PreK-12 school and citywide wastewater monitoring of the enteric viruses astrovirus, rotavirus, and sapovirus.

Wastewater monitoring is an efficient and effective way to surveil for various pathogens in communities. This is especially beneficial in areas of high transmission, such as preK-12 schools, where infections may otherwise go unreported. In this work, we apply wastewater disease surveillance using school and community wastewater from across Houston, Texas to monitor three major enteric viruses: astrovirus, sapovirus genogroup GI, and group A rotavirus. We present the results of a 10-week study that included the analysis of 164 wastewater samples for astrovirus, rotavirus, and sapovirus in 10 preK-12 schools, 6 wastewater treatment plants, and 2 lift stations using newly designed RT-ddPCR assays. We show that the RT-ddPCR assays were able to detect astrovirus, rotavirus, and sapovirus in school, lift station, and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) wastewater, and that a positive detection of a virus in a school sample was paired with a positive detection of the same virus at a downstream lift station or wastewater treatment plant over 97 % of the time. Additionally, we show how wastewater detections of rotavirus in schools and WWTPs were significantly associated with citywide viral intestinal infections. School wastewater can play a role in the monitoring of enteric viruses and in the detection of outbreaks, potentially allowing public health officials to quickly implement mitigation strategies to prevent viral spread into surrounding communities.

A phase II dose evaluation pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial of cholecalciferol in critically ill children with vitamin D deficiency (VITdAL-PICU study).

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is highly prevalent in the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) and associated with worse clinical course. Trials in adult ICU demonstrate rapid restoration of vitamin D status using an enteral loading dose is safe and may improve outcomes. There have been no published trials of rapid normalization of VDD in the pediatric ICU. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter placebo-controlled phase II pilot feasibility randomized clinical trial from 2016 to 2017. We randomized 67 critically ill children with VDD from ICUs in Canada, Chile and Austria using a 2:1 randomization ratio to receive a loading dose of enteral cholecalciferol (10,000 IU/kg, maximum of 400,000 IU) or placebo. Participants, care givers, and outcomes assessors were blinded. The primary objective was to determine whether the loading dose normalized vitamin D status (25(OH)D > 75 nmol/L). Secondary objectives were to evaluate for adverse events and assess the feasibility of a phase III trial. RESULTS: Of 67 randomized participants, one was withdrawn and seven received more than one dose of cholecalciferol before the protocol was amended to a single loading dose, leaving 59 participants in the primary analyses (40 treatment, 19 placebo). Thirty-one/38 (81.6%) participants in the treatment arm achieved a plasma 25(OH)D concentration > 75 nmol/L versus 1/18 (5.6%) the placebo arm. The mean 25(OH)D concentration in the treatment arm was 125.9 nmol/L (SD 63.4). There was no evidence of vitamin D toxicity and no major drug or safety protocol violations. The accrual rate was 3.4 patients/month, supporting feasibility of a larger trial. A day 7 blood sample was collected for 84% of patients. A survey administered to 40 participating families showed that health-related quality of life (HRQL) was the most important outcome for families for the main trial (30, 75%). CONCLUSIONS: A single 10,000 IU/kg dose can rapidly and safely normalize plasma 25(OH)D concentrations in critically ill children with VDD, but with significant variability in 25(OH)D concentrations. We established that a phase III multicentre trial is feasible. Using an outcome collected after hospital discharge (HRQL) will require strategies to minimize loss-to-follow-up. CLINICALTRIALS: gov NCT02452762 Registered 25/05/2015.

Suspicion Is Key: Diagnosing Elusive Cytoplasmic Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (c-ANCA)-Positive Vasculitis.

We present a case of a 53-year-old black male with a past medical history of type 2 diabetes presenting with fatigue, generalized myalgias, and unintentional weight loss developed over several months. The patient was diagnosed with cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (c-ANCA)-positive vasculitis. Renal biopsy confirmed antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) crescentic necrotizing glomerulonephritis. c-ANCA was positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-myeloperoxidase antibody was positive. Without paranasal or lung involvement, the diagnosis was made of renal-limited necrotizing and crescentic glomerulonephritis. The patient was treated with rituximab and prednisone therapy.

Comparative evaluation of dental pulp tests in pulpal status diagnostics / Evaluación comparativa de pruebas de pulpa dental en el diagnóstico del estado pulpar

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and compare the accuracy of pulp tests in the diagnosis of teeth pulpal health. Material and Methods: Traumatized (n=71) and non-traumatized (n=71) teeth from 42 patients were evaluated. Each tooth underwent cold, heat, electric and oximetry tests, followed by radiographic examination and calculation of the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy. Results: Clinical and radiographic examination showed no alteration for the 71 teeth from the intact contralateral group. From the traumatized group, 29 teeth presented complete endodontic treatment, 17 presented periapical alterations that required endodontic treatment and 25 teeth did not present conclusive radiographic alteration. The cold test showed a significantly higher proportion of correct results, while the electric test showed a significantly lower proportion. The data showed higher accuracy for the cold, followed by oximeter and heat tests, while the electric test presented the lowest accuracy. Cold and oximeter tests proved superior over the electric and heat tests, while the electric test showed better parameters when diagnosing diseased pulp. Conclusion: Combining two pulp tests seems reasonable for improving the pulp diagnoses using both oximeter and cold or oximeter and heat tests to detect healthy pulp; or cold and electric tests to define diseased pulp.

Introducción: El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar la efectividad y comparar la precisión de las pruebas pulpares en el diagnóstico de la salud pulpar de los dientes. Material y Métodos: Se evaluaron dientes traumatizados (n=71) y no traumatizados (n=71) de 42 pacientes. Cada diente se sometió a pruebas de frío, calor, eléctricas y de oximetría, seguidas de examen radiográfico y cálculo de la sensibilidad, especificidad, VPP, VPN y precisión. Resultados: El examen clínico y radiográfico no mostró alteración en los 71 dientes del grupo contralateral intacto. Del grupo traumatizado, 29 dientes presentaron tratamiento endodóntico completo, 17 presentaron alteraciones peri-apicales que requirieron tratamiento endodóntico y 25 dientes no presentaron alteración radiográfica concluyente. La prueba en frío mostró una proporción significativamente mayor de resultados correctos, mientras que la prueba eléctrica mostró una proporción significativamente menor. Los datos mostraron mayor precisión para la prueba de frío, seguida de las pruebas de oxímetro y calor, mientras que la prueba eléctrica presentó la menor precisión. Las pruebas de frío y oxímetro demostraron ser superiores a las pruebas eléctricas y de calor, mientras que la prueba eléctrica mostró mejores parámetros al momento de diagnosticar pulpa enferma. Conclusión: La combinación de dos pruebas pulpares parece razonable para mejorar los diagnósticos pulpares utilizando tanto el oxímetro como las pruebas de frío u oxímetro y calor para detectar una pulpa sana; o pruebas de frío y eléctricas para definir pulpa enferma.

Patients' understanding of "informed consent" in plastic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the patient's understanding of the informed consent form before and after plastic surgery. METHODS: This was a prospective analytical descriptive study that utilized a questionnaire on informed consent before and after plastic surgery procedures. RESULTS: Comprehension of informed consent was higher before surgery than after surgery (p=0.016; question 15). The higher the scholarity, the higher the comprehension (s=0.151; p=0.045) before surgery (question 4). For the other questions, it was not possible to find a difference in the pattern of understanding and in the association with the educational attainment level after surgery (s=0.180; p=0.046; question 1). CONCLUSIONS: The patients' level of comprehension of the details, outcomes, possible complications, and postoperative evolutions of surgical procedures, as stated by the informed consent form, is high.

Patients' understanding of "informed consent" in plastic surgery

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To assess the patient's understanding of the informed consent form before and after plastic surgery. METHODS This was a prospective analytical descriptive study that utilized a questionnaire on informed consent before and after plastic surgery procedures. RESULTS Comprehension of informed consent was higher before surgery than after surgery (p=0.016; question 15). The higher the scholarity, the higher the comprehension (s=0.151; p=0.045) before surgery (question 4). For the other questions, it was not possible to find a difference in the pattern of understanding and in the association with the educational attainment level after surgery (s=0.180; p=0.046; question 1). CONCLUSIONS: The patients' level of comprehension of the details, outcomes, possible complications, and postoperative evolutions of surgical procedures, as stated by the informed consent form, is high.

Predicción de riesgo de sufrir un síndrome coronario agudo mediante un algoritmo de Machine Learning (ANGINA) / A Machine Learning Algorithm to Predict Risk for Acute Coronary Syndrome

RESUMEN Introducción: Las consultas por dolor torácico son frecuentes en los servicios de emergencias médicas (SEM). Aún no se ha identificado una estrategia diagnóstica que utilice tanto los datos objetivos como los subjetivos del dolor. Objetivos: Evaluar un clasificador de machine learning para predecir el riesgo de presentar un síndrome coronario agudo (SCA) sin elevación del segmento ST, en pacientes que consultan a un SEM con dolor torácico. Material y métodos: Se analizaron 161 pacientes que consultaron al SEM con dolor torácico. Se registró mediante un clasificador de machine learning las variables objetivas y subjetivas de caracterización del dolor. Resultados: La edad promedio fue de 57 mas/menos 12, 72,7% masculinos eran de sexo masculino y 17,4 % presentaban evento coronario previo. El 57,8% presentaba un síndrome coronario agudo con una incidencia de IAM de 29,8%, de los cuales requirieron revascularización por ATC el 35%, y CRM el 9,9% en el período de seguimiento a 30 días. Como modelo de clasificación se utilizó un Random Forest Classifier que presentó un área bajo la curva ROC de 0,8991, sensibilidad de 0,8552, especificidad de 0,8588 y una precisión de 0,8441. Las variables predictoras más influyentes fueron peso (p = 0,002), edad (p = 5,011e-07), intensidad del dolor (p = 3,0679e-05), tensión arterial sistólica (p = 0,6068) y características subjetivas del dolor (p = 1,590e-04). Conclusiones: Los clasificadores de machine learning son una herramienta útil a fin de predecir el riesgo de sufrir un síndrome coronario agudo a 30 días de seguimiento.

ABSTRACT Background: Consultations for chest pain are common in emergency medical services (EMS). A diagnostic strategy using both objective and subjective pain has not been identified yet. Objective: To evaluate a machine learning classifier as a tool for prediction of the risk of presenting a non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients consulting an SEM with chest pain. Methods: 161 patients consulting SEM with chest pain were analyzed. Objective variables of the patient and subjective variables of pain characterization were recorded during the triage stage by means of a machine learning classifier. Results: The mean age was 57.43±12 years, 75% male and 16% had prior cardiovascular disease. 57.8% presented an ACS with an incidence of 29.8%, which 35% required PCI and 9.9% CRM in a 30-day follow-up period. A Random Forest Classifier was used as a classification model. The Random Forest Classifier presented an area under the ROC curve of 0.8991, sensitivity of 0.8552, specificity of 0.8588 and precision of 0.8441. The most strongest predictor variables were weight (p=0.002), age (p=5.011e-07), pain intensity (p=3.0679e-05), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.6068) and subjective pain characteristics (p=1.590e-04). Conclusions: Machine learning classifiers are a useful tool for predicting the risk of acute coronary syndrome at 30 days follow-up period.

The HEART score in the era of the European Society of Cardiology 0/1-hour algorithm.

BACKGROUND: The European Society of Cardiology's 0/1-hour algorithm improves the early triage of patients towards "rule-out" or "rule-in" of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The HEART score is a risk stratification tool for patients with undifferentiated chest pain. We sought to evaluate the performance of the European Society of Cardiology 0/1-hour algorithm and the HEART score to evaluate chest pain patients in the emergency department. METHODS: In this prospective study, we applied the European Society of Cardiology 0/1-hour algorithm and the HEART score in 1355 consecutive patients who presented to the emergency department with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation. Patients were followed for non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions and major adverse cardiac events at 30 days: death, non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, or unplanned coronary revascularization. RESULTS: The European Society of Cardiology 0/1-hour algorithm classified 921 (68.0%) patients as "rule-out" and the HEART score classified 686 (50.6%) patients as "low-risk". The 30-day incidence of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions was 0.32% in the European Society of Cardiology 0/1-hour algorithm "rule-out" patients versus 0.29% in the HEART score "low-risk" patients (p=0.75). The rate of major adverse cardiac events was 7.7% in the European Society of Cardiology 0/1-hour algorithm "rule-out" patients versus 1.1% in the HEART score "low-risk" patients (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The European Society of Cardiology 0/1-hour algorithm identified more patients with low risk of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions at 30 days whereas for major adverse cardiac events, the HEART score had a greater capacity to detect low-risk patients.

Outcome of Applying the ESC 0/1-hour Algorithm in Patients With Suspected Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommends the 0/1-h algorithm for rapid triage of patients with suspected non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI). However, its impact on patient management and safety when routinely applied is unknown. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine these important real-world outcome data. METHODS: In a prospective international study enrolling patients presenting with acute chest discomfort to the emergency department (ED), the authors assessed the real-world performance of the ESC 0/1-h algorithm using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T embedded in routine clinical care and its associated 30-day rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (the composite of cardiovascular death and MI). RESULTS: Among 2,296 patients, non-ST-segment elevation MI prevalence was 9.8%. In median, 1-h blood samples were collected 65 min after the 0-h blood draw. Overall, 94% of patients were managed without protocol violations, and 98% of patients triaged toward rule-out did not require additional cardiac investigations including high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T measurements at later time points or coronary computed tomography angiography in the ED. Median ED stay was 2 h and 30 min. The ESC 0/1-h algorithm triaged 62% of patients toward rule-out, and 71% of all patients underwent outpatient management. Proportion of patients with 30-day MACE were 0.2% (95% confidence interval: 03% to 0.5%) in the rule-out group and 0.1% (95% confidence interval: 0% to 0.2%) in outpatients. Very low MACE rates were confirmed in multiple subgroups, including early presenters. CONCLUSIONS: These real-world data document the excellent applicability, short time to ED discharge, and low rate of 30-day MACE associated with the routine clinical use of the ESC 0/1-h algorithm for the management of patients presenting with acute chest discomfort to the ED.

Resultados de los primeros pacientes con sospecha de síndrome coronario agudo evaluados con el algoritmo de 1 hora propuesto por la Sociedad Europea de Cardiología / Results of the First Patients with Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Evaluated with the 1-hour Algorithm Proposed by the European Society of Cardiology

RESUMEN Introducción: La Sociedad Europea de Cardiología recomienda para la evaluación del dolor torácico un algoritmo con medición seriada de dos troponinas de alta sensibilidad separadas por una hora. Sin embargo, la alta eficacia y seguridad solo se han estimado según supuestos basados en modelos teóricos. Probamos por primera vez su desempeño en nuestro medio cuando se integra en la rutina diaria. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo unicéntrico que incluyó a pacientes no seleccionados que presentaban sospecha de infarto sin elevación del ST en el servicio de emergencias, a los que se les practicó el algoritmo SEC 0/1h utilizando troponina T de alta sensiblidad. Se evaluó el comportamiento en términos de incidencia a 30 días de los eventos de infarto agudo de miocardio, muerte cardiovascular y el combinado de infarto agudo de miocardio, muerte o revascularización coronaria. Resultados: Se incluyeron 1351 pacientes con una edad media de 61 ± 14 años, 12,4% de diabéticos y 35,8% de evento coronario previo. La tasa de infarto agudo de miocardio fue del 11% con una mortalidad del 0,29%. De acuerdo con la aplicación del algoritmo, 917 pacientes fueron catalogados como "externar" (67%); 270, como "observar" (20%); y 164, como "internar" (13%). La tasa del evento infarto agudo de miocardio resultó del 0,3% en "externar"; del 7%, en "observar"; y del 77,4%, en "internar" (p < 0,001). Por su lado, la muerte o revascularización coronaria resultó de 7,7% en "externar"; del 17,7%, en "observar"; y del 80,4%, en "internar" (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: El algoritmo de 1 hora presentó una buena capacidad para estratificar a pacientes que consultan con sospecha de infarto agudo de miocardio con un gran valor predictivo negativo para excluir el evento de infarto a los 30 días, aunque dicho valor disminuye cuando el evento considerado es la necesidad de revascularización coronaria.

ABSTRACT Background: The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommends an algorithm for the evaluation of chest pain with serial measurement of two high sensitivity troponins separated by one hour. However, the high efficacy and safety of the algorithm has only been estimated according to assumptions based on theoretical models. We tested for the first time its performance in the real world by incorporating it into the daily routine of our center. Methods: This is a prospective, single center study using the ESC 0/1h algorithm with high sensitivity troponin T on unselected patients who presented at the emergency department with suspected non-ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction. Efficacy and safety were assessed in terms of the 30-day incidence of acute myocardial infarction, cardiovascular death and the composite of acute myocardial infarction, death or coronary revascularization. Results: A total of 1,351 patients were included in the study. Mean age was 61±14 years, 12.4% were diabetics and 35.8% had previous history of coronary events. The rate of acute myocardial infarction was 11% and the rate of mortality 0.29%. According to the application of the algorithm, 917 patients were catalogued as "rule out" (67%), 270 as "observe" (20%) and 164 as "rule in" (13%). The rate of acute myocardial infarction was 0.3% in "rule out", 7% in "observe" and 77.4% in "rule in" (p <0.001). Moreover, death or coronary revascularization was 7.7% in "rule out", 17.7% in "observe" and 80.4% in "rule in" (p <0.001). Conclusions: The 1-hour algorithm showed a good capacity to stratify patients presenting with suspicion of acute myocardial infarction and a high negative predictive value to exclude infarction at 30 days, although this capacity decreases when the event considered is the need for coronary revascularization.

Comparative evaluation of 3 microbond strength tests using 4 adhesive systems: Mechanical, finite element, and failure analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Bond strength (BS) values from in vitro studies are useful when dentists are selecting an adhesive system, but there is no ideal measuring method. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the influence of the evaluation method in the BS between dentin and composite resin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Molars with exposed superficial dentin (N=240) were divided into 3 groups according to the test: microtensile (µTBS), microshear (µSBS), and micropush-out (µPBS). Each one was subdivided into 4 groups according to the adhesive system: total etch, 3- and 2-step; and self-etch, 2- and 1-step). For the µPBS test, a conical cavity was prepared and restored with composite resin. An occlusal slice (1.5 mm in thickness) was obtained from each tooth. For the µSBS test, a composite resin cylinder (1 mm in diameter) was built on the dentin surface of each tooth. For the µTBS test, a 2-increment composite resin cylinder was built on the dentin surface, and beams with a sectional area of 0.5 mm2 were obtained. Each subgroup was divided into 2 (n=10) as the specimens were tested after 7 days and 1 year of water storage. The specimens were submitted to load, and the failure recorded in units of megapascals. Original BS values from the µTBS and µSBS tests were normalized for the area from µPBS specimens. Original and normalized results were submitted to a 3-way ANOVA (α=.05). The correlation among mechanical results, stress distribution, and failure pattern was investigated. RESULTS: Significant differences (P<.05) were found among the adhesive systems and methods within both the original and normalized data but not between the storage times (P>.05). Within the 7 days of storage, the original BS values from µTBS were significantly higher (P<.001) than those from µPBS and µSBS. After 1 year, µSBS presented significantly lower results (P<.001). However, after the normalization for area, the BS values of the µTBS and µPBS tests were similar, and both were higher (P<.001) than that of µSBS in both storage times. In the µSBS and µTBS specimens, cohesive and adhesive failures were observed, whereas µPBS presented 100% of adhesive failures. The failure modes were compatible with the stress distribution. CONCLUSIONS: The storage time did not affect the results, but differences were found among the adhesives and methods. For comparisons of bond strength from tests with different bonding areas, the normalization for area seemed essential. The microshear bond test should not be used for bond strength evaluation, and the microtensile test needs improvement to enable reliable results regarding stress concentration and failure mode. The micropush-out test may be considered more reliable than the microtensile in the bond strength investigation, as demonstrated by the uniform stress concentration and adhesive failure pattern.

High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin Levels in Supraventricular Tachyarrhythmias.

BACKGROUND: High-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays have provided a significant contribution for the early diagnosis of cardiovascular events. However, elevated cardiac troponin levels may occur in other clinical situations as supraventricular tachyarrhythmias with concerns about the mechanism of this elevation. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: The goal of this study was to describe the performance of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) assay in patients presenting to the emergency department with a primary diagnosis of supraventricular tachyarrhythmia and to evaluate its relation with cardiovascular events during follow-up. RESULTS: One hundred patients were included; mean age was 64 ± 12 years and 59.8% were men. The most common arrhythmia at admission was atrial fibrillation (68%), followed by atrial flutter (16%) and reentrant tachycardia (16%). The results of the first determination of hs-cTnT were positive (>14 ng/L) in 44.2% of the patients and the second determination was positive in 50.7% of the cases. The variation between the first and the second troponin levels was 1 (0-5) ng/L, and was >7 ng/L in 24.6% of the cases, with a clear trend toward higher troponin values in reentrant tachycardias. Four events were reported at 30 days; in all the cases the patients had presented atrial fibrillation and there were no significant differences in hs-cTnT values. CONCLUSIONS: There are a significant number of patients with supraventricular tachyarrhythmias who present elevated hs-cTnT levels. The association of this elevation with cardiovascular events seems to be very low.

High-sensitivity troponin is associated with high risk clinical profile and outcome in acute heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the value of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) for identifying high-risk patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-seven patients admitted with acute heart failure (HF) (without myocardial infarction) were consecutively included; hs-cTn was measured at admission; the relation between elevated hs-cTn and the clinical outcome during hospitalization and at 90 days was analyzed; 93% (n = 174) had hs-cTn above the maximal normal value (14 ng/L); median hs-cTn was 42 ng/L (IQR 24-81). Patients with ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 45% had higher hs-cTn values (p = 0.0004). Patients with low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) or shock had higher troponin levels compared with those with less severe clinical presentations (p = 0.004). Patients who required inotropic presented higher troponin values (p = 0.002), troponin values were also higher in those requiring complex therapies (intra-aortic balloon pump, mechanical ventilation or hemodialysis, p = 0.002). At 90-day follow-up, 28 (15.5%) patients died and 27 rehospitalizations occurred (55 events). The risk of events was greater in patients with hs-cTn > 42 ng/L (0.021), low blood pressure at admission (p = 0.002), LCOS or shock (p < 0.0001), EF ≤ 45% (p = 0.005) and inotropic use (p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, only inotropic agents requirements was associated independently with a high risk of death or rehospitalizations at 90 days (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Elevation of hs-cTn is a finding almost constant in patients with decompensated HF. In subjects with higher troponin levels ventricular dysfunction is frequent. The use of hs-cTn for risk stratification at admission helps to identify populations with poor outcome during hospitalization and increased risk of death or rehospitalizations during follow-up who will require rapid implementation of aggressive treatment.

Crown fracture: Failure load, stress distribution, and fractographic analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The outcomes from load-to-failure tests may not be applicable to clinical situations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to critically evaluate the efficacy of load-to-failure tests in the investigation of the fracture load and pattern of metal-free crowns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four groups were formed from 128 bovine roots restored with metal posts, resin cores, and feldspathic, leucite, or lithium disilicate ceramic systems or polymer crowns. Each group was divided into 4 (n=8) according to the cement: zinc phosphate, self-adhesive resin, autopolymerizing resin, and glass ionomer. Mean fracture loads from compressive tests were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey HSD test. Finite element and fractographic analyses were performed and associated with the fracture load and pattern. RESULTS: Significantly higher fracture load values were obtained for the lithium disilicate ceramic, but finite element and fractographic analyses showed that the cement effect could not be determined. The finite element analysis showed the cement likely affected the fracture pattern, confirmed that stresses in the cements were little affected by the crown materials, and found that the stressed conditions were lowest in the lithium disilicate compared with other crowns for all cement combinations. The stressed conditions in the crowns depended more on the adhesive properties than on the elastic modulus of the cement materials. The level of the stressed condition in the crowns at the occlusal surface was about the same or higher than along their cement interface, consistent with the fractography, which indicated fractures starting at the load point. Higher stress levels in the crowns corresponded with a lower number of catastrophic fractures, and higher stresses in the cements seemed to reduce the number of catastrophic fracture patterns. The highest stressed conditions occurred along the occlusal surface for crown materials with a low elastic modulus or in combination with adhesive cements. CONCLUSIONS: The method used was not appropriate either for investigating the crowns' fracture load and pattern or for stating the role of the cements within the crown-cement-tooth interaction.

Predictors of conversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation treated with vernakalant.

BACKGROUND: Vernakalant is an available drug for the treatment of recent-onset atrial fibrillation, producing conversion between 55% and 87% of the patients treated. In this sense, little is known about the predictors of conversion with this agent. The aim of our study was to analyze the predictors of conversion in our 2-year experience using vernakalant for the treatment of recent-onset atrial fibrillation. METHODS: One hundred twenty-one patients with recent-onset atrial fibrillation without hemodynamic impairment received pharmacological treatment with vernakalant. Clinical variables, history of cardiovascular diseases, and echocardiographic data were recorded. RESULTS: Mean age was 58.1 ± 13.9 years and 13.4% of patients had structural heart disease. Conversion to sinus rhythm was achieved in 84.5% of patients, and 46% required the second dose of vernakalant. After analyzing the predictors of conversion, the presence of structural heart disease was significantly larger in the group without conversion (35.3 vs 9.7%; P = 0.02). The mean ejection fraction in the group with conversion was 61.05 ± 5.7% versus 54.9 ± 8.4% in the group without conversion (P = 0.016). After dichotomizing the variable ejection fraction, patients with ejection fraction <55% had a lower conversion rate (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In our study, the absence of any kind of structural heart disease and preserved systolic function were associated with greater conversion rate with vernakalant.

PIKO-6® vs. forced spirometry in asthmatic children.

BACKGROUND: The PIKO-6® is an electronic device that measures forced expiratory volume at seconds 1 (FEV1) and 6 (FEV6) of a forced vital capacity (FVC) maneuver. This device could aid in diagnosing obstructive respiratory diseases. OBJECTIVES: To determine the concordance of FEV1, FEV6, and the FEV1/FEV6 quotient achieved with PIKO-6® versus spirometric values from asthmatic patients, and compare results with measures from healthy children. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with asthmatic and healthy 6-to-14-year-old children, all of whom performed a forced spirometry as well as a PIKO-6® test. RESULTS: The study included 82 subjects (58 asthmatics, 24 healthy children). Except for the functional parameters, the basal characteristics of the two groups were similar. The concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) for FEV1 was 0.938 (P < 0.001), with 95% limits of agreement of -0.591 to 0.512 L, and an average of differences of -0.040 L. For FEV6, CCC was 0.927 (P < 0.001), and the 95% limits of agreement were -0.751 to 0.598 L with an average of differences of -0.077 L. The concordance analysis and the FEV1 and FEV6 associations were better in children with controlled asthma and healthy subjects, as well as in the post-bronchodilator results. CONCLUSIONS: The concordance between PIKO-6® and spirometry was lower in patients with partially controlled or uncontrolled asthma compared to controlled or healthy children. The broad limits of agreement show that the FEV1, FEV6, and FEV1/FEV6 obtained with the PIKO-6® are not interchangeable with spirometry results. Longitudinal evaluations of asthma patients are necessary to assess the utility of PIKO-6®.

Conservative treatment for amelogenesis imperfecta: a case report.

Amelogenesis imperfecta is a hereditary condition that can alter the thickness, color, and shape of tooth enamel. Recent adhesive materials and techniques have provided less invasive treatment options. This case report presents the treatment of a patient whose anterior teeth had color alterations, white spots, pits, and shape defects. Using a more conservative technique, the mandibular and maxillary anterior teeth were restored using veneer direct composite restorations. After 6 years, the restorations demonstrated no deterioration, and no pathology was seen in association with the rehabilitation.