Association between periodontitis and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Consensus has yet to be reached about the prevention and treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), which is a treatment sequela of several antiresorptive therapies and other pharmaceutical interventions. Several epidemiologic studies have identified periodontal disease (PD) as a risk factor for this outcome. Thus, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate this association and its magnitude. A systematic search in MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus and ISI Web of Science, and a meta-analysis were undertaken. Observational studies that gathered information regarding prefixed definitions for both outcomes were selected, and the relevant information was then extracted, and their risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The protocol of the study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42019125646). The initial search yielded 757 eligible records, of which 12 were deemed adequate for inclusion (5 cohort studies and 7 case-control studies). On a random-effects meta-analysis, the risk of PD in MRONJ-affected sites compared with at-risk non-affected patients was significantly greater, with a risk ratio of 2.75 (95% CI: 1.67-4.52). Nonetheless, from a pooled analysis of three standardized periodontal measures (ie plaque index, clinical attachment loss and probing depth) no significant results were obtained. MRONJ appears to be associated with an increase in prevalence of PD. The direction of this association, and the factors influencing it must be investigated using further prospective data, and likewise, the possibility for using periodontal therapy as a prevention strategy must be looked into. Periodontal screening needs to be made an indispensable requisite for clinicians in order to establish a correct multidisciplinary approach in MRONJ.     

Clinical and subclinical cardiovascular disease in female SLE patients: Interplay between body mass index and bone mineral density

Background and aims

Since accelerated atherosclerosis has been reported in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), predictive biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are needed. Among non-traditional risk factors, bone mineral density (BMD) has been related to CVD. However, its role in SLE remains controversial. This study aims to analyze the associations of subclinical atherosclerosis with traditional and non-traditional CV risk factors.

Is the endovascular embolization of tributaries of the internal iliac veins essential in the treatment of isolated pelvic-perineal reflux?

Aim: The aim of study was to investigate the opportunities of local phlebectomy in the elimination of isolated pelvic-perineal reflux (PPR), as well as to determine the feasibility of endovascular embolization of the tributaries of internal iliac veins in PPR. Clinical trial no. NCT01598051.

Materials and methods: The work is based on the results of examination and treatment of 43 female patients with varicose veins of the pelvis, perineum, and lower extremities. Patients had no signs of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). All patients underwent duplex ultrasound scanning (DUS) and ovariography with pelvic phlebography (OPP). For the elimination of PPR, local phlebectomy was performed in the major labia and perineal area, with maximal possible mobilization of the vessel within the operative wound (33 patients). In 10 patients with isolated varicose transformation of the superficial veins on the posterior thigh, mini-phlebectomy was performed using the Varady phlebectomy extractors.

Results and discussion: The varicose syndrome of the external genitalia, perineum, and posterior thigh was successfully treated in 100% of patients. Findings suggest that thorough mobilization and excision of the veins of the pudendal labia, perineum, and subcutaneous veins of the thigh is a reliable method for eliminating the pathological reflux from the intrapelvic veins to the superficial veins of the perineum and lower extremities. No recurrences of vulvar, perineal varices or dilation of the veins of the lower extremities were observed in 100% of patients over the 3-year follow-up period.

Conclusion: Local phlebectomy is an effective technique for eliminating the isolated PPR in patients with varicose transformation of intrapelvic, vulvar, or perineal veins. Endovascular embolization of the tributaries of the internal iliac veins is not an essential component in the treatment of PPR. The present study has a limitation due to the absence of patients with PCS. The effectiveness of phlebectomy in the treatment of isolated PPR was studied.     

Treatment Experiences,Information Needs,Pain and Quality of Life in Men with Metastatic Castrate-resistant Prostate Cancer: Results from the EXTREQOL Study

Aims

Delaying progression, ameliorating symptoms and maintaining quality of life (QoL) are primary aims of treatment for metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Real-world rather than clinical trial data about symptoms and side-effects are sparse. In EXTREQOL, patients' QoL, pain and information needs were recorded during treatment.

Enabling the return-to-work process among people with affective disorders: A multiple-case study

Background: The Individual Enabling and Support (IES) model is an adapted, supported employment program developed to meet motivational, cognitive and time-use needs of people with affective disorders. Vocational programs for this target group have been developed but more knowledge is needed about the important characteristics and perceived usefulness of the programs. The aim of this study was to illustrate the IES model and process from multiple perspectives.

Methods: Five participants were included in this multiple-case study. The material comprised interviews with participants, intervention documents, memos and interviews with employment specialists. Within and cross-case analyzes and an analytical generalization were performed.

Results: The cases illustrated different IES processes, and the theme; Enabling engagement in return to work (RTW) was formulated. Continuous support from the employment specialist and a focus on personal resources and motivation were essential to overcome low self-confidence regarding RTW. Motivational, cognitive and time-use strategies gave an opportunity to learn new behavior and coping strategies for job seeking, getting employed and working.

Conclusion: Providing a combination of these strategies integrated with supported employment could promote self-efficacy and engagement in the RTW process among people on sick leave due to an affective disorder.     

Midterm Outcomes of the Dissected Aorta Repair Through Stent Implantation Trial

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Association of Multiple Plasma Biomarker Concentrations with Progression of Prevalent Diabetic Kidney Disease: Findings from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study

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