Disaster Response-A Global Concern: Are You Prepared to Care for Victims of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Attacks?

The threat of bioterrorism is increasing in lethality and numbers of events globally. Weapons of mass destruction include devices of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear origin and are often selected by terrorists because they are capable of causing widespread destruction, harm, and panic. Emergency personnel are often first to recognize and report potential terrorist activities. It is essential that emergency personnel maintain a high index of suspicion for symptom patterns that correspond with effects of bioterrorism agents. Health care providers must have a solid understanding of personal protective equipment for specific categories of bioterrorism agents to protect themselves and others while providing care to victims in the emergency department. A clear understanding of disaster protocols, established communication systems, reporting requirements, and available resources to aid in patient management following a bioterrorism event is crucial for optimal, safe, quality care to be administered.

The age-dependent association of risk factors with pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer presents as advanced disease in >80% of patients; yet, appropriate ages to consider prevention and early detection strategies are poorly defined. We investigated age-specific associations and attributable risks of pancreatic cancer for established modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included 167 483 participants from two prospective US cohort studies with 1190 incident cases of pancreatic cancer during >30 years of follow-up; 5107 pancreatic cancer cases and 8845 control participants of European ancestry from a completed multicenter genome-wide association study (GWAS); and 248 893 pancreatic cancer cases documented in the US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program. Across different age categories, we investigated cigarette smoking, obesity, diabetes, height, and non-O blood group in the prospective cohorts; weighted polygenic risk score of 22 previously identified single nucleotide polymorphisms in the GWAS; and male sex and black race in the SEER Program. RESULTS: In the prospective cohorts, all five risk factors were more strongly associated with pancreatic cancer risk among younger participants, with associations attenuated among those aged >70 years. The hazard ratios comparing participants with three to five risk factors with those with no risk factors were 9.24 [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.11-20.77] among those aged ≤60 years, 3.00 (95% CI 1.85-4.86) among those aged 61-70 years, and 1.46 (95% CI 1.10-1.94) among those aged >70 years (Pheterogeneity = 3×10-5). These factors together were related to 65.6%, 49.7%, and 17.2% of incident pancreatic cancers in these age groups, respectively. In the GWAS and the SEER Program, the associations with the polygenic risk score, male sex, and black race were all stronger among younger individuals (Pheterogeneity ≤0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Established risk factors are more strongly associated with earlier-onset pancreatic cancer, emphasizing the importance of age at initiation for cancer prevention and control programs targeting this highly lethal malignancy.

Preventing medication errors in dental practice: An australian perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Prescribing errors are a common type of medication error, even in dental practice. However, prescribing is a skill to which little attention is paid, as the profession is mostly focussed on performing dental procedures, eschewing the use of drugs, to treat dental conditions. Most dentists in Australia report learning little about prescribing during their university training, gaining these skills informally on the job after they graduate. Despite this, dentists are the second largest prescriber group in Australia and prescribe a wide variety of drugs including antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioid analgesics, muscle relaxants and anxiolytics. OBJECTIVES: To summarise medication safety, medication and prescribing errors in the context of dental practice. DATA: The sources of medication and prescribing errors are reviewed. SOURCES: For this narrative review, pivotal concepts regarding sources of medication error and types of prescribing error are highlighted. The Swiss Cheese model of prescribing errors is also discussed, highlighting possible interventions when errors can be detected and averted. STUDY SELECTION: Case reports of prescribing error in dentistry in Australia are presented, highlighting examples of how dental prescribing is prone to error. CONCLUSIONS: Solutions lie in addressing the systems and processes in which dentists work. Examples include implementing forced functions such as checklists and electronic prescribing tools. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dentists are the second largest prescriber group in Australia and prescribe a wide variety of drugs. As such, prescribing errors are common in dental practice. Solutions to reduce medication and prescribing errors lie in addressing the systems which govern dentistry, as well as implementing forced functions such as prescribing tools.

Timing of dental extractions in patients undergoing radiotherapy and the incidence of osteoradionecrosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review aimed to examine whether the incidence of osteonecrosis differed between patients who have dental extractions before or after radiotherapy (RT). The reported incidence of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaws following RT to the head and neck varies widely in the literature. Currently, for patients with head and neck cancer there are no universally accepted guidelines on the optimal timing of dental surgery relative to RT to minimise incident ORN. A literature review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) criteria. A search of PubMed, EMBASE, Evidence-Based Medicine, and Web of Science databases targeted literature published up to and including 10 April 2020. Two independent reviewers assessed studies for eligibility against inclusion criteria. An assessment of bias was conducted for each of the included studies and relevant data extracted. A meta-analysis was undertaken using the statistical methods described. Twenty-four of 708 studies were included. They were heterogeneous and included a wide variation of RT methods, head and neck malignancies, and comorbidities. While some concluded that the incidence of ORN was dependent on the timing of dental extractions in relation to RT, with regard to the risk of its development, others reported additional factors such as age, comorbidities, extent of surgical resection, and dose and field of radiation, as more important predictors than timing. In many there was consistent lack of detail around the timing of dental procedures in relation to the delivery of RT. From 21 studies including 36,294 patients, of whom 14,389 had extractions before RT, the pooled incidence of ORN was 5.5% (95% CI: 2.1% to 10.1%). Significant heterogeneity was found in Cochran's Q-test (p<0.001) and Higgins I2=98.0%. From 21 studies including 37,805 patients, of whom 6030 had extractions after RT, the pooled incidence of ORN was 5.3% (95% CI: 2.9% to 8.2%). Significant heterogeneity was found in Cochran's Q-test (p<0.001) and Higgins I2=80.0%. There was no statistically significant difference between these two groups (random-effects model Q=0.12, p=0.73). Large, longitudinal studies with a priori-specified methods are needed to identify, recruit, and prospectively follow patients with head and neck cancer for the onset of ORN after dental surgery. This will allow clinical guidelines to be established to assist clinicians to plan treatment when extractions are indicated in patients undergoing RT to the head and neck.

Dental opioid prescribing rates after the up-scheduling of codeine in Australia.

The misuse of pharmaceutical opioids is a major public health issue. In Australia, codeine was re-scheduled on 1 February 2018 to restrict access; it is now only available on prescription. The aim of this study was to measure the change in dental opioid prescriptions, one year before and after the codeine re-scheduling in Australia and to assess dental prescribing rates of opioids for 2018 by population and by clinician. Data was extracted for dental opioids for the year immediately prior and after the codeine up-schedule (1 February 2017-31 January 2019) from the publicly-available national prescription database (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme). Descriptive statistics, T-tests and odds ratios were used to identify significant prescribing differences. Codeine, codeine/paracetamol, oxycodone and tramadol use increased significantly the year after the codeine restriction than the previous year (13.8-101.1%). Australian dentists prescribed 8.6 prescriptions/1,000 population in 2018, with codeine/paracetamol accounting for most prescriptions (96%). The significant increase in opioid prescribing highlights that Australian dentists may be contributing to the misuse of pharmaceutical opioids. Educational efforts should be targeted at the appropriate use of opioids and patient selection. Dentists should be added to the prescription monitoring system SafeScript so they can make informed decisions for patients who are potentially misusing opioids.

A review of drugs that contribute to bleeding risk in general dental practice.

The risk of postoperative bleeding is a daily concern for many general dental practitioners. A thorough medical and medication history must be taken to consider all risk factors, particularly drugs, that contribute to bleeding risk. While the risk from drugs such as aspirin, warfarin and clopidogrel are well known, the extent to which new antiplatelet agents and direct oral anticoagulants affect bleeding risk is less well understood. In addition, there are drugs other than antithrombotics, such as antidepressants and complementary medicines that also impair haemostasis. The aim of this paper is to provide dentists with an updated overview of the drugs commonly encountered in general dental practice that can contribute to a patient's postoperative bleeding risk.

Post-mitotic odontoblasts in health, disease, and regeneration.

OBJECTIVE: Description of the odontoblast lifecycle, an overview of the known complex molecular interactions that occur when the health of the dental pulp is challenged and the current and future management strategies on vital and non-vital teeth. METHODS: A literature search of the electronic databases included MEDLINE (1966-April 2019), CINAHL (1982-April 2019), EMBASE and EMBASE Classic (1947-April 2019), and hand searches of references retrieved were undertaken using the following MESH terms 'odontoblast*', 'inflammation', 'dental pulp*', 'wound healing' and 'regenerative medicine'. RESULTS: Odontoblasts have a sensory and mechano-transduction role so as to detect external stimuli that challenge the dental pulp. On detection, odontoblasts stimulate the innate immunity by activating defence mechanisms key in the healing and repair mechanisms of the tooth. A better understanding of the role of odontoblasts within the dental pulp complex will allow an opportunity for biological management to remove the cause of the insult to the dental pulp, modulate the inflammatory process, and promote the healing and repair capabilities of the tooth. Current strategies include use of conventional dental pulp medicaments while newer methods include bioactive molecules, epigenetic modifications and tissue engineering. CONCLUSION: Regenerative medicine methods are in their infancy and experimental stages at best. This review highlights the future direction of dental caries management and consequently research.

A survey of prescribing practices by general dentists in Australia.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies of dental antibiotic prescribing show that overprescribing is a worldwide occurrence. The aim of this study was to assess prescribing practices of general dentists in Australia for antibiotics, analgesics and anxiolytics and to determine the extent to which prescribing is in accordance with current guidelines. METHODS: A structured questionnaire was sent to 1468 dentists in Victoria and Queensland in July-August 2018. The questionnaire covered demographics, clinical conditions where dentists prescribe antibiotics, non-clinical factors which influence prescribing, and medicines for anxiolysis and pain relief. Responses were scored using a system based on the current Australian therapeutic guidelines. Logistic regression was used to determine the relative importance of independent variables on inappropriate prescribing. RESULTS: Three hundred eighty-two responses were received. Overall, 55% of overprescribing of antibiotics was detected, with a range of 13-88% on a routine or occasional basis depending on the scenario. Between 16 and 27% of respondents inappropriately preferenced analgesics over anti-inflammatories for dental pain; 46% of those who prescribed anxiolytic medicines did so inappropriately, with varying regimens and choices outside the guidelines. Years of practice was the main demographic factor influencing prescribing, with recent graduates (0-5 years) generally scoring better than their colleagues for antibiotic prescribing (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Future interventions could be directed towards the appropriate role and use of antibiotics, shortfalls in knowledge and appropriate choices of medicines for pain relief and anxiolysis. Given that the most overprescribing occurred for localised swellings (88%), this area could be focused on in continuing education as well as ensuring it is addressed in undergraduate teaching. Continuing education on the appropriate use of medicines can be targeted at more experienced dentists as well as patients, especially those who expect antibiotics instead of treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: University of Melbourne Human Ethics Sub-Committee; ID: 1750768.1 .

Non-invasive screening of a microRNA-based dysregulation signature in oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorders.

INTRODUCTION: We have previously shown that oral swirls are a robust source of microRNA protected by extracellular vesicles, potentially useful to detect oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)-associated molecular aberration. OBJECTIVES: To study a developed dysregulation score and risk classification algorithm based upon a panel of OSCC-associated microRNA in oral swirls from individuals with OSCC and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An OSCC-associated panel of 5 microRNAs (miR-24; miR-21; miR-99a; let-7c; miR-100;) was quantified by qPCR in 190 individuals with and without mucosal abnormalities, including OSCC (n = 53) and OPMDs (n = 74). Each sample was analyzed using a developed dysregulation score (dSCORE) and risk classification algorithm, allocating a LOW- or HIGH-RISK score. The influence of demographic, systemic, oral health and mucosal disease factors on the developed test was analyzed. RESULTS: MicroRNA for analysis can be predictably isolated from oral swirls sourced from individuals with a range of demographic, systemic and oral health findings. Utilizing the presence of HIGH-RISK identified OSCC patients with 86.8% sensitivity and 81.5% specificity. Older age and female gender were associated with higher dSCOREs and higher proportions of HIGH-RISK classification amongst individuals with no mucosal abnormalities. The dSCOREs for all subgroups of OPMDs were significantly different from the OSCC group. CONCLUSION: This is the first comparison of microRNA sourced from oral swirls from individuals with OPMDs with individuals with and without OSCC. A HIGH-RISK dysregulation signature was found to be accurate in indicating the presence of OSCC and exampled to parallel malignant transformation.

Microbiological investigation of the mandibular condyle in patients with advanced osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of bacteria in samples of the temporomandibular joint taken from patients suffering from advanced osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 25 fresh mandibular condyle samples were taken from 17 consecutive patients undergoing mandibular condylectomy (8 bilateral) for advanced TMJ osteoarthritis (Dimitroulis Category 5 joints). The joint samples were stained and cultured for the presence of microorganisms following a standardised joint culture protocol. RESULTS: No evidence of bacteria was found on staining or solid culture mediums. Late growth (day 12) of commensal skin organisms (P. Acnes, S. Epidermitis, S. Capitis) were identified in enriched broth samples in 5 joint samples. No statistically significant associations were noted between positive broth samples and age or previous joint intervention (p > 0.05) CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, we have failed to identify meaningful bacterial growth in tissues (i.e. condylar head) of the TMJ that would suggest a contributory bacterial pathogenesis for arthritis of the TMJ.

Oral manifestations of illicit drug use.

The use of illicit and misuse of licit drugs is a global public health problem, with illicit drug use being responsible for 1.8% of the total disease burden in Australia in 2011. Oral adverse effects associated with illicit drug use are well-established, with aggressive caries, periodontitis, bruxism, poor oral hygiene and general neglect documented. Other factors such as a high cariogenic diet and lifestyle, social and psychological factors compound the poorer oral health in illicit drug users. Literature has shown that the oral health-related quality of life among injecting drug users is poorer compared with the Australian general population and the overall quality of life of addicted people correlates with caries experience. Thus, the role of the dentist is imperative in managing the oral health of these individuals. Given their widespread recreational use, it is likely that dental practitioners will encounter patients who are regular or past users of illicit drugs. The aim of this article is to describe the prevalence and mechanism of action of commonly used illicit drugs in Australia, including cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin and to inform dentists about the common orofacial presentations of their side effects to help with patient management.

Surgical management of recurrent TMJ dislocation-a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Recurrent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation can be challenging to treat and the current understanding regarding aetiology and management of this condition is limited. The aim of this paper was to conduct a systematic review regarding the management of recurrent TMJ dislocation. METHODS: A literature review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines to identify papers published between 2006 and 2016. The resultant papers were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 33 papers were found relevant to the study. Minimally invasive techniques described included autologous blood injection, which was associated with an overall success of 80% at 12 months. Other modalities investigated included OK-432 sclerotherapy, laser capsulorrhaphy, botulinum toxin of the lateral pterygoid muscle or modified dextrose. These publications show promising success rates. Surgical techniques described included disc plication, eminoplasty and eminectomy. These modalities had a similar success rate, although numbers were limited. The true incidence of recurrent TMJ dislocation is unknown and aetiology is limited to expert opinion. CONCLUSION: The current understanding of management for recurrent TMJ dislocation is limited to case series and case reports. This paper compiles the current understanding of management of recurrent TMJ dislocation. Compared to previous reviews, this paper describes some novel minimally invasive techniques with promising success in the management of recurrent TMJ dislocation.

Vitamin B6 catabolism and lung cancer risk: results from the Lung Cancer Cohort Consortium (LC3).

BACKGROUND: Increased vitamin B6 catabolism related to inflammation, as measured by the PAr index (the ratio of 4-pyridoxic acid over the sum of pyridoxal and pyridoxal-5'-phosphate), has been positively associated with lung cancer risk in two prospective European studies. However, the extent to which this association translates to more diverse populations is not known. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this study, we included 5323 incident lung cancer cases and 5323 controls individually matched by age, sex, and smoking status within each of 20 prospective cohorts from the Lung Cancer Cohort Consortium. Cohort-specific odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between PAr and lung cancer risk were calculated using conditional logistic regression and pooled using random-effects models. RESULTS: PAr was positively associated with lung cancer risk in a dose-response fashion. Comparing the fourth versus first quartiles of PAr resulted in an OR of 1.38 (95% CI: 1.19-1.59) for overall lung cancer risk. The association between PAr and lung cancer risk was most prominent in former smokers (OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.36-2.10), men (OR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.28-2.00), and for cancers diagnosed within 3 years of blood draw (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.34-2.23). CONCLUSION: Based on pre-diagnostic data from 20 cohorts across 4 continents, this study confirms that increased vitamin B6 catabolism related to inflammation and immune activation is associated with a higher risk of developing lung cancer. Moreover, PAr may be a pre-diagnostic marker of lung cancer rather than a causal factor.

Can radiological examination of mandibular bone invasion accurately predict the need for mandibular resection in oral squamous cell carcinoma?

Bone invasion by oral squamous cell carcinoma necessitates jaw resection, with preoperative imaging ideally able to guide the resection. A retrospective review of 109 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma who underwent mandibular resection was performed. Eighty-three had preoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging and 72 underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The presence of bone invasion on imaging was compared to histopathology. Bone invasion was detected in 44 of 109 resection specimens (40.4%) and was identified on CT in 31 of 83 cases (37.4%) and on MRI in 35 of 72 cases (48.6%). The sensitivity and specificity of CT for detecting bone invasion was 69.0% and 79.6%, respectively, while for MRI was 87.1% and 80.5%, respectively. Histological detection of bone invasion was associated with greater disease-specific mortality (P=0.002), as was MRI detection of bone invasion (P=0.027). CT detection was not significant (P=0.240). Negative prediction of bone invasion was 95% accurate for both modalities in clinically non-invaded mandibles. Survival was reduced in patients who underwent marginal mandibular resection when bone invasion was detected histologically (33.3% vs. 70.5%, P=0.277) and with CT, although this was not statistically significant. More data are required to determine whether more aggressive resection is warranted when bone invasion is detected preoperatively.

Surgical management of recurrent dislocation of the temporomandibular joint: a new treatment protocol.

Recurrent dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is rare. It is distinct from acute or chronic dislocation and is associated with considerable morbidity and deterioration in quality of life. To formulate a practical surgical treatment algorithm, we retrospectively reviewed the management and long-term outcomes of 14 patients who presented to a single hospital department over a period of six years (2010-2016), and collected data on demographics, clinical features, operation, and outcome. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of seven years. Results showed effective long-term resolution of symptoms after a combination of eminectomy and disc plication (meniscopexy). Patients whose symptoms had resulted from dystonia of the lateral pterygoid muscle also benefitted from additional lateral pterygoid myotomy. A combination of eminectomy and disc plication (meniscopexy) effectively provides successful long-term outcomes in this group of patients.

Antibiotic resistance and relevance to general dental practice in Australia.

Antibiotic resistance is a well-established global public health crisis, with the use and misuse of antibiotics being the principal cause of bacterial resistance. Studies in both Australia and overseas have demonstrated that the dental prescribing of antibiotics is increasing and that dentists tend to prescribe antibiotics unnecessarily and for incorrect clinical indications. Dental practitioners in Australia also prefer to prescribe moderate to broad-spectrum antibacterial agents and make some inappropriate antibiotic prescribing choices. This review aims to inform dentists about the overall scope and development of bacterial resistance, approaches and challenges to reducing resistance and, ultimately, the role of dental prescribers in practising with optimal antibiotic stewardship.

Part 1. Current prescribing trends of antibiotics by dentists in Australia from 2013 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: Literature has shown dentists tend to overprescribe antibiotics and do not always prescribe in accordance with recommended guidelines. Unnecessary prescribing is one major factor that contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance. The aim of the present study was to assess the antibacterial prescribing patterns of dentists in Australia from 2013 to 2016. METHODS: Data on dental antibacterial prescriptions dispensed under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 2013 to 2016 was accessed and prescribing trends analysed. The prescribing rates were standardized to the dose and population. RESULTS: There was a slight decrease in the dispensed use of most antibacterials from 2013 to 2016, but there was a significant increase in the dispensed use of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid of 11.2%. Amoxicillin was the most commonly dispensed antibiotic, accounting for approximately 65% of all antibacterials from 2013 to 2016, while phenoxymethylpenicillin accounted for only 1.4% of prescriptions in 2016. There were low but significant quantities of dispensed antibiotic prescriptions that do not fit with current guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that dentists in Australia are prescribing some antibiotics inappropriately and there is a preference for moderate- to broad-spectrum agents. The current PBS dental schedule is inconsistent with prescribing guidelines and may contribute to inappropriate prescribing.

No association between circulating concentrations of vitamin D and risk of lung cancer: an analysis in 20 prospective studies in the Lung Cancer Cohort Consortium (LC3).

Background: There is observational evidence suggesting that high vitamin D concentrations may protect against lung cancer. To investigate this hypothesis in detail, we measured circulating vitamin D concentrations in prediagnostic blood from 20 cohorts participating in the Lung Cancer Cohort Consortium (LC3). Patients and methods: The study included 5313 lung cancer cases and 5313 controls. Blood samples for the cases were collected, on average, 5 years before lung cancer diagnosis. Controls were individually matched to the cases by cohort, sex, age, race/ethnicity, date of blood collection, and smoking status in five categories. Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was used to separately analyze 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 [25(OH)D2] and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] and their concentrations were combined to give an overall measure of 25(OH)D. We used conditional logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for 25(OH)D as both continuous and categorical variables. Results: Overall, no apparent association between 25(OH)D and risk of lung cancer was observed (multivariable adjusted OR for a doubling in concentration: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.91, 1.06). Similarly, we found no clear evidence of interaction by cohort, sex, age, smoking status, or histology. Conclusion: This study did not support an association between vitamin D concentrations and lung cancer risk.

Part 2. Current prescribing trends of dental non-antibacterial medicines in Australia from 2013 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: There is limited literature regarding dental prescribing preferences for medicines other than antibiotics. This study aimed to describe the prescribing trends of dispensed prescription medicines by dentists in Australia from 2013 and 2016 and assess adherence to current guidelines. METHODS: Data were accessed from the Department of Health of all dental prescriptions dispensed under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 2013 to 2016 and prescribing patterns were analysed. The prescribing rates were standardized to the dose and population. RESULTS: There was an overall increase in the standardized use of opioid analgesics by almost 30% over the time frame, with the combination paracetamol 500 mg plus codeine 30 mg tablet accounting for the majority of dispensed opioid prescriptions (96.2% in 2016). Dispensed benzodiazepine prescriptions increased by 14.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the consumption of opioids is concerning, suggesting that continuing education is required for dentists to better understand their limited role in managing dental pain and potential for abuse. The substantial increase in the dispensed use of benzodiazepines also requires further investigation and there were some drugs prescribed inappropriately and not in accordance with guidelines. Consideration could also be given to reviewing the drugs listed on the PBS for dental prescribing.