Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence-practice gap for in-office fluoride application in a dental practice-based research network.

OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to examine dentists' recommendations for in-office fluoride to patients and identify dentists' characteristics associated with these recommendations. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING The study was conducted using a cross-sectional questionnaire survey in Japan. The survey queried dentists (n = 282) in outpatient dental practices affiliated with the Dental Practice-based Research Network Japan (JDPBRN). This network aims to assist dentists in investigating research questions and sharing their experience and expertise. RESULTS The responses were obtained by 189 dentists (67 percent). Among valid response, 54 percent of dentists (n = 98) recommend in-office fluoride to more than 50 percent of their patients aged 6-18 years and 15 percent (n = 29) recommended this care to more than 50 percent of their patients aged over 18 years. Multiple logistic regression analysis suggested that factors associated with the percentage of patients who are recommended in-office fluoride included patient's interest in caries prevention and dentist's belief in the effectiveness of caries risk assessment. CONCLUSIONS Dentist practice patterns for recommending in-office fluoride vary widely. Recommendation was significantly related to having a higher percentage of patients interested in caries prevention and to the dentist's belief about the effectiveness of caries risk assessment. (Clinicaltrials.gov registration number NCT01680848).
Regulation of embryonic endochondral ossification by Smurf2

Smurf2 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets TGF‐β receptor activated Smad2 and Smad3 for the proteasome in primary articular chondrocytes, thus stimulating their hypertrophic differentiation. Comparatively, how Smurf2 functions in growth plate chondrocytes in a developing long bone is an open question. In this study, we measured the mRNA levels of endogenous Smurf2 and type X collagen in chick growth plate at different embryonic stages to monitor the correlation between the level of Smurf2 expression and chondrocyte maturational stage. We found that high levels of Smurf2 were associated with the differentiative and proliferative stages, while Smurf2 levels were thereafter decreased as the chondrocytes matured toward hypertrophy. In addition, we injected Smurf2‐RCAS into chick wing buds at HH stage 20–23 and examined how the ectopic overexpression of Smurf2 in condensing chondrogenic mesenchyme affects the subsequent process of chondrocyte maturation and ossification during embryonic development. Histological analysis showed that overexpression of Smurf2 in a developing wing bud accelerated chondrocyte maturation and endochondral ossification, which may result from a decrease in TGF‐β signaling in the infected chondrocytes with Smurf2‐RCAS. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:704–712, 2008
Researching the market

Dominic Lawson, moving recently from the editorship of the Spectator to that of the Sunday Telegraph, recalled the report of a “rather expensive piece of market research” that he had received when he arrived in his first editorial chair. According to the results, 24% of readers thought that the Spectator carried too much sport. This was interesting because there was no sport whatever in the magazine at that time. The experience taught Lawson something about the value of market research—”and also impelled me immediately to inaugurate the ‘Spectator Sport’ column. ” Lawson's reminiscence triggered one of my own. Nearly 30 years ago, on joining the staff of New Scientist, I learned that a rather expensive piece of market research had been commissioned. There …
Ex vivo analysis of rotational stiffness of different osteosynthesis techniques in mouse femur fracture

The various molecular mechanisms of cell regeneration and tissue healing can best be studied in mouse models with the availability of a wide range of monoclonal antibodies and gene‐targeted animals. The influence of the mechanical stability of individual stabilization techniques on the molecular mechanisms of fracture healing has not been completely elucidated yet. Although during recent years several osteosynthesis techniques have been introduced in mouse fracture models, no comparative study on fracture stabilization is available yet. We therefore analyzed herein in a standardized ex vivo setup the rotational stiffness of seven different osteosynthesis techniques using osteotomized right cadaver femora of CD‐1 mice. Uninjured femora without osteotomy served as controls. Femur stabilization with a locking plate or an external fixator resulted in a rotational stiffness almost similar to the intact femur. The use of a “pin‐clip” device, a “locking nail,” a “mouse nail,” or an “intramedullary screw” produced a lower torsional stiffness, which, however, was still significantly higher than that achieved with the widely applied conventional pin. By the use of the presented data a more specific choice of stabilization technique will be possible according to the various questions concerning molecular aspects in fracture healing. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 1152–1156, 2009
Outcomes Measurement: A Primer for Orthotic and Prosthetic Care

Outcomes measurement has become the essential component of any continuous quality improvement process. Increasingly, consumers and payers of healthcare services demand objective data, based on outcomes, to evaluate the quality of care among their providers. This article presents a basic overview of outcomes measurement and its potential application to orthotic and prosthetic practices. It suggests a systematic approach to continuous improvement, with outcomes measurement as the principal focus. It also identifies potential areas of O&P care and management that could be monitored, with objective data and evaluation, to establish demonstrable outcomes of quality care.
Cáncer de Colon y Recto: Descripción Morfológica y Clínica de 322 Casos

El cancer de colon y recto (CCR) es actualmente la cuarta causa de muerte por cancer en Chile. Su incidencia, sin embargo, esta aumentando continuamente en nuestra poblacion. El objetivo de este estudio es describir aspectos morfologicos y clinicos de pacientes resecados por CCR. Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva. Se estudiaron 322 pacientes intervenidos por CCR entre 1987 y 2003 en el Hospital Hernan Henriquez Aravena de Temuco. Las variables clinicas y morfologicas estudiadas (todas ellas analizadas para los subgrupos de sujetos con tumores de colon y de recto) fueron edad, genero, localizacion tumoral, forma y tamano tumoral, nivel de infiltracion, tipo histologico, grado de diferenciacion histologico y compromiso tumoral de nodos linfaticos. Se utilizaron estadisticas descriptivas y analiticas; aplicando chi-cuadrado de Pearson y exacto de Fisher para las variables categoricas; y, T-test para variables continuas. La mediana de edad fue de 66 anos, con promedio de edad para tumores de colon derecho (CD), transverso (CT), izquierdo (CI) y recto fue 62,2, 64,6, 64, y 64,4 anos respectivamente (p=0,53). En CD e CI se verificaron 57% y 47% de mujeres respectivamente (p<0,05). El 69% de los casos correspondio a tumores de colon (24% CD, 4% CT y 41% CI) y 31% a tumores de recto. El tamano tumoral promedio fue 67,2±33,1 mm CD, 53,5±19,7 mm CT, 44,1±22,3 mm. CI y 41,5±17,5 mm en recto (p<0,001). En CD la forma tipo Bormann I se observo en el 57% mientras que en CI lesiones anulares y ulceradas en 45% en CI. Se encontro 75% de tumores moderadamente diferenciados; correspondiendo el 82% a adenocarcinomas, 16% adenocarcinoma mucinoso y 2% carcinoma de celulas en anillo de sello. El 76% correspondio a tumores T3 y T4. Se encontro compromiso tumoral de nodos linfaticos en 39% de los cuales el 95% correspondian a tumores T3-T4. Se verificaron a nivel regional para pacientes con CCR las variables clinicas y morfologicas descritas en la literatura.
Age-related changes in short-interval intracortical facilitation and dexterity

Functional changes in the primary motor cortex might contribute to age-related decline in fine motor control. We measured short-interval intracortical facilitation (SICF) in an intrinsic hand muscle with paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation at interstimulus intervals (ISIs) of 1.5, 2.5, and 4.5 ms in young and old participants and examined its association with dexterity. We found age-related effects in SICF, with greater facilitation in old than young participants at the 1.5-ms ISI and greater facilitation in young than old participants at the 2.5-ms ISI. SICF at the 2.5-ms ISI was positively correlated with performance on a task that required coordinated and dextrous use of both hands, suggesting that this measure indicates a capacity for executing demanding manual tasks.
Hijacking bacterial glycosylation for the production of glycoconjugates, from vaccines to humanised glycoproteins

Glycosylation or the modification of a cellular component with a carbohydrate moiety has been demonstrated in all three domains of life as a basic post‐translational process important in a range of biological processes. This review will focus on the latest studies attempting to exploit bacterial N‐linked protein glycosylation for glycobiotechnological applications including glycoconjugate vaccine and humanised glycoprotein production. The challenges that remain for these approaches to reach full biotechnological maturity will be discussed.
Risk assessment for extending the Biopharmaceutics Classification System‐based biowaiver of immediate release dosage forms of fluconazole in adults to the paediatric population

The paediatric population undergoes developmental changes in gastric pH, gastric emptying, intestinal transit time, membrane permeability, protein binding, body water, distribution and metabolism. It is widely recognised that changes in these parameters may result in an alteration of the plasma profile and thus in key bioequivalence parameters such as Cmax (maximum plasma concentration of drug) and area under the plasma concentration vs time profile curve. The aim of this work is to assess the risk of extending the biowaiver for immediate release dosage formulations of fluconazole from the adult to the paediatric population.
Influence of particle shedding from silicone tubing on antibody stability

Peristaltic pumps are increasingly employed during fill & finish operations of a biopharmaceutical drug, due to sensitivity of many biological products to rotary piston pump‐related stresses. Yet, possibly also unit operations using peristaltic pumps may shed particulates into the final product due to abrasion from the employed tubing. It was the aim of this study to elucidate the potential influence of particles shed from peristaltic pump tubing on the stability of a drug product.
Humeral cementless surface replacement arthroplasties of the shoulder: An experimental investigation on their initial fixation

Cementless surface replacement arthroplasties are increasingly being used to treat arthritic humeral heads. These implants are designed to provide narrow bone resection, making a later revision easier. However, no clear evidence exists as to whether their initial fixation is sufficient for bony ingrowth. The aim of our in vitro study was to characterize the relative micromotion of two resurfacing implants with essentially different bone‐facing geometries. Both systems were implanted into 10 human humeral specimens and micromotion was measured under a cyclic torque application of up to ±1.75 Nm. The mean relative rotary motion resulted in a significant difference (p = 0.036), which was attributed to design differences of central stabilizers featuring both implants. A conversion of rotary motions into relative micromotions, using recently measured moments acting on these implants during daily activities of living, nullified this difference (p = 0.088). However, depending on the shoulder load case considered, a clear difference appeared (p = 0.031–0.045). In conclusion, both resurfacing implants are capable of achieving sufficient initial fixation on the humeral head and perform relative micromotions in a range considered safe for bony ingrowth. Patient‐related parameters do not appear to influence the initial fixation of these implants. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1216–1221, 2011
A review of the protective role of melatonin during phosphine‐induced cardiotoxicity: focus on mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and apoptosis

Acute poisoning with aluminium phosphide (AlP) is a major cause of mortality in developing countries. AlP mortality is due to cardiac dysfunction leading to cardiomyocyte death. The main mechanism is an inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase in the cardiomyocyte mitochondria, resulting in a decreased ATP production and oxidative stress. Unfortunately, the administration of exogenous drugs does not meet the desired requirements of an effective therapy. Melatonin is an amphiphilic molecule and can easily pass through all cellular compartments with the highest concentration recorded in mitochondria. It is known as a vigorous antioxidant, acting as a potent reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger. Our aim is to summarize the mechanisms by which melatonin may modulate the deteriorating effects of AlP poisoning on cardiac mitochondria.
Tumor Recurrence after Negative Pressure Wound Therapy: An Alert Call

In this report, we present a 22-year-old patient with soft tissue sarcoma of the lower extremity that developed wound dehiscence after surgery. Biopsy demonstrated negative margins for cancer. He was treated with negative pressure wound therapy for 6 weeks and started to present increased wound exudates, local pain and proliferating tissue that was positive for tumor recurrence. Consequently he underwent lower extremity amputation with hip disarticulation by the orthopedic team. Although we cannot determine with certainty a full causative relationship, it seems prudent to advise cautious use of negative pressure wound therapy in oncologic related wound beds.
Study on the Use of Long‐term Urinary Catheters in Community‐Dwelling Individuals

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and distribution of catheter-related problems in long-term indwelling urinary catheter users. We also sought to assess appropriateness of catheter use and examine relationships among catheter complications and catheter care practices. DESIGN This repeated-measures study involved self-reported data collection by recall at intake and by prospective data collection at 2, 4, and 6 months in long-term urinary catheter users. SUBJECTS AND SETTING Two sampling arms were used: a home care (HC) agency with 10 individuals and the Internet with 33 people having spinal cord injury. METHODS Home visit and follow-up telephone call interviews were used with the participants from the HC agency. Data were self-administered through SurveyMonkey in the Internet sample, and communication was through e-mail, telephone, and postal mail. Analysis included descriptive statistics and generalized estimating equation techniques to adjust for within-subject variation over time. RESULTS All study participants had at least 1 catheter-related problem during 8 months, and many had multiple, recurring problems. Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) was reported by 70%, blockage by 74%, leakage by 79%, and accidental dislodgement by 33%. Key tests of associations (generalized estimating equation) predicted that catheter size contributed to CAUTI, with significant covariates of female gender and younger age. The presence of sediment in the urine on the day of the survey predicted catheter blockage. CONCLUSION The incidence of all complications was higher than expected. Problems associated with long-term indwelling catheter use may contribute to excess healthcare utilization adversely affecting both users and their families.
Age Differences in Patients Evaluated for Constipation: Constipation Characteristics, Symptoms, and Bowel and Dietary Habits

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of age on various characteristics of constipation. We also sought to determine if age, comorbid conditions, and specific clinical characteristics such as use of pain medications were associated with an increase in the frequency of constipation-associated symptoms. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The sample comprised 518 patients 18 years or older with a primary diagnosis of constipation. Subjects were drawn from the clinical database of all patients (n = 1228) referred from primary care or gastroenterology practices to the University of California, San Francisco Center for Pelvic Physiology between March 2003 and October 2007. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. INSTRUMENTS: Patients completed 2 questionnaires. The clinical questionnaire obtained information on demographic characteristics and previous medical history. A second, investigator-developed questionnaire provided data about characteristics of constipation, symptoms of constipation, as well as various bowel and dietary habits. RESULTS: Both younger and middle-aged patients were more than twice as likely as older patients to have infrequent bowel movements and abdominal bloating and to use position changes to facilitate bowel evacuations. In addition, younger patients were nearly 3 times as likely to report abdominal pain as older patients. Patients with constipation who present at a younger age report a higher frequency of certain characteristics, symptoms, and bowel habits. CONCLUSIONS: Screening of younger patients for this common problem is warranted.
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment suppresses MAPK signaling and mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in degenerated human intervertebral disc cells

Nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) from degenerating discs produce catabolic and inflammatory factors, including interleukin (IL)‐1 and nitric oxide (NO). Enhanced production of NO has been implicated in the apoptosis of degenerating disc cells. This study evaluates the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on degenerated human NPCs. All hyperoxic cells were exposed to 100% O2 at 2.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA). Phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) in NPCs was detected using the phosphor‐kinase array kit. RNA was isolated for real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of aggrecan and type II collagen gene expression. The levels of IL‐1β and NO were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To identify the HBO‐induced anti‐apoptotic pathways, expression of Bcl‐2 and Bax proteins as well as activation of cysteine‐containing aspartate‐specific proteases (caspases) 3, 8, and 9 was evaluated using Western blotting after HBO treatment. Our data showed that HBO treatment decreased the expression of IL‐1β, suppressed phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 MAPK, decreased synthesis of NO, and increased the gene expression of aggrecan and type II collagen in NPCs as compared with the atmospheric treatment. HBO up‐regulated the ratio of Bcl‐2 to Bax expression and reduced the activity of caspases 9 and 3 but not of caspase 8, indicating a selective effect over the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in degenerated NPCs. These results support our hypothesis that HBO treatment suppresses MAPK signaling and mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in degenerated human intervertebral disc cells. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 204–209, 2013
Similar growth plate morphology in stapling and tension band plating hemiepiphysiodesis: A porcine experimental histomorphometric study

The tension band plating technique for hemiepiphysiodesis is new and advocated because it is believed to reduce the risk of premature closure of the growth plate compared to stapling. The benefit of the tension band plating technique has not yet been proven in experimental or randomized clinical studies. Ten weeks old domestic pigs in two randomized, paired studies were used. Right proximal tibia was randomized to medial epiphysiodesis by either stapling or tension band plating. Left side received the opposite treatment. Study A (n = 10): 9 weeks treatment. Study B (n = 8): implant removal after 9 weeks of treatment and 5 weeks of housing. Fractions of the chondrocyte layers were determined using quantitative histomorphometry. Mean heights of the growth plates were measured. No significant changes were observed between histomorphometric parameters in neither study A or B. Areas with disorganized cartilage tissue were abundant in 13/16 samples from study B and observed after both treatment with tension band plating and staples. Chondrocyte zone fractions did not differ between tension band plating and staple treatment in this randomized, paired animal study. The growth plate responded to release of hemiepiphysiodesis with abundant disorganized cartilage tissue in both groups. The histological response to hemiepiphysiodesis by tension band plating and staples appear to be similar. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 574–579, 2013
Implant placement increases bone remodeling transiently in a rat model

To examine bone remodeling following implant placement, 88 female Sprague–Dawley rats underwent either sham ovariectomy (sham‐ovx) or ovariectomy (ovx) at 4.5 months. At 11 months, 17 baseline control animals were euthanized, while 71 rats received bilateral intramedullary femoral implants. Implanted rats were randomized to 4‐, 8‐, or 12‐week follow‐up times. Microcomputed tomography was used to assess cortical area and trabecular architecture in all rats. Dynamic and static histomorphometry were performed in a subset to examine the trabecular and endocortical bone in the distal femoral metaphysis adjacent to the implant and the periosteal surface at the midshaft superior to the implant (n = 59). Implantation did not affect bone volume in either sham‐ovx or ovx rats compared to baseline controls. Implant placement significantly increased mineralizing surface, mineral apposition rate, and bone formation rate in both sham‐ovx and ovx rats at the trabecular and endocortical surfaces at four and sometimes 8 weeks, with a return to baseline values by 12 weeks. At the periosteal surface, implant placement increased bone formation at 4 weeks with a return to baseline levels by 8 weeks. Thus, implant placement increases bone remodeling transiently without affecting bone volume in sham‐ovx and ovx rats. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 800–806, 2013