A National Analysis of Minimally Invasive Vs Open Segmentectomy for Stage IA Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

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Optimizing telemedicine to facilitate amyotrophic lateral sclerosis clinical trials

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has the largest drug pipeline among neuromuscular diseases, with over 160 companies actively involved in ALS research. There is a growing need to recruit trial participants, but ALS patients often have limited mobility and most ALS trials are conducted in a small number of major centers. These factors effectively limit patient participation, particularly for those in rural areas. The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has necessitated the more widespread use of telemedicine technology for clinical care, and has prompted consideration of its increased use for clinical trials. In this opinion piece, we describe the current state of telemedicine for recruitment, consenting, and screening of participants for clinical trials. We also summarize the available data on remote administration of outcome measures. Current challenges include validation of outcome measures for remote assessment, as well as technological, regulatory, and licensure barriers.     

Chronic mucogingival defects in miniature swine

Controversy surrounds the importance of keratinized gingiva in maintaining periodontal health. A well-defined animal model system is necessary to evaluate longitudinally the role of keratinized gingiva when plaque control is inadequate or where dental procedures (restorative, prosthetic or orthodontic) alter the periodontal environment. Facial gingiva was excised from eight primary incisors in miniature swine. Contralateral teeth were used as controls. The experimental teeth exhibited mucogingival defects at 3 and 6 month observation periods. The secondary teeth erupting into the experimental regions also exhibited recession and chronic mucogingival defects. The marginal tissue in regions devoid of keratinized gingiva demonstrated clinical signs of inflammation. No progressive gingival recession was present. Excision of keratinized gingiva to produce mucogingival defects in swine provides a convenient model system for evaluating the effect of dental procedures on periodontal health where little or no keratinized gingiva is present.     

Tooth whitening: current status

This article reviews the history of tooth whitening and its rapid evolution and briefly discusses tooth whitening agents and protocols. The active ingredients and mode of action during the whitening process are explained. The factors affecting the speed of whitening and its final results are discussed, as well as adverse effects and safety precautions. Protocols are explained in detail, and the predicted outcomes, including those for tetracycline-stained teeth, are covered.     

The role of parathyroid hormone-related protein in the regulation of osteoclastogenesis by cementoblasts

BACKGROUND: Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) promotes osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG), a decoy receptor for the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK), and by enhancing production of RANK ligand (RANKL) by osteoblasts. However, little is known regarding the role of PTHrP in regulating cementoblast-mediated osteoclastogenesis. METHODS: This study determined the impact of PTHrP on osteoclastogenesis using: 1) OCCM-30 (immortalized murine cementoblasts), 2) RAW 264.7 cells (murine myeloid cells), or 3) OCCM-30 plus RAW 264.7 cells. Cells were treated with PTHrP (1-34), RANKL, or PTHrP and RANKL combined. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for OPG and RANKL were performed on media and cell lysates, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and mRNA detection for the osteoclast associated receptor (OSCAR) were performed. RESULTS: The highest numbers of TRAP-positive cells and cells expressing OSCAR were found in the RAW cell group treated with either RANKL alone or RANKL and PTHrP. TRAP-positive cells were fewer when OCCM cells were co-cultured with RAW, but the greatest numbers were still with both PTHrP and RANKL. OPG levels were highest from OCCM cells and PTHrP decreased these levels. In contrast, RANKL levels were low in OCCM cell lysates and PTHrP increased RANKL. In vivo studies also revealed high osteoclastic activity surrounding developing teeth in mice administered PTH. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that PTHrP influences the balance of OPG and RANKL production by cementoblasts, and further indicate that this effect, in the context of surrounding cells, might have a significant impact on osteoclastogenesis, root resorption, and tooth eruption.