Words Matter: Charting the Landscape of US and International Health Profession Organizations' Public Statements About FGM/C.

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is common across the globe and seen in high income countries that host migrants from high prevalence countries. Management of FGM/C in the host countries can be complicated due its often conflicting social, cultural, ethical, legal, and medical dynamics. Health profession organizations often create policy and position statements that set the tone and direction for the organization and describe desired methods, behaviors and actions applicable to the entire organization and its members. It is unclear whether or what organizational statements exist on FGM/C. We reviewed publicly available statements made by health profession organizations whose members care for women and girls affected by or at risk for, FGM/C, and assessed their content related to medicalization, reinfibulation and vacation cutting. Of a total of 47 organizations, 24 (51%) had any statements. Of 15 physician organizations, only 4 (26%) US-based physician organizations had any statements. 17 had specific statements on clinician involvement, but the tone and instructional nature varied. Re-infibulation was mentioned by 41% organizations with statements. 29% mentioned vacation cutting. Many, but not all, health profession organizations have statements for their members on FGM/C, and those vary in what is covered, and in what recommendations are given. Health profession organizations serve and are the face and voice of their members. As such, they have a responsibility to educate their members, set the tone for the conversation, and make their stand clear to their members and other stakeholders, including patients.

Assessment of Correlation between Clinical Parameters and Pulp Canal Pathogens in Endodontic Pathologies: A Microbiological Study.

INTRODUCTION: Success and failure of root canal therapy is largely dependent on the clinician and the patient. Once the tooth is restored into its functional and esthetic place, the root canal therapy is considered to be complete. It is a well-known fact that root canal space acts as a rich reservoir for microorganisms. Past studies show that root canal harbors an array of different microorganisms. Streptococcus mitis and Enterococcus faecalis have been found to be the most prevalent microorganisms isolated from the infected pulp canal space. Hence, we evaluated the association of endodontic signs and symptoms with root canal pathogens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 patients were selected for the study and divided broadly into two groups: Group I containing patients with primary infection and group II containing patients in which retreatment was required. Both groups contained 60 patients each. Clinical parameters recorded for the study are pain, tenderness on percussion, swelling, periapical radiolucency on radiographic analysis, caries, sinus formation, and tooth mobility. After assessment, opening, and initial filing, sterile paper points were inserted into the root canal space for collection of microbiological sample, which was further send to laboratory for cultural analysis. All the results were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test were used to evaluate the level of significance. RESULTS: While comparing the mean age of the patients in the two groups, no significant association was seen. Statistically significant results were obtained while comparing the association between pain and S. mitis. Positive correlation was seen on comparing the association between tenderness on percussion and E. faecalis. Also, a positive association was seen between periapical radiolucency and S. mitis. CONCLUSION: Strong positive correlation exists between S. mitis and E. faecalis and endodontic signs and symptoms. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Sound knowledge regarding the association of microbes of root canal and specific endodontic signs and symptoms could help therapeutic management of root canal infections effectively.

Efficient procurement of epithelial stem cells from human tissue specimens using a Rho-associated protein kinase inhibitor Y-27632.

The efficient culture of stem cells from epithelial tissues such as skin and corneas is important for both experimental studies and clinical applications of tissue engineering. We now demonstrate that treatment of human-skin-derived keratinocytes with a Rho-associated protein kinase inhibitor Y-27632 for the initial 6 days of primary culture can increase the number of keratinocytes that possess stem cell properties to form colonies during in vitro culture of freshly isolated cells and subsequent passage (50-fold). Further, we show that Y-27632 treatment can increase the total number of prostate epithelial cells derived from human prostate specimens. Therefore, the use of Y-27632 during primary cultures offers a simple and effective way to prepare a large number of epithelial stem cells from various human epithelial tissues.