The correlation between altmetric score and traditional measures of article impact for studies pertaining to spine trauma.

PURPOSE: It is becoming increasingly common for researchers to share scientific literature via social media. Traditional bibliometrics have long been utilized to measure a study's academic impact, but they fail to capture the impact generated through social media sharing. Altmetric Attention Score (AAS) is a weighted count of all the online attention garnered by a study, and it is currently unclear whether a relationship with traditional bibliometrics exists. METHODS: We identified the five highest-rated spine-specific and five highest-rated general orthopedic journals by Scopus CiteScore 2020. We then identified all the spine trauma studies across a 5-year span (2016-2020) within these journals and compared AAS with traditional bibliometrics using Independent t-tests and Pearson's correlational analyses. RESULTS: No statistically significant relationships were identified between AAS and traditional bibliometrics for articles pertaining to spine trauma: Level of Evidence (R = - 0.02, p = 0.34), H-Index Primary Author (R = < - 0.01, p = 0.50), H-Index Senior Author (R = - 0.04, p = 0.24), and Number of Citations (R = 0.01, p = 0.40). The top five articles by AAS include those pertaining to motorcycle injuries (AAS = 687), orthosis in thoracolumbar fractures (AAS = 199), golfing injuries (AAS = 166), smartphone-based teleradiology (AAS = 41), and auto racing injuries (AAS = 39). CONCLUSION: The lack of overlap between these types of metrics suggests that AAS or similar alternative metrics should be used to measure an article's social impact. The social impact of an article should likewise be a factor in determining an article's overall impact along with its academic impact as measured by bibliometrics.

Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of Enamelast® and Fluor defender® fluoride varnishes against Streptococcus mutans biofilm: an in vitro study in primary teeth.

PURPOSE: The aim of the current work was to compare the antibacterial activity of Enamelast® and Fluor defender® fluoride varnish on biofilm generation by Streptococcus mutans on extracted primary teeth. METHODS: Thirty-six primary molars were collected and sliced into seventy-two test model disks. All specimens were examined, and the cracked or broken ones were discarded. A total number of specimens (n = 54) were divided into two experimental analyses viz; biofilm formation (n = 27) and microscopic examination (n = 27). Specimens of each analysis were tested under different experimental conditions: a negative control group (n = 9), Fluor defender group (n = 9), and Enamelast group (n = 9). Following treatment, biofilms were generated by adherent Streptococcus mutans on the test model disks on three time intervals: 24 h (n = 3), 48 h (n = 3), and 72 h (n = 3) for each analysis. Then, for biofilm formation analysis, the biofilm was detected spectrophotometrically at 620 nm after being stained by crystal violet. For microscopical analysis, the surfaces of the test model disks were visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and each image was processed and analyzed using ImageJ software. RESULTS: At 48 and 72 h, Enamelast® and Fluor defender®-treated group showed significantly (p < 0.001) slight adhered bacterial cells when compared with the negative control group as revealed by the absorbance and SEM. Compared with the Fluor defender®-treated group, the absorbance of the Enamelast®-treated group showed a significant (p < 0.001) increase by approximately 7- and 16.5-fold at 48 and 72 h, respectively. Similarly, SEM showed that the number of bacterial cells adhered to enamel surfaces in the Fluor defender®-treated group was significantly (p < 0.001) fewer than the Enamelast®-treated group by approximately 36.55% and 20.62% at 48 and 72 h after exposure, respectively. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the anti-biofilm activity of Fluor defender® against Streptococcus mutans was significantly (p < 0.001) greater than Enamelast® fluoride varnish. The use of Fluor defender® is encouraged as a preventive measure in children with the high risk of developing dental caries.

Evaluation of p27 Expression in Salivary Gland Neoplasms; A Step Forward in Unveiling the Role of p27.

INTRODUCTION: Salivary gland neoplasms are not uncommon lesions that are seen in the head and neck region. The role of cell cycle regulators as well as that of oncogenes remains unexplored in the pathogenesis of these neoplasms. AIM: Present study was conducted to evaluate the expression of p27 in the three common salivary gland neoplasms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 34 cases (19 pleomorphic adenoma, 8 mucoepidermoid carcinoma and 7 adenoid cystic carcinoma) were included. The sections were subjected to p27 staining and rated for the expression. RESULTS: Of the total 52.6% of pleomorphic adenoma cases, 25% of mucoepidermoid carcinoma cases and only 14.2% of adenoid cystic carcinoma cases showed strong expression suggesting variable p27 expression in both malignant neoplasms. Normal salivary gland tissue was stained as a positive control for the evaluation. CONCLUSION: The results of the study suggest an important role for p27 in pathogenesis of mucoepidermoid carcinoma as well as adenoid cystic carcinoma while its role in pathogenesis of pleomorphic adenoma remains questionable keeping in view the strong expression of p27 in the same.

Improvement of vitrification of in vitro produced buffalo embryos with special reference to sex ratio following vitrification.

Cryopreservation and sexing of embryos are integrated into commercial embryo transfer technologies. To improve the effectiveness of vitrification of in vitro produced buffalo embryos, two experiments were conducted. The first evaluated the effect of exposure time (2 and 3 min) and developmental stage (morula and blastocysts) on the viability and development of vitrified buffalo embryos. Morphologically normal embryos and survival rates (re-expansion) significantly increased when vitrified morulae were exposed for 2 min compared to 3 min (P<0.001). On the other hand, morphologically normal and survival rates of blastocysts significantly increased when exposed for 3 min compared to 2 min (P<0.001). However, there were no significant differences between the two developmental stages (morulae and blastocystes) in the percentages of morphologically normal embryos and re-expansion rates after a 24 h culture. The second experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of viability on the sex ratio of buffalo embryos after vitrification and whether male and female embryos survived vitrification differently. A total number of 61 blastocysts were vitrified for 3 min with the same cryoprotectant as experiment 1. Higher percentages of males were recorded for live as compared to dead embryos; however, this difference was not significant. In conclusion, the post-thaw survival and development of in vitro produced morulae and blastocysts were found to be affected by exposure time rather than developmental stage. Survivability had no significant effect on the sex ratio of vitrified blastocysts; nevertheless, the number of surviving males was higher than dead male embryos.

Hepatitis B vaccination and associated oral manifestations: a non-systematic review of literature and case reports.

Hepatitis B vaccine has been administered in children and adults routinely to reduce the incidence of the disease. Even though, hepatitis B vaccine is considered as highly safe, some adverse reactions have been reported. A literature search was carried out in PubMed, accessed via the National Library of Medicine PubMed interface, searching used the following keywords: Hepatitis B vaccine and complications from 1980 to 2014. A total of 1147 articles were obtained out of which articles, which discuss the complications occurring orally or occurring elsewhere in the body, which have the potential to manifest orally after hepatitis B vaccination were selected. A total of 82 articles were identified which included 58 case series or case reports, 15 review articles, 4 cross sectional studies, 3 prospective cohort studies, one retrospective cohort study and a case control study. After reviewing the literature, we observed that complications seen after Hepatitis B vaccination are sudden infant death syndrome, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, vasculititis optic neuritis, anaphylaxis, systemic lupus erytymatosus, lichen planus and neuro-muscular disorder. Of these complications, some are manifested orally or have the potential to manifest orally. Although, most of the complications are self-limiting, some are very serious conditions, which require hospitalization with immediate medical attention.

Isolation and molecular characterization of Newcastle disease virus genotypes II and VIId in Egypt between 2011 and 2012.

The current study was conducted to isolate and characterize Newcastle disease virus (NDV) from recent outbreaks affecting poultry farms in Egypt between 2011 and 2012. Trachea, spleen, liver, proventriculus and caecal tonsils were collected from clinically infected NDV ten different vaccinated broiler farms in Fayoum, Behira and Giza Provinces. Inoculation of all the collected samples in 10-day-old embryonated chicken specific-pathogen-free eggs resulted in isolation of haemagglutinating agents in three samples. These haemagglutinating agents were confirmed as NDV by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rt RT-PCR) using matrix (M) gene-specific primers. The deduced amino acid sequences of the fusion protein revealed that one isolate possessed the motif (112)RRQKRF(117) at the cleavage site, indicating that this isolate is velogenic genotype, whereas the other two isolates carries the motif (112)GRQGRL(117) indicating they are lentogenic genotype. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the velogenic genotype isolate clustered with published class II genotype VII sub genotype d NDVs and closely related to Middle East isolates, whereas the other two isolates clustered with published class II genotype II NDVs. The spread of velogenic genotype strain to Egypt via Middle Eastern countries is likely to be the source of infection.

Engineering judgment of children bone fracture.

Supracondylar humerus fracture (SCHF) is one of the commonest elbow fractures in children. It is common injury for children with age from four to fourteen. In current study, the finite element technique is used to evaluate two techniques, namely, parallel and crossed K-wire fixation for treatment of SCHF, using K-wire fixation.

Investigation of the mechanical properties of the plantar aponeurosis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this work was to obtain a preliminary investigation of the mechanical properties of the human plantar aponeurosis based on regional observation, in order to rationally plan a subsequent larger experimental campaign and develop suited constitutive models to characterize the mechanical response of this tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different in vitro mechanical tests were developed on eleven samples taken from the plantar aponeurosis of human cadaver (man, age 78 years). The samples were tested along the distal-proximal direction. Range of elasticity of the tissue, development of damage phenomena and stress relaxation at different levels of strain were evaluated. RESULTS: The strength of the tissue was found in the order of that proposed in previous works, with peak stress of about 12.5 MPa. The compliance of the plantar aponeurosis was in line with in vivo evaluation. A softening behaviour appeared for tensile strain larger than 12%. In relaxation tests, the stress was reduced of 35-40% in 120 s. The percentage stress relaxation was found independent on the level of the applied strain. DISCUSSION: The evaluation of the mechanical characteristics is fundamental for a subsequent development of numerical models of the plantar aponeurosis. Such approach is helpful to understand its response to overuse, but also to understand the clinical results of different manual and physical therapies that use warm, pressure or stretch to modify this tissue.

Accuracy of ultrasonography and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein test for pregnancy diagnosis in buffaloes.

The aims of the present study were to evaluate and compare the accuracy of transrectal ultrasonography and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein radioimmunoassay (PAG-RIA) test for diagnosis of pregnancy in buffaloes. Two hundred and seventy-five buffalo cows and heifers were examined once for pregnancy diagnosis by transrectal ultrasonography using a 5 MHz linear-array transducer between Days 19 and 55 after mating. After ultrasound scanning, a blood sample was withdrawn from jugular vein of each animal for measuring pregnancy-associated glycoprotein using a heterologous double-antibody RIA. Based on palpation of the uterus per rectum at Days 75-90, 87 animals were designated pregnant and 188 as non-pregnant. The sensitivity of transrectal ultrasonography at Days 19-24 was 44.4%, reaching 100% from Day 31 after mating. The specificity of transrectal ultrasonography ranged between 92.5 and 100% from Days 19 to 55 after mating. The sensitivity of PAG-RIA test was 11.1% at Days 19-24 and reached 100% from Day 31 after mating. The specificity of PAG-RIA test ranged from 90 to 100% from Days 19 to 55 after mating. There were no significant differences between the sensitivity and specificity of the two tests in all examined periods. In conclusion, transrectal ultrasonography and PAG-RIA test are highly accurate tests for detecting pregnant buffaloes from Day 31 after mating onwards.

Serum level changes of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, vascular endothelial growth factor and epidermal growth factor receptor during platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate serum changes of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) levels in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and their association with main clinicopathological parameters during chemotherapy with cisplatin and gemcitabine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, consecutive patients with stage III and IV NSCLC were enrolled. Serum MMP2 and 9, VEGF and EGFR levels were monitored in blood samples taken on day 1 of starting chemotherapy (baseline 1st), and after 3 cycles of chemotherapy (2nd) using commercial sandwich ELISA method. RESULTS: 116 patients were evaluated. Males / females 100 / 6, ECOG performance status (PS) 0/1/2: 47/65/4, stage III / IV: 49/67, squamous /adeno/large cell carcinoma 41/31/19. Forty-two (36%) patients achieved partial response (PR), 32 (28%) stable disease (SD) and 42 (36%) showed progressive disease (PD). Mean serum values -/+ standard deviation (SD) of the analyzed markers at baseline/at response evaluation were: EGFR 86 -/+ 87/96 -/+ 47 fmol/ml; MMP9 236 -/+ 156/162 -/+ 133 ng/ml ; MMP2 525 -/+ 189/569 -/+ 201 ng/ml; VEGF 555 -/+ 476/599 -/+ 611 pg/ml; VEGF adjusted for platelets (PLT) 1.9 -/+ 1.45/2.4 -/+ 2.78 pg/10(6). In logistic regression model for response rate adjusted for stage, the increase in MMP9 levels during chemotherapy (mean = 74 ng/ml -/+ SD 140) was predictive for progression (p=0.041) with 5% increase in the odds of progression for an increase of 10 ng. CONCLUSION: MMP9 level increase was found to be predictive of disease progression. EGFR levels could refl ect extracellular domain (ECD) loss from resistant cells and its shedding into the circulation.

The management of the Muslim dental patient.

There are aspects of the practice of the religion of Islam that have some relevance to receiving dental treatment. This article aims to provide dentists with background knowledge of normal practices which may affect the treatment offered. The author does not attempt to inform the reader about Islam, but to assist the dentist in the management of a Muslim patient. Much of the content of this article describes how to manage a patient who is fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan. Ramadan takes place this year in early October, lasting for 29 or 30 days. During Ramadan patients may present to dentists with the signs and symptoms described in this article.

Phase II study of high-dose paclitaxel and carboplatin in previously untreated, unresectable non-small cell lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION: This phase II study was designed to assess the activity and tolerability of the carboplatin-paclitaxel combination, given without routine growth factor support to previously untreated patients with stage IIIB and IV non-small cell lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty patients (15 stage IIIb and 45 stage IV) received paclitaxel 225 mg/ml on day 1, followed by carboplatin AUC 6 mg/ml per minute (Calvert formula) every 3 weeks. Paclitaxel was administered as a 3-h intravenous infusion followed by carboplatin over 30 min, on completion of paclitaxel administration. RESULTS: The combination showed a good safety profile with Grade 4 neutropenia occurring in 31% of patients without any serious infectious episodes requiring hospitalization. Moderate to severe anemia and thrombocytopenia seldom occurred. Sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy (Grade 2-3) and myalgia (Grade 3-4) were documented in 34 and 20% of the patients, respectively. Among 59 evaluable patients, there was one complete response and 26 partial responses for an overall response rate of 46% (95% C.I.: 34-59%). With a minimum follow-up duration of 16.5 months, the median overall survival time is 52 weeks and the 1-year survival rate is 50%. Median duration of response is 20 weeks (range: 4-52) and progression-free survival is 22 weeks (range: 5-77). CONCLUSION: In advanced NSCLC, the combination carboplatin-paclitaxel at doses of AUC 6 mg/ml per minute and 225 mg/ml every 3 weeks, is both active and relatively well-tolerated.

The prevalence and pattern of nursing caries in Saudi preschool children.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and pattern of nursing caries in Saudi preschool children of Riyadh area. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A list of kindergartens was derived through random selection of one kindergarten from every area of Riyadh. A sample of 1,016 children with primary dentition only was examined for dental caries. The criterion used for nursing caries was presence of caries on the labial or lingual surfaces of at least two maxillary incisors with absence of caries in mandibular incisors. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-seven (27.3%) children were diagnosed as having nursing caries. The mean dmft of nursing caries children was 8.6 (+/- 3.4), with dt component of 7.6 (+/- 3.5), mt of 0 4 (+/- 0.9) and ft of 0.6 (+/- 1.7). The older children had significantly higher mean dmft as compared with younger children. The teeth most affected by caries were maxillary central incisors (93.9%), whereas the least affected were mandibular canines (9.6%). A great majority of children (95.7%) had caries in both anterior and posterior teeth. The probability of bilateral molar caries was very high in nursing caries children; highest (94.7%) in mandibular first molars. CONCLUSIONS: The caries prevalence was high in the study population. The maxillary central incisors were most affected by caries. The probability of bilateral molar caries was very high.

A three-week schedule of gemcitabine-cisplatin in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer with two different cisplatin dose levels: a phase II randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: To explore a new schedule of gemcitabine-cisplatin (GP) combination therapy using two different cisplatin doses in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From May to December 1997, 92 chemonaive patients entered the study and 88 (28 with locally advanced and 60 with disseminated NSCLC) were evaluable for response and toxicity (45 in arm A and 43 in arm B). Patients were randomly assigned to arm A or arm B. Gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 was given on days 1-8 plus cisplatin 100 mg/m2 in arm A and cisplatin 70 mg/m2 in arm B on day 2 of every 21-day cycle. RESULTS: The overall response rates in arms A and B were 42% (95% confidence interval (CI): 27.8%-56.7%) and 47% (95% CI: 31.6%-61.5%), respectively. Median duration of response was 9.7 months (range 1.8 to 30.9 months; 13.1 and 9.5 months for arm A and B, respectively), and median survival was 12 months (range 0.2 to 31.1 months; 15.4 and 11.5 months for arm A and B, respectively). Major WHO grade 3-4 toxicities in arm A vs. arm B included: thrombocytopenia (23% vs. 17% of courses), leukopenia (15%, vs. 4% of courses), anemia (7% vs. 6% of courses), and nausea-vomiting (20% vs. 7% of patients). Grade 1-2 nephrotoxicity occurred in 20% of patients in arm A and in 7% of patients in arm B, with one grade 4 episode in arm A. Six patients discontinued treatment because of toxicities, 5 in arm A and I in arm B. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this trial indicate that both schedules are feasible and active, with a milder toxicity in the arm with the lower cisplatin dose.

Biological prognostic factors for early stage completely resected non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The different and unpredictable outcomes in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer patients requires urgent research concerning the biological pathway of this neoplasm. Our study investigated the frequency of expression and the clinicopathologic and prognostic significance of a series of biological markers in stage I and II resected non-small cell lung cancer. METHODS: A total of 99 cases of pathologic stage I and II were analyzed. The mean follow-up of surviving patients was 41 months. The expressions of the following biological markers were tested: bcl-2, p53, Ki-67, angiogenesis, and tumor vessel invasion. Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival and time to recurrence were calculated for clinical variables and biological markers using Cox's model for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Tumoral vessel invasion was present in 22 (22%) pathologic samples, the angiogenesis mean value was 37 +/- 13, and median was 35; 13 (13%) patients showed positive immunostaining for bcl-2 oncoprotein. P53 oncoprotein expression was present in 48 patients (48.5%). All samples presented Ki-67 expression (mean value = 25.3 +/- 19.3, median = 20). The pathologic staging of the tumor was the most important independent prognostic factor for survival (P = 0.037) and for recurrence of disease (P = 0.040). Tumoral vessel invasion was the only marker with an independent predictive factor for survival and recurrence of disease in the group of patients without lymph node involvement (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Our data do not support a relevant prognostic role for p53, bcl-2, or Ki-67 immunohistochemical markers in non-small cell cancer. Tumor vessel invasion was an independent predictive factor of poor outcome in the group of patients without lymph node involvement. Pathological stage was confirmed as the most important independent prognostic factor.

Short-course palliative radiotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer: results of a prospective study.

From February 1993 to October 1997, 91 consecutive patients with inoperable (stage IIIB-IV) histologically confirmed non-small-cell lung cancer underwent palliative hypofractionated radiotherapy. Recently, the Medical Research Council studies on hypofractionated short-course radiotherapy (8.5 Gy x 2) have reported high control of symptoms caused by thoracic disease without toxicity. Based on these experiences and our previous positive trial on short-course radiotherapy (8 Gy x 2) in metastatic spinal cord compression, a prospective study of short-course palliative radiotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer was carried out. The regimen was 16 Gy given in two 8-Gy fractions, 1 week apart. Eighty-one patients were evaluable for response to treatment. Forty-eight (59%) patients were 65 years or older. Forty (49%) patients were naive to radiotherapy, whereas 41 (51%) had previous cisplatin-based chemotherapy. All but four stage IV patients (95%) had poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (i.e., 2-3). Clinical palliation was achieved in 62 (77%) patients. Performance status improved in 59 (73%) patients. The median palliation time ranged from 28% to 57% of patient survival. The median survival from the beginning of treatment was 148 days (range, 5-681 days). No difference in overall survival according to stage and previous chemotherapy was observed. Only performance status conditioned survival (performance status 1-2 vs. performance status 3; p = 0.0289). Short-course radiotherapy gave good results in terms of clinical palliation for thoracic symptoms, even in patients with poor performance status and pretreated with chemotherapy. The median palliation time was approximately 50% of patient survival time. Treatment was generally well tolerated-only 4 (5%) patients experienced World Health Organization grade III dysphagia. No late toxicity was recorded. The two-fraction regimen had social and economic advantages compared with the conventional ones.

Chemotherapy with cisplatin and teniposide for cerebral metastases in non-small cell lung cancer.

Twenty-three patients with brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (median age 62 years, Karnofsky PS 50-100) were treated with cisplatin (100 mg/m2, day 1) and teniposide (80 mg/m2, days 1, 3 and 5) every 3 weeks. Response was evaluated by contrast-enhanced brain CT every two to three cycles of treatment. The objective response rate of brain metastases was 35% (8/23); three patients achieved complete response (CR) and five partial response (PR). The median response duration was 24 weeks for CR patients and 32 weeks for PR patients. The median survival was 21 weeks overall and 45 weeks for responding patients. Grade 3/4 leukocytopenia and thrombocytopenia were seen in 28 and 9%, respectively. Two patients died from infections while in neutropenia. Cisplatin and teniposide seems an active regimen against brain metastases in NSCLC. These data may indicate the need for reconsideration of the role of chemotherapy for brain metastases of NSCLC.

A better therapeutic profile for the combination of mitomycin-C, ifosfamide and cisplatin (MIC) in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a useful dose-schedule modification.

BACKGROUND: In our previous experience with chemotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) the combination of mitomycin, ifosfamide and cisplatin (MIC) showed the highest activity in a three-arm randomized trial; the MIC regimen also yielded the most toxic effects, with 8% WHO grade 2-4 nephrotoxicity, 21% grade 3-4 leukopenia and 10% grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia. In that study cisplatin (120 mg/m2) was delivered on day 1 and ifosfamide and mitomycin on day 2. In an effort to reduce MIC toxicity a modified regimen was tested in a phase II trial: cisplatin 100 mg/m2 was given on day 2 and ifosfamide on day 1 with mitomycin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From November 1993 to December 1995, 70 advanced NSCLC patients entered the trial. RESULTS: Twenty-nine of 70 patients achieved major response (41%) with 6 complete (9%) and 23 partial remissions (33%). We recorded 4% of WHO grade 3-4 anemia, and 2% of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSION: We confirmed the activity of the MIC regimen in NSCLC, and the modified schedule seems to substantially improve the safety of the combination.