List of Reviewers 2008–2009

List of Reviewers 2008-2009

List of Reviewers 2008–2009     

List of reviewers 2010–2011

List of Reviewers 2010-2011

List of reviewers 2010–2011     

Evaluation of mineral content of enamel prepared by erbium, chromium:yttrium–scandium–gallium–garnet laser

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mineral content of enamel etched at two different power settings with an erbium, chromium:yttrium–scandium–gallium–garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser. Buccal, lingual and mesial or distal surfaces of five premolar teeth were cut, and three enamel slabs were obtained from each tooth. Fifteen enamel specimens were divided into three groups (1 W, 2 W and control) of five specimens each and subjected to Er,Cr:YSGG laser. The mean percentage weights of the five elements [calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na) and phosphorus (P)] in each slab were measured by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze differences among the groups (1 W, 2 W and control). There were no significant differences among the groups (1 W, 2 W and control) for Ca, K, Mg, Na, or P, or for the Ca/P ratio (P > 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photographs indicated that the surface irregularities increased with increased power setting. Laser treatment did not affect the mean percentage weights of Ca, K, Mg, Na, and P, or the Ca/P ratio, in any group.     

Giant Cell–Containing Tumors of Bone

Giant cell–containing tumors of bone are characterized morphologically by the presence of numerous osteoclastic giant cells. Correlation of clinical, radiologic, and laboratory findings is required for accurate histopathologic diagnosis and treatment of a giant cell–containing tumor of bone. In differential diagnosis, it is particularly important to note the age of the patient and the skeletal location of the lesion. This article considers the range of neoplastic and nonneoplastic lesions, which histologically contain numerous osteoclastic giant cells, and focuses on several lesions that frequently enter into the differential diagnosis.     

Septic arthritis of acromino–clavicular joint

Haematogenous septic arthritis can affect any joint. Joints with a large synovial surface area are more prone to haematogenous seeding. Patients with altered immunity either from drug or disease, are at higher risk of septic arthritis at unusual sites. Septic arthritis of acromino–clavicular joint is uncommon even in patients with altered immunity, is very rare in healthy subjects. We have found only one reported case in the literature [1]. We report a case of septic arthritis of acromino–clavicular joint in a healthy individual.     

Disability–Culture–Society: Strengths and weaknesses of a cultural model of dis/ability

Drawing on the approach of disability studies this article claims the relevance of culture as an analytical category for the study of disability. It starts with differentiating several fields of research that focus on disability; then it explores the notion of culture. Next, it appreciates the social model of disability, sketches its history and resulting debates. It also provides an overview on earlier attempts of conceptualizing a cultural studies approach to disability. Further, it offers an analytical perspective that uses the concept of “dis/ability”, analyses impairment, disability and normality as “empty signifiers”, views dis/ability as naturalized and embodied difference, and understands this category as effected by symbolic orders, bodily practices and social institutions. Additionally, referring to the debate on independent living as an example, this article highlights the heuristic value of the cultural model of dis/ability for both research and practice by describing guiding questions resulting from individual, social and cultural models of disability. It concludes by discussing possible pitfalls of a cultural studies approach to dis/ability.     

Surgical management of syringomyelia–Chiari complex

Great variety exists in the indications and techniques recommended for the surgical treatment of syringomyelia–Chiari complex. More recently, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has increased the frequency of diagnosis of this pathology and offered a unique opportunity to visualize cavities inside the spinal cord as well as their relationship to the cranio-cervical junction. This report presents 18 consecutive adult symptomatic syringomyelia patients with Chiari malformation who underwent foramen magnum decompression and syringosubarachnoid shunting. The principal indication for the surgery was significant progressive neurological deterioration. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative MRI scans and were studied clinically and radiologically to assess the changes in the syrinx and their neurological picture after surgical intervention. All patients have been followed up for at least 36 months. No operative mortality was encountered; 88.9% of the patients showed improvement of neurological deficits together with radiological improvement and 11.1% of them revealed collapse of the syrinx cavity but no change in neurological status. None of the patients showed further deterioration of neurological function. The experience obtained from this study demonstrates that foramen magnum decompression to free the cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) pathways combined with a syringosubarachnoid shunt performed at the same operation succeeds in effectively decompressing the syrinx cavity, and follow-up MR images reveal that this collapse is maintained. In view of these facts, we strongly recommend this technique, which seems to be the most rational surgical procedure in the treatment of syringomyelia– Chiari complex. Received: 11 October 1999 Revised: 29 February 2000 Accepted: 20 March 2000     

Clinical–pathological implication of human leukocyte antigen-F–positive gastric adenocarcinoma

Background

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-F is a nonclassical HLA class I molecule that shows aberrant expression in cancer cells. Although the clinical implications of HLA-F expression in cancer patients have been described, the specific significance of this antigen in gastrointestinal cancer remains unclear. The present study examined the expression pattern and clinical implications of HLA-F in gastric adenocarcinoma.

Patients and methods

HLA-F expression was assessed in 179 patients by immunohistochemistry, and its association with clinical parameters including patient survival was analyzed.

Results

HLA-F expression was positive in 30.7% (55/179) of patients and in 50.0% (90/179) of peritumoral infiltrating lymphocytes. HLA-F expression in gastric adenocarcinoma was significantly correlated with the depth of invasion, nodal involvement, and lymphatic and venous invasions (P < 0.01, all). HLA-F positivity of infiltrating cells near the tumor showed no correlation with clinicopathological features. HLA-F–positive patients had a significantly worse prognosis than HLA-F–negative patients (P = 0.012). However, HLA-F expression was not an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

The present study provides the first evidence that neo-HLA-F expression is of clinical significance in gastric adenocarcinoma. HLA-F expression in gastric adenocarcinoma may promote the aggressive behavior of tumors by suppressing the activity of antitumor immune effector cells.     

A Case of G-CSF–Producing Histiocytic Sarcoma of the Stomach

No reports have been published to date regarding primary gastric granulocyte colony–stimulating factor (G-CSF)–producing histiocytic sarcoma. We encountered a case of primary gastric histiocytic sarcoma that also fulfilled the criteria for a G-CSF–producing tumor. A 75-year-old man was diagnosed with gastric cancer with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The patient''s white blood cell count was elevated to 20,700/μL, and the G-CSF level was elevated to 380 pg/mL. A computed tomography scan showed hepatic infiltration; therefore, a preoperative diagnosis of T4 (liver) N2H0M0 cStage IV gastric cancer was made, and surgery was performed. No. 11d lymphatic metastasis was noted, resulting in invasion of the pancreatic tail, and combined resection of the liver, pancreas, and spleen was conducted with complete gastrectomy. The results of hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining were subsequently assessed. On discharge, the G-CSF level had fallen to 22.7 pg/mL. Currently, the patient is still alive and has experienced no recurrence approximately 4 years after the operation.Key words: Histiocytic sarcoma, Stomach, Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)–producing tumorHistiocyte-induced neoplasms can be categorized into two types—the macrophage system cell type and the dendritic cell type, although in 2008 the World Health Organization integrated all macrophage system cell–induced malignant neoplasms into the category of histiocytic sarcoma.¹ The primary extranodal sites for histiocytic sarcoma are the gastrointestinal tract, soft tissue, nasal cavity, and lungs.² There are few reports of gastric histiocytic sarcoma. According to our research, 3 cases of gastric histiocytic sarcoma have been reported in the online database PubMed. One case involved multifocal histiocytic sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract; this case was excluded because the histiocytic sarcoma was not specified as being primary to the stomach. The remaining cases were advanced, the treatment for which involved surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, although in most cases the sarcoma was resistant to treatment. The present case involved a primary gastric histiocytic sarcoma that also met the criteria for a granulocyte colony–stimulating factor (G-CSF)–producing tumor.³ No reports of primary gastric G-CSF–producing histiocytic sarcoma have been published to date; therefore, this report is considered to be the first case report of this type of lesion.     

Influence of etching with erbium, chromium:yttrium–scandium–gallium–garnet laser on microleakage of class V restoration

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate some parameters of dental etching when irradiated with an erbium, chromium:yttrium–scandium–gallium–garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser. One-hundred sound human third molars were selected and randomly distributed into ten groups (n = 10). The class V cavities of group 1 (control) were prepared with a bur and etched with 37% phosphoric acid, while groups G2 to G10, were prepared with laser (5 W, 88.46 J/cm², 90/70% air/water) and etched with the following powers: G3 and G4, 0.25 W; G5 and G6, 0.5 W; G7 and G8, 0.75 W; G9 and G10, 1 W. Group G2 received no laser etching. Prior to restoration, G2, G4, G6, G8 and G10 received acid etching. After restoration, all samples were submitted to a microleakage test. According to statistical analysis (Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn’s tests), G10 presented the lowest microleakage values (P<0.05). The other groups showed no differences between them. Etching with Er,Cr:YSGG laser (1 W) followed by phosphoric acid was effective in reducing the microleakage of class V restorations.     

Treatment of Osgood–Schlatter disease: review of the literature

Background

Osgood–Schlatter disease (OSD) is a self-limiting condition which occurs commonly in adolescence.

Purpose

The objective of this article is to review published literature regarding pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of OSD.

Methods

A search of the literature was performed on the electronic databases PubMed, Cochrane and SCOPUS databases between 1962 and 2016 for pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of Osgood–Schlatter disease.

Results

OSD, also known as apophysitis of the tibial tubercle, is a common disease with most cases resolving spontaneously with skeletal maturity. In pathophysiology, the most accepted theory is repetitive knee extensor mechanism contraction. The pain is localized to the anterior aspect of the proximal tibia over the tibial tuberosity. They may describe a dull ache exacerbated by jumping or stair climbing. Radiological evaluation may indicate superficial ossicle in the patellar tendon. Osgood–Schlatter is a self-limited disease and generally ceases with skeletal maturity. Treatment is usually symptomatic. Adults with continued symptoms may need surgical treatment if they fail to respond to conservative treatment. Surgical procedures include open, bursoscopic and arthroscopic technique. Arthroscopic surgery is beneficial over an open procedure due to early postoperative recovery, no incisional scar in front of the tuberosity that usually causes discomfort in kneeling with a better cosmetic result and the ability to address concomitant intra-articular pathology.

Conclusion

Osgood–Schlatter syndrome runs a self-limiting course, and usually complete recovery is expected with closure of the tibial growth plate. Overall prognosis for Osgood–Schlatter syndrome is good, except for some discomfort in kneeling and activity restriction in a few cases. Arthroscopic techniques seem to be the best choice of treatment of unresolved Osgood–Schlatter lesions.

     

Surgical correction of coarctation of the aorta–A retrospective study

Background Different surgical methods, each having its own advantages and disadvantages have been described in the surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta. Methods A comparison of the surgical methods used in our short series of 26 consecutive coarctation repairs have been retrospectively studied. Results Resection and grafting or patch aortoplasty were usually done in older subjects; resection with direct anastomoses and subclavian flap repair were done in the young. Associated intracardiac anomaly repair was also done in the same sitting; being corrected first followed by coarctation repair. Conclusions No major difference was found among the various groups.     

The use of Reamer–irrigator–aspirator in the management of long bone osteomyelitis: an update

Purpose

Reamer–irrigator–aspirator (RIA) is an innovative device that its indications have recently been expanded to the management of long bone infections.

Methods

In this narrative review, we summarise the most important studies in the field and we present the current open questions pertaining to the use of RIA in the management of osteomyelitis of long bones.

Results

The relevant literature is sparse and low quality. Nevertheless, the use of RIA for infected cases has yielded promising outcomes in specialised centres. Technical aspects that merit special attention in osteomyelitis of long bones are its inapplicability in small diameter long bones, the inadequate debridement of wide metaphyseal areas and the potential bleeding sequelae. The use of RIA in open fracture management to reduce infection risk has not gained acceptance. The antibiotic impregnated nails and rods constitute a complimentary strategy for the management of infections.

Conclusions

The use of RIA for the management of long bone infections is an innovative and promising strategy. High quality studies are needed to shed light in its efficacy compared to conventional methods of management of osteomyelitis of long bones.

     

Transurethral Resection of Non–muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer

Transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB) is the initial and critical step in the management of bladder tumours. The aim of the procedure is to establish the histologic diagnosis, determine the tumour stage and grade, and achieve complete removal of papillary non–muscle-invasive tumours. Although TURB is a frequently performed procedure, its results are limited by the high recurrence rate and by the risk of tumour understaging. The major prerequisite for optimal outcomes is a systematically and meticulously performed procedure by a well-trained urologist. Smaller tumours can be resected en bloc; tumours >1 cm should be resected separately in fractions. Deep resection, including the detrusor muscle, is essential for correct staging. The biopsy should be taken from all areas suggestive of carcinoma in situ (CIS), and biopsies from normal-looking mucosa are recommended only in patients with positive cytology or non-papillary tumours. TURB should be performed with modern equipment, including new telescopes and video systems. Moreover, urologists should be aware of promising innovations, including new imaging techniques, and their possible benefits.Re-TUR can improve recurrence-free survival (RFS) and tumour staging. It is recommended in any patient with a T1 or high-grade tumour at initial resection and when the pathologist has reported that the specimen contained no muscle. It should also be considered in cases where the urologist is not sure that the initial resection was complete, especially in extensive and multiple tumours.     

Pre-ramus passage of inside–out transobturator sling

Groin pain after transobturator tape is not uncommon. Differential diagnosis and treatment strategies are becoming elaborated in the literature. A patient presented with partial improvement in her stress incontinence and persistent groin and vulvar discomfort for 3 months after “inside–out” transobturator tape. The sling was removed secondary to malposition anterior to the inferior pubic ramus, i.e., a trans-vulvar passage. Her vulvar and groin complaints resolved. Recommendations are made to facilitate the “inside to out” transobturator dissection and trocar passage to prevent this complication.     

Genetic Modifiers of Cystic Fibrosis–Related Diabetes

Diabetes is a common age-dependent complication of cystic fibrosis (CF) that is strongly influenced by modifier genes. We conducted a genome-wide association study in 3,059 individuals with CF (644 with CF-related diabetes [CFRD]) and identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within and 5′ to the SLC26A9 gene that associated with CFRD (hazard ratio [HR] 1.38; P = 3.6 × 10⁻⁸). Replication was demonstrated in 694 individuals (124 with CFRD) (HR, 1.47; P = 0.007), with combined analysis significant at P = 9.8 × 10⁻¹⁰. SLC26A9 is an epithelial chloride/bicarbonate channel that can interact with the CF transmembrane regulator (CFTR), the protein mutated in CF. We also hypothesized that common SNPs associated with type 2 diabetes also might affect risk for CFRD. A previous association of CFRD with SNPs in TCF7L2 was replicated in this study (P = 0.004; combined analysis P = 3.8 × 10⁻⁶), and type 2 diabetes SNPs at or near CDKAL1, CDKN2A/B, and IGF2BP2 were associated with CFRD (P < 0.004). These five loci accounted for 8.3% of the phenotypic variance in CFRD onset and had a combined population-attributable risk of 68%. Diabetes is a highly prevalent complication of CF, for which susceptibility is determined in part by variants at SLC26A9 (which mediates processes proximate to the CF disease-causing gene) and at four susceptibility loci for type 2 diabetes in the general population.Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common life-limiting monogenic disease in Caucasians caused by defects in an epithelial chloride channel, CF transmembrane regulator (CFTR), which is expressed across tissues, including sweat glands, pancreas, and lung. Diabetes is an age-dependent complication of CF that affects 19% of adolescents and 40–50% of adults with CF (1). CF-related diabetes (CFRD) is associated with worse lung disease, malnutrition, and mortality (2), and treating CFRD substantially improves outcomes (1,3). Risk factors for CFRD include pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (4), female sex (5), and liver disease (6). Genetic modifiers (genes other than CFTR) contribute to the risk of CFRD (7), and identification of these modifiers could give insight into the pathophysiology of CFRD.The clinical and histologic features of CFRD share some similarities with other forms of diabetes in the general population, but there are also distinct differences. For example, type 2 diabetes and CFRD are associated with a subacute decline in β-cell function and production of islet amyloid (8,9). In contrast, insulin sensitivity is reduced in type 2 diabetes but is generally normal in CFRD (except during exacerbations or glucocorticoid treatment) (1). These findings suggest that CFRD and type 2 diabetes have both common and distinct mechanisms; therefore, dissection of the contributing pathways could be informative for both conditions.Identification of genes that confer risk for CFRD can address the degree of overlap with type 2 diabetes. There is a reasonable basis for a genetic approach as follows: >50 common gene variants associate with type 2 diabetes (10); a family history of type 2 diabetes (i.e., diabetes in non-CF family members) approximately triples the risk for CFRD (11); and in a total of 1,745 CF individuals, we previously demonstrated that TCF7L2, a susceptibility gene for type 2 diabetes, confers risk for CFRD (11). The formation of the CF Genetic Modifier Consortium and genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing of ∼3,500 CF patients (12) afforded an opportunity to search for unique and shared risk factors using genome-wide association analysis. To increase the power for detecting variants affecting both CFRD and type 2 diabetes, we also tested candidate type 2 diabetes SNPs at 7 loci for association with CFRD.     

Bactericidal activity of erbium, chromium:yttrium–scandium–gallium–garnet laser in root canals

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the erbium, chromium:yttrium–scandium–gallium–garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser by measuring its bactericidal effect inside root canals experimentally colonized with Enterococcus faecalis. We also determined the optimal conditions for the Er,Cr:YSGG laser to achieve the maximal bactericidal effect. An Er,Cr:YSGG Waterlase^TM laser was used, and its antimicrobial effect was compared with that of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) at various concentrations as widely used in clinics. This laser emits photons at a wavelength of 2.78 μm. It is a pulsed laser operating at 20 Hz (20 pulses/s). Significant differences between measurements in the different groups (P < 0.05) were observed, depending on time and power used. The use of NaOCl 5% was the most effective procedure, with NaOCl 0.5% being the least effective; however, laser treatment was as effective as NaOCl 5% when applied at 2 W for 60 s.     

Benefit–risk assessment of vitamin D supplementation

Summary  

Current intake recommendations of 200 to 600 IU vitamin D per day may be insufficient for important disease outcomes reduced by vitamin D.