Effectiveness of Laser Therapy in Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Pain.

Background/Objectives: Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) express a condition derived from a broad spectrum of etiological factors and clinical manifestations. Many treatment options have been developed for TMDs; nevertheless, conservative and non-invasive approaches ought to be prioritized. Laser therapy is an effective treatment for pain management due to its non-invasive nature and capacity for tissue regeneration. This review aimed at bringing an overview of the present evidence regarding the efficiency of laser therapy on myofascial or temporomandibular joint disorders pain. Methods: The search was conducted in four electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus, of studies published between January 1997 and January 2023. The following terms have been extensively searched: "laser treatment", pain management", "temporomandibular joint disorders", "masseter muscle pain", "pterygoid muscle pain", and "temporal muscle pain". The inclusion criteria were original papers, available in full text, and written in English. Cohen's Kappa coefficient was used to assess the inter-rater reliability for article selection. The methodological quality was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized controlled trials and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's quality assessment tool for before-after studies with no control group. Results: Out of 846 identified records, 7 studies were included, of which 5 were randomized controlled trials. The inter-rater reliability for article selection showed an almost perfect agreement (Cohen's Kappa = 0.832, p < 0.001). The protocol of laser application was not standardized; the laser wavelength ranged from 633 to 940 nm, with a power output range from 25 to 1600 mW. The number of sessions varied from 3 to 12, with a frequency of application from 1 time per week to 3 times per week. All studies reported pain reduction after laser therapy. Conclusions: Laser therapy is an efficient method to treat TMDs related to muscle pain. To accomplish the desired results, a standard procedure must be followed; however, the protocol is still not fully designed.

Impact of CFTR Modulator Therapies on Liver Function in Cystic Fibrosis Patients: A Systematic Review of Hepatic Biomarkers.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators, including elexacaftor/ivacaftor/tezacaftor (ETI) and lumacaftor/ivacaftor (LI), have revolutionized the treatment of cystic fibrosis. However, their impact on liver function remains unclear, with varying effects reported across studies. The aim of this study was to systematically review the effects of CFTR modulators on liver function in cystic fibrosis patients by evaluating changes in key hepatic biomarkers. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in Europe PubMed Central and PubMed databases for studies published between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2023. Eligible studies included those assessing the impact of CFTR modulators on liver biomarkers in cystic fibrosis patients. Meta-analyses were performed where possible. RESULTS: Six studies encompassing 195 patients were included, with significant heterogeneity in study design, population, and outcomes. The review found mixed results for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels, with some studies reporting increases and others decreases. LI therapy was associated with significant reductions in GGT and alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels, while ETI therapy showed significant increases in bilirubin levels. Albumin levels increased significantly with both therapies. CONCLUSIONS: CFTR modulators have varying effects on liver function biomarkers in cystic fibrosis patients, with LI therapy generally showing more favorable outcomes on liver health. The significant heterogeneity among studies underscores the need for more standardized research to better understand these effects and guide clinical management.

Estrogen Hormones' Implications on the Physiopathology of Temporomandibular Dysfunction.

Background/Objectives: Temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome consists of several disorders of the masticatory system, namely those of the muscles, the joint itself, as well as the dental and periodontal system. This syndrome is often characterized by pain and an inability to perform functions within the dental-maxillary apparatus, which creates a certain degree of disability in patients. Women are more susceptible to this syndrome than men and hormonal factors, particularly estrogen, are central to its etiology and physiopathology. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases regarding articles published from January 2008 to December 2023. Two authors conducted searches in the mentioned databases based on a pre-established search strategy using agreed-upon keywords. Additionally, each review author performed the selection process of eligible studies based on established inclusion criteria. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale and Risk of Bias tool 2 were used to assess each article for its methodological quality. Results: Of the 1030 records found in the four bibliographic databases, 22 studies were included in this review. Polymorphism in the alpha estrogen receptor appears to be significantly more prevalent in women with temporomandibular dysfunction, suggesting a genetic predisposition. There is a significant role of estrogen in the physiopathology of TMD-related pain. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a significantly higher incidence of TMD, accompanied by elevated inflammatory factors and decreased progesterone levels. In premenopausal women, there is scientific relevance to the association between beta-estradiol levels and TMD development and progression. The effects of estrogen hormones on temporomandibular dysfunction remain highly debated and challenging. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the importance of considering hormonal factors, genetic predisposition, and reproductive life stages in understanding and managing temporomandibular dysfunction. Further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying these associations.

The Impact of Long COVID on the Quality of Life.

Background and Objectives: The term long COVID refers to patients with a history of confirmed COVID-19 infection, who present symptoms that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by another diagnosis. Objectives: The present study aims to determine the most common symptoms of the long COVID syndrome and their impact on the quality of life. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on patients diagnosed with mild and moderate COVID-19 (based on a positive SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnostic or rapid antigen test and severity form definition) at the Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Clinical examinations with detailed questions about symptoms were performed at the time of the diagnosis of COVID-19 and the six-month follow-up. Two years after COVID-19 infection, patients were invited to complete an online quality-of-life questionnaire regarding long COVID symptoms. Results: A total of 103 patients (35.92% males) with a mean age of 41.56 ± 11.77 were included in this study. Of the total number of patients, 65.04% presented mild forms of COVID-19. Data regarding the vaccination status showed that 83.5% were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. The most common symptoms at diagnosis were cough (80.6%), fatigue (80.4%), odynophagia (76.7%), and headaches (67.6%), with female patients being statistically more likely to experience it (p = 0.014). Patients with moderate forms of the disease had higher levels of both systolic (p = 0.008) and diastolic (p = 0.037) blood pressure at diagnosis, but no statistical difference was observed in the 6-month follow-up. The most common symptoms at 2 years (in 29 respondent subjects) were represented by asthenia (51.7%), headache (34.5%), memory disorders (27.6%), abdominal meteorism (27.6%), and arthralgia (27.6%). In terms of cardiovascular symptoms, fluctuating blood pressure values (20.7%), palpitations (17.2%), and increased heart rate values (17.2%) were recorded. Conclusions: If at the time of diagnosis, the most frequent manifestations of the disease were respiratory, together with headache and fatigue, at re-evaluation, asthenia, decreased effort tolerance, and neuropsychiatric symptoms prevailed. Regarding the cardiovascular changes as part of the long COVID clinical picture, some patients developed prehypertension, palpitations, and tachycardia.

Antibiotic Residues and Resistance in Three Wastewater Treatment Plants in Romania.

This study evaluates antibiotic residues and bacterial loads in influent and effluent samples from three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Romania, across four seasons from 2021 to 2022. Analytical methods included solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to quantify antibiotic concentrations, while microbiological assays estimated bacterial loads and assessed antibiotic resistance patterns. Statistical analyses explored the impact of environmental factors such as temperature and rainfall on antibiotic levels. The results showed significant seasonal variations, with higher antibiotic concentrations in warmer seasons. Antibiotic removal efficiency varied among WWTPs, with some antibiotics being effectively removed and others persisting in the effluent, posing high environmental risks and potential for antibiotic resistance development. Bacterial loads were higher in spring and summer, correlating with increased temperatures. Eight bacterial strains were isolated, with higher resistance during warmer seasons, particularly to amoxicillin and clarithromycin.

Exploring Periodontal Conditions, Salivary Markers, and Systemic Inflammation in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases.

(1) Background: This cross-sectional investigation appreciated the role of serum C-reactive protein (CRP), several hematologic-cell markers, and salivary inflammation-related molecules [calprotectin (S100A8/A9), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), kallikrein] to predict periodontitis in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD), arrhythmia, or both. Also, we appreciated the relationship between the inflammatory burden and periodontal destruction with the type of cardiac pathology. (2) Methods: Demographic, behavioral characteristics, periodontal indicators, blood parameters, and saliva samples were collected. (3) Results: All 148 patients exhibited stage II or III/IV periodontitis. Stage III/IV cases exhibited significantly increased S100A8/A9 levels (p = 0.004). A positive correlation between S100A8/A9 and IL-1ß [0.35 (<0.001)], kallikrein [0.55 (<0.001)], and CRP [0.28 (<0.001)] was observed. Patients with complex cardiac involvement had a significantly higher number of sites with attachment loss ≥ 5 mm [19 (3-30)] compared to individuals with only arrhythmia [9 (3.25-18)] or ACVD [5 (1-12)] [0.048♦ {0.162/0.496/0.14}]. (4) Conclusions: Severe, extensive attachment loss may be indicative of patients with complex cardiac conditions, which underscores the essential role of periodontal status in relation to systemic diseases. The correlations between the rising trends of the inflammatory parameters suggest a potential interconnection between oral and systemic inflammation.

HLA-DR and HLA-DQ Polymorphism Correlation with Sexually Transmitted Infection Caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.

Background and Objectives: Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) represents one of the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted diseases. This study aims to explore the relationship between HLA alleles/genotypes/haplotypes and C. trachomatis infection to better understand high-risk individuals and potential complications. Materials and Methods: This prospective study recruited participants from Transylvania, Romania. Patients with positive NAAT tests for C. trachomatis from cervical/urethral secretion or urine were compared with controls regarding HLA-DR and -DQ alleles. DNA extraction for HLA typing was performed using venous blood samples. Results: Our analysis revealed that the presence of the DRB1*13 allele significantly heightened the likelihood of C. trachomatis infection (p = 0.017). Additionally, we observed that individuals carrying the DRB1*01/DRB1*13 and DQB1*03/DQB1*06 genotype had increased odds of C. trachomatis infection. Upon adjustment, the association between the DRB1*01/DRB1*13 genotype and C. trachomatis remained statistically significant. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the importance of specific HLA alleles and genotypes in influencing susceptibility to C. trachomatis infection. These results highlight the intricate relationship between host genetics and disease susceptibility, offering valuable insights for targeted prevention efforts and personalized healthcare strategies.

Dyadic Adjustment of Couples and State Anxiety in Patients Tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Background: While existing literature addresses the psychological impact of HIV, there is a notable gap in data regarding other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the association between STIs, the psychological profile of patients as measured by anxiety levels, and the impact on couple adaptability. Methods: A prospective investigation was conducted in Romania, from November 2021, including individuals with high suspicion of STI and healthy controls. Data collection comprised a questionnaire, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI Y-1). Statistical methods, including multivariate logistic and linear regressions, were used to carry out the analyses. Results: The participant cohort consisted of 441 individuals. STI participants exhibited consistently lower DAS scores, notably in dyadic adaptability (DA) (p = 0.031), dyadic satisfaction (DS) (p = 0.006), and affectional expression (AE) (p = 0.016). Multivariate logistic regression with adjustment for confounders confirmed a significant association between STIs and atypical DAS responses (2.56-fold increase). STAI T scores were significantly higher in the STI suspected group (p < 0.01), remaining robust after adjusting for confounders in a multiple linear regression model. Conclusions: Our prospectively designed study highlights the mental health repercussions associated with STIs. This is evident through the diminished DAS scores and heightened STAI Y-1 scores observed in individuals with suspected STIs.

Insights into the Relationship between Periodontitis and Systemic Sclerosis Based on the New Periodontitis Classification (2018): A Cross-Sectional Study.

(1) Background: This study aimed to assess the periodontitis burden in systemic sclerosis patients and the possible association between them, and the degree to which some potential risk factors and two potential diagnostic biomarkers may account for this association. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study included a test group (systemic sclerosis patients) and a control group (non-systemic sclerosis patients). Both groups benefited from medical, periodontal examination and saliva sampling to determine the salivary flow rate and two inflammatory biomarkers (calprotectin, psoriasin). A systemic sclerosis severity scale was established. (3) Results: In the studied groups, comparable periodontitis rates of 88.68% and 85.85%, respectively, were identified. There were no significant differences in the severity of periodontitis among different systemic sclerosis severity, or in the positivity for anti-centromere and anti-SCL70 antibodies. Musculoskeletal lesions were significantly more common in stage III/IV periodontitis (n = 33, 86.84%) than in those in stage I/II (n = 1, 100%, and n = 3, 37.5%, respectively) (p = 0.007). Comparable levels of the inflammatory mediators were displayed by the two groups. There were no significant differences in calprotectin and psoriasin levels between diffuse and limited forms of systemic sclerosis. (4) Conclusions: Within the limitations of the current study, no associations between systemic sclerosis and periodontitis, or between their risk factors, could be proven.

Changes in Epidemiology and Antibiotic Prescription of Influenza: Before and after the Emergence of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The appearance of COVID-19 had a major impact on healthcare and the epidemiology of other diseases. Following the cessation of non-pharmacologic interventions destined to limit the spread of COVID-19, influenza reemerged. The aim of this study was to compare the pre-pandemic influenza seasons with the influenza seasons after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify differences in terms of clinical characteristics, risk factors, complications, outcomes, and antiviral and antibiotic treatments. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study from the Teaching Hospital of Infectious Diseases database in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. We analyzed four pre-pandemic seasons and the seasons after the onset of COVID-19. We included adult patients hospitalized with confirmed influenza between October 2016 and August 2023. Variables such as age, sex, duration of hospitalization, severity, clinical manifestations, comorbidities, and Charlson comorbidity index were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 941 patients were included in the analysis. The percentage of severe influenza was similar in both groups, but mortality from influenza was significantly lower after 2022. Virtually all patients were prescribed antivirals; antibiotic prescriptions decreased in the post-COVID-19 influenza seasons. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that influenza seasons after 2022 had lower mortality and attenuated clinical presentation.

The Influence of HLA Polymorphisms on the Severity of COVID-19 in the Romanian Population.

In this study, we aimed to investigate whether specific HLA alleles found in patients from Romania and the Republic of Moldova were associated with the severity of COVID-19 infection and its associated mortality. We analyzed the HLA alleles at the -A, -B, -C, -DRB1, and -DQB1 loci in a cohort of 130 individuals with severe and extremely severe forms of COVID-19, including 44 individuals who died. We compared these findings to a control group consisting of individuals who had either not been diagnosed with COVID-19 or had experienced mild forms of the disease. Using multivariate logistic regression models, we discovered that the B*27 and B*50 alleles were associated with an increased susceptibility to developing a severe form of COVID-19. The A*33 and C*15 alleles showed potential for offering protection against the disease. Furthermore, we identified two protective alleles (A*03 and DQB1*02) against the development of extremely severe forms of COVID-19. By utilizing score statistics, we established a statistically significant association between haplotypes and disease severity (p = 0.021). In summary, this study provides evidence that HLA genotype plays a role in influencing the clinical outcome of COVID-19 infection.

Pain and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Context: Pain management is a constant struggle. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulation technique with proved efficacy in chronic pain. Objective: The aim of the study is to provide a bibliometric perspective regarding articles on pain and tDCS. Having a visualized and systematically overview of publication trends, new research ideas could arise for clinicians. Methods: Articles on pain and tDCS were retrieved from Web of Science database. Using the R software version 4.1.2 and the "biblioshiny" R package, a quantitative and statistical analysis was performed. Time trend, number of publications, journals and authors, author country and institution, as well as citations and references were visualized. Results: A total of 554 publication fulfilled the criteria and were analyzed. The scientific production has been increasing over time with an annual growth of 17.1%. Brain Stimulation Journal and Journal of Pain are the leading journals regarding articles and citations. Fregni F. (83 articles) is the most prolific researcher with important authorship in the field. USA is the country with most authors involved in the topic (558 authors), whereas the leading institution is represented by Universidade Federal Rio Grande Do Sul (84 articles). Lefaucheur JP. article from 2017 has the maximum citations, while keywords in trend in the last three years are osteoarthritis and low back pain. Conclusion: This is the first bibliometric study that reflects the trends of tDCS in the field of pain. Journals as well as authors are limited and clustered. However the number of articles as well as number of citations are constantly increasing, supporting the idea that this is an emerging topic. The information obtained could be an important practical basis for future pain management research.

Influence of Periodontal Status and Prosthetic Treatment on Survival and Success Rates in Implant Therapy: A 5-Year Retrospective Follow-Up Study.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the 5-year outcome of dental implant therapy and assess the survival, success, and biological and technical complications. A periodontal and prosthetic-oriented evaluation was conducted on the variables that can influence the long-term predictability of implant therapy. A total of 615 patients and 1427 dental implants from a private clinic (MedArtis Dent, Cluj-Napoca, Romania) were enrolled in the study. The study was a longitudinal cohort with data collected retrospectively from physical/digital dental records in combination with a cross-sectional clinical/radiological examination. Results showed that periodontal diagnosis at baseline had a significant impact on the marginal bone loss prediction. Data showed that the cylindrical implant with an internal 45° medium taper connection experienced a higher rate of bone resorption compared to the tapered implant with the 5° internal connection. Screw-retained restorations and overdentures showed a statistical decrease in the marginal bone level height when compared to the cemented restorations. Data from our study suggest that not only is there a powerful association between recall visits and the rate of complications in dental implant treatment, but a lack of professional maintenance predicts a higher bone level loss during the 5-year interval.

The Treatment of Severe Periodontitis Using a Local Antiseptic Desiccant and Subgingival Mechanical Instrumentation: A Pilot Study.

This randomized, split-mouth, controlled clinical study assessed the additional clinical benefits of a local desiccant antimicrobial agent (HY) combined with subgingival mechanical instrumentation (SRP) vs. SRP alone in treating severe periodontitis. Patients with stages III and IV periodontitis received full-mouth periodontal examinations at baseline and after a three-month follow-up. Two randomly selected hemiarches in each periodontitis patient were treated with SRP plus HY and were included in the test group, while the other two hemiarches received only SRP and were included in the control group. In thirty patients, the analyses of the evolution of the periodontal parameters over time showed statistically significant mean differences for the probing depths and clinical attachment level values resulting from all the examined sites, as well as from the interproximal sites (p < 0.001) in both the test and control groups. The intergroup comparisons of the same four parameters showed no significant differences (p = 0.322, p = 0.36, p = 0.516, and p = 0.509, respectively). Based on these study results, no additional benefits were obtained after HY subgingival applications.

Analgesic Modalities in Patients Undergoing Open Pancreatoduodenectomy-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review explored the efficacy of different analgesic modalities and the impact on perioperative outcome in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library Database using the PRISMA framework. The primary outcome was pain scores on postoperative day one (POD1) and postoperative day two (POD2). The secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay (LOS) and specific procedure-related complications. RESULTS: Five randomized controlled trials and ten retrospective cohort studies were included in the systematic review. Studies compared epidural analgesia (EA), patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), continuous wound infiltration (CWI), continuous bilateral thoracic paravertebral infusion (CTPVI), intrathecal morphine (ITM), and sublingual sufentanil. The pain scores on POD1 (p < 0.001) and POD2 (p = 0.05) were higher in the PCA group compared with the EA group. Pain scores were comparable between EA and CWI plus PCA or CTPVI on POD1 and POD2. Pain scores were comparable between EA and ITM on POD1. The procedure-related complications and length of hospital stay were not significantly different according to the type of analgesia. CONCLUSIONS: EA provided lower pain scores compared with PCA on the first postoperative day after pancreatoduodenectomy; the length of hospital stay and procedure-related complications were similar between EA and PCA. CWI and CTPVI provided similar pain relief to EA.

Inflammatory Ratios as Survival Prognostic Factors in Resectable Gastric Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers (NLR-neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, PLR-platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, LMR-lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, SII-systemic immune-inflammation index) and overall survival in gastric cancer patients. METHODS: Over a six-year period (2016-2021), we conducted a longitudinal retrospective cohort research on 549 patients with resectable stomach adenocarcinoma. The overall survival was determined using the univariate and multivariate COX proportional hazards models. RESULTS: The age of the cohort varied between 30 and 89 years old, with an average age of 64.85 ± 10.51 years. Four hundred seventy-six patients (86.7%) had R0 resection margins. Eighty-nine (16.21%) subjects received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Two hundred sixty-two (47.72%) patients died during the follow-up period. The median survival time in the cohort was 390 days. A significantly lower (p = 0.029-Logrank test) median survival was observed for R1 resections (355 days) in comparison with R0 resections (395 days). Significant differences in survival were observed regarding tumor differentiation, tumoral (T), and node (N) stage. No differences in survival were observed between the low or high value of inflammatory biomarkers (dichotomized by median value in the sample). In the COX univariate and multivariate regression models, elevated NLR proved an independent prognostic factor for lower overall survival [HR = 1.068, (95% CI 1.011-1.12)]. In this study, the other inflammatory ratios (PLR, LMR, and SII) did not prove as prognostic factors for gastric adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: In resectable gastric adenocarcinoma, elevated NLR before surgery was associated with lower overall survival. PLR, LMR, and SII had no prognostic value for the patient's survival.

Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis Diagnosis Employing Artificial Intelligence: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim was to systematically synthesize the current research and influence of artificial intelligence (AI) models on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis (OA) diagnosis using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) or panoramic radiography. Seven databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, ProQuest, and SpringerLink) were searched for TMJ OA and AI articles. We used QUADAS-2 to assess the risk of bias, while with MI-CLAIM we checked the minimum information about clinical artificial intelligence modeling. Two hundred and three records were identified, out of which seven were included, amounting to 10,077 TMJ images. Three studies focused on the diagnosis of TMJ OA using panoramic radiography with various transfer learning models (ResNet model) on which the meta-analysis was performed. The pooled sensitivity was 0.76 (95% CI 0.35-0.95) and the specificity was 0.79 (95% CI 0.75-0.83). The other studies investigated the 3D shape of the condyle and disease classification observed on CBCT images, as well as the numerous radiomics features that can be combined with clinical and proteomic data to investigate the most effective models and promising features for the diagnosis of TMJ OA. The accuracy of the methods was nearly equivalent; it was higher when the indeterminate diagnosis was excluded or when fine-tuning was used.

Meditation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Mind-body interventions have shown efficacy in many conditions that have psychosomatic mechanisms, as well as for other pathologies. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of meditation/mindfulness at improving the symptoms severity, quality of life and other associated mood and mental conditions, measured in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A systematic review of randomized controlled trials in adult participants with IBS was conducted. Eight databases were searched for articles. We performed a meta-analysis evaluating the effects of meditation-based therapy on symptomatology, quality of life, anxiety and depression. Out of 604 articles screened, six were selected for quantitative review. The standardized mean difference (SMD) of the mindfulness group and the control group was of -36.95 (95% CI -74.61-0.7), p = 0.054 regarding the IBS symptom score; of 12.58 (95% CI 4.42-20.74), p = 0.003 regarding the IBS quality of life; SMD = 2.8 (95% CI 1.01-4.6), p = 0.002 for spiritual scale; and of 15.49 (95% CI -28.43--2.55), p = 0.019 regarding the pain score in IBS. Our study found that the quality of life and the spiritual scale scores (i.e., mindful awareness) were statistically significantly higher in the mindfulness group, while the pain score was statistically significantly lower in the mindfulness group.

Petrotympanic Fissure Architecture and Malleus Location in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders.

The aim of this research was to assess possible relationships between petrotympanic fissure (PTF) characteristics, malleus position, and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). A retrospective study was performed, including patients with TMD. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination were used to evaluate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc position and condylar bone changes. Fifty-eight TMJs from twenty-nine patients (23:6 females: males) were assessed. Erosive changes (DDR-disc displacement with a reduction of 6 (24%), DDwR-disc displacement without a reduction of 8 (61.5%) vs. normal disc position 3 (15%), p = 0.012) and condyle osteophytes production (DDR 6 (24%), DDwR 9 (69.2%) vs. normal condyle 7 (35%), p = 0.012) were more frequent in subjects with disc displacement compared to normal disc position; malleus was closer to PTF in cases with erosive changes (median 2.15 interquartile range: (1.85-2.75) vs. 2.75 (2.25-3.15), p = 0.029) as well as those with condylar osteophytosis (2.25 (1.91-2.75) vs. 2.75 (2.33-3.32), p = 0.015); the PTF length was higher in cases with condylar osteophytosis compared to those without (4.45 (3.50-4.77) vs. 3.67 (3.34-4.28), p = 0.039). The disc position and disc shape were not related to PTF or malleus position. Malleus position and PTF dimensions were not associated with the PTF type. In cases with erosive changes and condylar osteophytosis, malleus was closer to PTF.

Disc Displacement of the Temporomandibular Joint and Facial Asymmetry in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Subjects with facial skeletal asymmetries have a higher incidence of anterior temporomandibular joint disc displacement. The objective of the study was to consolidate existing evidence on the connection between temporomandibular joint disc displacement and mandibular asymmetry in youngsters and adolescents. A thorough examination was undertaken in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane. To judge the publications' methodological quality Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used. From the 1011 identified records, eight were selected for the qualitative synthesis and five for the quantitative synthesis, amounting to 692 subjects. Fifteen cephalometric variables were meta-analyzed. The distance from menton (Me) to midline (lateral mandibular asymmetry) was significantly shorter [-1.75 (95% CI -2.43--1.07), p ≤ 0.001] in subjects with disc displacement compared to those without disc displacement. The distance from articulare (Ar) to gonion (Go) was significantly longer [3.74 (95% CI 1.04-6.44), p = 0.007] in subjects with disc displacement compared to those without disc displacement. The relationship between distance from articulare (Ar) to gonion (Go) or sella (S) to gonion (Go) and disc displacement was shown to be close to statistical significance level, but not for other cephalometric data. Disc displacement was associated with several cephalometric measurement variations in children and adolescents.