Antecedents and effects of trust in forecasting advice

Forecasting support systems (FSSs) have little value if users distrust the information and advice that they offer. Two experiments were used to investigate: (i) factors that influence the levels of users' stated trust in advice provided by an FSS, when this advice is provided in the form of interval forecasts, (ii) the extent to which stated trust is associated with users' modifications of the provided forecasts, and (iii) the consequences of these modifications for the calibration of the interval forecasts. Stated trust was influenced by the levels of noise in time series and whether a trend was present but was unaffected by the presence or absence of point forecasts. It was also higher when the intervals were framed as 'best-case/worst-case' forecasts and when the FSS provided explanations. Absence of trust was associated with a tendency to narrow the provided prediction intervals, which reduced their calibration. (C) 2012 International Institute of Forecasters. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Periodontal status of rheumatoid arthritis patients in khartoum state

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Few studies have investigated the periodontal condition among Rheumatoid arthritis in Sudan. The present study described the periodontal condition among Sudanese patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and to compare them with those of non-rheumatic subjects.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A group of eighty rheumatoid arthritis patients was selected from Patient's Rheumatoid Clinics in Khartoum State during the period of January to May 2010. A control group of eighty patients with the same age and gender was selected for the study. Both Rheumatoid arthritis patients and the control group were examined for their plaque index, gingival index, and clinical attachment loss.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The results revealed that there were no significant differences in plaque and gingival index among study and control groups, with mean plaque index of (1.25 ± 0.4) for patients and (1.17 ± 0.28) for the control group (p-value is 0.3597). The mean gingival index was (1.2 ± 0.24) for the patients and (1.2 ± 0.33) for the control (p = is 0.3049). The results showed statistically significant differences in clinical attachment loss between study and control groups, with mean clinical attachment loss of (1.03 ± 0.95) for the study group and (0.56 ± 0.63) for the control group (p = 0.0002). The study revealed that no association exists between the type of drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (NSAIDs & DMARDs) and the periodontal parameters (plaque index, gingival index, and clinical attachment loss).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>A significant relationship between periodontal disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis does exist, but no difference between plaque and gingival index has been detected among study and control groups.</p

Heat Shock Factor 1-dependent extracellular matrix remodeling mediates the transition from chronic intestinal inflammation to colon cancer

In the colon, long-term exposure to chronic inflammation drives colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. While the causal and clinical links are well established, molecular understanding of how chronic inflammation leads to the development of colon cancer is lacking. Here we deconstruct the evolving microenvironment of CAC by measuring proteomic changes and extracellular matrix (ECM) organization over time in a mouse model of CAC. We detect early changes in ECM structure and composition, and report a crucial role for the transcriptional regulator heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) in orchestrating these events. Loss of HSF1 abrogates ECM assembly by colon fibroblasts in cell-culture, prevents inflammation-induced ECM remodeling in mice and inhibits progression to CAC. Establishing relevance to human disease, we find high activation of stromal HSF1 in CAC patients, and detect the HSF1-dependent proteomic ECM signature in human colorectal cancer. Thus, HSF1-dependent ECM remodeling plays a crucial role in mediating inflammation-driven colon cancer.R35 GM118173 - NIGMS NIH HHS; U01 TR002625 - NCATS NIH HHS; P30 CA008748 - NCI NIH HHS; FC010144 - Cancer Research UK; FC010144 - Medical Research Council; FC010144 - Wellcome TrustPublished versio

BRCA mutational status shapes the stromal microenvironment of pancreatic cancer linking clusterin expression in cancer associated fibroblasts with HSF1 signaling

Tumors initiate by mutations in cancer cells, and progress through interactions of the cancer cells with non-malignant cells of the tumor microenvironment. Major players in the tumor microenvironment are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which support tumor malignancy, and comprise up to 90% of the tumor mass in pancreatic cancer. CAFs are transcriptionally rewired by cancer cells. Whether this rewiring is differentially affected by different mutations in cancer cells is largely unknown. Here we address this question by dissecting the stromal landscape of BRCA-mutated and BRCA Wild-type pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. We comprehensively analyze pancreatic cancer samples from 42 patients, revealing different CAF subtype compositions in germline BRCA-mutated vs. BRCA Wild-type tumors. In particular, we detect an increase in a subset of immune-regulatory clusterin-positive CAFs in BRCA-mutated tumors. Using cancer organoids and mouse models we show that this process is mediated through activation of heat-shock factor 1, the transcriptional regulator of clusterin. Our findings unravel a dimension of stromal heterogeneity influenced by germline mutations in cancer cells, with direct implications for clinical research

The influence of radio frequency‐based toothbrush on the accumulation of calculus and periodontal health: A randomized double‐blind controlled prospective study

Abstract Objectives The use of a toothbrush with radio frequency (RF) has shown to be of benefit regarding the reduction of plaque, calculus, and dental staining and improving teeth shade compared to conventional powered and manual toothbrushes. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of the RF toothbrush in the reduction of calculus accumulation and its effect on periodontal parameters as well as subject satisfaction as compared to an identical sham‐tooth brush. Materials and Methods Patients who are under a strict maintenance program were included. Patients were allocated to test (RF toothbrush) or control (sham) randomly and were examined at baseline, one and three months. Clinical photos were taken and a consequential calculus assessment via ImageJ software. Clinical assessment included the following: plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), and recession (REC). Patient satisfaction was assessed via a questionnaire. Results Fifty‐eight patients (29 control, 29 test) were included. At baseline mean PPD, BOP, PI, REC, and calculus accumulation were similar between the groups. Mean buccal calculus was lower in the test group at one month 4.0% versus 6.7%, p < .05. Calculus accumulation within the groups was lower in the test group at 1 and 3 months when compared to baseline at the buccal aspect (2.8% vs. 8.9%, p < .05% and 3.8% vs. 8.9%, p < .05) and lingual aspect (6.7% vs. 16.5%, p < .05% and 8.9% vs. 16.5%, p < .05). No statistically significant results were found regarding periodontal parameters PPD, BOP, PI, and REC. No difference was found between groups regarding patient satisfaction. Conclusion RF seems to have an additive effect on preventing calculus accumulation on the buccal aspect of anterior mandibular teeth at 1 month. Nevertheless, at 3 months, no difference between the toothbrushes is seen regarding calculus formation and maintaining periodontal health (ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier NCT04640857)

Histological In Vivo Evaluation of Intense Pulsed Light Technology: Assessing the Safety on Oral Soft and Hard Tissues

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is used for aesthetic and therapeutic purposes. According to recent literature, utilizing IPL may boost upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Concerns have been raised about potential thermal damage to the soft and hard tissues in the oral cavity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the safety of using IPL of various intensities in the tissues of the oral cavity. Methods: Three adult pigs were included in the trial. The oral cavity was divided into four quadrants and projected with a wide range of IPL settings. Alveolar bone, buccal mucosa, and gingival tissue samples were taken immediately and after 24 h. In each animal, one quadrant of the jaw was left untreated and served as a control. All samples were processed and stained with H&E. Results: Clinical examination showed no evidence of changes in the integrity of the examined tissues. Histological examination of the different tissues did not demonstrate significant thermal damage or changes in the characterization of the cells compared to the control tissues. Conclusions: The use of IPL in the oral cavity is safe and does not negatively affect the tissues

Analyzing Oral Health Conditions in Sex Workers—A Comparative Retrospective Clinical and Radiographic Study

This study highlights the oral health condition of female sex workers (SWs), who face increased risks associated with habits such as excessive alcohol and tobacco use. These behaviors heighten the likelihood of issues like oral cancer and dental diseases, underscoring the need for targeted health interventions. The study examines the oral health disparities between SWs and the general population (GP). A retrospective study analyzed the health records of 40 SWs and 40 controls matched by age and gender who were examined between 1 January 2020 and 30 May 2023. Intra-oral and panoramic radiographs, alongside clinical examination, were used to evaluate missing teeth, periodontal bone support, and caries. T-tests and chi-square tests were used to compare dental health indicators. A comparative analysis of these 80 patients revealed significant disparities: SWs had a higher incidence of missing teeth (5.8 ± 7.3 vs. 0.7 ± 1.4, p p p < 0.001). Additionally, 12% of SWs used removable dentures, unlike the GP. This study underscores significant oral health challenges in SWs, emphasizing the need for targeted healthcare strategies to improve their health conditions

Clinical, Radiological, and Aesthetic Outcomes after Placement of a Bioactive-Surfaced Implant with Immediate or Delayed Loading in the Anterior Maxilla: 1-Year Retrospective Follow-Up Study

Background: Dental implants have become the standard for replacing missing teeth. However, patients’ demands for shorter treatment times and the desire for aesthetics in their results can complicate the rehabilitation process, particularly when poor-quality bone is involved. In order to address these challenges, new methods of treating implant surfaces have been introduced. These methods aim to make the implants superhydrophilic and bioactive, enhancing their functionality and interactions with the surrounding tissues. Aim: The aim of the study was to retrospectively examine the efficacy of a superhydrophilic and bioactive implant for treatment of the edentulous maxillary anterior area. The study also aimed to evaluate whether this improved implant surface, by enhancing the osseointegration processes, could serve as a factor in speeding up the loading protocols. Materials and Methods: For this retrospective study, a total of 13 implants were included: 6 delayed restored implants and 7 immediately loaded implants placed in the anterior maxillary area. Clinical, radiographic, and esthetic outcomes were assessed. Baseline measurements of the insertion torque value (ITV) and stability implant quotient (ISQ) were recorded for all implants. In the early-loaded group, these measurements were also taken 30 days (t30) and 45 days (t45) after the placement of the implant to monitor their changes over time. Marginal bone loss (MBL) was calculated according to the changes in marginal bone level on intraoral X-rays taken at two different time points: at baseline and one year after loading. To evaluate the esthetic results, the pink esthetic score (PES) and the white esthetic score (WES) were assessed. For this evaluation, intraoral photographs were taken one year after implant loading. Results: A total of 7 implants were immediately restored, with a mean ITV of 32.29 ± 9.01 Ncm and a mean ISQ of 72.71 ± 2.81. These implants were placed in a bone environment with a mean density of 410.00 ± 194.42 HU. On the other hand, 6 implants with delayed loading had a mean ITV of 28.50 ± 3.27 Ncm, an ISQ of 67.92 ± 8.43, and a mean bone density of 607.50 ± 140.83 HU. The mean PES and WES after 1 year were, respectively, 8.71 ± 1.89 and 8.57 ± 0.79 for immediate and 8.33 ± 1.36 and 9.17 ± 1.33 for delayed-loaded implants. At 12 months after loading, the immediately loaded group had a MBL of 0.29 ± 0.29 mm, while the delayed-loaded group had a MBL of 0.33 ± 0.25. No statistically significant differences between the two treatment groups were found for any of the evaluated outcomes. Conclusions: Despite the limitations of this study, the obtained results may support the use of a superhydrophilic and bioactive implant surface for implant-prosthetic rehabilitation in critical loading protocols with satisfactory esthetic results