Evaluation of a new device for measuring oral mucosal surface friction

Abstract – For the objective measurement of oral mucosal dryness or moisture, a device registering oral mucosal surface slide friction has been developed. Two prototypes, Probe I and Probe II, have been tested. Probe I was constructed for initial testing of the method and was based on easily accessible electrical components. Probe I was computerized and developed for more accurate registration and also for easy handling. Reliability and validity tests were carried out on Probe I as well as on Probe II. In repeated in vitro measurements, the probes showed good reproducibility. Validity was assessed on healthy subjects injected with methylscopolamine nitrate submucosally in the labial sulcus. All subjects experienced a pronounced oral mucosal dryness within half an hour. Registration with the surface slide friction device showed maximum friction values 1-2 h after injection. These reliability and validity tests gave good results for both Probe I and Probe II, but Probe II had several practical advantages over Probe I. Both probes were considerably more sensitive to changes of the oral mucosal surface than the previously used simple friction test using the back of a mouth mirror.     

Factors affecting the quality of life after total knee arthroplasties:a prospective study

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: To prospectively describe self-reported outcomes up to 12 months after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and to determine whether preoperative patients' demographic and clinical characteristic influence the quality of life (QoL) 6 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months after TKA. METHODS: A cohort of patients with osteoarthritis undergoing primary TKA at two hospitals (university regional and metropolitan) was prospectively followed for 12 months. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at the 4 postoperative time-points, with the use of self-reported measurements of pain, physical function and depression (Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC], Knee Society Scoring system [KSS], Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, short form [CES-D10] and visual analog scale [VAS] for pain). Clinical and socio-demographic data were also noted. General linear modelling for repeated measures was used to evaluate the effect of each independent variable in time. Differences between groups at the measurement points were tested by the independent samples t-test. RESULTS: Of the 224 eligible patients, 204 (162 females, mean age 69.2) were included in the analysis. Response rate at one year was 90%. QoL was significantly improved 12 months after TKA according to WOMAC, KSS, CES-D10 and VAS scores (P<0.001). Most of the improvement was already established by 3 months postoperatively. At 6 weeks after surgery, despite significant improvement in pain and depressive mood, the physical function remained poor. Females scored worse in terms of quality of life, both preoperatively and 6 weeks after TKA. CES-D10 score was positively correlated with WOMAC and pain VAS scores at any follow-up assessment time point (P<0.001). Age, body mass index (BMI), place of residence, level of education and social support were not significant predictors of QoL after TKA. CONCLUSIONS: Patients experienced great improvement in QoL after TKA; though, the physical function remained poor 6 weeks after surgery. Differences in QoL between genders were detected preoperatively and 6 weeks postoperatively. After that period both sexes gained the same benefits. The greatest improvement in QoL was seen within the first 3 postoperative months with smaller changes thereafter.