IL-10 and Alveolar Bone Loss

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a cytokine with anti-inflammatory activities. IL-10 knockout (KO) mice exhibit severe intestinal inflammation in the presence of normal gut flora. We hypothesized that IL-10 KO mice would also be susceptible to inflammatory periodontal disease resulting in alveolar bone loss (ABL). The purpose of this study was to compare naturally occurring ABL in IL-10 KO and wild type (WT) mice. Twelve IL-10 KO and 12 WT mice, age-(7 months) and sex-(male) matched, were used. Half of the mice were on 129/SvEv and half on C57BL/6J background. Animal heads were defleshed and treated to remove all organic material. ABL was measured as exposed molar root surface area (mm2) on the lingual aspect of mandibular quadrants. Blinded measurements were performed using a computer-assisted image analysis system. Animal ABL was the mean of the 2 quadrants. Group mean differences were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test. Mean (± sd; n = 12) ABL for the IL-10 KO and WT groups was 1.15 ± 0.32 and 0.75 ±0.15 mm2, respectively, a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0004). This difference between IL-10 KO and WT mice remained significant for each strain (129/SvEv; p = 0.007; C57BL/6J: p = 0.011). No significant difference in ABL between the 2 strains was found when all mice were analyzed together. There was a significant difference in ABL between 129/SvEv and C57BL/6J strains when WT mice were analyzed alone (p = 0.011), but not when IL-10 KO mice were analyzed. The results of this study indicate that IL-10 KO mice are susceptible to accelerated alveolar bone loss, and suggest that IL-10 KO mice might be a useful model for the study of alveolar bone loss pathogenesis, including investigations of the reported association between chronic bowel inflammation and alveolar bone loss

The Effects of Surface Roughening Techniques on Surface and Electrochemical Properties of Ti Implants

This chapter deals with the effect of commonly used surface roughening techniques for rapid osseointegration on surface and electrochemical properties of dental implants. Dental implants prepared by smooth machining (MAC), double acid etching (DAE), sandblasting and acid etching (SLA), Ti plasma spray (TPS) and anodization (ANO) were included, and their electrochemical properties were compared to untreated commercially pure titanium (cpTi). The treated surfaces demonstrated great differences in surface roughness, morphology, elemental composition and oxide type. Open circuit potential (OCP) and anodic scan potentiodynamic curves showed that electrochemical properties of treated surfaces are inferior to untreated cpTi in an original Ringer’s solution and a Ringer’s solution enriched with NaF except from the case of ANO where the electrochemical properties were enhanced. Galvanic action between dental implants and prosthetic superstructures and more importantly between the treated root and polished collar of dental implants is also discussed

Rapidly progressive periodontal disease associated with human immunodeficiency virus

Severe periodontal inflammation with generalized dental plaque accumulation, spontaneous and severe gingival bleeding, fungal infection, and interdental papillae necrosis are presented in a patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Bite-wing radiographs revealed a generalized horizontal alveolar bone loss of 7-8 millimetres in both arches. Erythematous patches were noted on the gingival mucosa in both jaws. DNA testing was performed to indentify the periodontopathogens. The patient had no signs or symptoms of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. This case-report presents the massive periodontal destruction that occurred in a patient infected with HIV. Therefore, it is highly recommended that patients infected with HIV should be regularly monitored to aid in early detection and to provide proper management of periodontal inflammatory conditions to minimize its destruction

Efficacy of Using PDGF and Xenograft With or Without Collagen Membrane for Bone Regeneration Around Immediate Implants With Induced Dehiscenceâ Type Defects: A Microcomputed Tomographic Study in Dogs

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/141676/1/jper0371.pd

Effects of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Proteinâ 2 on Vertical Bone Augmentation in a Canine Model

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/141765/1/jper0896.pd

Improving Healthcare Services through Reducing Zero-Stock Reports in PHCs Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background: Quality improvement initiative to reduce zero stock items through improved demand supply chain system in primary healthcare centers.Aim: This study aims to explore strategies and evaluate the effectiveness of the digitalized demand supply chain for reducing zero stock incidents in PHC settings and how these reductions can improve the quality of care provided to patients.Method: A quantitative data collection on Zero stock incidents was conducted in all primary healthcare facilities over 24 months. Comparing the frequency of zero-stock items reports from before and after implementing the digitalized demand supply chain system.Result: The findings suggest that the new supply chain system has contributed to improving inventory management and reduced instances of zero-stock, ultimately enhancing the availability of essential supplies in PHCs.Conclusion: Quantitative analysis of zero stock reports over two years reveals that effective supply chain management and targeted interventions significantly reduce zero stock reports in PHC facilities

Challenges for Conducting Research during Pandemics. A Narrative Review

Background: Research during pandemics presents unique challenges and opportunities that are crucial for advancing scientific knowledge and improving public health responses. This study's topic is significant due to the unprecedented disruptions caused by pandemics like COVID-19, which have impacted all stages of the research process. This study aims to identify and analyze research challenges during pandemics and propose strategies to overcome these obstacles.Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted, focusing on the challenges of conducting research during pandemics. A comprehensive search strategy was implemented, using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, with keywords including "pandemic," "research challenges," "COVID-19 research," "SARS research," "clinical trials during pandemics," "best practices," and "research strategies." The review covered studies published from 2004 to 2023, including previous pandemics like SARS, H1N1, and COVID-19. Relevant articles were identified through database searches and manual reference list reviews.Discussion: The review revealed multidimensional challenges affecting various stages of the research process. Political, economic, administrative, regulatory, logistical, ethical, and social challenges were identified. Logistical difficulties were prevalent, such as limited access to laboratories and supply chain disruptions. Ethical challenges, including informed consent and data privacy, were magnified during health crises. The mental health impacts on researchers and participants were also significant, with increased anxiety and depression affecting engagement and well-being.Conclusion: The study concludes that while pandemics introduce considerable challenges for conducting research, there are also valuable lessons and best practices that can be applied in future crises. Effective strategies include investing in digital infrastructure, developing flexible ethical frameworks, implementing adaptive clinical trial designs, and supporting mental health for researchers and participants. By learning from the COVID-19 pandemic, the research community can better prepare for and navigate future pandemics, ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of scientific investigations

Post Acceptance Model for Online Teleconsultation services: An Empirical Study in Malaysia

open access journalMost nations across the world are actively pursuing equal access to healthcare services. Teleconsultation technology is a substantial improvement in terms of an effective framework for the provision of healthcare services. However, a lack of understanding of people’s willingness towards the use of this technology has been observed. The goal of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the post-acceptance of teleconsultation services in Malaysia. This study developed a theoretical model which involves the combination of the second generation of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) and Expectation Confirmation Theory (ECT), with the inclusion of several other constructs. An online survey was used to collect data from 154 university students and partial least squares (PLS) approach was used for data analysis. The research findings indicate that confirmation, performance, effort expectancy, usefulness, and satisfaction were the key factors that affect the post-acceptance of teleconsultation services. Furthermore, actual use, ease of use, technology readiness, and facilitating conditions did not impact participants' post intention in the continuous usage of teleconsultation facilities

Literature review on the efficacy of near-infrared device in improving peripheral venous access time and number of attempts in pediatric patients

IntroductionThe process of peripheral venous access (PVA) in children can be challenging for the patient and the clinician, as failed attempts often exceed the recommended two insertions, which can be painful. To speed up the process and increase success, near-infrared device (NIR) device technology has been introduced. This literature review aimed to investigate and critically evaluate the impact of NIR devices on the number of attempts and the time of the catheterization procedure in pediatric patients from 2015 to 2022.MethodsAn electronic search was performed to identify studies in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL Plus, from 2015 to 2022. After applying eligibility criteria, seven studies were considered for further review and evaluation.ResultsThe number of successful venipuncture attempts ranged from 1 to 2.41 in control groups and from 1 to 2 in NIR groups. The procedural time required for success ranged from 37.5 s to 252 s in the control group and from 28.47 s to 200 s in the NIR groups. The NIR assistive device could be successfully used in preterm infants and children with special health care needs.ConclusionsWhile more research is needed to examine the training and application of NIR in preterm infants, some studies have shown improvement in placement success. The number of attempts and time required for a successful PVA may depend on several alternative factors, including general health, age, ethnicity, and knowledge and skills of healthcare providers. Future studies are expected to investigate how the level of experience of a healthcare provider performing venipuncture influences the outcome. More research is needed to explore additional factors that predict the success rate

The application of artificial intelligence in diabetic retinopathy screening: a Saudi Arabian perspective

IntroductionDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of preventable blindness in Saudi Arabia. With a prevalence of up to 40% of patients with diabetes, DR constitutes a significant public health burden on the country. Saudi Arabia has not yet established a national screening program for DR. Mounting evidence shows that Artificial intelligence (AI)-based DR screening programs are slowly becoming superior to traditional screening, with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating research into this topic as well as changing the outlook of the public toward it. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the perception and acceptance of AI in DR screening among eye care professionals in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA cross-sectional study using a self-administered online-based questionnaire was distributed by email through the registry of the Saudi Commission For Health Specialties (SCFHS). 309 ophthalmologists and physicians involved in diabetic eye care in Saudi Arabia participated in the study. Data analysis was done by SPSS, and a value of p < 0.05 was considered significant for statistical purposes.Results54% of participants rated their level of AI knowledge as above average and 63% believed that AI and telemedicine are interchangeable. 66% believed that AI would decrease the workforce of physicians. 79% expected clinical efficiency to increase with AI. Around 50% of participants expected AI to be implemented in the next 5 years.DiscussionMost participants reported good knowledge about AI. Physicians with more clinical experience and those who used e-health apps in clinical practice regarded their AI knowledge as higher than their peers. Perceived knowledge was strongly related to acceptance of the benefits of AI-based DR screening. In general, there was a positive attitude toward AI-based DR screening. However, concerns related to the labor market and data confidentiality were evident. There should be further education and awareness about the topic