University of Louisville

About: University of Louisville is a education organization based out in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 24600 authors who have published 49248 publications receiving 1573346 citations. The organization is also known as: UofL.

Ridge Preservation with Freeze-Dried Bone Allograft and a Collagen Membrane Compared to Extraction Alone for Implant Site Development: A Clinical and Histologic Study in Humans

Abstract: Background: Tooth extraction typically leads to loss of ridge width and height. The primary aim of this 6-month randomized, controlled, blinded, clinical study was to determine whether ridge preservation would prevent post-extraction resorptive changes as assessed by clinical and histologic parameters. Methods: Twenty-four patients, 10 males and 14 females, aged 28 to 76 (mean 51.5 ± 13.6), requiring a non-molar extraction and delayed implant placement were randomly selected to receive either extraction alone (EXT) or ridge preservation (RP) using tetracycline hydrated freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) and a collagen membrane. A replaced flap, which did not completely cover the sockets, was used. Following extraction, horizontal and vertical ridge dimensions were determined using a modified digital caliper and an acrylic stent, respectively. Prior to implant placement, a 2.7 × 6.0 mm trephine core was obtained and preserved in formalin for histologic analysis. Results: The width of the RP group decreased...

Disaggregating census data for population mapping using Random forests with remotely-sensed and ancillary data

Abstract: High resolution, contemporary data on human population distributions are vital for measuring impacts of population growth, monitoring human-environment interactions and for planning and policy development. Many methods are used to disaggregate census data and predict population densities for finer scale, gridded population data sets. We present a new semi-automated dasymetric modeling approach that incorporates detailed census and ancillary data in a flexible, “Random Forest” estimation technique. We outline the combination of widely available, remotely-sensed and geospatial data that contribute to the modeled dasymetric weights and then use the Random Forest model to generate a gridded prediction of population density at ~100 m spatial resolution. This prediction layer is then used as the weighting surface to perform dasymetric redistribution of the census counts at a country level. As a case study we compare the new algorithm and its products for three countries (Vietnam, Cambodia, and Kenya) with other common gridded population data production methodologies. We discuss the advantages of the new method and increases over the accuracy and flexibility of those previous approaches. Finally, we outline how this algorithm will be extended to provide freely-available gridded population data sets for Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Adverse effects associated with high-dose recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 use in anterior cervical spine fusion

Abstract: Study design A retrospective review of patients who underwent an anterior cervical fusion using recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)-2 with an absorbable collagen sponge (INFUSE; Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Minneapolis, MN). Objective To ascertain the complication rate after the use of high-dose INFUSE in anterior cervical fusions. Summary of background data The rhBMP-2 has been primarily investigated in lumbar spine fusions, where it has significantly enhanced the fusion rate and decreased the length of surgery, blood loss, and hospital stay. Methods We present 151 patients who underwent either an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (n = 138) or anterior cervical vertebrectomy and fusion (n = 13) augmented with high-dose INFUSE between July 2003 and March 2004. The rhBMP-2 (up to 2.1 mg/level) was used in the anterior cervical discectomy and fusions. Results A total of 35 (23.2%) patients had complications after the use of high-dose INFUSE in the cervical spine. There were 15 patients diagnosed with a hematoma, including 11 on postoperative day 4 or 5, of whom 8 were surgically evacuated. Thirteen individuals had either a prolonged hospital stay (> 48 hours) or hospital readmission because of swallowing/breathing difficulties or dramatic swelling without hematoma. Conclusions A significant rate of complications resulted after the use of a high dose of INFUSE in anterior cervical fusions. We hypothesize that in the cervical area, the putative inflammatory effect that contributes to the effectiveness of INFUSE in inducing fusion may spread to adjacent critical structures and lead to increased postoperative morbidity. A thorough investigation is warranted to determine the optimal dose of rhBMP-2 that will promote cervical fusion and minimize complications.

The International Workshop on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Report of the Definition and Classification Subcommittee

Abstract: Recommended definition of MGD: Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a chronic, diffuse abnormality of the meibomian glands, commonly characterized by terminal duct obstruction and/or qualitative/quantitative changes in the glandular secretion. This may result in alteration of the tear film, symptoms of eye irritation, clinically apparent inflammation, and ocular surface disease. Previous definitions and criteria of MGD: There is no firmly established definition of MGD published in the literature. Most researchers have used a criterion-based approach to describe the condition, with combinations of objective findings and measurements. Anatomic changes of the lid margin, expressibility of meibomian lipids, gland dropout by meibography, evaporimetry, and meibometry are most commonly used (Table 1). Table 1. Criteria of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Used in Previous Works