A comparative study in elective repair of large incisional hernias using on-lay mesh vs. sub-lay mesh: a meta-analysis.

Ventral abdominal wall incisional hernia is defined as a defect in the musculo-fascial layers of the abdominal wall in the region of the postoperative scar. There is a slight increase in the incidence of incisional hernia in the female gender. The higher percentage of incisional hernia in females might be due to laxity of abdominal wall muscles after multiple pregnancies and also an increased incidence of obesity in females. To assess incisional hernia repair using two different techniques: on-lay mesh and sub-lay mesh, as regards operative time, postoperative recurrence, wound infection, seroma, hematoma, and flap necrosis. Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched on 15 March 2022. The keywords incisional hernia, sub-lay mesh on-lay mesh, retromuscular mesh, and polypropylene. According to our results, there is a statistical difference between onlay and sublay regarding intra-operative time as sublay mesh is more time-consuming. Regarding postoperative complications, there is no statistical difference in recurrence, seroma, hematoma, flap necrosis, and infection but there is a statistical difference regarding in hospital stay as patients with sub-lay repair stays less than only.

Successful Management of Severe Unresponsive Snake Bite Envenomation Using Plasmapheresis and Corticosteroid at Egyptian National Environmental and Clinical Toxicology Research Center: A Case Report.

Snakebite is a significant public health issue in which venom-induced consumption coagulopathy is a common and serious complication that results from the activation of the coagulation pathway by snake toxins. We report a male patient, 56 y old, who was thought to have been bitten by a snake on his left foot. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he received analgesics and 3 snake polyvalent antivenom vials, and then he was transported to our hospital after 12 h. He presented with 2 small puncture wounds, pain, blistering, and edema of the left foot. On the 2nd day, the patient developed gingival bleeding and hematuria. Laboratory investigations upon admission revealed prothrombin time (PT) of more than 3 min, prothrombin concentration (PC) of less than 2.5%, and an international normalized ratio (INR) of 23.43. Further investigation of urine showed more than 100 RBCs. Despite receiving 16 packs of plasma and 40 snake polyvalent antivenom vials manufactured by VACSERA over 3 days, hemoglobin concentration and platelet count decreased with the appearance of jaundice, lactate dehydrogenase was 520, and reticulocytes were 3.5%. PT was more than 300 s, and INR was still over range. Plasmapheresis and corticosteroids were provided, which improved the patient's general condition, PT, PC, and INR, and the patient was discharged after 6 days of hospital stay. This case report indicated that plasmapheresis and corticosteroids were clinically efficient approaches in the management of snake envenomation unresponsive to antivenom.

Comparison between stapled hemorrhoidopexy and harmonic scalpel hemorrhoidectomy in the management of third- and fourth-degree piles: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the results of stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH) and harmonic scalpel hemorrhoidectomy (HSH) in the management of grade III and grade IV piles regarding the time of the procedure, postoperative pain, patient satisfaction, wound infection, bleeding, incontinence, and recurrence within 1 year. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a single-blind, prospective, randomized, controlled, single-center trial conducted from January to December 2022 that included 50 (68.75%) male and 20 (31.25%) female patients with third- and fourth-degree piles. RESULTS: The patients were divided into two groups of 35 patients each. Group I underwent SH and group II underwent HSH. The mean age of group I was 42.94 years and of group II, 42.20 years. The mean time of the procedure was 24.42 min ± 2.367 for SH and 31.48 min ± 2.21 for HSH. Postoperative pain in group I was lower than in group II during the first 2 weeks, but there was persistent mild pain in most patients in group I at the 2­week follow-up. In group II there was significant improvement in pain after 2 weeks, with higher patient satisfaction. Wound infection was detected in 3 (5%) patients in group I and no patients in group II (p = 0.077). Postoperative bleeding occurred in 4 (11.4%) patients in group I in the form of spotting after defecation only during the first postoperative month; no bleeding was detected in group II (p = 0.039). There were 3 (15%) cases of flatus incontinence but after taking a detailed history these were found to be cases of urgency to defecate rather than incontinence. There were 7 (20%) cases of recurrence at the 1­year follow-up in group I and 1 (2.9%) case in group II (p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: Compared with SH, HSH was safer, easier, and associated with a lower incidence of recurrence after 1 year and with higher patient satisfaction.

Extended platelet-rich fibrin.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been characterized as a regenerative biomaterial that is fully resorbed within a typical 2-3 week period. Very recently, however, a novel heating process was shown to extend the working properties of PRP/PRF from a standard 2-3 week period toward a duration of 4-6 months. Numerous clinicians have now utilized this extended-PRF (e-PRF) membrane as a substitute for collagen barrier membranes in various clinical applications, such as guided tissue/bone regeneration. This review article summarizes the scientific work to date on this novel technology, including its current and future applications in periodontology, implant dentistry, orthopedics and facial aesthetics. A systematic review was conducted investigating key terms including "Bio-Heat," "albumin gel," "albumin-PRF," "Alb-PRF," "extended-PRF," "e-PRF," "activated plasma albumin gel," and "APAG" by searching databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE and PubMed. Findings from preclinical studies demonstrate that following a simple 10-min heating process, the transformation of the liquid plasma albumin layer into a gel-like injectable albumin gel extends the resorption properties to at least 4 months according to ISO standard 10 993 (subcutaneous animal model). Several clinical studies have now demonstrated the use of e-PRF membranes as a replacement for collagen membranes in GTR/GBR procedures, closing lateral windows in sinus grafting procedures, for extraction site management, and as a stable biological membrane during recession coverage procedures. Furthermore, Alb-PRF may also be injected as a regenerative biological filler that lasts extended periods with advantages in joint injections, osteoarthritis and in the field of facial aesthetics. This article highlights the marked improvement in the stability and degradation properties of the novel Alb-PRF/e-PRF technology with its widespread future potential use as a potential replacement for collagen membranes with indications including extraction site management, GBR procedures, lateral sinus window closure, recession coverage among others, and further highlights its use as a biological regenerative filler for joint injections and facial aesthetics. It is hoped that this review will pioneer future opportunities and research development in the field, leading to further progression toward more natural and less costly biomaterials for use in medicine and dentistry.

A comparative study between high ligation of the inter-sphincteric fistula tract via lateral Approach Versus Fistulotomy and primary sphincteroplasty in High Trans-Sphincteric Fistula-in-Ano: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Trans-sphincteric fistula management is very challenging and everyday new techniques are introduced to reach the safest and the most effective technique. In this study two of the most effective techniques are compared based on their post-operative outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of high ligation of the inter-sphincteric fistula tract by lateral approach (modified LIFT) and Fistulotomy and primary sphincteroplasty (FIPS) in the management of high trans-sphincteric fistula regarding their post-operative outcomes in the form of post-operative pain, time of wound healing in weeks, wound infection, incontinence and recurrence within one year. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The current study is single-blind, prospective, randomized, controlled, single-center trial conducted from June 2020 to June 2022 in the colorectal surgical unit of Ain Shams University Hospitals, which included 80 patients presented with high trans-sphincteric perianal fistula 55 (68.75%) males and 25 (31.25%) including a one-year follow-up postoperative. RESULTS: There were 80 patients in our study 40 patients in each group. The mean age of group (I) is 46.65 with standard deviation 6.6. while, in group (II) the mean age is 45.85 with standard deviation 6.07 (p = 0.576). From the included 80 patients 55(68.7%) were males and 25 (31.25%) were females (p = 0.469). Regarding, postoperative wound infection occurred in 2(5%) Patients in group (I) and 7(17.5%) patients in group (II) (p = 0.154). There were no cases of incontinence in group I. However, there were 6(15%) cases of incontinence to gases only scored by Wexner score 3/20 in group II (p = 0.026) and its significant difference between the two techniques. Postoperative pain was assessed for one week duration by the visual analogue score (VAS) from 0 to 10 in which, zero is the least and 10 is the maximum. In group (I) 18(45%) patients scored their pain mild from 1 to 3, 20(50%) patients scored their pain moderate from 4 to 6 and 2(5%) patients scored severe pain from 7 to 9. While, in group (II) 14(35%) patients scored their pain mild from 1 to 3, 22(55%) patients their pain moderate from 4 to 6 and 4(10%) patients scored their pain severe from 7 to 9 (p = 0.275). Recurrence in one-year follow-up occurred in 13(32.5%) patients in group (I) about 7 patients had recurrence in the form of inter-sphincteric fistula and 6 patients in the form of trans-sphincteric fistula. While, in group II recurrence occurred in 1 (2.5%) patient in the form of subcutaneous fistula at the healing site (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Fistulotomy and primary sphincteroplasty is an effective and preferred technique for the trans-sphincteric fistula repair with high statistically significant lower incidence of recurrence in one-year follow-up as compared to modified LIFT technique. Although, there is higher incidence regarding incontinence to gases only post-operative. This work recommends fistulotomy and primary sphincter reconstruction procedure in high trans-sphincteric perianal fistulas to be more popular, to be implemented as a corner stone procedure along various and classic operations for such cases as it's easy, feasible.

Patient-reported outcomes of palatal donor site healing using four different wound dressing modalities following free epithelialized mucosal grafts: A four-arm randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of four different commonly used wound dressings in improving patient reported outcomes (PROMS) after free epithelialized mucosal grafts (FEGs) harvesting. METHODS: Following 72 FEGs harvesting from 72 patients, patients were assigned into four groups. CONTROL: collagen plug + sutures (CPS); test: collagen plug with cyano-acrylate (CPC), platelet rich fibrin (PRF) + sutures, or palatal stent only (PS). Patients were observed for 14 days, with evaluation of pain level utilizing the visual analog scale, number of analgesics consumed, need for additional analgesics, amount of swelling, amount of bleeding, activity tolerance, and willingness for retreatment. RESULTS: Compared to the control group all test groups indicated significant lower pain perception (P < 0.0001), lower analgesic consumption (P < 0.0001), and higher willingness for retreatment (P < 0.0001), while no statistically significant differences among test groups were observed. There were no statistically significant differences in amount of day-by-day swelling, bleeding, and activity tolerance among four groups. Compared to other groups, the PS had the lowest overall pain scores (over the 14-day period). Palatal thickness, graft length, graft width, and graft thickness did not appear to affect patient morbidity (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: All interventions significantly decreased pain perception compared to a hemostatic collagen sponge alone over the palatal donor site after FEG surgery. In the first few days after surgery, the use of a palatal stent seemed to be associated with less overall pain, pain pills consumed, and higher willingness of doing the same procedure again.

The effect of bone particle size on the histomorphometric and clinical outcomes following lateral ridge augmentation procedures: A randomized double-blinded controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to clinically and histologically compare the amount and quality of bone gained after lateral ridge augmentation (LRA) procedures performed using small-particle (SP)-size (250-1000 µm) versus large-particle (LP)-size (1000-2000 µm) size corticocancellous bone allografts at 6 months following surgical intervention. METHODS: Twenty-two patients, each presenting with ridge width <5 mm were enrolled. Patients were randomly allocated to SP- and LP-size graft. The gain in ridge width at the level of the crest and 4 mm apical to the crest was assessed via a standardized procedure before grafting and at time of implant placement, using a surgical caliper and a novel digital technique using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Six months following the procedure, trephine bone cores were taken from 19 augmented sites of 17 patients (14/19 sites were in the posterior mandible) who completed the study for clinical, histologic, and histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (19 sites) completed the study. An LP-size graft resulted in greater ridge width gain at the level of the crest (LP 5.1 ± 1.7; SP 3.7 ± 1.3 mm; p = 0.0642) and 4 mm apical to the crest (LP 5.9 ± 2.2; SP 5.1 ± 1.8 mm; p = 0.4480) compared with the SP. No statistical significance for the bone density at the time of implant placement (p = 1.00) was found. Vital bone formation was more extensive in the SP compared with the LP (41.0 ± 10.1% vs. 31.4 ± 14.8%, respectively; p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study show a trend of higher ridge gain using LP during the bone augmentation procedure. Future research with bigger sample size should confirm the results of the present research.

Studying the Association Between Occupational Stress and Urinary Levels of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers (8-OHdG and Biopyrrins) in Brickfield Workers.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study are to measure the prevalence and level of occupational stress (OS) and to explore its association with oxidative stress among some brickfield workers. METHODS: Eighty-six brickfield workers and 90 administrative controls were assessed using the Arabic validated version of the Occupational Stress Index. The urinary levels of oxidative biomarkers; 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and biopyrrins were also measured. RESULTS: The prevalence of moderate and severe OS in addition to the urinary levels of both oxidative biomarkers was significantly higher among the brickfield workers compared with their controls. Both biomarkers levels were significantly and positively correlated with scores of Occupational Stress Index, duration of employment, and with each other. The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed significant specificity and sensitivity of both biomarkers for determining the level of OS. CONCLUSIONS: A significant association between occupational and oxidative stresses was detected in brickfield workers.

Clinical applications of mucogingival therapies utilizing adjunctive autologous blood products.

BACKGROUND: Mucogingival deformities are prevalent oral conditions and can result in esthetic compromise, dentinal hypersensitivity, and an increase in radicular caries rates. Mucogingival treatments address thin periodontal phenotype and/or gingival recession defects. Although many of these grafting procedures are predictable in improving soft-tissue quality and quantity around teeth and dental implants, patients often complain of discomfort at both the donor and recipient sites. Free gingival grafts and coronally advanced flaps alone or in combination with subepithelial connective tissue graft and/or acellular dermal matrix are among the most common surgical procedures employed to achieve root coverage and enhance periodontal phenotype. Autologous blood products (ABPs) contain platelets, growth factors, leukocytes, and stem cells that contribute to cell mitosis, collagen production, and angiogenesis, leading to the healing and regeneration of hard and soft tissue. Evaluation of the adjunctive role of ABPs in mucogingival surgery and their impacts on clinical and patient-centered data is critical to achieve optimal patient-reported outcome measures based upon the current scientific evidence. METHODS: We present exemplar cases in which adjunctive ABPs were utilized in mucogingival treatment to enhance treatment outcomes. RESULTS: No adverse events were noted. Satisfactory treatment outcomes were achieved in patients with local and/or systemic compromise when mucogingival therapies were used in combination with ABPs. CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive use of ABPs may enhance outcomes of mucogingival therapy. Utilization of adjunctive ABPs may be particularly advantageous in situations where the predictability of clinical and esthetic outcomes is limited due to anatomical and/or patient factors.

A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial to Compare Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Access and Sulcular Tunnel Access Root Coverage Procedures to Treat Gingival Recession.

The aim of this randomized prospective study was to compare clinical and patient-centered outcomes of Miller Class I and II gingival recession defects treated with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) grafts and either vestibular incision subperiosteal tunneling access (VISTA) or sulcular tunnel access (STA) techniques. A total of 29 gingival recession defects in nine patients were assessed to determine clinical outcomes, including probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), width of keratinized tissue (KT), width of attached tissue (AT), tissue thickness at the gingival margin (TT1), and tissue thickness 4 mm apical to the gingival margin (TT2). Visual analog scale (VAS) assessment of patient-perceived pain, bleeding, swelling, and changes in activity were assessed postoperatively at 7 and 30 days, and professional assessment of postoperative esthetics using the Pink Esthetic Score (PES) was performed at 6 months. All sites demonstrated significant improvements in midfacial GR. No statistically significant differences were noted between the VISTA and STA groups for clinical or patient-centered outcomes, except for preferable midfacial AT in the VISTA sites at 6 months. These findings indicate that both surgical techniques can be used with ADM grafts to achieve improvements in root coverage, alterations in periodontal phenotype, and improved esthetics with high levels of patient satisfaction.

Exploring the Link Between the Serum/Blood Levels of Heavy Metals (Pb, As, Cd, and Cu) and 2 Novel Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Stress (Growth Differentiation Factor 15 and Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2) in Copper Smelter Workers.

OBJECTIVE: Studying the association between the occupational exposure to Pb, As, Cd, and Cu with the serum levels of 2 novel biomarkers of cardiovascular stress; growth differentiation factor 15 and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2, in some Egyptian Cu smelter workers. METHODS: Forty-one exposed workers and 41 administrative controls were clinically evaluated. Serum/blood levels of heavy metals and biomarkers were measured for both groups. RESULTS: The smelter workers showed significantly elevated levels of heavy metals and biomarkers compared with controls. The elevated serum levels of both biomarkers were significantly and positively correlated with each other, the levels of heavy metals, and the duration of employment of the exposed workers. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant association between the levels of heavy metals and both biomarkers among the smelter workers. Further prospective studies should be performed.

Is the degree of physiological bone remodeling a predictive factor for peri-implantitis?

BACKGROUND: The amount of initial physiological bone remodeling (IPBR) after implant placement varies and the ways it may play a role in peri-implantitis development remains unknown. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the association between the amount of IPBR during the first year of implant placement and incidence of peri-implantitis as well as the pattern of progressive bone loss. METHODS: Clinical and radiographic documentation of implants at the time of implant placement (T0), 1 year ± 6 months after crown placement (T1), and at a ≥2-year follow-up from implant placement (T2) were retrospectively collected. IPBR was defined as the bone loss occurring from implant placement to the end of the bone remodeling (T1). Cases were grouped into those diagnosed with (test) or without peri-implantitis (PIm) (control). Linear regression model under generalized estimation equation approach was estimated to assess correlation between marginal bone loss (MBL) rates in both periods (T1-T0) and (T2-T1). Receiver operating characteristics curve was estimated to explore an optimal cut-off point of T1-T0 MBL to discriminate between PIm and no-PIm implants. RESULTS: A total of 45 patients receiving 57 implants without PIm and 40 with PIm were included. There were no associations between PIm and IPBR (p > 0.05), nor between BML of (T2-T1) and (T1-T0). However, arch and total follow-up showed significant influence on the probability of PIm. Splinted implants showed an MBL rate of 0.60-mm/year higher than non-splinted implants (p < 0.001) from T1 to T2. CONCLUSION: No statistically significant association was found between IPBR and incidence of peri-implantitis.

Choosing the Ideal Implant-Supported Prosthesis for an Edentulous Maxilla: Three Key Prosthetic Parameters.

Assessment of patient- and prosthetic-specific factors in identifying the ideal implant-supported prosthesis helps enable the delivery of a dental restoration that can meet the esthetic, functional, physiologic, psychologic, financial, and time goals of the patient. For practitioners, determining the relative risks and benefits of removable and fixed implant-supported prostheses for restoration of an edentulous maxilla can be challenging. Proper treatment selection requires thorough examination, diagnosis, and a systematic approach to treatment planning. Consideration of both prosthetic and surgical outcomes is necessary to ensure the restoration of facial structures and oral function. This article discusses three prosthetic parameters essential to determining whether a patient's needs can be best met with a fixed or removable prosthesis: prosthetic space, lip support, and transition line. Standardized treatment planning considerations are presented to facilitate the clinician's step-by-step diagnostic and decision-making processes.

Association between lateral wall thickness and sinus membrane perforation during lateral sinus elevation: A retrospective study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the influence of the thickness of the sinus lateral wall on the incidence of sinus membrane perforation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing dental records of patients who received lateral wall sinus elevation in two educational institutes. The wall thickness 4 mm and 6 mm coronal to the sinus floor was measured with CBCT. The occurrence of sinus membrane perforation was recorded and correlated to the wall thickness using a multilevel regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 209 CBCT scans and patient records (N = 251 sinuses, with 42 scans exhibiting bilateral sinuses) were included. The mean residual ridge height was 3.33 ± 1.41 mm. Sinus membrane perforation occurred in 67 sites. The overall mean lateral wall thickness was 1.59 ± 0.84 mm and 1.58 ± 0.83 mm at 4 mm and 6 mm coronal to the sinus floor, respectively. The mean wall thickness at 4 mm and 6 mm coronal to the sinus floor in the perforation group was 2.43 ± 0.56 mm and 2.41 ± 0.56 mm respectively, compared to 1.21 ± 0.40 mm and 1.23 ± 0.41 mm respectively in the non-perforation group (P < 0.01). The perforation rate was 56.4% if the lateral wall thickness at 4 mm coronal to the sinus floor was ≥ 2 mm and 12.1% if it was ≤ 1 mm. A similar difference in perforation rate was reported for the wall thickness measured at 6 mm coronal to the sinus floor (57.9% vs 13.4%). There was no statistically significant difference between smokers and non-smokers regarding perforation rate (P = 0.9604). The presence of sinus septa and sinus wall irregularities did not display a statistically significant difference (P = 0.7155 and P = 0.2971, respectively). CONCLUSION: The thickness of the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus was related to the occurrence of membrane perforation.

Extraction Socket Grafting and Ridge Augmentation Failures Associated with Clindamycin Antibiotic Therapy: A Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to determine if penicillin allergy and/or clindamycin therapy may contribute to a higher incidence of postsurgical infections after bone augmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed patients between 2014 and 2019 who received bone augmentation procedures (socket grafting [SG]; ridge augmentation [RA]) prior to placement of dental implants. All the grafting procedures were performed under preoperative and postoperative oral antibiotic coverage with either amoxicillin or clindamycin for patients who reported penicillin allergy. Infections associated with the bone augmentation procedures were recorded. RESULTS: In this study, 1,814 patients received 2,961 bone augmentation procedures (2,530 SG, 431 RA). In the 2,530 SG procedures, 270 (10.7%) were associated with a penicillin allergy. Infections occurred in 91 of the 2,530 SG sites (3.6%). However, the infection rate was 10.7% (29 SG sites) for clindamycin and only 2.7% (62 SG sites) for amoxicillin (P < .02). In the 431 RA procedures, 71 (16.5%) were associated with a penicillin allergy. Overall infections occurred in 31 of the 431 sites (7.2%). However, the infection rate was 22.5% (16 RA sites) for clindamycin and only 4.2% for amoxicillin (15 RA sites; P < .01). Penicillin-allergic patients taking clindamycin demonstrated a higher risk of infection with a risk ratio of 6.9 (95% CI) and 4.5 (95% CI) compared with nonallergic patients taking amoxicillin for RA and SG, respectively. CONCLUSION: Penicillin allergy and the use of clindamycin following SG and RA procedures was associated with a higher rate of infection and may be a risk factor for bone augmentation complications.

An Updated Decision Tree for Vertical Bone Augmentation.

Vertical bone augmentation (VBA) procedures for dental implant placement are biologically and technically challenging. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies on VBA have failed to identify clinical procedures that provide superior results for treatment of the vertical ridge deficiencies. A decision tree was developed to guide clinicians on selecting treatment options based on reported vertical bone gains (< 5 mm, 5 to 8 mm, > 8 mm). The choice of a particular augmentation technique will also depend on other factors, including the size and morphology of the defect, location, and clinician or patient preferences. Surgeons should consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option for the clinical situation and select an approach with low complications, low cost, and the highest likelihood of success.

The impact of anatomic, patient and surgical factors on membrane perforation during lateral wall sinus floor elevation.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the influence of anatomical, patient and surgical factors on the occurrence of membrane perforation (MP) during lateral window sinus floor elevation (LWSFE). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review of LWSFE patient records between 2014 and 2019 accounted for MP occurrence, window surface area (WSA), intravenous sedation use, osteotomy instrument type and clinician experience. Preoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were analyzed for lateral wall thickness (LWT), LFM and LAM angles formed between lateral and medial walls at the floor and anterior wall, respectively, sinus width at 5-, 10- and 15-mm (LM-5, LM-10 and LM-15) from the floor, residual bone height (RBH), sinus pathologies, septa and arterial anastomoses. The generalized estimating equation (GEE) approach with a sandwich variance-covariance estimator was used to evaluate the associations with MP. RESULTS: MP occurred in 25.74% of 202 LWSFE procedures (166 patients). Mean 1.6 mm-LWT, 3.2 mm-RBH, 95°-LFM, 75.5°-LAM, 12 mm-LM-5, 20.79% septa, 16.83% arterial anastomosis, 37.62% sinus pathology and 29.21% intravenous sedations, 85.24% WSA ≥ 40 mm2 and 57% >10 procedures/clinician were reported. Greater MP rates were encountered as follows: 38.3% (LWT ≥ 1.5 mm), 38% (LFM < 90°), 59.6% (LAM < 70°), 45.4% (LM-5 < 10 mm) and 36.4% (WSA ranged > 80 mm2 ), with statistically significant associations with all these outcomes (p < .05). The presence of pathologies was also associated with MP (p = .013). Associations between MP and the presence of septa and arterial anastomoses, age/gender, right/left sinus, RBH, clinician's experience, instrument type and intravenous sedation use could not be demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: MP is significantly associated with thicker lateral walls, narrower sinuses, larger windows and existing sinus pathology.

Management of a Large Artery During Maxillary Sinus Bone Grafting: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Branches of the posterior superior artery (PSA) are often found within the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus. Most vessels are small and laceration of the blood vessel during sinus augmentation is not uncommon. Such lacerations can result in intra-surgical bleeding complicating the augmentation procedure, otherwise they are typically non-life threatening. The purpose of the present case report is to document a maxillary sinus floor augmentation procedure involving displacement of large artery from its bony canal using a piezoelectric device. CASE PRESENTATION: A maxillary sinus floor augmentation procedure was performed in a 58-year-old healthy female planned for a future implant supported fixed prosthesis. The preoperative computed tomography scan revealed a bony canal within the lateral maxillary sinus wall of the alveolar ridge. The artery tracing obvious on the lateral wall was elevated along with the Schneiderian membrane without any complication or hemorrhage using a piezoelectric device system. The postoperative healing was uneventful. CONCLUSION: Elevation of a large diameter PSA branch with the Schneiderian membrane significantly minimizes the risk of vessel laceration and hemorrhagic complications.

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among Egyptian printing workers evidenced by using serum biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, muscle injury, and collagen type I turnover.

OBJECTIVE: Printing workers experience a high rate of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study aims to determine the prevalence of MSDs, estimate serum biomarkers denoting musculoskeletal tissue changes, and determine some individual risk factors for MSDs among Egyptian printing workers. METHODS: Eighty-five male printing workers and 90 male administrative employees (control group) were recruited from a printing press in Giza. A validated version of the standardized Nordic questionnaire was used. Serum biomarkers of inflammation (interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and C-reactive protein (CRP)), cell stress or injury (malondialdehyde (MDA) and creatine kinase skeletal muscle (CK-MM)), and collagen metabolism (collagen-I carboxy-terminal propeptide (PICP) and type-I collagen cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTx)) were measured for all participants. RESULTS: This study showed a significant (p < 0.001) prevalence of the musculoskeletal symptoms (76.5%) and significant (p < 0.001) elevation in the levels of all measured biomarkers among the printing workers (means ± SD: IL-1α = 1.55 ± 0.9, IL-1ß = 1.53 ± 0.87, IL-6 = 1.55 ± 0.85, TNF-α = 4.9 ± 2.25, CRP = 6.78 ± 3.07, MDA = 3.41 ± 1.29, CK-MM = 132.47 ± 69.01, PICP = 103.48 ± 36.44, and CTx = 0.47 ± 0.16) when compared with their controls (prevalence: 34.4%; means ± SD: IL-1α = 0.88 ± 0.61, IL-1ß = 0.96 ± 0.72, IL-6 = 1.03 ± 0.75, TNF-α = 2.56 ± 1.99, CRP = 2.36 ± 1.1, MDA = 0.85 ± 0.21, CK-MM = 53.48 ± 33.05, PICP = 56.49 ± 9.05, and CTx = 0.31 ± 0.06). Also, significant (p < 0.001) positive strong associations were observed between age, body mass index (BMI), and the duration of employment with all measured biomarkers, where all correlation coefficients were >0.7. CONCLUSION: Printing workers suffer a high prevalence of work-related MSDs that might be related to some individual factors (age, BMI, and duration of employment). Consequently, preventive ergonomic interventions should be applied. Further studies should be done to elucidate the link between tissue changes and detected biomarkers to follow the initiation and progression of MSDs and study the effectiveness of curative interventions.

Clinical Decision Making for Primary Peri-Implantitis Prevention: Practical Applications.

FOCUSED CLINICAL QUESTION: When planning dental implant therapy, what risk-reduction strategies allow practitioners to select patients, sites, and restorative plans that decrease the incidence of peri-implant disease? SUMMARY: With a marked increase in the number of patients receiving dental implants to treat partial or complete edentulism, it follows that the prevalence of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis have increased. Risks associated with implant therapies may vary based upon underlying local, environmental, surgical, patient, prosthetic, and fixture-related factors. Furthermore, an emphasis on preventative measures and maintenance should be undertaken to avoid development and progression of peri-implant diseases. Thorough risk assessment, proper treatment planning, and early diagnosis and intervention are critical in the absence of definitive data of long-term success of treatments for peri-implant condition. Given the difficulty in intervention once peri-implantitis is established, identification of risk factors and development of treatment plans to address those factors before dental implant therapy is critical to the long-term health and success of dental implants. CONCLUSIONS: A patient-centered, evidence based approach to dental implant treatment planning to reduce the risk for peri-implantitis should be undertaken. Systematic diagnosis of disease state(s) and evaluation of the etiologic and modifying risk factors for peri-implant diseases can yield more optimal outcomes to reduce peri-implantitis rates.