Macular,papillary and peripapillary perfusion densities measured with optical coherence tomography angiography in primary open angle glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology - To compare the blood flow situation in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) using optical...     

The mutational landscape of melanoma brain metastases presenting as the first visceral site of recurrence

Brain metastases are a major cause of melanoma-related mortality and morbidity. We undertook whole-exome sequencing of 50 tumours from patients undergoing surgical resection of brain metastases presenting as the first site of visceral disease spread and validated our findings in an independent dataset of 18 patients. Brain metastases had a similar driver mutational landscape to cutaneous melanomas in TCGA. However, KRAS was the most significantly enriched driver gene, with 4/50 (8%) of brain metastases harbouring non-synonymous mutations. Hotspot KRAS mutations were mutually exclusive from BRAF^V600, NRAS and HRAS mutations and were associated with a reduced overall survival from the resection of brain metastases (HR 10.01, p = 0.001). Mutations in KRAS were clonal and concordant with extracranial disease, suggesting that these mutations are likely present within the primary. Our analyses suggest that KRAS mutations could help identify patients with primary melanoma at higher risk of brain metastases who may benefit from more intensive, protracted surveillance.Subject terms: CNS cancer, Metastasis, Melanoma, Tumour biomarkers, Cancer     

Diagnostic & therapeutic strategies for the management of the diabetic patient

The bridge between oral and systemic health exists and becomes more concrete as data continue to emerge in support of this relationship. The medical management of diabetes is affected by the presence of chronic infections, such as periodontitis. This article reviews the pathogenesis of periodontal disease as it relates to diabetes. The author discusses patient susceptibility in terms of risk and recommends risk assessment to determine optimal treatment strategies. Patients with poorly controlled diabetes are at greater risk for developing periodontitis. The opportunity for systemic exposure to periodontal pathogens and proinflammatory mediators associated with periodontitis is discussed relative to their specific effects on patients with diabetes. The importance of good metabolic control in terms of risk for developing long-term complications of diabetes is presented and the impact of periodontitis on achieving adequate metabolic control is described. Special considerations for the management of patients with diabetes in the dental office are reviewed, including the signs and symptoms of diabetes, risk assessment for diabetes, and the challenges of "tight control" with insulin and oral agents with regards to hypoglycemia. It is recommended by the author that a thorough medical history of the patient be obtained, that the patient's medications are known, that the dentist consults with the patient's physician to assess the patient's glycemic control, and that the patient's blood glucose levels and dietary intake be monitored before treatment. Finally, the author reviews the long-term complications of diabetes, particularly the oral complications that can affect overall health. The author concludes with the belief that the treatment of periodontal diseases should not be considered optional or elective but, instead, should be a necessary and integral part of a patient's overall healthcare program.     

Effect of two routes of administration of dexamethasone on pain, edema, and trismus in impacted lower third molar surgery

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to compare pain, edema, and trismus in the postoperative period following third molar surgery using 8?mg of dexamethasone administered either orally or through local injection.

Methods

A prospective, controlled, randomized trial was carried out involving 60 lower third molar surgeries in 67 patients between October 2008 and June 2009. The sample was randomly divided into three groups: group A (local injection), group B (tablets), and group C (control). In all cases, either ostectomy or crown sectioning was employed. On the second and seventh day following surgery, linear edema was determined using facial landmarks, and maximal mouth opening measurements were performed. Postoperative pain was recorded using a visual analog scale.

Results

Patient age ranged from 14 to 37?years (mean, 21.0?years). With regard to pain, edema, and trismus, the two administration routes tested (local injection and tablets) demonstrated similar efficacy, and both methods achieved better results in comparison to the control group.

Conclusion

Both the oral administration and local injection of dexamethasone proved effective in reducing pain, edema, and trismus compared to control group following lower third molar surgeries, achieving similar results.