Systematic review of surgical regenerative treatment for apicomarginal lesions in periapical surgery.

BACKGROUND: Apicomarginal lesions affect the root apex and root surface concurrently and reduce the success rate in periapical surgery. The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the published literature on the surgical treatment of apicomarginal lesions in periapical surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted on PRISMA statement. Three data bases (PubMed-Medline, Scopus, and Embase) were searched up to March 2023. The inclusion criteria for this systematic review encompass studies pertaining to apicomarginal lesions and their surgical treatment, both preclinical and clinical in nature (including randomized trials, prospective, and retrospective observational trials), without any language or time limitations. Exclusion criteria encompass studies with duplicated population data, no description of the surgical treatment or regenerative material. Different tools for the assessment of bias were applied for each study design Results: A total of 155 articles were searched and 10 were included. Studies on teeth with apicomarginal lesions undergoing periapical surgery showed a high success rate when regenerative techniques were used, resulting in reduced probing depth, increased bone formation on the root surface, increased root cementum formation, and reduced healing by junctional epithelium. Guided tissue regeneration, platelet-rich plasma or fibrin, and enamel matrix derivatives have emerged as alternative treatments offering favorable outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The use of regenerative materials in periapical surgery could improve the prognosis of apicomarginal lesions. Future research in this field should aim to standardize classification and healing criteria to enhance comparability across studies and provide more conclusive evidence for optimal treatment approaches.

From MASK-air and SILAM to CATALYSE (Climate Action To Advance HeaLthY Societies in Europe).

Plant species vary under different climatic conditions and the distribution of pollen in the air. Trends in pollen distribution can be used to assess the impact of climate change on public health. In 2015, the Mobile Airways Sentinel networK for rhinitis and asthma (MASK-air®) was launched as a project of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP-on-AHA, DG Santé and DG CONNECT). This project aimed to develop a warning system to inform patients about the onset of the pollen season, namely, the System for Integrated modeLling of Atmospheric coMposition (SILAM). A global-to-meso-scale dispersion model was developed by the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI). It provides quantitative information on atmospheric pollution of anthropogenic and natural origins, particularly on allergenic pollens. Impact of Air Pollution on Asthma and Rhinitis (POLLAR, EIT Health) has combined MASK-air clinical data with SILAM forecasts. A new Horizon Europe grant (Climate Action to Advance HeaLthY Societies in Europe [CATALYSE]; grant agreement number 101057131), which came into force in September 2022, aims to improve our understanding of climate change and help us find ways to counteractit. One objective of this project is to develop early warning systems and predictive models to improve the effectiveness of strategies for adapting to climate change. One of the warning systems is focused on allergic rhinitis (CATALYSE Task 3.2), with a collaboration between the FMI (Finland), Porto University (Portugal), MASK-air SAS (France), ISGlobal (Spain), Hertie School (Germany), and the University of Zurich (Switzerland). It is to be implemented with the support of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. This paper reports the planning of CATALYSE Task 3.2.

From MASK-air and SILAM to CATALYSE(Climate Action To Advance HeaLthY Societiesin Europe)

Plant species vary under different climatic conditions and the distribution of pollen in the air. Trends in pollen distribution can be used to assess the impact of climate change on public health. In 2015, the Mobile Airways Sentinel networK for rhinitis and asthma (MASK-air®) was launched as a project of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP-on-AHA, DG Santé and DG CONNECT). This project aimed to develop a warning system to inform patients about the onset of the pollen season, namely, the System for Integrated modeLling of Atmospheric coMposition (SILAM). A global-to-meso–scale dispersion model was developed by the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI). It provides quantitative information on atmospheric pollution of anthropogenic and natural origins, particularly on allergenic pollens. Impact of Air Pollution on Asthma and Rhinitis (POLLAR, EIT Health) has combined MASK-air clinical data with SILAM forecasts. A new Horizon Europe grant (Climate Action to Advance HeaLthY Societies in Europe [CATALYSE]; grant agreement number 101057131), which came into force in September 2022, aims to improve our understanding of climate change and help us find ways to counteractit. One objective of this project is to develop early warning systems and predictive models to improve the effectiveness of strategies for adapting to climate change. One of the warning systems is focused on allergic rhinitis (CATALYSE Task 3.2), with a collaboration between the FMI (Finland), Porto University (Portugal), MASK-air SAS (France), ISGlobal (Spain), Hertie School (Germany), and the University of Zurich (Switzerland). It is to be implemented with the support of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. This paper reports the planning of CATALYSE Task 3.2 (AU)

Las especies de plantas varían según las diferentes condiciones climáticas y la distribución del polen en el aire. Las tendencias en la distribución del polen se pueden utilizar para evaluar el impacto del cambio climático en la salud pública. En 2015, se lanzó la red Mobile Airways Sentinel para la rinitis y el asma (MASK-air ® ) como proyecto de la Asociación Europea de Innovación sobre Envejecimiento Activo y Saludable (EIP-on-AHA, DG Santé y DG CONNECT). Este proyecto tenía como objetivo desarrollar un sistema de alerta para informar a los pacientes sobre el inicio de la temporada de polen, concretamente, el Sistema de modelización integrada de la composición atmosférica (SILAM). El Instituto Meteorológico Finlandés (FMI) desarrolló un modelo de dispersión de escala global a meso. Proporciona información cuantitativa sobre la contaminación atmosférica de origen antropogénico y natural, en particular sobre pólenes alergénicos. Impacto de la contaminación del aire en el asma y la rinitis (POLLAR, EIT Health) ha combinado los datos clínicos de MASK-air con las previsiones de SILAM. Una nueva subvención de Horizonte Europa (Acción climática para promover sociedades saludables en Europa [CATALYSE]; acuerdo de subvención número 101057131), que entró en vigor en septiembre de 2022, tiene como objetivo mejorar nuestra comprensión del cambio climático y ayudarnos a encontrar formas de contrarrestarlo. Uno de los objetivos de este proyecto es desarrollar sistemas de alerta temprana y modelos predictivos para mejorar la eficacia de las estrategias de adaptación al cambio climático(AU)

Papel del Doppler de la vena femoral en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda: resultados de un estudio multicéntrico prospectivo / Role of the femoral vein doppler in acute heart failure patients: results from a prospective multicentric study

Antecedentes y objetivo El objetivo de nuestro estudio es definir el papel de la ecografía Doppler pulsada (PW-Doppler) de la vena femoral común en la evaluación de la dilatación de la vena cava inferior (VCI), la probabilidad de hipertensión pulmonar, la insuficiencia tricuspídea y la excursión sistólica del plano anular tricuspídeo (TAPSE). Métodos Se trata de un estudio prospectivo en dos hospitales en 74 pacientes ingresados con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda. Se realizó ecografía PW-Doppler de vena femoral común, ecocardiografía y evaluación de la VCI en el momento del ingreso, así como PW-Doppler y ecografía de VCI al alta hospitalaria. Resultados La detección de un flujo pulsátil (138 exploraciones) tuvo una curva ROC excelente para la detección de VCI mayor de 2cm (AUC 0,931, Sn95%, Sp 90%, VPP 93%, VPN 94%) con una odds ratio (OR) de 211,2 (intervalo de confianza del 95% 48,13-926,72). La pulsatilidad del flujo también tuvo el mayor rendimiento en la detección de la hipertensión pulmonar (AUC 0,8, Sn 95%, Sp 64%, VPP 84%, VPN 84%) y en la detección de la insuficiencia tricuspídea moderada-grave (AUC 0,79, Sn 95%, Sp 67%, VPP 88%, VPN 78%). Si el flujo es continuo, podemos descartar razonablemente una disminución del TAPSE (VPN 89%). Conclusión La detección del flujo PW-Doppler de vena femoral común puede ser una ventana alternativa para la detección de una dilatación de la VCI de 2cm, TR significativa y la probabilidad de hipertensión pulmonar elevada en la insuficiencia cardiaca aguda. También permite descartar razonablemente la disfunción del ventrículo derecho en casos de normalidad en estos pacientes (AU)

Background and objective The aim of our study is to define the role of Pulsed-Doppler (PW-Doppler) Ultrasound of the common femoral vein in the assessment of dilatation Inferior Vena Cava (IVC), probability of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH), Tricuspid Regurgitation (TR), and Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). Methods This is a prospective two-hospital study in 74 patients admitted with acute heart failure (AHF). We performed PW-Doppler ultrasound of the common femoral vein, Point of Care cardiac ultrasonography and assessment of the IVC at the time of admission, as well as PW-Doppler and ultrasound of the IVC at hospital discharge. Results The detection of a pulsatile flow (138 scans) had an excellent ROC curve for the detection of IVC greater than 2cm (AUC 0.931, Sn 95%, Sp 90%, PPV 93%, NPV 94%) with an Odds Ratio (OR) of 211.2 (95% confidence interval 48.13-926.72). The pulsatility of the flow also had the highest performance in the detection of PH (AUC 0.8, Sn 95%, Sp 64%, PPV 84%, NPV 84%) and in the detection of moderate-severe TR (AUC 0.79, Sn 95%, Sp 67%, PPV 88%, NPV 78%). If the flow is continuous, we can reasonably rule out diminished TAPSE (NPV 89%). Conclussion Detection of PW-Doppler flow of the common femoral vein may be an alternative window for the detection of an IVC dilation of 2cm, significant TR, and the likelihood of high PH in acute heart failure. It also allows us to reasonably rule out dysfunction of the right ventricle in cases of normality in these patients (AU)

Role of the femoral vein doppler in acute heart failure patients: results from a prospective multicentric study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study is to define the role of Pulsed-Doppler (PW-Doppler) Ultrasound of the Common Femoral Vein (CFV) in the assessment of dilatation Inferior Vena Cava (IVC), probability of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH), Tricuspid Regurgitation (TR), and Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). METHODS: This is a prospective two-hospital study in 74 patients admitted with acute heart failure (AHF). We performed PW-Doppler ultrasound of the common femoral vein, Point of Care (POC) cardiac ultrasonography and assessment of the IVC at the time of admission, as well as PW-Doppler and ultrasound of the IVC at hospital discharge. RESULTS: The detection of a pulsatile flow (138 scans) had an excellent ROC curve for the detection of IVC greater than 2cm (AUC 0.931, Sn 95%, Sp 90%, PPV 93%, NPV 94%) with an Odds Ratio (OR) of 211.2 (95% confidence interval 48.13-926.72). The pulsatility of the flow also had the highest performance in the detection of PH (AUC 0.8, Sn 95%, Sp 64%, PPV 84%, NPV 84%) and in the detection of moderate-severe TR (AUC 0.79, Sn 95%, Sp 67%, PPV 88%, NPV 78%). If the flow is continuous, we can reasonably rule out diminished TAPSE (NPV 89%). CONCLUSSION: Detection of PW-Doppler flow of the CFV may be an alternative window for the detection of an IVC dilation of 2cm, significant TR, and the likelihood of high PH in acute heart failure. It also allows us to reasonably rule out dysfunction of the right ventricle in cases of normality in these patients.

Changes of CD3+CD56+ γδ T cell number and apoptosis during hospital admission are related to mortality in septic patients.

Immunoparalysis and apoptosis of T cells are serious problems for the evolution of septic patients. We aimed to relate changes in the number of αß and γδ T cells during hospital stay to the poor evolution of sepsis. In this prospective study, we recruited a total of 92 septic patients from the Emergency and Intensive Care Departments of two Hospitals, according to the latest criteria for the definition and management of sepsis. According to the severity of the septic process, there was a progressive decrease in T cells, being much more intense in γδ T cells. This decrease recovered in surviving patients, but CD3+CD56+ γδ T cells continued to decreased during hospital stay in non-surviving patients. Apoptosis increased in sepsis. Cell death of CD3+CD56+ γδ T cells progressively increased according to the severity of sepsis, especially in non-surviving patients.

Foot school: Preoperative education before day case elective foot and ankle surgery reduces the length of stay after surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the impact of preoperative education on the length of hospital stay after foot and ankle surgery. There are several studies on the benefits of preoperative education prior to hip and knee arthroplasty, especially their role in facilitating early discharges. But studies on the benefits of foot school (Preoperative education) prior to Foot and Ankle surgeries are limited. The aim of this study was to determine if Foot school played a role in expediting early and safe discharges in patients of elective foot and ankle surgeries METHODS: All patients listed for an elective foot and ankle procedure were invited to attend foot school, which consisted of a multi-disciplinary team whose aim was to educate patients about their surgical procedures, rehabilitation and discharge goals. Not all patients attended foot school, as attendance to foot school was recommended but not mandatory for surgery. Data on all foot and ankle surgeries performed in 2019 were collected, and patients were divided into two groups based on their foot school attendance. RESULTS: 92% of the patients who attended foot school were discharged on the same day. 65% of patients who did not attend foot school returned home the same day. There was a statistically significant difference in the observed mean hours after surgery between the two groups. Patients who attended foot school stayed at the hospital for a lesser duration than those who did not (mean difference = 8.55 h, p-value = 0.004). Early discharges can also increase the turnover of patients for day case procedures and improve cost savings. The cost analysis also showed that a portion of the savings from a reduced hospital stay could run foot school service. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that preoperative education allows a significantly shorter hospital stay, thereby facilitating early patient discharges. This can improve the patient turnover rate and also would save the hospital cost per procedure. Patients should, therefore, be encouraged to attend Foot school before their surgical procedure.

Radiographic findings of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study was undertaken to identify and compare findings of chest radiography and computed tomography among patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: This retrospective study was undertaken at a tertiary care center. Eligible subjects included consecutive patients age 18 and over with documented SARS-CoV-2 infection between March and July 2020. The primary outcome measures were results of chest radiography and computed tomography among patients with documented SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: Among 724 subjects, most were admitted to a medical floor (46.4%; N = 324) or admitted to an ICU (10.9%; N = 76). A substantial number of subjects were intubated during the emergency department visit or inpatient hospitalization (15.3%; N = 109). The majority of patients received a chest radiograph (80%; N = 579). The most common findings were normal, bilateral infiltrates, ground-glass opacities, or unilateral infiltrate. Among 128 patients who had both chest radiography and computed tomography, there was considerable disagreement between the 2 studies (52.3%; N = 67; 95% confidence interval: 43.7% to 61.0%).). The presence of bilateral infiltrates (infiltrates or ground-glass opacities) was associated with clinical factors including older age, ambulance arrivals, more urgent triage levels, higher heart rate, and lower oxygen saturation. Bilateral infiltrates were associated with poorer outcomes, including higher rate of intubation, greater number of inpatient days, and higher rate of death. CONCLUSIONS: Common radiographic findings of SARS-CoV-2 infection include infiltrates or ground-glass opacities. There was considerable disagreement between chest radiography and computed tomography. Computed tomography was more accurate in defining the extent of involved lung parenchyma. The presence of bilateral infiltrates was associated with morbidity and mortality.

Comparison of Scarf-Akin osteotomy with Lapidus-Akin fusion in cases of Hallux Valgus with a disrupted Meary's line: A case series study.

BACKGROUND: Hallux Valgus associated with medial column instability (disrupted Meary's line) can be corrected either with Lapidus-Akin or Scarf-Akin procedure. This study compares these two procedures to ascertain if type of surgical procedure performed affects the correction achieved and recurrence rate at 6 months following operative intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective case series that reviews the incidence of early recurrence of Hallux Valgus deformity in 60 patients with an associated disrupted Meary's line who underwent either a Scarf-Akin osteotomy (n = 30) or a Lapidus-Akin procedure (n = 30) between January 2014 and January 2020. Radiographs, operative and clinical notes were utilized to determine degree of correction and recurrence of deformity at 6 months between both groups. RESULTS: The study found a 47% higher recurrence rate in the Scarf-Akin osteotomy group compared to the Lapidus-Akin group at 6 month follow up. This result was statistically significant with a p-value of 0.002 (95% CI 7-49%). Lapidus-Akin procedure was also found to be superior to the Scarf-Akin procedure in achieving a better degree of correction in the Hallux Valgus angle by an average of 11 degrees. CONCLUSION: A disrupted Meary's line is a risk factor for recurrence of Hallux Valgus deformity. The authors recommend that Lapidus-Akin procedure has a significantly reduced recurrence rate compared to a Scarf-Akin osteotomy in Hallux Valgus with disrupted Meary's line.

Hemostatic agents in endodontic surgery of maxillary molars: A randomized controlled pilot study of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) strips as an adjunct to epinephrine impregnated gauze versus aluminum chloride.

BACKGROUND: Hemostasis is of critical importance in endodontic surgery. Studies on bleeding control in maxillary molars are scarce. The present study compares the efficacy of two hemostatic techniques in controlling bleeding in endodontic surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized two-arm pilot study involving 30 patients with peri-radicular lesions in maxillary molars (first and second molars) was carried out including the following hemostatic agents: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) strips as an adjunct to epinephrine impregnated gauze (test group; n = 15) and aluminum chloride (Expasyl™) (control; n = 15). Bleeding control was independently assessed by the surgeon and by two blinded observers before and after application of the hemostatic agent, and was classified as either adequate (complete bleeding control) or inadequate (incomplete bleeding control). RESULTS: Bleeding control was similar in both groups. Simple binary logistic regression analysis failed to identify variables affecting bleeding control. Only the height of the keratinized mucosal band (≥ 2 mm) suggested a decreased risk of inadequate bleeding control of up to 89% (OR=0.11; p=0.06). CONCLUSIONS: No difference in the efficacy of bleeding control was observed between PTFE strips as an adjunct to epinephrine impregnated gauze and aluminum chloride in maxillary molars.

Use of Photography in Dermatology: Ethical and Legal Implications. / Implicaciones bioéticas y médico-legales del uso de la fotografía en dermatología.

Photographs are necessary in the clinical practice of dermatology, but there are ethical implications to consider. Moreover, dermatologists must be aware of and comply with certain legal requirements affecting the use of photographs. The main ethical principles are respect for patient autonomy and the physician's obligation to do no harm. The law differentiates between 2 bases for protection: one concerns the photographed person's rights over the image and the other protects personal data. Recent legislation places restrictions on taking photographs and exhibiting them. Photographs taken to be stored with a medical history have not been called into question, but the physician is recommended to inform the patient that they exist. When a photograph is exhibited for the purpose of teaching or illustrating concepts, it is necessary to determine whether or not the patient can be identified. If the answer is yes, the patient must give explicit permission. Caution should be exercised when publishing medical photographs on social media.

Gammadelta T cells as a predictor of surgical relapse of Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: We recently demonstrated a decrease in the overall lymphocyte population in the peripheral blood of patients with CD compared to healthy controls and this decrease is more evident in γδ T lymphocytes. The percentages of T cell subsets could reflect the risk of surgical relapse in CD patients. The aim of this study is to study the correlation between αß and γδ T cell subsets in the peripheral blood of patients with CD and the risk for surgery during follow up. METHODS: A prospective study of 102 patients with CD compared with 102 healthy subjects (control group) matched by age and sex was conducted. Lymphocytic populations of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD56+, and αß and γδ T cell subsets were measured in the peripheral blood of all participants. RESULTS: We found evidence of a relationship between lower γδ T cell levels and risk of surgical relapse in CD. The lowest subsets observed in CD patients with surgical relapse were CD3+γδ, CD3+CD8+γδ and CD3+CD56+γδT cells. We observed a relationship between a decrease in γδ T cells and the most severe forms of the disease. The lowest levels of CD3+γδ and CD3+CD8+γδT cells were observed in the fistulizing phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: The deficit of γδ T cells was related with the severity and the risk for surgical relapse in CD patients. Patients with CD3+γδ deficit were more prone to surgery than patients without this deficit. These results suggest that γδ T cells could be used as markers of poor prognosis of CD following the diagnosis of the disease.

Medical Malpractice Issues in Dermatology: Clinical Safety and the Dermatologist. / La dermatología y sus aspectos médico-legales: seguridad clínica y dermatología.

Clinical safety and medical liability are first-order concerns in today's medical practice. It is important to understand the circumstances under which medical acts fail to live up to the accepted standard of care and to recognize the impact that malpractice claims have on physicians. Practitioners must also grasp the concept of medical error, studying malpractice claims in order to identify the areas where improvement is needed. The risk of accusations of malpractice in dermatology is comparatively low, both in Spain and worldwide. However, a great variety of clinical scenarios in dermatology can potentially give rise to a claim, and malignant melanoma is most susceptible to risk. Dermatologists should know which actions during clinical consultation merit particular attention and care. Clinical practice carries inherent risk of malpractice claims, but taking certain recommended precautions can prevent them.

Increased recurrence in Scarf osteotomy for mild & moderate hallux valgus with Meary's line disruption.

BACKGROUND: Scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus is a successful procedure. Neverthless recurrence of deformity is reported as 5-8%. First ray instability is a recognised risk factor for recurrence. We investigate whether a radiographic marker such as Meary's line can be used to predict recurrence. This paper aims to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in recurrence for mild and moderate hallux valgus treated with Scarf osteotomy in the presence of a disrupted Meary's line compared to an intact line. METHODS: At a minimum of 3 months follow up we retrospectively analysed radiographs, theatre and clinic notes of 74 (n=74) consecutive patients treated with Scarf osteotomy for mild and moderate hallux valgus at a single centre. The patients were divided into Group A (n=30) - patients who on pre-operative weight bearing radiographs had a disrupted Meary's line, and Group B (n=44) - those with a normal Meary's line on pre-operative weight bearing radiographs. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate statistically significant five times higher odds of recurrence in Group A compared to Group B with an odds ratio of 5.2 p=0.006 [95% CI 1.6-17]. On this basis we reject the Null hypothesis. CONCLUSION: In this paper, we link a disrupted Meary's line with risk of recurrence of deformity. We demonstrate that, when Scarf osteotomy is used to correct mild and moderate hallux valgus in the presence of a broken Meary's line, the odds of recurrence as compared to the same procedure being performed with an intact line are 5.2 times higher. Alternative corrective techniques such as the Lapidus procedure warrant further investigation for the treatment of mild and moderate hallux valgus in the presence of Meary's line disruption.

Periapical implant lesion: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to systematically review the evidence for periapical implant lesion, which makes a patient more susceptible to the periapical lesion, frequency, symptoms, signs (including radiological findings) and possible treatment options. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic literature review and analysis of publications included in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane; articles published until March 2016; with a populations, exposures and outcomes (PEO) search strategy was performed, focused on the issue: "In patients with periapical lesion to the implant during the osseointegration, what symptoms, signs, and changes in complementary examination manifested, for according to that stage, be intervened with the appropriate approach?". The set criteria for inclusion were peer-reviewed articles. RESULTS: From a total of 212 papers identified, 36 studies were included in this systematic review, with 15461 implants evaluated and 183 periapical implant lesions. Which 8 papers included more than 5 cases and 28 included equal or less than 5 cases. Analysis of the papers revealed that periapical implant lesion is classified according to evolution stages into acute (non-suppurated and suppurated) and subacute (or suppurated-fistulized). In the acute stage and in the subacute if there is no loss of implant stability, the correct treatment approach is implant periapical surgery. In the subacute stage associated with implant mobility the implant must be removed. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence on the subject is very limited, there are few studies with small sample, without homogeneity of criteria for diagnosing the disease and without design of scientific evidence. Currently etiology lacks consensus. The early diagnosis of periapical implant periapical lesions during the osseointegration phase and early treatment, will lead to a higher survival rate of implants treated, hence preventing the need for implant extraction.

Determination of Anti-Anisakis Simplex Antibodies and Relationship with αß and γδ Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Patients with Crohn's Disease.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of Crohn's disease (CD) is still unknown although new theories are based on defects in innate immunity. We have previously shown a decrease in γδ T cells in CD patients. Previous studies have shown a high prevalence of anti-A. simplex immunoglobulins in CD patients. The diminution of γδ T cells in the peripheral blood and intestinal mucosa of CD patients may create a state of immunosuppression that would facilitate A. simplex infection. AIMS: To study the antibody responses to Anisakis antigens in Crohn's disease patients and its relationship with αß and γδ T cell subsets. METHODS: We recruited 81 CD patients and 81 healthy controls. αß and γδ T cell subsets and anti-A. simplex antibodies were measured. RESULTS: Levels of anti-A. simplex IgG and IgM were significantly increased in CD patients. Almost 20% of CD patients were positive for IgG and IgM anti-A. simplex versus only 3.7 and 2.5%, respectively, in normal subjects. However, lower specific IgA levels were observed in the group of CD patients versus healthy subjects. We found an association between CD3 + CD8 + Î³Î´ subset and IgM anti-A. simplex levels. In ileal cases and stricturing behavior of CD, we observed the highest levels of specific antibodies with the exception of anti-A. simplex IgA. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship of specific antibodies with a γδ T cell deficiency makes these cell candidates to play a role in the immune response against Anisakis. In addition, anti-Anisakis antibodies could be considered as markers of risk of progression in CD.

Influence of long-range atmospheric transport pathways and climate teleconnection patterns on the variability of surface 210Pb and 7Be concentrations in southwestern Europe.

The variability of the atmospheric concentration of the 7Be and 210Pb radionuclides is strongly linked to the origin of air masses, the strength of their sources and the processes of wet and dry deposition. It has been shown how these processes and their variability are strongly affected by climate change. Thus, a deeper knowledge of the relationship between the atmospheric radionuclides variability measured close to the ground and these atmospheric processes could help in the analysis of climate scenarios. In the present study, we analyze the atmospheric variability of a 14-year time series of 7Be and 210Pb in a Mediterranean coastal city using a synergy of different indicators and tools such as: the local meteorological conditions, global and regional climate indexes and a lagrangian atmospheric transport model. We particularly focus on the relationships between the main pathways of air masses and sun spots occurrence, the variability of the local relative humidity and temperature conditions, and the main modes of regional climate variability, such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the Western Mediterranean Oscillation (WeMO). The variability of the observed atmospheric concentrations of both 7Be and 210Pb radionuclides was found to be mainly positively associated to the local climate conditions of temperature and to the pathways of air masses arriving at the station. Measured radionuclide concentrations significantly increase when air masses travel at low tropospheric levels from central Europe and the western part of the Iberian Peninsula, while low concentrations are associated with westerly air masses. We found a significant negative correlation between the WeMO index and the atmospheric variability of both radionuclides and no significant association was observed for the NAO index.

Coronectomy of impacted mandibular third molars: A meta-analysis and systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Coronectomy is an alternative to complete removal of an impacted mandibular third molar. Most authors have recommended coronectomy to prevent damage to the inferior alveolar nerve during surgical extraction of lower third molars. The present study offers a systematic review and metaanalysis of the coronectomy technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed based on a PubMed and Cochrane databases search for articles published from 2014 and involving coronectomy of mandibular third molars located near the inferior alveolar nerve canal, with a minimum of 10 cases and a minimum follow-up period of 6 months. After application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 12 articles were included in the study. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Coronectomy results in significantly lesser loss of sensitivity of the inferior alveolar nerve and prevents the occurrence of dry socket. No statistically significant differences were observed in the incidence of pain and infection between coronectomy and complete surgical extraction. After coronectomy, the remaining tooth fragment migrates an average of 2 mm within two years. CONCLUSIONS: Coronectomy is indicated when the mandibular third molar is in contact with the inferior alveolar nerve and complete removal of the tooth may cause nerve damage.

Influence of the prosthetic arm length (palatal position) of zygomatic implants upon patient satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: To assess the influence of the prosthetic arm length (palatal position) of zygomatic implants upon patient comfort and stability, speech, functionality and overall satisfaction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective clinical study was made of patients subjected to rehabilitation of atrophic maxilla with complete maxillary implant-supported fixed prostheses involving a minimum of two zygomatic implants (one on each side) in conjunction with premaxillary implants, and with 12 months of follow-up after implant loading. Subjects used a VAS to score general satisfaction, comfort and stability, speech and functionality, and the results were analyzed in relation to the prosthetic arm length of the zygomatic implants 12 months after prosthetic delivery. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients participated in the study, receiving 22 prostheses anchored on 148 implants (44 were zygomatic and 94 were conventional implants). The mean right and left prosthetic arm length was 5.9±2.4 mm and 6.1±2.7 mm, respectively, with no statistically significant differences between them (p=0.576). The mean scores referred to comfort/retention, speech, functionality and overall satisfaction were high - no correlation being found between prosthetic arm length and patient satisfaction (p=0.815). CONCLUSIONS: No relationship could be identified between prosthetic arm length (palatal position) and patient satisfaction.