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.

Cortisol inhibits hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor expression and induces c-met transcripts in osteoblasts

Abstract: Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) is expressed by osteoblasts and has important effects on repair and bone remodeling. Because glucocorticoids regulate these two functions, we tested the effects of cortisol on the expression of HGF/SF and c-met, the protooncogene encoding the HGF/SF receptor, in cultures of osteoblast-enriched cells from 22-day fetal rat calvariae (Ob cells). Cortisol decreased HGF/SF mRNA levels and diminished the induction of HGF/SF transcripts by fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF BB). Cortisol also decreased FGF-2 and PDGF BB-induced HGF/SF mRNA and polypeptide levels in MC3T3 cells. In contrast, cortisol enhanced the expression of c-met transcripts in Ob cells. Cortisol did not modify the half-life of HGF/SF or of c-met mRNA in transcriptionally arrested cells, and it increased the rate of transcription of c-met. In conclusion, cortisol decreases HGF/SF transcripts in Ob cells and enhances c-met expression transcriptionally. The effects of cortisol on HGF/SF could be relevant to its inhibitory actions on bone formation and repair.

Survey of colleges of pharmacy to assess preparation for and promotion of residency training.

Abstract: Objective. To assess the prevalence of curricular programs or other structured activities designed to prepare students for and to promote residency training. Methods. An electronic survey instrumen...

Developmental screening: (still) expecting the impossible?

Abstract: The widespread popularity of the Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST) during the past 25 years has been accompanied by considerable scrutiny. Certain criticisms, such as the lack of updated norms, the limited extent to which norms may apply to groups such as disadvantaged children, and the difficulty in administering some items, appear justified.1 However, a number of studies critical of the DDST examine applications beyond the intended purpose of this instrument, such as identifying developmental delay among biologically vulnerable infants, screening for speech and language problems, and identifying children with moderate to severe delays.2 The inaccurate or inappropriate way in which the test has been administered and interpreted has troubled the test9s developers.3

Direct oral anticoagulants compared with warfarin in patients with severe blunt trauma

Abstract: Methods We queried our Trauma Quality Improvement Program registry for patients who presented between 6/1/2011 and 9/1/2015 with severe (injury severity score (ISS) > 15) blunt traumatic injury during anticoagulant use. Patients were then grouped into those prescribed warfarin and patients prescribed any of the available novel Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOAC) medications. We excluded severe (AIS ≧ 4) head injuries. Results There were no differences between DOAC and warfarin groups in terms of age, gender mean ISS, median hospital or intensive care unit lengths of stay, complication proportions, numbers of complications per patient, or the proportion of patients requiring transfusion. Finally, excluding patients who died, the observed proportion of discharge to skilled nursing facility was similar. In our sample of trauma patients, DOAC use was associated with significantly lower mortality (DOAC group 8.3% vs. warfarin group 29.5%, p Conclusion In conclusion, we report an association with decrease in mortality and a decrease in transfused blood products in severely injured trauma patients with likely minimal or no head injury taking novel DOACs over those anticoagulated with warfarin for outpatient anticoagulation.