ACTN3 R/X gene polymorphism across ethnicity: a brief review of performance gene

Sport Sciences for Health - Alpha-actinin-3 (ACTN3) gene is one of the most extensively investigated genes associated with human physical performance. The ACTN3 gene via ACTN3 R/X gene polymorphism...     

Curing All Patients with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: Are We There Yet?

The introduction of all-trans retinoic acid to anthracycline-based chemotherapy has revolutionized the prognosis of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). The introduction of arsenic trioxide enabled the therapeutic approach of rationally targeted frontline protocols with minimal or no traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy and without compromise of previously established outstanding outcomes with anthracycline-based regimens. Although most of the current investigative efforts in APL are focused on developing potentially curative therapy without the exposure to toxicities and risks of DNA-disrupting agents, the cure rate can further be increased by implementing meticulous supportive care strategies that counter early coagulopathy-related deaths.     

Optical coherence tomography reflects clinically relevant gray matter damage in patients with multiple sclerosis

Journal of Neurology - Retinal degeneration leading to optical coherence tomography (OCT) changes is frequent in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). To investigate associations among OCT...     

The patient with a heart murmur: evaluation, assessment and dental considerations

BACKGROUND: Heart murmurs, a common finding in dental patients, are of major concern to dental professionals because certain dental procedures occasionally can induce severe cardiovascular complications. Murmurs may indicate existing heart disease that is a risk factor for infective endocarditis following a dental procedure, as well as more severe heart conditions such as congenital heart disease, atrial fibrillation or congestive heart failure. TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: This review article is based on data published in peer-reviewed journals, including practice guidelines published by major dental and medical professional organizations. RESULTS: Echocardiography is the primary means of evaluating heart murmurs, and all dental professionals should become familiar with major aspects of an echocardiogram. Understanding the medical evaluation and assessment of a heart murmur fosters better communication with other health care professionals and results in improved patient care. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Beyond the need to administer antibiotic prophylaxis, the dentist also needs to address the underlying causes of a patient's heart murmur. By providing dental care to such patients, oral health care providers become part of the patient's overall health care team.