A multi-center retrospective analysis of the effect of DPP4 inhibitors on progression-free survival in advanced airway and colorectal cancers.

Cluster of differentiation 26 (CD26), also known as dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP4), is a cell surface protein with exopeptidase activity and is expressed by most cell types. CD26/DPP4 is a multifunctional molecule with diverse biological effects, including regulatory effects on tumor growth, invasion and metastasis, and is a potential novel therapeutic target for selected cancers. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed diabetic patients with concurrent advanced airway or colorectal cancer to examine the effect of DPP4-inhibitors on progression-free survival (PFS). We performed a multi-center retrospective review of patients with advanced colorectal or airway (lung, head and neck) cancer and a concurrent diagnosis of diabetes. The control group included patients on metformin and a sulfonylurea, and the study group included patients on metformin and a DPP4 inhibitor. Ninety-six patients were eligible for the study. The cancers progressed in 23.7% of patients treated with DPP4 inhibitors compared to 50.9% of patients in the control group with an odds ratio of 0.303 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.106-0.809] and P=0.010. There was a statistically significant improvement in PFS in the study group as compared to the control group, hazard ratio=0.42 (95% CI: 0.21-0.84) and P=0.014. There was a trend toward improvement in overall survival, although this effect was not statistically significant (P=0.11). Exposure to DPP4 inhibitors in the study group led to higher PFS in patients with advanced colorectal and airway cancers. Additional investigations with larger patient cohorts are needed to validate the relationship between DPP4 inhibition and the clinical outcome of selected malignancies.

Minimally invasive interval cytoreductive surgery in ovarian cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis.

The introduction of minimally invasive surgery in other gynecologic cancers has shown benefits with similar oncologic outcomes. However, the biology and complexity of surgery for ovarian cancer may preclude this approach for ovarian cancer patients. Our objective is to assess feasibility to achieve complete cytoreductive surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for stage IIIC-IV ovarian cancer patients via minimally invasive surgery. Our data sources include PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Biosis, Clinicaltrials.gov, and the Cochrane Library. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model with DerSimonian and Laird estimator for the amount of heterogeneity to estimate the pooled outcomes. A funnel plot and Egger's regression test were used to test publication bias. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used to assess the quality of the studies. There were 6 studies (3 prospective, 3 retrospective) that met the criteria for meta-analysis with a total of 3231 patients, 567 were in the minimally invasive group and 2664 in the laparotomy group. Both groups were similar in stage and serous histology. Complete cytoreductive surgery was achieved in 74.50% (95% CI 40.41-97.65%) and 53.10% (95% CI 4.88-97.75%) of patients in the minimally invasive and laparotomy groups, respectively. There was no statistical significant difference between these 2 pooled proportions (p = 0.52). Three studies compared minimally invasive surgery vs laparotomy. No significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in obtaining complete cytoreductive surgery [OR = 0.90 (95% CI 0.70-1.16; p = 0.43)]. A symmetrical funnel plot indicated no publication bias. The pooled proportion for grade > 2 postoperative complications was not significant among the laparoscopy group [3.11% (95% CI 0.00-10.24%; p = 0.15)]. Complete cytoreductive surgery appears feasible and safe with minimally invasive surgery in selected advanced ovarian cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Associations of Adolescent Exposure to Severe Violence with Substance Use From Adolescence into Adulthood: Direct Versus Indirect Exposures.

BACKGROUND: While previous research has documented the impact of violence on substance use, none has looked longitudinally across the lifespan to measure independent effects of direct and indirect violence exposure. OBJECTIVE: To examine independent associations between adolescent experiences of violence and subsequent substance use in adolescence and adulthood in the United States. METHOD: Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 12,288), we examined being shot or stabbed ("experienced"), being threatened with a knife or gun ("threatened"), and seeing someone either shot or stabbed ("witnessed") during adolescence (Wave I) as correlates of substance use in adolescence and adulthood (Wave IV) via logistic regression. RESULTS: Violence exposure was a significant correlate of drug use in adolescence and several associations remained significant in adulthood. Witnessing violence had the highest point estimates in the adjusted models in adolescence for each substance use outcome (e.g., Cocaine-Adjusted Odds Ratios [AOR] = 2.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.21, 5.54). However, the point estimates for threatened with violence or experienced violence were highest in three out of the four drug outcomes in adulthood (e.g., Threatened with violence: Binge drinking-AOR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.08, 1.83). Conclusion/Importance: Adolescent exposure to witnessing violence had stronger effects on substance use in adolescence, while experiencing and being threatened with violence in adolescence had stronger effects on substance use in adulthood. Violence prevention efforts targeted toward adolescents may lead to a reduction in substance use throughout the life-course, and clinicians and policy makers should be aware of the downstream effects of violence experienced in adolescence.

Childhood traumatic experiences and the association with marijuana and cocaine use in adolescence through adulthood.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Examination of longitudinal relationships between childhood traumatic experiences and drug use across the life-course at the national level, with control of confounding by other forms of trauma, is needed. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of nine typologies of childhood traumas and the cumulative number experienced, correlation between traumas and associations between individual and cumulative number of traumas with drug use during adolescence, emerging adulthood and adulthood. DESIGN: Secondary data analysis using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. SETTING: United States. PARTICIPANTS: A nationally representative sample of individuals in grades 7-12 (aged 11-21 years) during 1994-95, who were re-interviewed during emerging adulthood (2001-02; aged 18-28) and adulthood (2007-08; aged 24-34). The analytical sample comprised 12 288 participants with data at all three waves. MEASUREMENTS: Nine typologies of childhood traumas: neglect; emotional, physical and sexual abuse; parental incarceration and binge drinking; and witnessing, being threatened with and experiencing violence. Indicators of each were summed to measure cumulative dose. Outcomes were marijuana and cocaine use during adolescence, emerging adulthood and adulthood. FINDINGS: Approximately half experienced at least one childhood trauma; traumas were not highly correlated. We observed a dose-response relationship between the number of traumas and drug use in adolescence [marijuana, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) one trauma versus none = 1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.42, 1.92; two traumas = 2.58, 95% CI = 2.17, 3.06; ≥ four traumas = 6.92, 95% CI = 5.17, 9.26; cocaine, aOR one trauma = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.23, 2.84; two traumas = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.74, 4.51; ≥ four traumas = 9.54, 95% CI = 5.93, 15.38]. Similar dose-response relationships with drug use were observed in emerging adulthood and adulthood. Each individual trauma was associated independently with either marijuana or cocaine use in adolescence, emerging adulthood and/or adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood trauma is prevalent in the United States, and individual types as well as the total number experienced are associated significantly with marijuana and cocaine use throughout the life-course.

Three-dimensional morphological characterization of malocclusions with mandibular lateral displacement using cone-beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the morphologic characteristics of MLD malocclusions using 3D imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MLD characteristics were examined using CBCT data in 40 subjects. A 3D Cephalometric analysis was developed to describe the spatial position of the mandible and temporal bones. RESULTS: Vertical dental heights were shorter and the posterior occlusal plane (POP) presented a steeper sagittal inclination on the shifted side (the side of the laterally displaced bony chin) than on the contralateral side. (p < 0.01). The MLD was related to a superiorly inclined POP Cant in the same direction (r = 0.82; p < 0.01). The shifted side condyle was dislocated medially and was smaller. Temporal bone sagittal inclination showed a more forward and medial inclination on the contralateral side (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A unilateral decrease in the vertical height of the dentition and the subsequent steeper occlusal plane inclinations correlated with (1) mandibular rotational displacement and condylar lateral displacement, (2) mandibular and condylar morphologic changes (3) changes in temporal bone position.

Child Sexual Abuse and HIV-Related Substance Use and Sexual Risk Across the Life Course Among Males and Females.

Child sexual abuse is associated with substance use and sexual risk behaviors during adolescence and adulthood, but no known studies have documented associations across the life course in a nationally representative U.S. SAMPLE: We used the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health to measure associations between child sexual abuse and substance use and sexual risk behaviors during adolescence, young adulthood, and adulthood among males and females (n = 11,820). Approximately 10% of females and 7% of males reported child sexual abuse. Associations with substance use were strongest during adolescence and lessened over time. Increased odds of sexual risk among those with a history of child sexual abuse remained consistent through the life course. Significant gender differences existed for some associations (e.g., adulthood multiple partners: males adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.73, 95%CI:1.18, 2.53; females AOR = 1.11, 95%CI:0.79, 1.56). Trauma-informed prevention interventions should address child sexual abuse among both males and females to prevent substance use and sexual risk behavior throughout the life course.

Electroacupuncture Promotes Central Nervous System-Dependent Release of Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Electroacupuncture (EA) performed in rats and humans using limb acupuncture sites, LI-4 and LI-11, and GV-14 and GV-20 (humans) and Bai-hui (rats) increased functional connectivity between the anterior hypothalamus and the amygdala and mobilized mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into the systemic circulation. In human subjects, the source of the MSC was found to be primarily adipose tissue, whereas in rodents the tissue sources were considered more heterogeneous. Pharmacological disinhibition of rat hypothalamus enhanced sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation and similarly resulted in a release of MSC into the circulation. EA-mediated SNS activation was further supported by browning of white adipose tissue in rats. EA treatment of rats undergoing partial rupture of the Achilles tendon resulted in reduced mechanical hyperalgesia, increased serum interleukin-10 levels and tendon remodeling, effects blocked in propranolol-treated rodents. To distinguish the afferent role of the peripheral nervous system, phosphoinositide-interacting regulator of transient receptor potential channels (Pirt)-GCaMP3 (genetically encoded calcium sensor) mice were treated with EA acupuncture points, ST-36 and LIV-3, and GV-14 and Bai-hui and resulted in a rapid activation of primary sensory neurons. EA activated sensory ganglia and SNS centers to mediate the release of MSC that can enhance tissue repair, increase anti-inflammatory cytokine production and provide pronounced analgesic relief. Stem Cells 2017;35:1303-1315.

The relationships of childhood trauma and adulthood prescription pain reliever misuse and injection drug use.

BACKGROUND: We examined associations between childhood trauma and adulthood prescription pain reliever misuse (PPRM) and injection drug use (IDU) in a nationally-representative U.S. sample to further understanding of factors associated with these epidemics. METHODS: National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health data (N=12,288) yielded nine childhood traumas: neglect; emotional, physical, sexual abuse; parental incarceration and binge drinking; witnessed, threatened with, and experienced violence. We estimated adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals for the association of each trauma and cumulative trauma and drug initiation in emerging and later adulthood. RESULTS: Outcome prevalences were 20% (PPRM) and 1% (IDU) in emerging adulthood and 10% PPRM in adulthood. We observed dose-response relationships that varied across outcomes. Cumulative trauma (referent=none) was associated with 34-79% greater odds of PPRM (emerging adulthood) across one to five+ trauma categories. The gradient was most consistent and associations strongest for adulthood PPRM: one trauma AOR=1.46(1.12, 1.91); two AOR=1.71(1.23, 2.36); three AOR=2.16(1.43, 2.36); four AOR=2.70(1.42, 5.62); five+ AOR=3.09(1.52, 6.30). Dose-response was less consistent for IDU, but 4 and 5+ traumas were associated with approximately seven and five times the odds of IDU. Neglect, emotional abuse, and parental incarceration and binge drinking were associated with 25-55% increased odds of PPRM. Sexual abuse and witnessed violence were associated with nearly 3 and 5 times the odds of IDU. CONCLUSIONS: Associations between childhood trauma and PPRM/IDU highlight the need for trauma-informed interventions for drug users and early trauma screening and treatment for prevention of drug misuse over the life course.

Relationship of maxillary 3-dimensional posterior occlusal plane to mandibular spatial position and morphology.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of the 3-dimensional (3D) posterior occlusal plane (POP) and the mandibular 3D spatial position. The relationship of the POP to mandibular morphology was also investigated. METHODS: Retrospective data from a convenience sample of pretreatment diagnostic cone-beam computed tomography scans were rendered using InVivo software (Anatomage, San Jose, Calif). The sample consisted of 111 subjects (51 male, 60 female) and included growing and nongrowing subjects of different races and ethnicities. The 3D maxillary POP was defined by selecting the cusp tips of the second premolars and the second molars on the rendered images of the subjects. The angles made by this plane, in reference to the Frankfort horizontal plane, were measured against variables that described the mandibular position in the coronal, sagittal, and axial views. The POP was also compared with bilateral variables that described mandibular morphology. RESULTS: There were significant differences of the POP among the different skeletal malocclusions (P <0.0001). The POP showed significant correlations with mandibular position in the sagittal (P <0.0001), coronal (P <0.05), and axial (P <0.05) planes. The POP also showed a significant correlation with mandibular morphology (P <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that there is a distinct and significant relationship between the 3D POP and the mandibular spatial position and its morphology.

A prospective randomized clinical trial into the capacity of a toothpaste containing NovaMin to prevent white spot lesions and gingivitis during orthodontic treatment.

BACKGROUND: White spot lesions and gingivitis represent common, yet challenging, dilemmas for orthodontists. Fluoride has shown some benefit as a protective measure against demineralization; however, this is usually insufficient for orthodontic patients with less than ideal oral hygiene. Dentifrices containing calcium sodium phosphosilicate bioactive glass (NovaMin) have been proposed to aid in prevention of white spot lesions and gingival inflammation. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine if the use of NovaMin reduces the formation of white spot lesions and improves gingival health in orthodontic patients. METHODS: This was a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Forty-eight patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were randomly allocated to two groups. The control group consisted of 24 patients who received over-the-counter fluoride toothpaste (Crest®), while the study group consisted of 24 patients who were given the test dentifrice (ReNew™) containing 5 % NovaMin and fluoride. Patients were followed up for 6 months on a monthly basis. Decalcification, gingival health, plaque, and bacteria levels were evaluated every 3 months. Statistical analysis was performed using both parametric and non-parametric tests to identify differences between groups at different time points. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups in regard to changes in white spot lesions, plaque, or gingival health (P > 0.05). There was a trend toward improvement in white spot lesions found in subjects using Crest® at the 3-month time point; however, this was not sustained throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that a toothpaste containing NovaMin does not differ significantly compared to traditional fluoride toothpaste for improving white spot lesions and gingivitis in orthodontic patients.

Manufacturing and characterization of a recombinant adeno-associated virus type 8 reference standard material.

Abstract Gene therapy approaches using recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (rAAV2) and serotype 8 (rAAV8) have achieved significant clinical benefits. The generation of rAAV Reference Standard Materials (RSM) is key to providing points of reference for particle titer, vector genome titer, and infectious titer for gene transfer vectors. Following the example of the rAAV2RSM, here we have generated and characterized a novel RSM based on rAAV serotype 8. The rAAV8RSM was produced using transient transfection, and the purification was based on density gradient ultracentrifugation. The rAAV8RSM was distributed for characterization along with standard assay protocols to 16 laboratories worldwide. Mean titers and 95% confidence intervals were determined for capsid particles (mean, 5.50×10(11) pt/ml; CI, 4.26×10(11) to 6.75×10(11) pt/ml), vector genomes (mean, 5.75×10(11) vg/ml; CI, 3.05×10(11) to 1.09×10(12) vg/ml), and infectious units (mean, 1.26×10(9) IU/ml; CI, 6.46×10(8) to 2.51×10(9) IU/ml). Notably, there was a significant degree of variation between institutions for each assay despite the relatively tight correlation of assay results within an institution. This outcome emphasizes the need to use RSMs to calibrate the titers of rAAV vectors in preclinical and clinical studies at a time when the field is maturing rapidly. The rAAV8RSM has been deposited at the American Type Culture Collection (VR-1816) and is available to the scientific community.

Variables affecting orthodontic tooth movement with clear aligners.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we examined the impacts of age, sex, root length, bone levels, and bone quality on orthodontic tooth movement. METHODS: Clear aligners were programmed to move 1 central incisor 1 mm over the course of 8 weeks. Thirty subjects, ages 19 to 64, were enrolled, and measurements were made on digital models (percentage of tooth movement goal achieved). Morphometric features and bone quality were assessed with cone-beam computed tomography. Data from this study were combined with data from 2 similar studies to increase the power for some analyses. RESULTS: The mean percentage of tooth movement goal achieved was 57% overall. Linear regression modeling indicated a cubic relationship between age and tooth movement, with a decreasing rate of movement from ages 18 to 35 years, a slightly increasing rate from ages 35 to 50, and a decreasing rate from ages 50 to 70. The final decreasing trend was not apparent for women. As would be expected, the correlation was significant between the percentage of the goal achieved and the cone-beam computed tomography superimposed linear measures of tooth movement. A significant negative correlation was found between tooth movement and the measurement apex to the center of rotation, but bone quality, as measured by fractal dimension, was not correlated with movement. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between age and tooth movement is complex and might differ for male and female patients. Limited correlations with cone-beam computed tomography morphology and rate of tooth movement were detected.

CNS inflammation and bone marrow neuropathy in type 1 diabetes.

By using pseudorabies virus expressing green fluorescence protein, we found that efferent bone marrow-neural connections trace to sympathetic centers of the central nervous system in normal mice. However, this was markedly reduced in type 1 diabetes, suggesting a significant loss of bone marrow innervation. This loss of innervation was associated with a change in hematopoiesis toward generation of more monocytes and an altered diurnal release of monocytes in rodents and patients with type 1 diabetes. In the hypothalamus and granular insular cortex of mice with type 1 diabetes, bone marrow-derived microglia/macrophages were activated and found at a greater density than in controls. Infiltration of CD45(+)/CCR2(+)/GR-1(+)/Iba-1(+) bone marrow-derived monocytes into the hypothalamus could be mitigated by treatment with minocycline, an anti-inflammatory agent capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. Our studies suggest that targeting central inflammation may facilitate management of microvascular complications.

Monitoring uterine activity during labor: a comparison of 3 methods.

OBJECTIVE: Tocodynamometry (Toco; strain gauge technology) provides contraction frequency and approximate duration of labor contractions but suffers frequent signal dropout, necessitating repositioning by a nurse, and may fail in obese patients. The alternative invasive intrauterine pressure catheter (IUPC) is more reliable and adds contraction pressure information but requires ruptured membranes and introduces small risks of infection and abruption. Electrohysterography (EHG) reports the electrical activity of the uterus through electrodes placed on the maternal abdomen. This study compared all 3 methods of contraction detection simultaneously in laboring women. STUDY DESIGN: Upon consent, laboring women were monitored simultaneously with Toco, EHG, and IUPC. Contraction curves were generated in real-time for the EHG, and all 3 curves were stored electronically. A contraction detection algorithm was used to compare frequency and timing between methods. Seventy-three subjects were enrolled in the study; 14 were excluded due to hardware failure of 1 or more of the devices (n = 12) or inadequate data collection duration (n = 2). RESULTS: In comparison with the gold-standard IUPC, EHG performed significantly better than Toco with regard to the Contractions Consistency Index (CCI). The mean CCI for EHG was 0.88 ± 0.17 compared with 0.69 ± 0.27 for Toco (P < .0001). In contrast to Toco, EHG was not significantly affected by obesity. CONCLUSION: Toco does not correlate well with the gold-standard IUPC and fails more frequently in obese patients. EHG provides a reliable noninvasive alternative, regardless of body habitus.

Oral adherence monitoring using a breath test to supplement highly active antiretroviral therapy.

A breath-based adherence system to document ingestion of oral medications (e.g., HAART) was investigated. Specifically, the food additive 2-butanol, which can be easily packaged with a drug, is converted via alcohol dehydrogenase to the volatile metabolite 2-butanone that rapidly appears in breath, indicating adherence. In healthy adults using a portable sensor and GC-MS, the following experiments were performed: yield of 2-butanone in breath following ingestion of 2-butanol, adherence system accuracy, and potential interference of the adherence system by food or misplacement of 2-butanol on the tongue. During feasibility testing, every subject exhaled 2-butanone with 6.6 ± 1.5 min to peak concentrations of 548 ± 235 ppb following ingestion of 2-butanol (40 mg). ROC areas at 5 and 10 min were 0.95 (0.86-1.00) and 1.00 (1.00-1.00). Food did not interfere. Tongue application resulted in large concentrations of 2-butanol, but not 2-butanone. A breath test to provide definitive evidence of oral medication adherence appears technically feasible.

Racial disparity in oral and pharyngeal cancer in Florida in 1991-2008: mixed trends in stage of diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES: To explore changes in distribution of stage at diagnosis among individuals with oral and pharyngeal cancers over the past two decades and whether the changes differ by race. METHODS: We obtained 1991-2008 cancer incidence data for nine anatomic sites of the oral and pharyngeal structure from the Florida Cancer Data System. These cancers were grouped into oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), pharyngeal SCC, and other head and neck cancers. Annual percent change was calculated for each group to characterize trends in age-adjusted cancer incidence over time by race and stage at diagnosis. RESULTS: During 1991-2008, the overall age-adjusted oral SCC incidence was decreasing for both races, with a greater decline observed among Blacks. There was a large drop in incidence of regional-stage diagnoses among Blacks. For pharyngeal SCC, the age-adjusted incidence of localized- and regional-stage diagnoses was increasing for Whites during 1991-2008, with the largest increase in the incidence of regional-stage diagnoses. The percentage of localized-stage diagnoses was increasing for both races for oral SCC. A slight increase in percentage of localized-stage diagnoses was observed for Blacks for pharyngeal SCC, whereas no obvious change was observed among Whites. CONCLUSIONS: Blacks continued to have lower percentages of localized-stage diagnoses than Whites for nearly all sites, but an increasing percentage of localized-stage diagnoses was observed for oral SCC among Blacks. For pharyngeal SCC, the increase in incidence among Whites was accompanied by an increasing percentage of late-stage diagnoses. Coordinated public health approaches with a special emphasis on screening underserved populations are needed.

Prevalence of serum antibody titers against feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus 1, and feline calicivirus in cats entering a Florida animal shelter.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion of cats entering a Florida animal shelter with serum antibody titers against feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV1), and feline calicivirus (FCV) and to identify factors associated with seropositivity. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 347 cats admitted to a Florida animal shelter. PROCEDURES: Within 24 hours after admission to the animal shelter, blood samples were collected from all cats ≥ 8 weeks of age. Serum antibody titers against FPV were determined via a hemagglutination inhibition assay, and those against FHV1 and FCV were determined via virus neutralization assays. Age, sex, environment (urban or rural), source (stray or previously owned), evidence of previous caregiving, health status (healthy or not healthy), and outcome (adoption, transfer, return to owner, or euthanasia) were evaluated as potential factors associated with antibody seropositivity. RESULTS: Of 347 cats, 138 (39.8%), 38 (11.0%), and 127 (36.6%) had antibody titers ≥ 40, ≥ 8, and ≥ 32 (ie, seropositive) against FPV, FHV1, and FCV, respectively. Factors associated with seropositivity included being neutered, age ≥ 6 months, and being relinquished by an owner. On multivariable analysis, health status at shelter admission, environment, vaccination at shelter admission, and outcome were not associated with seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Most cats were seronegative for antibodies against FPV, FHV1, and FCV at the time of admission to an animal shelter. These findings supported current guidelines that recommend vaccination of all cats immediately after admission to animal shelters, regardless of the source or physical condition.

Parental perception vs. professional assessment of speech changes following premature loss of maxillary primary incisors.

PURPOSE: This study's purpose was to compare parental perceptions of children's speech changes with a professional speech assessment following premature extractions of maxillary primary incisors (PEMPI). METHODS: Healthy 5- to 6-year-olds, with no cognitive and speech delay and who received PEMPI between the ages of 2 and 4 years old at a university-based clinic, were recruited for the study. First, their parents took part in a telephone interview regarding their perceptions of speech changes following the extractions. The children were then invited to undergo individual speech evaluations by a certified speech and language pathologist. RESULTS: Of 204 patients identified from the database, 57 parental interviews were completed. Sixty percent (34) felt their children sounded different following extractions, and 65% (37) reported difficulty with pronunciation of the "s" sound. For children who were perceived by their parents to sound different, 46% had problems pronouncing words with the letters s and z. For parents who did not perceive speech changes, none of the children had problems with s and z as determined by the professionally conduced speech evaluations (Fisher exact test P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: Children who undergo premature extractions of maxillary primary incisors show problems articulating words containing s and z, and there is an agreement between parental perceptions and actual disarticulations detected from a professional assessment.

Orthodontic tooth movement with clear aligners.

Clear aligners provide a convenient model to measure orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). We examined the role of in vivo aligner material fatigue and subject-specific factors in tooth movement. Fifteen subjects seeking orthodontic treatment at the University of Florida were enrolled. Results were compared with data previously collected from 37 subjects enrolled in a similar protocol. Subjects were followed prospectively for eight weeks. An upper central incisor was programmed to move 0.5 mm. every two weeks using clear aligners. A duplicate aligner was provided for the second week of each cycle. Weekly polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) impressions were taken, and digital models were fabricated to measure OTM. Initial and final cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were obtained to characterize OTM. Results were compared to data from a similar protocol, where subjects received a new aligner biweekly. No significant difference was found in the amount of OTM between the two groups, with mean total OTM of 1.11 mm. (standard deviation (SD) 0.30) and 1.07 mm. (SD 0.33) for the weekly aligner and biweekly control groups, respectively (P = 0.72). Over eight weeks, in two-week intervals, material fatigue does not play a significant role in the rate or amount of tooth movement.

Trends in incidence of oral and pharyngeal carcinoma in Florida: 1981-2008.

OBJECTIVE: While the overall incidence rates of oral and pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) have decreased in the United States, there is evidence of increasing incidence at selected anatomic sites, particularly among younger adults. The objective of this study was to examine trends in incidence rates of oral and pharyngeal cancers in Florida. METHODS: Using data from the Florida Cancer Data System, we examined the incidence of oral and pharyngeal carcinomas in Florida from 1981 through 2008. Factors of interest included sex, race, and trends over time. Percent change (PC) and annual percent change (APC) were computed to characterize trends over time. RESULTS: A total of 53,648 cases of oral or pharyngeal cancer were identified from 1981 through 2008. Significant increasing trends were observed only for pharyngeal cancers in males, with significant decreasing trends for pharyngeal cancer in females and oral cancer for both sexes. For tonsil and base of tongue cancers, increasing trends were detected for white males only. Further investigation among white males showed that, except for base of tongue cancer in the 20-44 age group, the incidence of both cancers increased across all age groups, with the largest increase for both sites found in the 45-64 age group. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the finding of increasing incidence of SCC of the tonsil and base of tongue in males, in contrast to decreasing trends for most oral and pharyngeal carcinomas. However, we observed that this increase occurred in white males only and the most dramatic increase occurred in the 45-64 age group.