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Biomedical subjects

D M Davis

Publications and source records attributed to D M Davis.

122 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
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The utility of external performance measurement tools in program evaluation.

Many rehabilitation hospitals use formal measurement tools to evaluate program performance. A potential advantage to using the Functional Independence Measure instrument through the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation (UDSMR) is that it provides information that allows an institution to compare its level of performance to those of other facilities. To assess whether joining UDSMR, along with an institution's continuous quality improvement efforts, could be associated with improved program performance, the records of a rehabilitation hospital's internal inpatient Program Evaluation System (PES) were reviewed for 6 fiscal years (1990-1995). Quality improvement efforts during 1995 (during which a 51% improvement in length of stay efficiency was noted) included education for staff, feedback on team performance, and efforts to formulate clinical pathways. Although external measures of performance do not have a direct effect on quality improvement, they could help identify areas of potential improvement that might not be appreciated when internal assessment systems are used alone.

Hospital Administration↗
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Additional sulfur compounds from the anal glands of the striped polecat, Ictonyx striatus (Mustelidae, Mammalia).

Two sulfur compounds have been identified in the anal gland secretions of captive-raised adults of the striped polecat (Ictonyx striatus), an African mustelid. 3-Ethyl-1,2-pentanedithiolane was observed in the secretions of an adult male and an adult female. 1,3-Pentanedithiol was observed in the male; this compound has not previously been reported from mustelid anal glands.

Anal Canal↗
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Mandibular overdentures stabilized by Astra Tech implants with either ball attachments or magnets: 5-year results.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to report on the use of implant-stabilized overdentures in the mandible using the Astra Tech implant system with either ball attachments or magnets as the retentive mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mandibular overdentures that used ball attachments on 2 implants were provided for 13 edentulous patients; 12 edentulous patients were provided with mandibular overdentures with magnet retention, using 2 implants in 10 patients and 3 implants in 2 patients. Once they were comfortable, the participants were placed on annual recall. Any other visits were initiated by the patients. Detailed records were kept for all visits. At the annual recall the following parameters were monitored: plaque levels, mucosal health, marginal bone levels, and the patients' assessment of the treatment. The patients were followed for 5 years. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups for mucosal health and postinsertion maintenance. The magnet group had more abutment surfaces covered with plaque. Statistical analysis of the patients' subjective assessment of their treatment showed that the magnet group was less comfortable and chewing was less effective. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that both ball attachments and magnets used on isolated Astra Tech implants in the mandible are viable treatment options. Both attachment mechanisms provided patient satisfaction, although the ball attachments were better in this respect than the magnets.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A transcultural perspective on the emotional effect of tooth loss in complete denture wearers.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the emotional effects of tooth loss in three edentulous populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire study involved 142 edentulous subjects undergoing routine prosthodontic care at Guy's, King's and St Thomas's Dental Institute, London; the Dental School, Dundee, Scotland; and the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong. Data were analyzed using the chi-squared test. RESULTS: Difficulty in accepting tooth loss was a relatively common experience (44%) in all groups, with almost half feeling that their confidence had been affected. The majority (66%) felt that their choice of food was restricted and that the overall eating experience was less enjoyable, particularly the Hong Kong group. A significant proportion of the participants were concerned about their appearance without dentures, although the trend was less marked in Hong Kong. Forty-three percent felt that they were not adequately prepared for tooth loss, although the Hong Kong group was least concerned. CONCLUSION: In general, the emotional effect of tooth loss was significant in all groups. The restrictions on daily activities were generally greater in the Hong Kong group. However, this group was much less inhibited by denture wearing. The differences observed in the Hong Kong Chinese are most likely due to different cultural values and expectations associated with these aspects of daily living.

Activities of Daily Living↗
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Considerations in design and fabrication of maxillary implant-supported prostheses.

Principles of the design and fabrication of implant-supported maxillary prostheses are described. The significance of the maxillomandibular relationships, maxillary arch size to the location of the implants, and the positioning of the restored dental arch are discussed. Angulated abutments may overcome conflicts between the position of the artificial teeth and the implants. Solutions to design features that may impair achievement of a pleasing appearance, good gingival health, and well-articulated speech are considered.

Adult↗
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Role of implants in the treatment of edentulous patients.

People wearing complete dentures need to develop considerable skills if they are to use their dentures successfully. A number of people are unable to master these skills and demand something better. The dental profession's attempts to satisfy this demand have taken a number of forms, but one consistent approach has been the attempt to produce dental implants that endure. This article reviews the literature relating to the use of implants in treating the edentulous patient, with emphasis being given to implants using the principle of osseointegration. These implants are used to support both fixed restorations and removable overdentures. Brief consideration is also given to the situation in which the quantity of available bone is insufficient to use implant fixtures.

Dental Implantation, Endosseous↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Copy denture technique: a critique.

Many people requesting new complete dentures will have worn dentures (often the same set) successfully for many years. These people are experienced in wearing dentures of a particular shape and size and are familiar with the polished surface shape, the position of the teeth, the base extension and the vertical dimension of occlusion. By maintaining, or slightly modifying these aspects to overcome faults that have developed, patients should find it easier to accept and learn to use their new dentures.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The extent of maintenance required by implant-retained mandibular overdentures: a 3-year report.

Astra Tech implants were used to support implant-retained mandibular overdentures for 25 edentulous patients (12 with magnet retention and 13 with stud retention). The patients were followed for 3 years, and a detailed record was kept of the extent of maintenance required after placement of the dentures. There were 64 episodes of maintenance related to the overdentures in the magnet retention group and 63 episodes of maintenance in the stud retention group. Episodic maintenance was greatest during the first year, with the magnet group having 30 episodes and the stud group 34. The number of visits required for maintenance related to both the maxillary and mandibular dentures was 117 for the magnet retention group and 86 for the stud retention group. There was no statistically significant difference in the amount of postplacement care between the two groups.

Adult↗