Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology. It is characterized by symmetric, polyarticular pain, swelling, morning stiffness, and fatigue. RA has a variable course, often with periods of exacerbations and, less frequently, true remissions. Outcomes are also variable, ranging from the rarely seen remitting disease to severe disease that brings disability and in some patients premature death. Without treatment, the majority of patients will experience progressive joint damage and, in some patients, this results in significant disability within just a few years. Improvement in health related quality of life is one of the most important goals in the management of rheumatoid arthritis and therefore must be pursued as a crucial aim in clinical practice. This paper draws from 49 qualitative interviews conducted with RA patients, before starting a program of Spa Therapy and aims to get an overview of their main RA related difficulties, worries, and overall understanding of quality of life. Information on the patients’ physical function was also obtained by means of the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ). Patients present a mean HAQ score of 1.42 (SD=0.69). Main findings from the interviews highlight the importance given to being autonomous and feeling independent and healthy. In addition, underlying psychological problems (e.g. depressive signs; coping with progressive dependence) and concerns with social relationships (e.g. perceived support, loneliness) emerged as significant facets of living with the disease. Despite different treatments, RA still has many deleterious consequences which from the patients’ perspective include, among other, persistent pain, functional disability, fatigue, and depression. Along with treating RA signs and associated medical evolution, medical staff should consider and deeply understand the patients’ needs, expectations and main perceived determinants of their quality of life.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate if a smaller morse taper abutment has a negative effect on the fracture resistance of implant-abutment connections under oblique compressive loads compared to a conventional abutment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty morse taper conventional abutments (4.8 mm diameter) and smaller abutments (3.8 mm diameter) were tightened (20 Ncm) to their respective implants (3.5 x 11 mm) and after a 10 minute interval, implant/abutment assemblies were subjected to static compressive test, performed in a universal test machine with 1 mm/min displacement, at 45degrees inclination. The maximum deformation force was determined. Data were statistically analyzed by student t test. RESULTS: Maximum deformation force of 4.8 mm and 3.8 mm abutments was approximately 95.33 kgf and 95.25 kgf, respectively, but no fractures were noted after mechanical test. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the evaluated abutments were statistically similar (P=.230). CONCLUSION: Abutment measuring 3.8 mm in diameter (reduced) presented mechanical properties similar to 4.8 mm (conventional) abutments, enabling its clinical use as indicated.
Benzeneacetamides ; Collodion ; Compressive Strength ; Dental Implant-Abutment Design ; Dental Implants ; Displacement (Psychology) ; Humans ; Piperidones

Stem cell-based therapy has been investigated in a number of degenerative and traumatic diseases, including spinal cord injury. In the present study, we investigated the use of autologous mesenchymal stem cells in the functional rehabilitation of a domestic cat presenting a compressive L1-L5 fracture. Bone marrow cells collected by puncture of the iliac crest were cultured to obtain mesenchymal stem cells three weeks before surgery. Hemilaminectomy was performed, followed by injection of the mesenchymal stem cells in the injured area. Clinical evaluation of the animal prior to surgery showed absence of pain, muscular tonus, and panniculi reflexes. Seven days after surgery and cell transplantation the examination revealed a progressive recovery of the panniculus reflexes and of the responses to superficial and deep pain stimuli despite the low proprioceptive and hyperreflexic ataxic hind limbs. Physiotherapy protocols were applied for clinical rehabilitation after surgery. The cat's first steps, three-minute weight-bearing, and intestine and urinary bladder partial reestablishment were observed 75 days post-surgery. Our results indicate the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells in chronic spinal cord injuries.
Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; Cats ; Cell Transplantation ; Extremities ; Intestines ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; Punctures ; Reflex ; Spinal Cord ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; Stem Cell Transplantation ; Stem Cells ; Transplants ; Urinary Bladder ; Weight-Bearing