25‐Hydroxycholesterol induces odontoclastic differentiation through RANK–RANKL upregulation and NF‐κB activation in odontoblast‐like MDPC‐23 cells: An in vitro study

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader 25‐Hydroxycholesterol induces odontoclastic differentiation through RANK–RANKL upregulation and NF‐κB activation in odontoblast‐like MDPC‐23 cells: An in vitro study via International Endodontic Journal Abstract Aim The physiological effects and cellular mechanism of 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-HC), which is an oxysterol synthesized from cholesterol by cholesterol-25-hydroxylase (CH25H) expressed under inflammatory conditions, are still largely unknown during odontoclastogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate a 25-HC-induced odontoclastogenesis and its cellular mechanisms in odontoblast-like MDPC-23 cells. Methodology To investigate 25-HC-induced odontoclastogenesis of MDPC-23 cells and its cellular mechanism, haemotoxylin and eosin staining, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, dentine resorption assay, zymography, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection, immunocytochemistry, and nuclear translocation were performed. The experimental values are presented as mean ± standard deviation and were compared using analysis of variance, followed by post-hoc multiple comparison (Tukey's test) using SPSS software version 22 (IBM Corp.). A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Lipopolysaccharide or receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) induced the synthesis of 25-HC via the expression of CH25H in MDPC-23 cells (p<0.01). Multinucleated giant cells with morphological characteristics and TRAP activity of the odontoclast were increased by 25-HC in MDPC-23 cells (p<0.01). Moreover, 25-HC increased dentine resorption through the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases in MDPC-23 cells. It not only increased the expression of odontoclastogenic biomarkers but also translocated cytosolic nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) to the nucleus in MDPC-23 cells. Additionally, 25-HC not only increased the production of ROS (p<0.01), expression of inflammatory mediators (p<0.01), pro-inflammatory cytokines, receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK), and RANKL but also suppressed the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in MDPC-23 cells. In contrast, CDDO-Me, a chemical NF-κB inhibitor, decreased TRAP activity (p<0.01) and downregulated the expression of the odontoclastogenic biomarkers, including RANK and RANKL, in MDPC-23 cells. Conclusion 25-HC induced odontoclastogenesis by modulating the RANK–RANKL–OPG axis via NF-κB activation in MDPC-23 cells. Therefore, these findings provide that 25-HC derived from cholesterol metabolism may be involved in the pathophysiological etiological factors of internal tooth resorption. View on Web

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Constructing a Mixed Simulation With 360° Virtual Reality and a High-Fidelity Simulator: Usability and Feasibility Assessment

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Constructing a Mixed Simulation With 360° Virtual Reality and a High-Fidelity Simulator: Usability and Feasibility Assessment via Computers Informatics Nursing - Published Ahead-of-Print Virtual reality technology has been adopted to overcome barriers of conventional simulation. This study was conducted to determine the impact of mixed simulation (a 360° virtual reality and a high-fidelity simulator) on learning how to provide nursing care for patients with arrhythmia. A total of 49 students were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 25) and control (n = 23) groups. They were given four arrhythmia cases with a 360° virtual reality system first followed by a manikin-based simulation. The mixed simulation group showed greater improvement in knowledge, higher decision-making competency in "knowing and acting" (P = .025) and "seeking information from instructors" (P = .049), and lower anxiety in "using resources to gather information" (P = .031). Study participants achieved a good level of empathy (3.28 ± 0.72) and liked the program (4.56 ± 0.60). They were satisfied with the program (4.48 ± 0.65). These findings provide new insight into learning through blending of new technology. When the 360° virtual reality was used with existing manikin-based simulation, they effectively reinforced one another. The 360° virtual reality can be an effective strategy to ensure active participation to gain a comprehensive understanding of and empathy for patients. View on Web

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The Effect of Two Different Simulation Modalities in Palliative Care Teaching on Nursing Students' Knowledge, Satisfaction, Self-confidence, and Skills: A Randomized Controlled Trial

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader The Effect of Two Different Simulation Modalities in Palliative Care Teaching on Nursing Students' Knowledge, Satisfaction, Self-confidence, and Skills: A Randomized Controlled Trial via Computers Informatics Nursing - Published Ahead-of-Print Nursing students from developing countries have limited opportunities to experience palliative care. Standardized patient and low-fidelity simulations can provide realistic palliative care experiences for students. However, limited research is available on simulation-based education in Palestine. Testing and using these two types of simulation methods may be the best solution for developing countries that lack adequate resources. This study aimed to test the effects of low-fidelity simulation compared with standardized patient simulation in palliative care teaching on nursing students' knowledge, satisfaction, confidenc e, and skills. The study was a randomized controlled trial of 70 nursing students in their sophomore year. Students' knowledge was assessed with the Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing test; satisfaction and confidence with the Learner Satisfaction and Self-confidence in Learning; and skills rated by two researchers. Students' knowledge improved significantly on the posttest compared with the pretest, without significant differences between both groups. The findings showed that the utilization of the two methods in students' clinical training for scenario has the same effect on the satisfaction and confidence. The skills of the standardized patient group improved significantly more than the low-fidelity group. The study revealed that both simulation modalities are effective for palliative care nursing students. View on Web

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Higher SARS‐CoV‐2 shedding in exhaled aerosol probably contributed to the enhanced transmissibility of Omicron BA.5 subvariant

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Higher SARS‐CoV‐2 shedding in exhaled aerosol probably contributed to the enhanced transmissibility of Omicron BA.5 subvariant via Journal of Medical Virology Abstract The global pandemic of the BA.5 subvariant had moved from prediction to reality. In this study, we compared SARS-CoV-2 aerosol emissions from patients with BA.2 or BA.5 subvariant infection. First, patients with BA.2 subvariant infection had higher upper respiratory viral loads than patients with BA.5 subvariant infection. However, the average breath emission rate (BER) of patients with BA.5 subvariant infection, which represented the concentration of exhaled SARS-CoV-2 aerosols, was nearly 40 times higher than that of patients with BA.2 subvariant. Second, aerosols exhaled by patients with BA.5 subvariant infection exhibited SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection positive rate than patients with BA.1 or BA.2 subvariant infection. Meanwhile, for BA.5 subvariant infection, patients that exhaled infectious SARS-CoV-2 aerosols accounted for 14.8% of all patients. Third, since the onset of COVID-19, the SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection signals of throat swabs showed a gradual decline trend, although the de cline process was accompanied by fluctuations. Overall, the monitoring of infectious SARS-CoV-2 aerosols may provide the data support for the transmissibility evaluation of the Omicron BA.5 subvariant. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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Necrotic facial ulceration caused by cowpox virus

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Necrotic facial ulceration caused by cowpox virus via Journal of Medical Virology Abstract A 56-year-old Caucasian lady presented to the maxillofacial department with a lesion on her left cheek with associated lethargy and fevers This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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Assessment of exercise‐induced hypoalgesia in chronic low back pain and potential associations with psychological factors and central sensitization symptoms: A case‐control study

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Assessment of exercise‐induced hypoalgesia in chronic low back pain and potential associations with psychological factors and central sensitization symptoms: A case‐control study via Pain Practice Abstract Introduction Exercise is the most recommended treatment for chronic low back pain (CLBP) and is effective in reducing pain, but the mechanisms underlying its effects remain poorly understood. Exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) may play a role and is thought to be driven by central pain modulation mechanisms. However, EIH appears to be disrupted in many chronic pain conditions and its presence in people with CLBP remains unclear. As people suffering from chronic pain often exhibit psychological factors and central sensitization symptoms influencing pain perception, EIH might be associated to these factors. Objective To compare the level of EIH between participants with and without CLBP following back and wrist exercises and to assess the associations between EIH, psychological factors and central sensitization inventory score (CSI) in CLBP. Method Twenty-eight participants with CLBP and 23 without pain were recruited. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were measured at 4 sites (2 bony sites = capitate, S1 | 2 muscle sites = wrist flexors, lumbar erector spinae) before and after each of two exercises (wrist flexion and lumbar extension). EIH was defined as percent change in PPT from pre-to-post-exercise. Participants with CLBP also completed questionnaires to measure psychological factors (e.g. kinesiophobia, catastrophizing, anxiety, self-efficacy) and symptoms of central sensitization (CSI), and correlations with EIH was calculated. Results After wrist exercise, EIH measured at the muscle sites was lower in the CLBP group compared to the pain-free group (p=0.047) but no differences were found at bony sites (p=0.49). No significant differences for EIH were observed following back exercise at muscle sites (p=0.14) or at bony sites (p=0.65). EIH was not correlated with any psychological factors or to the CSI score. Conclusion The lower EIH following wrist exercises may represent an alteration in pain modulation control in CLBP. However, psychological factors and central sensitization symptoms may not explain the differences observed. View on Web

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Tideglusib enhances odontogenic differentiation in human dental pulp stem cells in vitro

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Tideglusib enhances odontogenic differentiation in human dental pulp stem cells in vitro via International Endodontic Journal Abstract Aim Tideglusib is a small molecule agonist of the canonical Wnt pathway. The present study investigated the influence of Tideglusib on human dental pulp stem cell (hDPSC) proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and odonto/osteogenic differentiation. Methodology hDPSCs were treated with 50 nM, 100 nM, or 200 nM Tideglusib. β-catenin accumulation was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Colony forming unit ability was assessed by staining with Coomassie blue. Cell cycle progression and cell apoptosis were investigated using flow cytometry. Cell migration was examined using an in vitro wound healing assay. Osteogenic differentiation was examined using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, alizarin red s staining, and osteogenic-related gene expression. The gene expression profile was examined using a high throughput RNA sequencing technique. All experiments were repeated using cells derived from at least four different donors (n = 4). The Mann Whitney U test was used to identify significant differences for two independent group comparisons. For three or more group comparison, statistical differences were assessed using the Kruskal Wallis test followed by a pairwise comparison. The significance level was set at 5% (p< /i> < 0.05). Results Tideglusib activated the Wnt signaling pathway in hDPSCs as demonstrated by an increase in cytoplasmic β-catenin accumulation and nuclear translocation. Tideglusib did not affect hDPSC proliferation, cell cycle progression, cell apoptosis, or cell migration. In contrast, 50 nM and 100 nM Tideglusib significantly enhanced mineralisation and osteogenic marker gene expression (RUNX2, ALP, BMP2, and DSPP) (p < 0.05). Conclusions Tideglusib enhanced the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs. Therefore, incorporating this bioactive molecule in a pulp capping material could be a promising strategy to promote dentine repair. View on Web

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The impact of clinical trial enrollment on specialty palliative care utilization in pediatric patients with high‐grade gliomas

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader The impact of clinical trial enrollment on specialty palliative care utilization in pediatric patients with high‐grade gliomas via Pediatric Blood & Cancer Abstract Background Palliative care (PC) provides numerous benefits for children with cancer. Pediatric patients with high-grade glioma (HGG) are particularly well suited for early PC involvement given their high symptom burden and poor prognosis. However, studies continue to reveal that children with cancer, including HGG, have delayed PC involvement. We hypothesized that clinical trial enrollment may lead to a lack of or delay in PC involvement in this population. Procedure For each patient in our cohort of 43 pediatric patients with HGG, demographic, diagnostic, therapeutic, clinical trial enrollment, and PC information were collected. Statistical analysis was performed comparing PC characteristics between patients who did and did not enroll in a clinical trial. Results Seventy-two percent of patients had at least one visit with a PC provider. Fifty-six percent of patients enrolled in a clinical trial with HGG-directed therapy. Seventy-one percent of patients who enrolled in a clinical trial received specialty PC compared to 74% of non-trial participants (p = 1.000). Patients who enrolled in clinical trials received PC earlier in their disease course measured in days before death (mean = 177 days) compared to those who did not enroll (mean = 113 days, p = .180), though not statistically significant. Conclusions The prevalence of clinical trial enrollment is high in patients with HGG and will likely increase as the genomic/epigenomic landscape of these tumors is better understood. As such, our data reassuringly suggest that trial participation does not interfere with the receipt of specialty PC in this population. View on Web

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Comparison of quality of life and psychological distress in patients with tongue cancer undergoing a total/subtotal glossectomy or extended hemiglossectomy and free flap transfer: a prospective evaluation

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Comparison of quality of life and psychological distress in patients with tongue cancer undergoing a total/subtotal glossectomy or extended hemiglossectomy and free flap transfer: a prospective evaluation via International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery via MedWorm.com The aim of this study was to assess changes in the quality of life and psychological distress of patients with tongue cancer undergoing total/subtotal glossectomy (TG) or extended hemiglossectomy (HG) and free flap transfer. Differences between the two groups were compared using the Short Form 8-Item Health Survey (SF-8) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Of the 43 patients with tongue cancer, 24 (56%) underwent TG and 19 (44%) underwent HG. The general health and social functioning scores in the SF-8 and depression in the HADS were significantly worse in the TG group than in the HG group at 12 months after surgery, indicating that patients in the TG group may experience social isolation and psychological distress, and have difficulty in employability even 12 months after su... View on Web

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The Management of Salivary Fistulas

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader The Management of Salivary Fistulas via Seminars in Plastic Surgery Semin Plast Surg DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1759561 Postoperative salivary fistula is an especially undesirable complication because it can be difficult to address, may delay postoperative radiation, and always delays enteral nutrition. Patients who are malnourished, have already undergone radiotherapy, or are hypothyroid are at higher risk of developing this problem. Conservative measures work in most patients, but a significant percentage of patients require intervention beyond pr essure dressings and tincture of time. Medications, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and surgical intervention may be required when fistulas do not heal in a timely manner. Decisions about the approach and timing of more aggressive interventions are part of the art of medicine since definitive scientific protocols are lacking. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA Article in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract&nbs p; |  Full text View on Web

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