Still Scholarworks (A.T. Still University)
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Fibroblasts and osteoblasts behavior after contact with different titanium surfaces used as implant abutment: An in vitro experimental study
Abstract
Background: The goal of this in vitro study was to compare three different surfaces: two types of implant surfaces commercially available ([a] smooth/machined and [b] acid-treated surface) versus (c) anodized surface. Discs were manufactured with commercially pure titanium (CP) grade IV, which were subsequently analyzed by scanning microscopy and fibroblastic and osteoblastic cell cultures.
Methods: Ninety-nine discs (5 × 2 mm) were manufactured in titanium grade IV and received different surface treatments: (i) Mach group: machined; (ii) AA group: double acid etch; and (iii) AN group: anodizing treatment. Three discs from each group were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to obtain surface topography images and qualitatively analyzed by EDS. Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts and pre-osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1 lineage) were used to investigate each group\u27s biological response (n = 10/cellular type). The data were compared statistically using the ANOVA one-way test, considered as a statistically significant difference p \u3c 0.05.
Results: The AA group had numerous micropores with diameters between 5 and 10 μm, while nanopores between 1 and 5 nm were measured in the AN group. The EDX spectrum showed a high titanium concentration in all the analyzed samples. The contact angle and wetting tension were higher in the AA, whereas similar results were observed for the other groups. A lower result was observed for base width in the AA, which was higher in the other two groups. The AN showed the best values in the fibroblast cells, followed by Mach and AA; whereas, in the culture of the MC3T3 cells, the result was precisely the opposite (AA \u3e Mach \u3e AN). There was similar behavior for cell adhesion for the test groups (Mach and AN), with greater adhesion of Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts compared to MC3T3 cells; in the AA group, there was greater adherence for MC3T3 cells compared to Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that different surface characteristics can produce different biological responses, possibly cell-line dependent. These findings have important implications for the design of implantable medical devices, where the surface characteristics can significantly impact its biocompatibility
Exploring the impact of the extent of the partially edentulous area on the accuracy of two intraoral scanners
Abstract
Statement of problem: The accuracy of intraoral scans, particularly in edentulous areas, remains a concern despite the increasing use of digital technology, especially intraoral scanners.
Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the impact of the extent of an edentulous area on the accuracy (trueness and precision) of intraoral scans from 2 intraoral scanners.
Material and methods: A KaVo dentoform with epoxy resin teeth was used to generate 9 groups with different numbers of teeth removed. A laboratory scanner served as the reference dataset, and 2 intraoral scanners (TRIOS 3 and Primescan AC) were evaluated. A single operator performed all scans following standardized protocols and calibration. Trueness and precision were assessed by using root mean square (RMS) values. Analysis of variance was used to compare trueness and precision values obtained from the 2 scanners and different partially edentulous conditions (α=.05).
Results: A significant difference was found in the trueness of intraoral scans of the 2 scanners and under different partially edentulous extensions. Primescan AC exhibited significantly lower trueness than TRIOS 3 (P\u3c.001). For the individual edentulous conditions, Primescan had a significantly higher RMS mean than TRIOS 3 for G0, G3, G4, G6, G7, and G8 (P\u3c.001) and a significantly lower RMS mean than TRIOS 3 for G1 and G4 (P\u3c.001), while no significant difference in RMS mean was found between the 2 scanners for G2 (P=.999). For precision, no significant difference was found between the 2 scanners or different edentulous conditions [(F 8, 90)=1.82, P=.085].
Conclusions: The accuracy of intraoral scans was influenced by the length of edentulous areas and the scanner used. Primescan AC demonstrated lower trueness than TRIOS 3 for most partially edentulous conditions, while the scanners were similar in precision. These findings highlight the need for careful scanner selection in specific clinical situations, as scanning accuracy may vary depending on the scanner and edentulous condition
Economics of risk stratification for skin cancer screening in solid organ transplant recipients
Abstract Background:
Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) have different risks of developing skin cancer depending on patient characteristics. However, there is currently no widely used tool to stratify skin cancer risk in these patients. The Skin and Ultraviolet Neoplasia Transplant Risk Assessment Calculator (SUNTRAC) is an attempt to stratify skin cancer risk in SOTRs and guide screening recommendations for those patients. Materials and methods:
It was assumed that the 2022 solid organ transplant population in the United States would follow the same distribution of skin cancer risk as the population in the study that led to the development of the SUNTRAC. The total number of skin cancer screening visits and the total cost of those visits over 10 years were determined utilizing the screening recommendations in the SUNTRAC. Results:
If all SOTRs received yearly skin cancer screens, 428,870 office visits would be conducted over 10 years for a total cost of 74,403,186. Conclusions:
Utilizing the SUNTRAC to guide skin cancer screening recommendations in SOTRs has the potential to minimize over-screening and lower the total cost of skin cancer screening visits for SOTRs. Initial studies into the applicability of the SUNTRAC have found similar risk distribution in different populations of SOTRs. Utilizing this model to guide skin cancer screening recommendations will better allocate resources to the highest risk patients while also avoiding unnecessary health care costs
Evaluating attitudes toward soft drink consumption among adults in Saudi Arabia: Five years after selective taxation implementation
Objective: Saudi Arabia (SA) ranked first in soft drink consumption in the Middle East. A decrease in consumption was recorded after a selective 50% increased taxation policy in 2018. This study aimed to assess soft drinks consumption patterns among Saudi Arabian adults and examine the association between different attitudes and patterns post-taxation. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to March 2023, involving 1,935 Saudi adults aged 20–60 residing in Saudi Arabia. Participants completed online surveys using a validated questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, soft drink consumption patterns, and attitudes toward soft drinks. Chi-square and odds ratio (OR) tests were used to assess associations between sociodemographic characteristics, soft drink consumption frequency/quantity, and change in consumption patterns owing to selective taxation. Additionally, t-tests, Spearman\u27s coefficient, and hierarchical multiple linear regression were used to measure differences in attitudes and linear relationships. Results: Overall, 7.5% of the participants reported daily soft drink consumption, with 51.8% of these consuming less than one can per day and 41.2% consuming one can per day. Most (66.2%) reported no change in consumption post-taxation. Attitudes toward soft drink consumption varied significantly, with most agreeing on its health risks but also enjoying the drinks. Multiple regression analysis identified age, education, income, consumption frequency/quantity, and impact of taxation as significant predictors of overall attitudes toward soft drinks. Conclusions: After taxation, 20% of participants reduced soft drink consumption, underscoring the importance of addressing taxation and intrinsic motivations to foster lasting changes in attitudes and behaviors towards soft drinks
Urinary Incontinence and Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study
Over half of women in the United States report urinary incontinence (UI). This condition can be treated conservatively, but many people do not seek treatment. The current correlational study assessed women’s knowledge of UI. Specifically, we investigated the relationships between knowledge level about UI and quality of life (QoL), and between severity level of UI and QoL. A convenience cross-sectional sample of 39 older women was obtained from two YMCA locations. Data were analyzed using the Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient. A significant relationship was found between severity of UI and QoL, rs = −.73, p \u3c.001; no relationship was found between knowledge level of UI and QoL, rs =.24, p =.13. Results suggested women’s knowledge about the causes of UI and conservative therapy is limited. Occupational therapists need to address UI with their patients and educate them about treatment options and availability
Dialysis More Available Than Patient Education in Counties With High Diabetes Prevalence
Introduction: Poorly controlled diabetes is a principal cause of end stage renal disease (ESRD), generating an estimated 44% of new cases. Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) has been documented to reduce adverse outcomes such as ESRD. Helping patients better manage their condition could ultimately reduce ESRD prevalence. Methods: We compared the county-level availability of DSMES and dialysis as of November 2022 sorted by the estimated prevalence of diabetes among residents aged 18 years or older. The locations of DSMES programs and ESRD dialysis facilities were obtained from 2 professional organizations and the Centers for Medicare & Medicade Services. Estimated diabetes prevalence was obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u27s PLACES data set. Counties were considered to have high diabetes prevalence if they fell into the top quartile for diabetes prevalence in 2019 (≥14.4% of adults). Analyses were conducted in 2023. Results: DSMES was available in 41.0% of counties but in only 20.7% of counties with high diabetes prevalence versus 47.9% of low prevalence counties. Dialysis facilities were present in 59.2% of all counties, in 52.8% of all high diabetes prevalence counties, and in 61.4% of other counties. DSMES availability was linked to the presence of a hospital in the county, with only 6.3% of counties without a hospital offering the service. Implications: DSMES could play a role in reducing the prevalence of ESRD. Public health professionals need to be aware of the differing levels of local availability of this service and work to develop partnerships to provide DSMES in high-prevalence areas not currently served
Professional Development and Scholarly Activity Weeks to Enhance the Master Adaptive Learner and Foster Future Educators
One osteopathic medical school designated 4 weeks per year in the first-year curriculum to Professional Development and Scholarly Activity. The aim of these weeks is to foster the development of Master Adaptive Learners. This metacognitive learning theory promotes adaptive expertise which supports students as educators in a variety of settings
Leisure Education Program for Older Adults at Beatitudes Campus
As individuals age they may experience a decrease in quality of life that impacts their overall health and well-being. One way to improve quality of life in older adults it through leisure activities that can provide a sense of purpose, autonomy, and roles or routines within their lives. The purpose of this doctoral capstone experience and report is to enhance older adult’s leisure competence through to improve leisure satisfaction and overall quality of life. The occupational therapy capstone student developed a five-session Leisure Education Program for residents at a continuing care retirement community, Beatitudes Campus. Using an occupational therapy point of view this program covered various aspects of leisure including the purpose leisure can have within their lives, how to develop roles and routines through leisure, benefits to participating in various form of leisure, how to adapt leisure, and how to create goals to support leisure engagement. Participants overall leisure satisfaction and thoughts on the program were assessed by two outcome measures, the Leisure Satisfaction Scale-short form and a semi-structured focus group. The results showed that majority of the participants reported no increase in their interpreted leisure satisfaction scores from quantitative data, but qualitative data demonstrated an increase in leisure competence. Although results did not meet the goal of the capstone experience, participants demonstrated other benefits from participating in the program. The capstone student additionally considered future implications for using leisure in occupational therapy practice and how Beatitudes Campus could reflect on information that was provided from participants
Low Vision and Dementia
Low vision and dementia are highly common among older adults. Individuals with these conditions often experience decreased ability to perform daily tasks safely and independently due to the functional implications of visual and cognitive decline. This leads not only to decreased participation in meaningful activities but also to an increased dependence on a caregiver. Over time, these caregivers can experience a perceived strain, or caregiver burden, that affects not only their own health but also the health of the individual they are caring for. Occupational therapists can provide skilled services to address the needs of older adults with low vision and dementia and their caregivers. For this capstone project, a 7-week program for caregivers of older adults with low vision and dementia was developed to promote decreased caregiver burden and increased participation in meaningful activities. The program was designed in two phases. The first phase consisted of three caregiver education sessions outside of the home. The second phase consisted of four in-home sessions with both the caregiver and the individual they cared for. Data was collected using a pre- and post-test mixed methods design, with the caregiver providing all responses. The pre-survey data revealed the presence of a caregiver burden and decreased participation in meaningful activities within both the quantitative and qualitative data. The post-survey data revealed a reduced level of caregiver burden, improved activity engagement both among the caregiver and their loved one, and improved knowledge and utilization of caregiver resources. Occupational therapy services focused on caregiver education and engagement in meaningful activities can help promote positive outcomes for older adults with low vision and dementia and their caregivers