Does sinus membrane thickness influence the risk of perforation during lateral sinus lift surgery for dental implants? a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: We reviewed the literature to examine if the thickness of the sinus membrane is a risk factor for perforation during lateral sinus lift surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We searched Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases till 4th December 2023 for studies examining the risk of perforation with different sinus membrane thicknesses. Studies reporting sinus membrane thickness in perforation and non-perforation cases were also included. RESULTS: Eleven studies were eligible. All studies used cone beam computed tomography for measuring sinus membrane thickness. Meta-analysis showed that sinus membrane thickness was significantly lower in perforation cases as compared to non-perforation cases (MD: -0.91 95% CI: -1.48, -0.33 I2=94%). Four studies used 2mm as the cut-off to define thick and thin sinus membranes. Pooled analysis failed to demonstrate any significant difference in perforation rates (OR: 0.97 95% CI: 0.44, 2.17 I2=56%). Meta-analysis of studies using 1.5mm (OR: 0.66 95% CI: 0.29, 1.48 I2=72%) and 1mm cut-off (OR: 0.93 95% CI: 0.34, 2.56) also demonstrated similar non-significant results. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the sinus membrane is significantly thinner in cases with perforations as compared to those with no perforations. However, a meta-analysis based on different membrane thickness cut-offs failed to demonstrate a relationship between thinner sinus membranes and a higher risk of perforation. There is a need for further studies examining the role of sinus membrane thickness on perforation rates.

Cyclin B2 is required for progression through meiosis in mouse oocytes.

Cyclins associate with cyclin-dependent serine/threonine kinase 1 (CDK1) to generate the M phase-promoting factor (MPF) activity essential for progression through mitosis and meiosis. Although cyclin B1 (CCNB1) is required for embryo development, previous studies concluded that CCNB2 is dispensable for cell cycle progression. Given previous findings of high Ccnb2 mRNA translation rates in prophase-arrested oocytes, we re-evaluated the role of this cyclin during meiosis. Ccnb2-/- oocytes underwent delayed germinal vesicle breakdown and showed defects during the metaphase-to-anaphase transition. This defective maturation was associated with compromised Ccnb1 and Moloney sarcoma oncogene (Mos) mRNA translation, delayed spindle assembly and increased errors in chromosome segregation. Given these defects, a significant percentage of oocytes failed to complete meiosis I because the spindle assembly checkpoint remained active and anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome function was inhibited. In vivo, CCNB2 depletion caused ovulation of immature oocytes, premature ovarian failure, and compromised female fecundity. These findings demonstrate that CCNB2 is required to assemble sufficient pre-MPF for timely meiosis re-entry and progression. Although endogenous cyclins cannot compensate, overexpression of CCNB1/2 rescues the meiotic phenotypes, indicating similar molecular properties but divergent modes of regulation of these cyclins.

Genome-wide analysis reveals a switch in the translational program upon oocyte meiotic resumption.

During oocyte maturation, changes in gene expression depend exclusively on translation and degradation of maternal mRNAs rather than transcription. Execution of this translation program is essential for assembling the molecular machinery required for meiotic progression, fertilization, and embryo development. With the present study, we used a RiboTag/RNA-Seq approach to explore the timing of maternal mRNA translation in quiescent oocytes as well as in oocytes progressing through the first meiotic division. This genome-wide analysis reveals a global switch in maternal mRNA translation coinciding with oocyte re-entry into the meiotic cell cycle. Messenger RNAs whose translation is highly active in quiescent oocytes invariably become repressed during meiotic re-entry, whereas transcripts repressed in quiescent oocytes become activated. Experimentally, we have defined the exact timing of the switch and the repressive function of CPE elements, and identified a novel role for CPEB1 in maintaining constitutive translation of a large group of maternal mRNAs during maturation.

Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase II by sulfonamide derivatives.

A series of sulfonamide derivatives were synthesized, and the enzyme inhibitory activity of the synthesized compounds on carbonic anhydrase II was evaluated. Through molecular docking studies, it was found that compounds 1b, 1e, 2a, 2b, 3a have a strong binding affinity to carbonic anhydrase II. The IC50 values of the four compounds 1e, 2b, 3a, and 3b were lower than that of the positive control drug acetazolamide. What's more, the compounds had a high inhibitory activity for A549 lung cancer cell growth, among them, 1e and 3a could inhibit both carbonic anhydrase II and lung cancer cell proliferation.

Perceptions Revisited: Pediatric Chief Resident views on Minority Housestaff Recruitment and Retention in Pediatric Residency Programs.

PURPOSE: This study examined institutional strategies among pediatric residency programs for recruitment and retention of underrepresented minorities (URM) housestaff. PROCEDURES: A questionnaire developed by the authors in a 1992 study was modified and then mailed to 185 pediatric chief residents at non-military pediatric training programs in the United States. Descriptive statistics (means and frequency) were calculated for each question. There were three rounds of mailings and a telephone follow-up. MAIN FINDING: The response rate was 39% (n=73). Thirty-eight percent reported that URM housestaff recruitment and retention was a priority for their program directors, 37% reported that it was a priority for themselves, 25% reported it was a priority for the hospital administration, and 36% reported that they were not sure about the priority of URM housestaff recruitment and retention within their organization. Sixty-seven percent stated that their housestaff selection committees do not have defined recruitment goals, 6% indicated that their committees have specifically defined recruitment goals, and 27% were not sure. CONCLUSIONS: Despite numerous initiatives from government agencies, medical institutions, and institutions of higher education, a critical gap remains among institutions in their recruitment efforts for URM at the level of residency training. Our study suggests that pediatric chief residents may not be adequately educated or primed regarding the importance of recruitment and retention of URM. As individuals involved with both medical training and hospital hierarchy, they are uniquely positioned to influence and carry out program goals and objectives.

CPEB1-dependent disruption of the mRNA translation program in oocytes during maternal aging.

The molecular causes of deteriorating oocyte quality during aging are poorly defined. Since oocyte developmental competence relies on post-transcriptional regulations, we tested whether defective mRNA translation contributes to this decline in quality. Disruption in ribosome loading on maternal transcripts is present in old oocytes. Using a candidate approach, we detect altered translation of 3'-UTR-reporters and altered poly(A) length of the endogenous mRNAs. mRNA polyadenylation depends on the cytoplasmic polyadenylation binding protein 1 (CPEB1). Cpeb1 mRNA translation and protein levels are decreased in old oocytes. This decrease causes de-repression of Ccnb1 translation in quiescent oocytes, premature CDK1 activation, and accelerated reentry into meiosis. De-repression of Ccnb1 is corrected by Cpeb1 mRNA injection in old oocytes. Oocyte-specific Cpeb1 haploinsufficiency in young oocytes recapitulates all the translation phenotypes of old oocytes. These findings demonstrate that a dysfunction in the oocyte translation program is associated with the decline in oocyte quality during aging.

Survival benefit associated with postoperative PET-CT before adjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of postoperative positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) before adjuvant treatment in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. Patients with OSCC requiring adjuvant treatment following surgery were divided retrospectively into two groups based on the implementation of PET-CT. The study endpoints were disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). A total of 123 patients underwent PET-CT examination; 28 had abnormal images, but only seven were confirmed to be pathologically positive. A total of 145 patients underwent computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI) examination; 20 had abnormal images, but only one was confirmed to be pathologically positive. The median OS time was 5.4 years in the PET-CT group and 4.3 years in the CT/MRI group, demonstrating a significant difference (P = 0.024). Findings were similar for the median DSS time. In patients with positive PET-CT results, the median DSS was 4.3 years and median OS was 3.5 years, and in those with negative PET-CT results, the median survival time could not be calculated as fewer than 50% of patients reached these endpoints; both differences were significant (P = 0.007 and P < 0.001). Although the false-positive rate of postoperative PET-CT is high, it improves the chance of survival through early and more frequent detection of recurrence.

Functional outcomes after submandibular gland-sparing neck dissection in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

The feasibility of submandibular gland (SMG) preservation during neck dissection has been described. The aim of this study was to analyse the functional outcomes in patients undergoing SMG preservation during neck dissection for cT1-2N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma. Consecutive patients were divided into two groups based on the management of the SMG, and underwent a saliva flow test before surgery, 7 days after surgery, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery. All enrolled patients completed the fourth version of the University of Washington Quality of Life (UWQOL) questionnaire at 12 months after surgery. In patients who underwent SMG preservation during neck dissection, the flow rate at 7 days after surgery was significantly lower than that preoperative; however, it gradually returned to baseline at 9 months after surgery. The saliva flow rate at 9 months after surgery was similar to that at 12 months after surgery. Further, patients with SMG preservation had higher scores for the activity, swallowing, chewing, and saliva domains than patients without SMG preservation. The results of the study suggest that saliva secretion ability can be preserved following SMG-sparing neck dissection, and that SMG preservation improves postoperative quality of life.

Changes in obesity, cardiorespiratory fitness and habitual physical activity following a one-year intervention program in obese youth: a pilot study.

AIM: The aim To assess the effects of a unique twelve month program of physical activity and health education on body mass index, cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity habits in obese youth. METHODS: Thirty-seven physician referred subjects, nineteen girls (12.7 ± 3.1 years) and eighteen boys (12.2 ± 2.8 years) participated in the study. Treatment consisted of a unique program of physical activity that emphasized playing games. Activity sessions were offered one time per week, two hours each session, for twelve months. A two hour health education class was provided every 3 months. Weight, height, Body Mass Index, cardiorespiratory fitness and habitual physical activity were measured. RESULTS: Findings of the study demonstrated a significant improvement in body mass index, cardiorespiratory fitness (P<0.001), and habitual physical activity (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Results of the pilot study were favorable in addressing serious health issues in young obese boys and girls.

A longitudinal view of resident education in pediatric emergency interhospital transport.

OBJECTIVES: : The focus was to examine the educational structure and curricular planning involved in current pediatric emergency interhospital transport teams that use resident physicians as members of the team and to compare these current results with the findings from 2 previous, similar surveys complete during the past 2 decades. METHODS: : A 33-item questionnaire, assessing curricular components of the transport experience, was sent to a chief resident at all the officially listed nonmilitary pediatric residency program in contiguous United States. Comparisons were done for each similar item on all 3 questionnaires. RESULTS: : After 3 rounds of mailing and telephone follow-up to nonresponders, the overall response rates for the 2006 and 1998 surveys were 81% (n = 156) and 89% (n = 173), respectively. A similar survey on a smaller sample, published in 1990, used for comparison, had a response rate of 99% (n = 75). When asked about training provided to residents before going on transport, respondents varied in the specific experiences and skills required of the residents. In addition, programs reported variation in team backup during the pediatric emergency transport. The most common method of evaluation for the resident on completion of the transport was "no specific method" as reported by 62% of respondents in 2006 compared with 50% in 1998 and 55% in 1990 (P = not significant). The percentage of programs providing informal verbal feedback was reduced significantly in 2006 as compared with that in 1998 (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: : The educational structure for residents serving in pediatric emergency interhospital transport teams remains variable, and the full educational value of pediatric transports continues to be somewhat unrealized particularly in the area of posttransport performance feedback and evaluation. Having medical command available has consistently been a strong point of the residents' experience on the transport team.

The RNA-binding protein DAZL functions as repressor and activator of mRNA translation during oocyte maturation.

Deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL) is an RNA-binding protein critical for gamete development. In full-grown oocytes, the DAZL protein increases 4-fold during reentry into the meiotic cell cycle. Here, we have investigated the functional significance of this accumulation at a genome-wide level. Depletion of DAZL causes a block in maturation and widespread disruption in the pattern of ribosome loading on maternal transcripts. In addition to decreased translation, DAZL depletion also causes translational activation of a distinct subset of mRNAs both in quiescent and maturing oocytes, a function recapitulated with YFP-3'UTR reporters. DAZL binds to mRNAs whose translation is both repressed and activated during maturation. Injection of recombinant DAZL protein in DAZL-depleted oocytes rescues the translation and maturation to MII. Mutagenesis of putative DAZL-binding sites in these mRNAs mimics the effect of DAZL depletion. These findings demonstrate that DAZL regulates translation of maternal mRNAs, functioning both as the translational repressor and activator during oocyte maturation.

Regulation of gene transcription by thyroid hormone receptor ß agonists in clinical development for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Thyroid hormones are important modulators of metabolic activity in mammals and alter cholesterol and fatty acid levels through activation of the nuclear thyroid hormone receptor (THR). Currently, there are several THRß agonists in clinical trials for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) that have demonstrated the potential to reduce liver fat and restore liver function. In this study, we tested three THRß-agonism-based NASH treatment candidates, GC-1 (sobetirome), MGL-3196 (resmetirom), and VK2809, and compared their selectivity for THRß and their ability to modulate the expression of genes specific to cholesterol and fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism in vitro using human hepatic cells and in vivo using a rat model. Treatment with GC-1 upregulated the transcription of CPT1A in the human hepatocyte-derived Huh-7 cell line with a dose-response comparable to that of the native THR ligand, triiodothyronine (T3). VK2809A (active parent of VK2809), MGL-3196, and VK2809 were approximately 30-fold, 1,000-fold, and 2,000-fold less potent than T3, respectively. Additionally, these relative potencies were confirmed by quantification of other direct gene targets of THR, namely, ANGPTL4 and DIO1. In primary human hepatocytes, potencies were conserved for every compound except for VK2809, which showed significantly increased potency that was comparable to that of its active counterpart, VK2809A. In high-fat diet fed rats, a single dose of T3 significantly reduced total cholesterol levels and concurrently increased liver Dio1 and Me1 RNA expression. MGL-3196 treatment resulted in concentration-dependent decreases in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with corresponding increases in liver gene expression, but the compound was significantly less potent than T3. In conclusion, we have implemented a strategy to rank the efficacy of THRß agonists by quantifying changes in the transcription of genes that lead to metabolic alterations, an effect that is directly downstream of THR binding and activation.

Identification and prevention of antiepileptic drug noncompliance: the collaborative use of state-supplied pharmaceutical data.

Background. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) noncompliance is associated with increased risk of seizures and morbidity in seizure disorder patients. Objective. To identify risk factors that correlated to higher levels of morbidity, measured by emergency room (ER) utilization by seizure disorder members taking AED. Methods. Patients with primary or secondary diagnosis of seizures, convulsions, and/or epilepsy and prescribed AEDs during an 11-month period were included in the study. Variables were analyzed using multivariate statistical analysis including logistic regression. Results. The study identified 201 members. No statistical significance (NS) between age, gender, number of tablets, type of drug, or other risk factors was associated with increased mortality. Statistical significance resulted with medication compliance review of 0-14 days, 15-60 days, and 61+ days between refills. 68% of patients with ER visit had noncompliance refill between 0 and 14 days compared to 52% of patients in non-ER group (P = 0.04). Contrastingly, 15% of ER group had refills within 15-60 days compared with 33% of non-ER group (P = 0.01). There was NS difference between two groups when noncompliance was greater than 60 days (P = 0.66). Conclusions. The study suggests that careful monitoring of pharmaceutical refill information could be used to identify AED noncompliance in epileptic patients.

Relationship between sleep habits, anthropometric characteristics and lifestyle habits in adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

The aim was to explore the relationship between sleep habits and overweight/obesity, physical activity and sedentary behaviours in French adolescents with intellectual disabilities. This observational study was conducted on 535 French adolescents with intellectual deficiency. Sleep habits were analyzed and related to anthropometric measures, physical activity and sedentary behaviours. The study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. Adolescents completed the questionnaire during an interview with the principle investigator. Sleep timing behaviour was classified into 4 sleep patterns: Early-bed/Early-rise, Early-bed/Late-rise, Late-bed/Late-rise, and Late-bed/Early-rise. Of 573 eligible participants, 125 were excluded because of missing data on age, weight or height. The number of participants identified in each of the four sleep patterns was as follows: Early-bed/Early-rise, N=59 (15.4%), Early-bed/Late-rise, N=164 (43%), Late-bed/Early-rise, N=56 (15%), Late-bed/Late-rise N=102 (27%). Adolescents who woke up early were more active than those from the late rise group (p<0.001). The number of adolescents who are sedentary was higher in late rise vs. early rise subjects (p<0.001). Subjects in the late-bed group were more likely overweight and obese (p<0.05). Results suggest that sleep behaviour was associated with overweight/obesity, physical activity and sedentary behaviour in adolescents with intellectual deficiency. Sleep behaviours should be considered in planning health promotion strategies.

Integration of Administrative Data and Chart Review for Reporting Health Care Utilization Among Children With Sickle Cell Disease.

Health care utilization of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) has been well documented due to an increase in the use of administrative data sets. While use of such data sources is relatively efficient and low cost, questions remain as to whether they provide sufficient information to fully characterize health care use. The aim of this study was to determine whether administrative data have the capacity to fully assess health care utilization among children with SCD. We studied the health care utilization of 154 low-income children with SCD in a managed care organization combining administrative data and medical record review. In our comparison, we found that administrative claims provided key information on the scope and location of health service use and that sole reliance on medical record review may undercount unique members and encounters.

Bleeding disorder education in obstetrics and gynecology residency training: a national survey.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the educational approach to the bleeding disorder evaluation in Obstetrics and Gynecology residency training programs in the continental United States. Information was sought from chief residents regarding training experiences and fund of knowledge regarding the evaluation of menorrhagia and diagnosis of bleeding disorders during their residency. DESIGN: A 24-item questionnaire was sent to the chief residents at 241 non-military Obstetrics and Gynecology residency programs. SETTING: The study was conducted at Texas Children's Health Plan in Houston, Texas. PARTICIPANTS: Chief residents at 241 non-military Obstetrics and Gynecology residency programs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Responses to questionnaires. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 30%. Residents reported training in the medical evaluation of menorrhagia during residency with a mean of 9.1 hours per year in the first year of residency and 11.1 hours/year in the 2(nd), 3(rd) and 4(th) years; 67.7% reported they viewed their training in the medical evaluation of menorrhagia and bleeding disorders as sufficient preparation for clinical practice; and over two thirds reported specific training in common bleeding disorders, such as von Willebrand disease. CONCLUSION: The current state of training in the evaluation of menorrhagia and bleeding disorders appeared to be mixed regarding the evaluation of dysfunctional uterine bleeding. An area for improvement was identified to better approach best clinical practice in the evaluation of women with menorrhagia and underlying bleeding disorders, which can be guided by the thoughtful approach taken in the recent NHLBI von Willebrand disease guidelines.

Do pediatric chief residents recognize details of prepubertal male genital anatomy.

This study evaluates how well pediatric chief residents can label anatomic structures, recognize circumcision, and discern abnormal anatomy on three photographs of male pre-pubertal genitalia. Additionally, this study explored aspects of pediatric training in sexual abuse and clinical practice issues regarding routine genital examination of a male patient. We asked respondents to identify anatomic structures, recognize circumcision, and assign a Tanner stage to pre-pubertal male genitalia and to recognize an abnormal finding. 92.7% of chief residents were able to correctly identify basic structures on the photo of a circumcised pre-pubertal male. Only 22% correctly recognized the abnormal example as hypospadias. Basic recognition of anatomic structures and circumcision did not achieve 100% accuracy, while an abnormal condition was missed by the majority of respondents. These data suggest a need to address education about the male genital exam in greater detail during pediatric residency training.