Saint Francis University

About: Saint Francis University is a education organization based out in Loretto, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Osteoblast. The organization has 1694 authors who have published 2038 publications receiving 87149 citations.

Bone Morphogenetic Proteins: Facts, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

Abstract: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the TGF-β superfamily, acting as potent regulators during embryogenesis and bone and cartilage formation and repair. Cell and molecular biology approaches have unveiled the great complexity of BMP action, later confirmed by transgenic animal studies. Genetic engineering allows for the production of large amounts of BMPs for clinical use, but they have systematically been associated with a delivery system, such as type I collagen and calcium phosphate ceramics, to ensure controlled release and to maximize their biological activity at the surgical site, avoiding systemic diffusion. Clinical orthopedic studies have shown the benefits of FDA-approved recombinant human BMPs (rhBMPs) 2 and 7, but side effects, such as swelling, seroma, and increased cancer risk, have been reported, probably due to high BMP dosage. Several studies have supported the use of BMPs in periodontal regeneration, sinus lift bone-grafting, and non-unions in oral surgery. However, the clinical use of BMPs is growing mainly in off-label applications, with robust evidence to ascertain rhBMPs' safety and efficacy through well-designed, randomized, and double-blind clinical trials. Here we review and discuss the critical data on BMP structure, mechanisms of action, and possible clinical applications.

On the magnitude of laterality effects and sex differences in functional lateralities.

Abstract: In the last 20 years, the hypothesis that men and women differ in functional lateralities has been used to account for sex-related differences in verbal and spatial skills. However, this hypothesis has not been clearly supported, with some reviewers confirming it (McGlone, 1980 for example), and others rejecting it (Fairweather, 1982 for example). The purpose of the present study was to provide a definite test of this hypothesis and to estimate the magnitude of overall laterality effects by means of a meta-analytic procedure. A total of 396 significance levels from a variety of studies on functional asymmetries utilising auditory, visual, or tactile presentation of verbal or nonverbal stimuli were sampled. Results showed that laterality effects tend to be large and significant but that they are heterogeneous in the visual modality. Homogeneity was generally achieved by a partition of the studies in terms of the specific task used. The results also showed sex differences to be significant in two modalities (visual and auditory). The data indicated the presence of sex differences in favour of men in functional asymmetries. However, it appears that the findings are not resistant to the file drawer problem. The results are discussed with regard to their implications for explanations of individual differences in cognitive abilities. The relation between functional lateralities and anatomical asymmetries is also discussed.

Treatment of Diabetes in Older Adults: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

Abstract: Objective: The objective is to formulate clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of diabetes in older adults. Conclusions: Diabetes, particularly type 2, is becoming more prevalent in the general population, especially in individuals over the age of 65 years. The underlying pathophysiology of the disease in these patients is exacerbated by the direct effects of aging on metabolic regulation. Similarly, aging effects interact with diabetes to accelerate the progression of many common diabetes complications. Each section in this guideline covers all aspects of the etiology and available evidence, primarily from controlled trials, on therapeutic options and outcomes in this population. The goal is to give guidance to practicing health care providers that will benefit patients with diabetes (both type 1 and type 2), paying particular attention to avoiding unnecessary and/or harmful adverse effects.

Functional variants in the LRRK2 gene confer shared effects on risk for Crohn's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Crohn’s disease (CD), a form of inflammatory bowel disease, has a higher prevalence in Ashkenazi Jewish than in non-Jewish European populations. To define the role of nonsynonymous mutations, we performed exome sequencing of Ashkenazi Jewish patients with CD, followed by array-based genotyping and association analysis in 2066 CD cases and 3633 healthy controls. We detected association signals in the LRRK2 gene that conferred risk for CD (N2081D variant, P = 9.5 × 10−10) or protection from CD (N551K variant, tagging R1398H-associated haplotype, P = 3.3 × 10−8). These variants affected CD age of onset, disease location, LRRK2 activity, and autophagy. Bayesian network analysis of CD patient intestinal tissue further implicated LRRK2 in CD pathogenesis. Analysis of the extended LRRK2 locus in 24,570 CD cases, patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), and healthy controls revealed extensive pleiotropy, with shared genetic effects between CD and PD in both Ashkenazi Jewish and non-Jewish cohorts. The LRRK2 N2081D CD risk allele is located in the same kinase domain as G2019S, a mutation that is the major genetic cause of familial and sporadic PD. Like the G2019S mutation, the N2081D variant was associated with increased kinase activity, whereas neither N551K nor R1398H variants on the protective haplotype altered kinase activity. We also confirmed that R1398H, but not N551K, increased guanosine triphosphate binding and hydrolyzing enzyme (GTPase) activity, thereby deactivating LRRK2. The presence of shared LRRK2 alleles in CD and PD provides refined insight into disease mechanisms and may have major implications for the treatment of these two seemingly unrelated diseases.

A Prospective Study of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation in Patients With Failed Prior Treatment for Articular Cartilage Defect of the Knee Results of the Study of the Treatment of Articular Repair (STAR) Clinical Trial

Abstract: BackgroundThis is a prospective clinical study to assess the effectiveness of autologous chondrocyte implantation in patients who failed prior treatments for articular cartilage defects of the knee.HypothesisAutologous chondrocyte implantation provides clinical benefit in patients with failed articular cartilage treatments.Study DesignCohort study; Level of evidence, 2.MethodsOne hundred fifty-four patients with failed treatment for articular cartilage defects of the knee received autologous chondrocyte implantation in a multicenter, prospective study. Follow-up was 48 months. Outcomes included change from baseline in knee function, knee pain, quality of life, and overall health. Duration of benefit after autologous chondrocyte implantation was compared with the failed prior non—autologous chondrocyte implantation procedure. Safety information was recorded. Additional analyses were performed on the 2 major cohorts of prior procedures entered into the study, marrow-stimulation technique or debridement alon...