The stem cells of human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) are considered to be one of the main sources of seed cells in stem cell therapy. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) on neurogenic differentiation of SHEDs. With the consent of parents, SHEDs from 6 to 8 year old children were isolated and cultured. The mesenchymal stemness and the potential of multidirectional (adipogenic and osteogenic) differentiation for the isolated SHEDs were firstly determined. The effect of CNTF on specific neurogenic differentiation of SHEDs was then examined by detecting the expression of marker genes and proteins via RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence microscopy. The isolated SHEDs expressed specific surface markers of mesenchymal stem cells, and their potential of osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation were confirmed. CNTF promoted the differentiation of SHEDs into neuron-like cells with a high expression of acetylcholine transferase (CHAT), a marker of cholinergic neurons. The expression of other neuron markers including nestin, microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP 2), and β-tublin III was also detected. Interestingly, the expression of neurogenic markers was maintained at a high level after neurogenic induction. SHEDs can be induced by CNTF to differentiate into cholinergic neuron-like cells under appropriate culture conditions. Our findings have laid a foundation for future use of SHEDs to treat neurological diseases.This article is inspired by a pseudo Oxford-style debate, which was held in Tel Aviv University, Israel at the International Conference on Virtual Rehabilitation (ICVR) 2019, which is the official conference of the International Society for Virtual Rehabilitation. The debate, between two 2-person teams with a moderator, was organized by the ICVR Program committee to address the question “Will virtual rehabilitation replace clinicians?” It brought together five academics with technical, research, and/or clinical backgrounds-Gerry Fluet, Tal Krasovsky, Anat Lubetzky, Philippe Archambault, W. Geoffrey Wright-to debate the pros and cons of using virtual reality (VR) and related technologies to help assess, diagnose, treat, and track recovery, and more specifically investigate the likelihood that advanced technology will ultimately replace human clinicians. Both teams were assigned a side to defend, whether it represented their own viewpoint or not, and to take whatever positions necessary to make a persuasive argument and win the debate. In this paper we present a recapitulation of the arguments presented by both sides, and further include an in-depth consideration of the question. We attempt to judiciously lay out a number of arguments that fall along a spectrum from moderate to extreme; the most extreme and/or indefensible positions are presented for rhetorical and demonstrative purposes. Although there may not be a clear answer today, this paper raises questions which are related to the basic nature of the rehabilitation profession, and to the current and potential role of technology within it.

Despite being the gold standard of research to determine effectiveness, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) often struggle with participant recruitment, engagement and retention. These issues may be exacerbated when recruiting vulnerable populations, such as participants with mental health issues. We aimed to update understanding of the scope of these problems in trials of health technology and identify possible solutions through reflecting on experiences from an exemplar trial (Online Remote Behavioural Intervention for Tics; ORBIT).

We extracted anonymised data on recruitment, retention and requests for more funding and time from trials funded by the largest funder of health technology trials in the UK (the National Institute of Health Research Health Technology Assessment) between 2010 and 2020, and compared these with data from a recent, successful trial (ORBIT). ORBIT aimed to assess the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of blended online and human behavioural therapy for tics in young people. p38 MAPK activation Many ofre appropriately costed and future research focusses on improving trial design and delivery.

The ORBIT trial is registered with ISRTCN ( ISRCTN70758207 ) Registered on March 20, 2018. and ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT03483493 ). Registered on March 30, 2018.

The ORBIT trial is registered with ISRTCN ( ISRCTN70758207 ) Registered on March 20, 2018. and ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT03483493 ). Registered on March 30, 2018.

More than half of the unaccompanied young refugees (UYRs) resettled in Europe report elevated levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and comorbid symptoms. Earlier studies have highlighted the effectiveness of the trauma-focused preventive group intervention “Mein Weg” (English “My Way”), and the feasibility of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) for UYRs. Both interventions are deemed to be empirically supported treatments (ESTs). However, UYRs seldom receive ESTs or, in fact, any treatment at all. In view of the high need and the limited treatment resources available, a stepped-care approach is indicated but has not been evaluated so far. The purpose of this trial is to compare the stepped-care approach BETTER CARE with usual care enhanced with screening and indication (usual care+).

In a cluster randomized controlled trial involving N = 540 UYRs living in up to N = 54 child and youth welfare service (CYWS) facilities, BETTER CARE will be compared with usual care+. We will randouthern Germany.

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00017453 . Registered on 11 December 2019.

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00017453 . Registered on 11 December 2019.

The dramatic spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections calls for reliable, inexpensive tools to quickly identify patients with a poor prognosis. In this study, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was assessed within 72h after admission of each of 153 consecutive, SARS-CoV-2 infected, adult patients to either of two hospitals in Tenerife, Spain, using suitable routine laboratory tests for lymphocyte counts, as well as ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and C-reactive protein levels. Results were correlated with the patients’ respiratory function, defined through their pulse oximetric saturation/fraction of inspired oxygen (SpO2/FiO2) ratio.

Within 72h from admission, criteria matched ARDS (SpO2/FiO2 < 235) in 13.1% of cases. We found a significant, negative correlation between SpO2/FiO2 ratios and D-dimer, ferritin, and LDH levels (- 0.31, - 0.32, and - 0.41; p = 0.004, 0.004, and < 0.0001, respectively). In patients with ARDS, the mean LDH was 373 U/L (CI

300.6-445.3), but only 298 U/L (CI

274.