Ray Holder

Urea cycle disorder—argininosuccinic lyase deficiency

An increased level of ammonia in the bloodstream, or hyperammonemia, is a symptom associated with metabolic disorders referred to as inborn errors of metabolism. Urea cycle disorder is a congenital abnormality or absence of one of the six enzymes involved in the elimination of ammonia. Administration of certain medications, high protein diet, excessive exercise, surgical procedures, or trauma can precipitate symptoms of mental confusion, seizure-like activity, and ataxia. This paper reviews the literature with insight into current treatment and management options of the disorder and modification of treatment for the dental patient.

A reliable index for correct positioning of precision attachments into an existing overdenture

Limited space over abutment teeth may make incorporation of a precision attachment system within an existing overdenture technique sensitive. A special diagnostic index can be made to depict the available space within the prosthesis over the abutment teeth. This index is critical to determine the feasibility of attachment incorporation, as well as the selection and correct positioning of an appropriate attachment system. A method to improve predictability for precision attachment incorporation into an existing overdenture is described.

Exploring Obstacles for Dental Care among the SCI Population

Study Design: Survey comparative analysis of SCI population with general population in terms of dental care. Objectives: Examine differences between spinal cord injury (SCI) population and general population in a southeastern state to explore dental care issues. Methods: Survey of 92 SCI patients with comparison to BRFSS data prevalence report. Results: Significantly fewer SCI patients had teeth cleaned or a dental visit within the past year when compared to general population controls. People with SCI also had more teeth extracted, report worse general health, smoke more, and have a lower satisfaction of life when compared to the general population. Conclusion: Individuals with SCI do not receive adequate oral care. Although many known obstacles for dental care have been researched, the obstacles for people with SCI to receive adequate dental care are multifaceted and warrant more study.

Meta‐analysis: an introduction into a research process

Various methods for statistical analysis of data are available to clinicians and researchers. Meta-analysis is a tool by which small, related studies are identified and, through systematic review, are combined into a common data pool for a single, larger population analysis. As with all statistical methods, there are indications and contraindications for the use of meta-analysis. Additionally, meta-analysis is dependent upon the quality of data applied, the bias of the test itself, and the interpretation of the results. This article will discuss these aspects of meta-analysis, including the history of its development and usage in the scientific community, basic terminology, and a relevant literature review.