The nexus between periodontics and oral pathology

A wide variety of lesions may arise from the oral mucosa, fibrous connective tissue, bone and cementum of the periodontium. The commonest pathology occurs as a result of bacterial infection and is very well known to dentists and periodontists, but rarer conditions present as gingival pathology. The pathogenesis of these conditions ranges from genetic to traumatic to immunological to neoplastic, and includes benign, malignant and metastatic lesions. This paper outlines some of these conditions and describes how the periodontist and oral pathologist can work together using a framework, and how with careful consideration of the clinical features and the use of appropriate special tests, including obtaining an adequate tissue specimen, a timely and accurate diagnosis can be obtained.     

Clinical course of porokeratosis ptychotropica over 7 years in an otherwise healthy child

Porokeratosis ptychotropica is an unusual variant of porokeratosis characterized by papules and plaques located on the buttocks and gluteal cleft and showing multiple coronoid lamellae on histology. In this case report, we present the longitudinal clinical course of porokeratosis ptychotropica in a pediatric patient with individual red-brown hyperkeratotic lesions that enlarged and became confluent prior to surgical intervention. We also discuss the etiology of porokeratosis ptychotropica and review current as well as future treatment options for the disease.     

Obesity,neoliberalism and epidemic psychology: critical commentary and alternative approaches to public health

Obesity and neoliberalism are two concepts that generate plenty of concern and debate, arguably leading to more heat than light when terms like ‘epidemic’ are thrown into the fray. Drawing from critical weight studies, this paper offers critical commentary on the recent designation of obesity as a ‘neoliberal epidemic’ that can be attributed to energy-dense foods and a toxic mode of political economic organization. After delineating neoliberalism and the use of this concept in health studies, discussion turns towards contrasting invocations in the ‘fat field’ before seeking to navigate a course through this terrain. In addition to contributing to critical weight studies and the obesity debate, this commentary engages discussions on the perils of invoking neoliberalism in public health critique. In conclusion, we move from critique to hope with reference to epistemologies derived from alternative health practices, notably frameworks incorporating Indigenous knowledge(s).     

Optimizing Health for Complex Adults in Primary Care: Current Challenges and a Way Forward

As the population ages, the quantity and complexity of comorbidities only increases in the primary care setting. Health systems strive to improve quality of care and enhance cost savings, but current administrative and payment systems do not easily support the implementation of existing evidence and best practices for multimorbid adults in most primary care offices. This perspectives piece sets forth a research agenda in the area of implementation science at the intersection of geriatrics and general internal medicine. We challenge academic medical centers, medical societies, journals, and funders to actively value and support investigation in this area as much as traditional research pathways.