Clinical and Sociodemographic Features of Alopecia Areata in Five Colombian Cities: An Analysis of the RENAAC Registry.

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by non-scaring hair loss and preservation of hair follicles. The information available on disease course, and clinical features of AA is scarce worldwide, and almost nonexistent in Colombia. OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with AA who presented to a dermatology consultation in five Colombian cities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective and multicenter study on data from an ongoing National Registry of Alopecia Areata in Colombia (RENAAC) collected in Bogota, Cali, Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Medellin, Colombia from March 2022 through April 2023. Data was recorded in a standardized form by trained physicians. The variables were expressed as measures of central tendency and dispersion, and absolute and relative frequencies. RESULTS: A total of 562 patients were included, 59.4% of whom were women, aged between 15 and 49 years (63.9%) with a mean disease course of 1.7 years. The most common finding was multiple plaque (53.2%), the predominant AA subtype was patchy (71.4%), and 29.5% of the patients had a past dermatological history, 18.3% had a past endocrinological history, and 8.9% had a past psychiatric history. The treatments most widely used were steroid injections (76.4%), 5% topical minoxidil (46.4%), followed by high-potency corticosteroids (42.5%). STUDY LIMITATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: AA was slightly predominant in women. As seen in other populations, this disease had an earlier onset in men vs women. Presentation in pediatric age was uncommon. The previous history of other dermatological diseases was checked in almost one third of the patients. Analysis of the co-presentation of AA with other autoimmune diseases is biased due to excluding patients with systemic erythematous lupus from the study.

Minimally invasive treatment of abdominal lymphocele: A review of contemporary options and how to approach them.

Lymphoceles are lymphatic fluid collections resulting from lymphatic vessel disruption after surgery or trauma. They are most often described following retroperitoneal surgeries such as cystectomies, prostatectomies, renal transplants, and gynecologic surgeries. Most lymphoceles are asymptomatic and resolve spontaneously without treatment. If persistent, they can become infected or exert mass effect on adjacent structures causing pain, urinary, or lower limb edema particularly for lymphoceles in the pelvis Symptomatic lymphoceles should be treated to relieve symptoms and prevent functional compromise of vital adjacent structures. Although surgery has been traditionally accepted as the gold standard treatment, advances in imaging and interventional technology allow for less invasive, percutaneous treatment. Available minimally invasive treatment options include percutaneous aspiration, catheter drainage, sclerotherapy, and lymphangiography with lymphatic embolization. A review of these treatment options and a suggested algorithm for managing lymphoceles is presented.

Cognitive changes in patients with epilepsy identified through the MoCA test during neurology outpatient consultation.

INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that may occur alongside cognitive changes, with effects on multiple cognitive domains. OBJECTIVE: To compare the cognitive performance of patients with epilepsy and healthy controls through Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) during outpatient consultation at a reference diagnostic center in Colombia and analyze and the influencing factors. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: One-hundred and four patients during neurology outpatient consultation in the city of Cartagena, Colombia, were assessed with the (MoCA) test, i.e., 54 people who consulted for headache and have not been diagnosed with epilepsy (NEP) and 50 with a diagnosis of epilepsy (EPs) according to the diagnostic criteria of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). RESULTS: Significant differences were found in the total mean scores of the (MoCA) between (EPs) and (NPE) groups (t = 4.72; p < 0.01), particularly in attention (t = 3.22; p < 0.02) and memory (t = 5.04; p < 0.01) dimensions. Additionally, a significant association was observed between years of schooling and (MoCA) scores (p = 0,019) but not between socioeconomic level (p = 0,510), age (p = 0,452) and the frequency of seizures (p = 0,471). DISCUSSION: Patients with epilepsy show lower scores in several cognitive domains in respect of the control group. The (MoCA) has proven its appropriateness for cognitive screening in the contexts of clinical neurology outpatient consultation.

Influence of Surface Sealants on Microleakage in Composite Restorations / Estudio de la Influencia de los Sellantes de Superficie sobre la Microfiltración en Restauraciones de Composite

ABSTRACT: Polymerization shrinkage of composites can generate stress that results in the formation of microgaps at the resin-enamel interface and marginal leakage. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the influence of surface sealants on microleakage in composite restorations. Enamel-dentin occlusal cavities were prepared in 30 non-carious upper and lower premolars. The cavities were restored with One Coat Bond SL and Brilliant New Generation (Coletene), following the manufacturers' instructions, and polished appropriately. The samples were randomly assigned to one of the following six treatment groups: Group I (Control-no sealant); Group II: Single Bond (3M/ESPE); Group III: Perma Seal (Ultradent); Group IV: Heliobond (Vivadent); Group V: Biscover LV (Bisco); Group VI: Bioforty (Biodinâmica). The samples were then immersed in 2 % aqueous methylene blue solution for 48 hours, and thermocycled 100 times from 5 ºC to 55 ºC. The obtained specimens were ground in a bucco-palatal orientation to reach the medial plane, and observed under a stereoscopic loupe at 40X. The degree of microleakage was evaluated by assessing the penetration of the dye to the tooth-restoration interface, using a 0 to 3 grading scale. The obtained data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test. Significant differences were observed between all rebonded groups and the control group; no differences were observed among Single Bond, Perma Seal and bioforty, or between Heliobond and Biscover LV. It would seem convenient to apply a surface sealant over composite restorations to improve marginal integrity and reduce microleakage.

RESUMEN: La contracción de polimerización de los composites puede generar fuerzas que determinan la formación de microbrechas en la interfase resina-esmalte y filtración marginal. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la influencia de los sellantes de superficie, en restauraciones de composite, sobre la microfiltración. Se utilizaron 30 premolares superiores e inferiores, libres de caries, donde se realizaron preparaciones oclusales amelodentinarias que fueron obturadas con One Coat Bond SL y Brilliant New Generation (Coletene), siguiendo las indicaciones del fabricante y pulidas adecuadamente. Luego las muestras se distribuyeron aleatoriamente en seis grupos, según los materiales experimentales: Grupo I (Control), Grupo II: Single Bond (3M/ESPE), Grupo III: Perma Seal (Ultradent), Grupo IV: Heliobond (Vivadent), Grupo V: Biscover LV (Bisco), Grupo VI: bioforty (biodinámica). Posteriormente las piezas fueron sometidas a ciclaje térmico por 100 ciclos entre 5 ºC y 55 ºC, sumergidas en una solución acuosa de azul de metileno al 2 % durante 48 horas y desgastadas en sentido V-P, hasta el plano medial, para ser observadas con lupa estereoscópica a 40 X. El grado de filtración se evaluó por la penetración del colorante en la interfase diente-restauración en una escala de O a 3. Los datos obtenidos fueron analizados mediante la muestra no paramétrica de Kruskal-Wallis. Se encontraron diferencias significativas de todos los grupos con respecto al grupo control (p= 0,0167), no existiendo significación entre Single Bond, Perma Seal y bioforty ni entre Heliobond y Biscover LV. En restauraciones de composite, sería conveniente la aplicación de sellantes de superficie para mejorar la integridad marginal y disminuir la microfiltración.

Chiral bidentate [N,S]-ferrocene ligands based on a thiazoline framework. Synthesis and use in palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation.

An efficient method to obtain chiral 1,2-disubstituted ferrocenyl ligands has been developed. The introduction of planar chirality was accomplished by using 2-thiazoline as an ortho-directing lithiation group, and moreover, these kinds of ligands possess a central chirality from the amino alcohol used in their synthesis. The X-ray analysis and DFT calculations confirmed the diastereoselectivity of ortho-lithiation and the configuration of the planar chirality. The ability of these new bidentate [N,S]-ferrocene ligands to act in Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation has also been demonstrated and compared with their oxazoline counterparts.

Histologic evaluation of a 9-year-old hydroxyapatite-coated cylindric implant placed in conjunction with a subantral augmentation procedure: a case report.

The histologic examination of dental implants retrieved from humans provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the bone-implant interface. This case report presents a clinical, radiographic, and histologic evaluation of a cylindrical hydroxyapatite- (HA) coated implant retrieved from the posterior maxillary area of a patient after 9 years after placement. The implant had been placed in conjunction with a subantral augmentation procedure with HA as the graft material. Clinical examination revealed an immobile implant with no sign of pathosis. Radiographic examination indicated close proximity of the bone to the implant surface without evidence of radiolucency. Histologically, because of tissue destruction during implant retrieval, only the apical portion of the implant was available for examination under light microscopy, and it appeared to be integrated with the surrounding bone; 45.9% of the surface of the implant had close bone apposition at the interface. There was no evidence of dissolution of the HA coating and the bone appeared to be in immediate contact with the coating. Residual graft particles were present and in close proximity with the implant surface. These observations suggest that the subantral augmentation procedure performed simultaneously with the placement of an HA-coated implant with HA as the graft material apparently resulted in osseointegration between the implant and the surrounding bone. The implant was maintained without complication for 9 years.

Platelet-rich plasma application in sinus graft surgery: Part I--Background and processing techniques.

The uses of cytokine growth factors in soft tissue applications has been reported on. The scientific background and various processing techniques to prepare the autologous materials are reviewed here. An ongoing research project to study grafting of the maxillary sinus for bone regeneration and implant site preparation with the growth factor Platelet Rich Plasma is outlined.

Immediate loading of single root form implants with the use of a custom acrylic stent.

This article describes a technique for fabricating a provisional screw-retained restoration for immediate loading of single implants. Until immediate loading of single implants becomes a well-documented treatment modality, this technique should be used cautiously.

Implant dentistry education for the practicing dentist.

Contemporary standards of care, as well as ethical and legal issues, dictate the incorporation of dental implants into the general dental practice. Given the simplicity of current implant systems, most general dentists already possess the clinical expertise necessary to provide basic implant restorative services to their patients. However, due to the restricted manner in which dental implant training was propagated in the United States, and perhaps due to its foreign origins, many competent dentists seem unaware of this greatly beneficial innovation. There are a variety of educational resources available for the uninitiated dentist to gain proficiency in basic implant dentistry. The ideal education in implant dentistry provides supervised hands-on clinical training on live patients as well as didactic instruction by recognized teachers in implant dentistry. Such education may or may not be devoid of commercial bias. This paper will describe many of these opportunities.

Histologic evaluation of threaded HA-coated root-form implants after 3.5 to 11 years of function: a report of three cases.

This article presents a histologic evaluation of three hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated root-form implants retrieved from humans after being in function for 3.5 to 11 years. If the coronal portion, where bone loss was observed clinically and radiographically, is excluded, all implants appeared to be well osseointegrated, with intimate contact between the surrounding bone and the coating. There was no sign of resorption or dissolution of the HA coating. The coating had a uniform thickness (50 microm) equal to the thickness originally provided by the manufacturer In the few areas where there was no bone contact, the HA coating appeared to line the implant with no sign of dissolution. The few detached particles had tight contact with the bone, demonstrating the biocompatibility of the HA. The observations from the three reported cases suggest that the HA coating of dental implants may not be susceptible to resorption or dissolution under long-term function.

Histologic evaluation of hydroxyapatite-coated root-form implant retrieved after 7 years in function: a case report.

This case report presents a clinical, radiographic, and histologic evaluation of 2 non-adjacent, hydroxyapatite-coated, root-form implants retrieved from the maxillary canine area of a patient after 7 years in function. Clinical examination revealed immobile implants with no sign of pathosis. Radiographic examination indicated close proximity of the bone to the implant surface without evidence of radiolucency. Histologically, the 2 implants appeared to be well integrated with the surrounding bone; 84% of the surface of the first implant and 79% of the surface of the second implant had close bone apposition at the interface. There was no evidence of dissolution of the hydroxyapatite coating. The bone appeared to be in immediate contact with the coating. These observations suggest that a particular hydroxyapatite coating on root-form implants can resist degradation during long-term function.

Maintaining and attenuating periodontal tissues for aesthetic implant placement.

Alveolar ridge resorption and soft tissue recession after tooth extraction inevitably disrupted the harmonious pre-existing periodontal complex, compromising clinicians' ability to recreate successful aesthetic restorations. Although numerous surgical procedures had been advocated for the augmentation of both the alveolar ridge and its soft tissue to ideal contours, questions remain regarding viability and predictability of these procedures. This is especially critical in the maxillary anterior region, where a the condition of the soft tissue complex and its relationship to the implant restoration and its adjacent dentition often determines the implant's success. The described technique of retaining the root remnant and inducing the proliferation of the surrounding tissue in conjunction with immediate implant placement results in the preservation of existing soft and hard tissue, thus minimizing the necessity of grafting procedures and facilitating primary flap closure during implant placement.

Scientific rationale for the surgical and prosthodontic protocol for immediately loaded root form implants in the completely edentulous patient.

This paper discusses a modified surgical and prosthodontic protocol to place implants in the completely edentulous patient. Methods for presurgical, prosthodontic workup, impression transfer technique, provisionalization, and attachment placement are also discussed.

Effects of smoking on implant success in grafted maxillary sinuses.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Cigarette smoking has been identified as a significant risk factor for dental implant treatment. PURPOSE: This retrospective study evaluated the effect of smoking and the amount of cigarette consumption on the success rates of the implants placed in grafted maxillary sinuses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients (16 smokers and 44 nonsmokers) were evaluated for the effects of smoking on osseointegrated implants placed in 84 grafted maxillary sinuses that contained a total of 228 endosseous root-form implants. Seventy implants were placed in 26 maxillary sinuses in smokers, whereas 158 implants were placed in 58 sinuses in nonsmokers. The number of implant failures and the amount of cigarette consumption were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 228 implants, 205 (89.9%) remained in function, after a mean follow-up period of 41.6 months (2 to 60 months). There was a significantly higher cumulative implant success rate in nonsmokers (82.7%) than in smokers (65.3%) (P =.027). Overall cumulative implant success rate was 76%. There was no correlation between implant failures and the amount of cigarette consumption (P >.99). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, cigarette smoking appeared to be detrimental to the success of osseointegrated implants in grafted maxillary sinuses regardless of the amount of cigarette consumption.

Maxillary sinus augmentation prior to placement of endosseous implants: A histomorphometric analysis.

The aim of this prospective study was to histomorphometrically evaluate at various time intervals the mineralization stage and process of an allogeneic-xenogeneic bone graft used in sinus augmentation procedures. One biopsy was taken from 20 patients at either 6, 8, 10, or 12 months after sinus augmentation. Immediately following the biopsy, an endosseous implant was placed into the biopsy site. This protocol provided 4 groups of 5 patients each, based on healing time following sinus augmentation. Using backscattered electron image analysis, the specimens were histomorphometrically analyzed to determine the volume fractions of residual cancellous bone, newly formed bone, soft tissue, bovine hydroxyapatite, and "remineralized" freeze-dried demineralized bone allograft (rDFDBA). "Remineralization" of DFDBA particles was observed in a few areas in all specimens. Polarized light microscopy showed that only the 12-month biopsies had a predominance of lamellar bone formation. The area within the biopsies that represented the residual alveolar ridge consisted of 32.6% +/- 8.6% (mean +/- SD) of bone. In the grafted area of the biopsies the volume fraction of newly formed bone at 12 months (20.7% +/- 8.3%) was significantly higher (P < .05, analysis of variance) than at 6 months (8.1% +/- 3.0%). There was no statistically significant difference between newly formed bone in the inferior, central, and superior grafted areas in all 4 time intervals. This prospective study indicates that the mineralization process of an allogeneic-xenogeneic sinus graft is incomplete 6 months after the sinus augmentation procedure. New bone formation increased up to 12 months postaugmentation; however, it remained lower than the volume of residual bone.

Study of a needleless intermittent intravenous-access system for peripheral infusions: analysis of staff, patient, and institutional outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect on staff- and patient-related complications of a needleless intermittent intravenous access system with a reflux valve for peripheral infusions. DESIGN: A 6-month cross-over clinical trial (phase I, 13 weeks; phase II, 12 weeks) of a needleless intermittent intravenous access system (NL; study device) compared to a conventional heparin-lock system (CHL, control device) was performed during 1991 on 16 medical and surgical units. A random selection of patients was assessed for local intravenous-site complications; all patients were assessed for the development of nosocomial bacteremia and device-related complications. Staff were assessed for percutaneous injuries and participated in completion of product evaluations. A cost analysis of the study compared to the control device was performed. SETTING: A 1,100-bed, teaching, referral medical center. PATIENTS AND STAFF PARTICIPANTS: 594 patients during 602 patient admissions, comprising a random sample of all patients with a study or control device inserted within a previous 24-hour period on study and control units, were assessed for local complications. The 16 units included adult inpatient general medicine, surgical, and subspecialty units. Pediatrics, obstetrics-gynecology, and intensive-care units were excluded. All patients on study and control units were assessed for development of nosocomial bacteremia and device-related complications. All staff who utilized, manipulated, or may have been exposed to sharps on study and control units were assessed for percutaneous injuries. Nursing staff completed product evaluations. INTERVENTION: The study device, a needleless intermittent intravenous access system with a reflux valve, was compared to the control device, a conventional heparin lock, for peripheral infusions. RESULTS: During the study, 35 percutaneous injuries were reported. Eight injuries were CHL-related; no NL-related injuries were reported (P=.007). An evaluation of 602 patient admissions, 1,134 intermittent access devices, and 2,268 observed indwelling device days demonstrated more pain at the insertion site for CHL than NL; however, no differences in objective signs of phlebitis were noted. Of 773 episodes of positive blood cultures on study and control units, 6 (0.8%) were device-related (assessed by blinded investigator), with no difference between NL and CHL. Complications, including difficulty with infusion (P<.001) and disconnection of intravenous tubing from device (P<.001), were reported more frequently with CHL than with NL. Of nursing staff responding to a product evaluation survey, 95.2% preferred the study over control device. The projected annual incremental cost to our institution for hospitalwide implementation of NL for intermittent access for peripheral infusions was estimated at $82,845, or $230 per 1,000 patient days. CONCLUSIONS: A needleless intermittent intravenous access system with a reflux valve for peripheral infusions is effective in reducing percutaneous injuries to staff and is not associated with an increase in either insertion-site complications or nosocomial bacteremia. Institutions should consider these data, available institutional resources, and institution-specific data regarding the frequency and risk of intermittent access-device-related injuries and other types of sharps injuries in their staff when selecting the above or other safety devices.

Immediate loading of a single hydroxyapatite-coated threaded root form implant: a clinical report.

The successful results of endosseous root form implants in the treatment of partially and completely edentulous patients has been made possible by the application of standardized surgical and prosthetic protocols. Different techniques have been published in the literature with the purpose of reducing implant prosthetic rehabilitation times. This clinical case report describes a new surgical concept and a technique to fabricate screw-retained provisional crowns for immediate loading of free-standing single tooth implants. Further clinical and histologic studies are necessary in order to promote routine clinical application of this technique.

Mandibular fracture after endosseous implant placement in conjunction with inferior alveolar nerve transposition: a patient treatment report.

A patient with a severely atrophic right posterior mandible had three endosseous implants placed in conjunction with transposition of the inferior alveolar nerve. Three weeks following implant placement surgery, the patient experienced a spontaneous fracture of the mandible involving the two anterior implants. The two implants were removed, and the fracture was treated with open reduction and fixation with titanium mesh. The fracture healed, and the posterior implant integrated. This report suggests that the buccolingual and superior-inferior position of the mandibular canal can increase the possibility of mandibular fracture by increasing the size of the buccal cortical plate that is removed to expose the nerve during surgery.

Endosseous implant placement in conjunction with inferior alveolar nerve transposition: an evaluation of neurosensory disturbance.

This retrospective study evaluated neurosensory dysfunction and the implant success rate associated with 64 implants placed in 15 patients following transposition of the inferior alveolar nerve. A total of 21 inferior alveolar nerve mobilization surgeries were performed. The mean postoperative follow-up time was 41.3 months, with a range of 10 to 67 months. The effects of surgical technique and implant surface geometry on neurosensory dysfunction were evaluated by using light touch, brush stroke direction, and two-point discrimination. The implant success rate was 93.8% (60/64). The surgical technique that involved detaching the mental foramen resulted in a significantly greater incidence of neurosensory disturbance (77.8%, 7/9) than did the technique that left the bony foramen intact (33.3%, 4/12). The overall incidence of neurosensory disturbance was 52.4% (11/21).