Survey research in podiatric medicine: An analysis of the reporting of response rates and non-response bias.

Background: Survey research is common practice in podiatry literature and many other health-related fields. An important component of the reporting of survey results is the provision of sufficient information to permit readers to understand the validity and representativeness of the results presented. However, the quality of survey reporting measures in the body of podiatry literature has not been systematically reviewed.

A Novel Thermochromic Liquid Crystal Fabric Design for the Early Detection of High-Risk Foot Complications.

Background: We developed a prototype of a novel thermochromic liquid crystal (TLC)–coated fabric with an extended temperature range and enhanced sensitivity. By incorporating color and pattern recognition into the fabric, rapid determination of the underlying pedal temperature is facilitated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the TLC fabric as a potential diagnostic aid for identifying complications in the high-risk foot.

Assessment plan for student academic achievement: one college's perspective.

The general public has become increasingly concerned about the accomplishments of education. Accrediting bodies are holding institutions of higher education accountable for educational services and are demanding a variety of assessment activities. This article presents the plan for assessment of student achievement at the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine.

Lecture capture: enhancing learning through technology at the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine.

Background: The intent of this research was to evaluate the Mediasite lecture capture system at the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (formerly the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine) to determine the acceptance, use and benefits to both students and faculty and to identify any concerns, limitations, and suggestions for expansion. There is extreme debate on the effect of lecture capture on student attendance included in the research.

Methods: Two surveys were compiled, one each for students and faculty.

Prediction of plantar shear stress distribution by artificial intelligence methods.

Shear forces under the human foot are thought to be responsible for various foot pathologies such as diabetic plantar ulcers and athletic blisters. Frictional shear forces might also play a role in the metatarsalgia observed among hallux valgus (HaV) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Due to the absence of commercial devices capable of measuring shear stress distribution, a number of linear models were developed.

Forefoot plantar shear stress distribution in hallux valgus patients.

Background: Hallux valgus is a common foot disorder often experienced with secondary callosities and metatarsalgia. Many factors including improper shoes might be responsible in the pathophysiology of the problem. Hallux valgus deformity has been shown to alter the biomechanics of the whole foot rather than affecting only the great toe.

Qualitative histological evaluation of photooxidized bovine osteochondral grafts in rabbits: a pilot study.

Photooxidation is a treatment that can render tissue less immunogenic and resistant to enzymatic degradation, while maintaining the mechanical properties of the material. The purpose of this study was to histologically examine the biocompatibility of photooxidized bovine osteochondral grafts when implanted into the rabbit. Two holes were drilled into the patellar groove of the rabbit knee.

Immunogenicity of unprocessed and photooxidized bovine and human osteochondral grafts in collagen-sensitive mice.

Background: Autologous and allogeneic osteochondral grafts have been used to repair damaged or diseased cartilage. There are drawbacks to both of these methods, however. Another possible source for osteochondral grafting is photooxidized xenograft scaffolds.

Immunologic testing of xeno-derived osteochondral grafts using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy human donors.

Background: One means of treating osteoarthritis is with autologous or allogeneic osteochondral grafts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the innate immunological response in humans toward xeno-derived osteochondral grafts that have been partially or entirely treated by the photooxidation process.

Methods: The antigens tested included bovine, porcine, ovine and equine osteochondral samples that have been treated in successive steps of photooxidation.

Effect of a diode laser on wound healing by using diabetic and nondiabetic mice.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a 980-nm gallium-aluminum-arsenide diode laser for wound healing. Using genetically diabetic and nondiabetic mice, two 6-mm wounds were created on the back of each mouse by using a punch biopsy. The mice were assigned to 1 of 4 subgroups for laser treatment at different fluence and frequency of treatment: 5 W (18 J/cm2) every 2 days, 5 W (18 J/cm2) every 4 days, 10 W (36 J/cm2) every 2 days, and 10 W (36 J/cm2) every 4 days.

Enhancement of the fixation of pyrolytic carbon implants by using atomic oxygen texturing.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect on the biocompatibility and biologic fixation of atomic oxygen-textured pyrolytic carbon. The implants consisted of unalloyed pyrolytic carbon rods, with half the length of the rod textured by atomic oxygen, and the other half retaining the as-deposited surface that normally occurs during the manufacturing process. The rods were implanted transcortically across the distal portion of the femurs of 6 adult male rabbits for 8 weeks.