface debridement using particle beams at differing air pressures.

Because implant surface decontamination is challenging, air powder abrasive systems have been suggested as an alternative debridement method. This in vitro study investigated the effectiveness of different powder formulations and air pressures in cleaning implant surfaces and the extent of surface damage. A validated ink model of implant biofilm was used.

Multistate Health Plans: Agents for Competition or Consolidation?

We discuss and evaluate the Multi-State Plan (MSP) Program, a provision of the Affordable Care Act that has not been the subject of much debate as yet. The MSP Program provides the Office of Personnel Management with new authority to negotiate and implement multistate insurance plans on all health insurance exchanges within the United States. We raise the concern that the MSP Program may lead to further consolidation of the health insurance industry despite the program's stated goal of increasing competition by means of health insurance exchanges.

Analysis of the costs and payments of a coordinated stroke center and regional stroke network.

Background And Purpose: An earlier study demonstrated significantly improved access, treatment, and outcomes after the implementation of a progressive, comprehensive stroke program at a tertiary care community hospital, Saint Luke's Neuroscience Institute (SLNI). This study evaluated the costs associated with implementing such a program.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of total hospital costs and payments for treating patients with ischemic stroke at SLNI (n=1570) as program enhancement evolved over time (2005, 2007, and 2010) and compared with published national estimates.

An evaluation of the reasons why patients attend a hospital Emergency Department.

This survey evaluates the attendance patterns of people who responded to a two part questionnaire (before and after treatment) regarding the reasons they had presented at a hospital Emergency Department co located with an Urgent Care Centre. A total 485 people responded before treatment and 163 people responded after completing treatment. People have deep rooted convictions that the 'hospital' is the best place to be seen for the treatment of their accident or perceived emergency, together with a considerable loyalty and emotional attachment to it.

Evaluation of multiple implant-bone parameters on stress characteristics in the mandible under traumatic loading conditions.

Purpose: The inter-relationships between various implant and bone parameters were evaluated for their influence on the von Mises stress distribution within the mandible using the finite element procedure. The maximum compressive stresses in cancellous and cortical bone were compared to the published stress-strain data to determine bone fracturing status when the maximum (traumatic) loading is applied.

Materials And Methods: Parameters considered herein include the implant diameter and length.

Influence of bone and dental implant parameters on stress distribution in the mandible: a finite element study.

Purpose: The complicated relationships between mandibular bone components and dental implants have attracted the attention of structural mechanics researchers as well as dental practitioners. Using the finite element method, the present study evaluated various bone and implant parameters for their influence on the distribution of von Mises stresses within the mandible.

Materials And Methods: Various parameters were considered, including Young's modulus of cancellous bone, which varies from 1 to 4 GPa, and that of cortical bone, which is between 7 and 20 GPa.

Immediate/Early function of Neoss implants placed in maxillas and posterior mandibles: an 18-month prospective case series study.

Background: An increasing number of studies show that immediate/early function of dental implants can be as successful as two-stage procedures. However, the results may not be universal for all implant types and it is important that new implants are tested for this treatment modality.

Purpose: The aim was to evaluate an immediate/early function protocol in the maxilla and in the posterior mandible using Neoss implants (Neoss Ltd.

Step-wise analysis of the dental implant insertion process using the finite element technique.

Objectives: Using the finite element method (FEM), the insertion process of a dental implant into a section of the human mandible is analysed. The ultimate aim of this article is to advance the use of an innovative engineering approach in dental practices, especially in the process of dental implantation.

Material And Methods: The FEM and analysis techniques are used to replicate and evaluate the stress profile created within the mandible during the implantation process.

A comparison of two methods of enhancing implant primary stability.

Background: Surgical technique and implant design have an effect on the primary stability of oral implants, which in turn increases resistance to implant micromotion during healing.

Purpose: This study was designed to compare the parameters associated with implant insertion using two different methods of enhancing implant primary stability and to identify any relationship between these parameters and changes in the stability of implants during the initial 6-month healing period following implant insertion. A comparison was made between two methods of enhancing primary implant stability: method 1, standard Brånemark System implants (Nobel Biocare AB, Gothenburg, Sweden) inserted with a technique designed to enhance primary stability, and method 2: Brånemark Mk IV implants (Nobel Biocare AB) inserted according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Influence of implant taper on the primary and secondary stability of osseointegrated titanium implants.

Objectives: The study presented was designed to analyse the mechanical performance and the primary and secondary stability characteristics of endosseous titanium implants with 1 degree (EXP1) and 2 degrees (EXP2) of taper when compared with the standard Brånemark design (Nobel Biocare AB, Gothenburg, Sweden).

Materials And Methods: One pair of 10 mm EXP1 and control implants were placed in the femoral condyles of six rabbits. Paired 6 mm EXP1 and control implants and 6 mm EXP2 and control implants were placed in the tibial metaphysis.

Resonance frequency analysis of implants subjected to immediate or early functional occlusal loading. Successful vs. failing implants.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to analyze the development of implant stability by repeated resonance frequency analysis (RFA) measurements during 1 year in 23 patients treated according to an immediate/early-loading protocol. The objective was also to evaluate the possible differences between failing and successful implants.

Material And Methods: Eighty-one Brånemark System implants were placed in 23 patients for immediate/early-occlusal loading in all jaw regions.

Resonance frequency measurement of implant stability in vivo on implants with a sandblasted and acid-etched surface.

Purpose: To determine the changes in stability as a reflection of early healing around single-stage, roughened-surface implants in humans utilizing resonance frequency analysis (RFA). RFA makes use of a transducer, attached to an implant, which is excited over a range of sound frequencies with subsequent response analysis.

Materials And Methods: Twenty patients had 1 to 4 implants placed in the posterior maxilla or mandible.