Sudden Collapse of a Granular Cluster

Single clusters in a vibro-fluidized granular gas in N connected compartments become unstable at strong shaking. They are experimentally shown to collapse very abruptly. The observed cluster lifetime (as a function of the driving intensity) is analytically calculated within a flux model, making use of the self-similarity of the process. After collapse, the cluster diffuses out into the uniform distribution in a self-similar way, with an anomalous diffusion exponent 1/3.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures. Figure quality has been reduced in order to decrease file-siz

REFLEX, a social-cognitive group treatment to improve insight in schizophrenia:Study protocol of a multi-center RCT

BACKGROUND: Insight is impaired in a majority of people with schizophrenia. Impaired insight is associated with poorer outcomes of the disorder. Based on existing literature, we developed a model that explains which processes may possibly play a role in impaired insight. This model was the starting point of the development of REFLEX: a brief psychosocial intervention to improve insight in schizophrenia. REFLEX is a 12-sessions group training, consisting of three modules of four sessions each. Modules in this intervention are: "coping with stigma", "you and your personal narrative", and "you in the present". METHODS/DESIGN: REFLEX is currently evaluated in a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Eight mental health institutions in the Netherlands participate in this evaluation. Patients are randomly assigned to either REFLEX or an active control condition, existing of cognitive remediation exercises in a group. In a subgroup of patients, fMRI scans are made before and after training in order to assess potential haemodynamic changes associated with the effects of the training. DISCUSSION: REFLEX is one of the few interventions aiming specifically to improving insight in schizophrenia and has potential value for improving insight. Targeting insight in schizophrenia is a complex task, that comes with several methodological issues. These issues are addressed in the discussion of this paper. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials: ISRCTN5024753

Heretability and Correlation of Vegetative and Generative Character on Genotypes of Jatropha (Jatropha curcas Linn.)

AbstractThis study was aimed to obtain information of heritability predictive value and correlations of vegetative and generative characters on six genotypes of J. curcas. The characters of plant height, leaf number, leaf width, number of primary and secondary branches, number of fruit bunches, number of fruits per plant, seed's and 100 seeds’ dry weight showed high predictive value of heritability. Characters related to positive correlation and high heritability values (leaf width, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, number of fruit bunches, number of fruits per plant) are able to be used as criteria for selection of J. curcas plant

The perceived waning of biologics in severe asthma

BACKGROUND: Biologics are highly effective in severe asthma and used at fixed dosing intervals. However, in clinical practice, dosing intervals are sometimes shortened if patients perceive a decreased biologic effect before the next administration. The occurrence and clinical relevance of this perceived waning of biological effect is unknown.OBJECTIVE: To explore (1) the frequency, severity and conditions, (2) associated symptoms and (3) relationship with clinical characteristics of the patient-perceived waning effect of biologics before the next administration.METHODS: Severe asthma patients receiving biological treatment ≥4 months were included. Based on 17 semi-structured patient interviews, we developed a questionnaire focusing on the waning effect of biologics before the next administration, which was distributed among 129 patients. Clinical characteristics, including asthma control (ACQ) and quality of life (AQLQ) scores, were collected from patient files.RESULTS: 65/101 patients who completed the questionnaire reported a waning of biological effect, graded as severe (median (IQR) 6.5 (5-7.5) on a 0-10 BORG-scale). Waning manifested in a broad spectrum of symptoms. Patients reporting waning had higher ACQ and lower AQLQ scores versus those without (p &lt; 0.05) and higher BORG-scores were associated with higher exacerbation rate (ρ = 0.309, p = 0.013). A third of all patients were in favor of extending or shortening their dosing interval.CONCLUSION: Two-thirds of severe asthma patients report waning of biologic effect at the end of the dosing interval, which is associated with poorer asthma control and quality of life. The diversity in observed waning of effect opens the way for research into more individualized dosing of biologics.</p

Full 3-D digital planning of implant-supported bridges in secondary mandibular reconstruction with prefabricated fibula free flaps

Objectives In the reconstruction of maxillary or mandibular continuity defects in dentate patients, the most favourable treatment is placement of implant-retained crowns or bridges in a bone graft that reconstructs the defect. Proper implant positioning is often impaired by suboptimal placement of the bone graft. This case describes a new technique of a full digitally planned, immediate restoration, two-step surgical approach for reconstruction of a mandibular defect using a free vascularised fibula graft with implants and a bridge. Procedure A 68-year-old male developed osteoradionecrosis of the mandible. The resection, cutting and implant placement in the fibula were virtually planned. Cutting and drilling guides were 3-D printed, and the bridge was computer aided design-computer aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) milled. During the first surgery, two implants were placed in the fibula according to the digital planning, and the position of the implants was scanned using an intra-oral optical scanner. During the second surgery, a bridge was placed on the implants, and the fibula was harvested and fixed in the mandibular defect, guided by the occlusion of the bridge. Conclusion Three-dimensional planning allowed for positioning of a fibula bone graft by means of an implant-supported bridge, which resulted in a functional position of the graft and bridge.</p

Full 3-D digital planning of implant-supported bridges in secondary mandibular reconstruction with prefabricated fibula free flaps

Objectives In the reconstruction of maxillary or mandibular continuity defects in dentate patients, the most favourable treatment is placement of implant-retained crowns or bridges in a bone graft that reconstructs the defect. Proper implant positioning is often impaired by suboptimal placement of the bone graft. This case describes a new technique of a full digitally planned, immediate restoration, two-step surgical approach for reconstruction of a mandibular defect using a free vascularised fibula graft with implants and a bridge. Procedure A 68-year-old male developed osteoradionecrosis of the mandible. The resection, cutting and implant placement in the fibula were virtually planned. Cutting and drilling guides were 3-D printed, and the bridge was computer aided design-computer aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) milled. During the first surgery, two implants were placed in the fibula according to the digital planning, and the position of the implants was scanned using an intra-oral optical scanner. During the second surgery, a bridge was placed on the implants, and the fibula was harvested and fixed in the mandibular defect, guided by the occlusion of the bridge. Conclusion Three-dimensional planning allowed for positioning of a fibula bone graft by means of an implant-supported bridge, which resulted in a functional position of the graft and bridge.</p

Full 3-D digital planning of implant-supported bridges in secondary mandibular reconstruction with prefabricated fibula free flaps

Objectives In the reconstruction of maxillary or mandibular continuity defects in dentate patients, the most favourable treatment is placement of implant-retained crowns or bridges in a bone graft that reconstructs the defect. Proper implant positioning is often impaired by suboptimal placement of the bone graft. This case describes a new technique of a full digitally planned, immediate restoration, two-step surgical approach for reconstruction of a mandibular defect using a free vascularised fibula graft with implants and a bridge. Procedure A 68-year-old male developed osteoradionecrosis of the mandible. The resection, cutting and implant placement in the fibula were virtually planned. Cutting and drilling guides were 3-D printed, and the bridge was computer aided design-computer aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) milled. During the first surgery, two implants were placed in the fibula according to the digital planning, and the position of the implants was scanned using an intra-oral optical scanner. During the second surgery, a bridge was placed on the implants, and the fibula was harvested and fixed in the mandibular defect, guided by the occlusion of the bridge. Conclusion Three-dimensional planning allowed for positioning of a fibula bone graft by means of an implant-supported bridge, which resulted in a functional position of the graft and bridge.</p

Full 3-D digital planning of implant-supported bridges in secondary mandibular reconstruction with prefabricated fibula free flaps

Objectives In the reconstruction of maxillary or mandibular continuity defects in dentate patients, the most favourable treatment is placement of implant-retained crowns or bridges in a bone graft that reconstructs the defect. Proper implant positioning is often impaired by suboptimal placement of the bone graft. This case describes a new technique of a full digitally planned, immediate restoration, two-step surgical approach for reconstruction of a mandibular defect using a free vascularised fibula graft with implants and a bridge. Procedure A 68-year-old male developed osteoradionecrosis of the mandible. The resection, cutting and implant placement in the fibula were virtually planned. Cutting and drilling guides were 3-D printed, and the bridge was computer aided design-computer aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) milled. During the first surgery, two implants were placed in the fibula according to the digital planning, and the position of the implants was scanned using an intra-oral optical scanner. During the second surgery, a bridge was placed on the implants, and the fibula was harvested and fixed in the mandibular defect, guided by the occlusion of the bridge. Conclusion Three-dimensional planning allowed for positioning of a fibula bone graft by means of an implant-supported bridge, which resulted in a functional position of the graft and bridge.</p

Full 3-D digital planning of implant-supported bridges in secondary mandibular reconstruction with prefabricated fibula free flaps

Objectives In the reconstruction of maxillary or mandibular continuity defects in dentate patients, the most favourable treatment is placement of implant-retained crowns or bridges in a bone graft that reconstructs the defect. Proper implant positioning is often impaired by suboptimal placement of the bone graft. This case describes a new technique of a full digitally planned, immediate restoration, two-step surgical approach for reconstruction of a mandibular defect using a free vascularised fibula graft with implants and a bridge. Procedure A 68-year-old male developed osteoradionecrosis of the mandible. The resection, cutting and implant placement in the fibula were virtually planned. Cutting and drilling guides were 3-D printed, and the bridge was computer aided design-computer aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) milled. During the first surgery, two implants were placed in the fibula according to the digital planning, and the position of the implants was scanned using an intra-oral optical scanner. During the second surgery, a bridge was placed on the implants, and the fibula was harvested and fixed in the mandibular defect, guided by the occlusion of the bridge. Conclusion Three-dimensional planning allowed for positioning of a fibula bone graft by means of an implant-supported bridge, which resulted in a functional position of the graft and bridge.</p

Full 3-D digital planning of implant-supported bridges in secondary mandibular reconstruction with prefabricated fibula free flaps

Objectives In the reconstruction of maxillary or mandibular continuity defects in dentate patients, the most favourable treatment is placement of implant-retained crowns or bridges in a bone graft that reconstructs the defect. Proper implant positioning is often impaired by suboptimal placement of the bone graft. This case describes a new technique of a full digitally planned, immediate restoration, two-step surgical approach for reconstruction of a mandibular defect using a free vascularised fibula graft with implants and a bridge. Procedure A 68-year-old male developed osteoradionecrosis of the mandible. The resection, cutting and implant placement in the fibula were virtually planned. Cutting and drilling guides were 3-D printed, and the bridge was computer aided design-computer aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) milled. During the first surgery, two implants were placed in the fibula according to the digital planning, and the position of the implants was scanned using an intra-oral optical scanner. During the second surgery, a bridge was placed on the implants, and the fibula was harvested and fixed in the mandibular defect, guided by the occlusion of the bridge. Conclusion Three-dimensional planning allowed for positioning of a fibula bone graft by means of an implant-supported bridge, which resulted in a functional position of the graft and bridge.</p