Management of concussion symptoms utilizing Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy: a case series.

OBJECTIVE: Concussions are a common condition in athletes leading to symptoms including headache, dizziness, and sometimes vestibular deficits. Concussion management typically involves rest and a gradual return to activity among other interventions. This case series includes three patients who were evaluated using Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) after sport-related injuries involving concussion-like symptoms. MDT is a system of evaluating patients using repeated movements and sustained positions to assess symptomatic and mechanical changes. RESULTS: Patients in this case series demonstrated rapid reduction of symptoms using variations of repeated cervical movements and sustained positions, which enabled them to return to play with a lasting resolution of symptoms. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: This highlights the importance of a classification system for the appropriate treatment of these cases who did not require management using concussion protocol, as they were classified as cervical derangement.

Clinical outcomes of patients with unilateral internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint following arthrocentesis and stabilization splint therapy.

BACKGROUND: The management of internal derangement (ID) of the TMJ is challenging because of multiple etiologic factors and varying degrees of severity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with unilateral ID treated with arthrocentesis and stabilization splint therapy during a 6-month period. METHODS: A total of 105 patients (87 females, 18 males) with unilateral ID were included in this study. Patients were divided into unilateral anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR) and unilateral anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDwoR). Patients with ADDwoR were subdivided according to the erosive bone changes. Objective parameters on mandibular movement and subjective parameters on pain were obtained and assessed. Their clinical outcomes before and after arthrocentesis and stabilization splint therapy were compared with the chi-square, Fisher's exact test, paired t-test, or Wilcoxon singed-rank test. RESULTS: All objective parameters of unilateral ID patients significantly increased at the 6-month follow-up. The differences in mean visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were statistically significant in all subjective variables (p < 0.01). In joints with ADDwoR, preoperative maximal mouth opening, and maximal protrusive movement in both groups, with erosive and non-erosive changes were significantly increased after 6 months (p < 0.01). However, right and left maximal lateral movement increased after treatment in both groups but without significant differences. All VAS pain scores on jaw movement and palpation of associated muscles showed a significant decrease regardless of erosive changes. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of arthrocentesis and subsequent stabilization splint therapy was shown to be highly effective in pain reduction and improvement of mandibular movements in both unilateral ADDwR and ADDwoR, as well as in cases with both erosive and non-erosive bony changes associated with unilateral ADDwoR.

Assessment of shoulder joint derangements with magnetic resonance imaging in adult Nigerians.

Objectives: Shoulder pain secondary to various aetiologies is a common musculoskeletal complaint worldwide, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the most accurate imaging method for evaluating shoulder pain in all age groups. While the patterns of shoulder MRI abnormalities in various demographics have been reported, data on sub-Sahara African populations are still sparse. This study aims to describe the imaging features and spectrum of shoulder joint pathologies on MRI in adult Nigerians. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective review of the shoulder MRI of 100 adult Nigerians (with and without trauma) from September 2020 to December 2021. Their clinical data and shoulder MRI findings were extracted and analysed. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: There were 64 males and 36 females aged 18-82 years. Right shoulder MRI was done in 53 subjects (53%), while the left shoulder was studied in 47 (47%). Supraspinatus tendinopathy (73%), acromioclavicular joint arthropathy (68%), and subacromial-subdeltoid (SASD) bursitis (64%) were the most frequently detected pathologies. Other demonstrated derangements include glenohumeral joint effusion (24%), long head of biceps tendon sheath effusion (18%), labral abnormalities (16%), subcoracoid bursitis (4%), Hill Sach's deformity (3%), anterior glenohumeral dislocation (2%), fatty degeneration of the supraspinatus/infraspinatus muscles (2%), adhesive capsulitis (1%), and other bony abnormalities (contusion, erosion, subchondral cysts). There was no significant difference in the frequency of shoulder abnormalities between the male and female subjects. Conclusion: Acromioclavicular joint arthropathy, SASD bursitis, and rotator cuff disorders were the dominant pathologies in the participants' shoulders.

Artificial intelligence in musculoskeletal imaging: realistic clinical applications in the next decade.

This article will provide a perspective review of the most extensively investigated deep learning (DL) applications for musculoskeletal disease detection that have the best potential to translate into routine clinical practice over the next decade. Deep learning methods for detecting fractures, estimating pediatric bone age, calculating bone measurements such as lower extremity alignment and Cobb angle, and grading osteoarthritis on radiographs have been shown to have high diagnostic performance with many of these applications now commercially available for use in clinical practice. Many studies have also documented the feasibility of using DL methods for detecting joint pathology and characterizing bone tumors on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, musculoskeletal disease detection on MRI is difficult as it requires multi-task, multi-class detection of complex abnormalities on multiple image slices with different tissue contrasts. The generalizability of DL methods for musculoskeletal disease detection on MRI is also challenging due to fluctuations in image quality caused by the wide variety of scanners and pulse sequences used in routine MRI protocols. The diagnostic performance of current DL methods for musculoskeletal disease detection must be further evaluated in well-designed prospective studies using large image datasets acquired at different institutions with different imaging parameters and imaging hardware before they can be fully implemented in clinical practice. Future studies must also investigate the true clinical benefits of current DL methods and determine whether they could enhance quality, reduce error rates, improve workflow, and decrease radiologist fatigue and burnout with all of this weighed against the costs.

Magnesium Derangement among Critically Ill Patients with Acute Kidney Injury: An Association with Acute Kidney Disease.

INTRODUCTION: The association between magnesium level and progression to acute kidney disease (AKD) in acute kidney injury (AKI) patients was not well studied. With AKI transition to AKD, the burden of the disease on mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs increases. Serum magnesium disturbances are linked with a decline in renal function and increased risk of death in CKD and hemodialysis patients. This study aims to assess the significance of magnesium derangements as a risk factor for the progression of AKI to AKD in critically ill patients. METHODS: This study was conducted among patients with AKI admitted to the intensive care units at Mayo Clinic from 2007 to 2017. Serum magnesium at AKI onset was categorized into five groups of <1.7, 1.7-1.9, 1.9-2.1, 2.1-2.3, and ≥2.3 mg/dL, with 1.9-2.1 mg/dL as the reference group. AKD was defined as AKI that persisted >7 days following the AKI onset. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between magnesium and AKD. RESULTS: Among 20,198 critically ill patients with AKI, the mean age was 66 ± 16 years, and 57% were male. The mean serum magnesium at AKI onset was 1.9 ± 0.4 mg/dL. The overall incidence of AKD was 31.4%. The association between serum magnesium and AKD followed a U-shaped pattern. In multivariable analysis, serum magnesium levels were associated with increased risk of AKD with the odds ratio of 1.17 (95% CI: 1.07-1.29), 1.13 (95% CI: 1.01-1.26), and 1.65 (95% CI: 1.48-1.84) when magnesium levels were <1.7, 2.1-2.3, and ≥2.3 mg/dL, respectively. CONCLUSION: Among patients with AKI, magnesium level derangement was an independent risk for AKD in critically ill AKI patients. Monitoring serum magnesium and proper correction in critically ill patients with AKI should be considered an AKD preventive intervention in future trials.

Ultrasound Guided Vs Non-Guided Prolotherapy for Internal Derangement of Temporomandibular Joint. A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES: This randomized clinical trial study aims to compare ultrasound-guided versus non-guided Dextrose 10% injections in patients suffering from internal derangement in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population included 22 patients and 43 TMJs suffering from unilateral or bilateral TMJ painful clicking, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) proved disc displacement with reduction (DDWR), refractory to or failed conservative treatment. The patients were divided randomly into two groups (non-guided and ultrasound (US)-guided groups). The procedure involved injection of 2 mL solution of a mixture of 0.75 mL 0.9% normal saline solution, 0.3 mL 2% lidocaine and 0.75 mL dextrose 10% using a 25G needle in the joint and 1 mL intramuscular injection to the masseter muscle at the most tender point. The Visual Analogue Score (VAS) was used to compare joint pain intensity over four different periods, beginning with pre-injection, 1-, 2-, and 6-months postinjection. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients 5 males (n = 5/22, 22.7%) and 17 females (n = 17/22, 77.2%) were included in this study. The mean age was 27.3 ± 7.4 years (30.2 ± 7.0) for the non-guided group and 24.3 ± 6.9 for the US-guided group. The dextrose injection reduced intensity over time in both groups with statistically significant improvement (P value <.05) at 2 and 6 months in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in VAS assessment between both groups. CONCLUSION: Intra-articular injection of dextrose 10% for patients with painful clicking and DDWR resulted in reduced pain intensity in both US-guided and non-guided groups with significant symptomatic improvement over time in both groups. US guidance allowed accurate anatomical localization and safe procedure with a single joint puncture.

Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and cardiac arrest from abiraterone-induced hypokalemia: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PMVT) is an unstable and often fatal cardiac tachyarrhythmia. While there are many causes of this rhythm, including electrolyte imbalances, ischemia, and genetic disorders, iatrogenic etiologies are important to recognize. Abiraterone is an androgen synthesis antagonist effective in treating prostate cancer, but here we describe a case of severe hypokalemia secondary to abiraterone resulting in polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and cardiac arrest. While this is a potential adverse effect of the medication, severe hypokalemia causing polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and cardiac arrest, as seen in our patient's case, has not been described. CASE PRESENTATION: A 78-year-old African-American man with history of prostate cancer presents with polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and cardiac arrest. After resuscitation, he was found to be severely hypokalemic and refractory to large doses of repletion. Evaluation of secondary causes of hypokalemia identified the likely culprit to be adverse effects from prostate cancer treatment. CONCLUSION: A broad differential diagnosis for polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is essential in identifying and treating patients presenting in this rhythm. Here we present a case of iatrogenic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia secondary to oncologic treatment.

Use of Sodium Hyaluronate and Triamcinolone Acetonide Following Arthrocentesis in Treatment of Internal Derangement of Temporomandibular Joint: A Prospective Randomized Comparative Study.

Background: Internal derangement (ID) of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a common temporomandibular disorder (TMD) which causes hypomobility of the joint. Minimally invasive treatment modality like arthrocentesis is used as first-line of management having low morbidity and high efficacy. This prospective randomized comparative study was carried to compare the efficacy of intra-articular injection with sodium hyaluronate (SH) and triamcinolone acetonide (TA) after arthrocentesis in ID of TMJ. Materials and Methods: A total 40 patients diagnosed with ID (stage 1-4) were included in the study and randomly divided in two groups. Twenty patients (group A) received intra-articular injection of SH while 20 patients (group B) received intra-articular injection of TA, after arthrocentesis. The clinical parameters of pain (VAS), Maximum mouth opening (MMO) (mm) and clicking sound (present/absent) were evaluated pre-operatively and at seventh day, 1 month and 3 months post-operatively. Results: There was statistically significant improvement in pain scores in both the groups at all time intervals with SH being superior (p value 0.0086). All the patients showed improved mouth opening at all time intervals, TA being superior but statistically insignificant (p value 0.59). There was reduction in the clicking sound in both the groups which was statistically insignificant at all time intervals. Conclusions: Arthrocentesis followed by intra-articular injection with SH is superior to TA in terms of pain reduction, while TA showed superiority in terms of improved mouth opening.

Immunologic derangement caused by intestinal dysbiosis and stress is the intrinsic basis of reactive arthritis.

Reactive arthritis (ReA) is defined as arthritis resulting from infections in other body parts, such as the gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts. The primary clinical manifestations involve acute-onset and self-limiting asymmetric large joint inflammation in the lower limbs. Although bacterial or chlamydia infections have long been recognized as playing a pivotal role in its pathogenesis, recent studies suggest that antibiotic treatment may perpetuate rather than eradicate chlamydia within the host, indicating an involvement of other mechanisms in Reactive arthritis. Reactive arthritis is currently believed to be associated with infection, genetic marker (HLA-B27), and immunologic derangement. As an autoimmune disease, increasing attention has been given to understanding the role of the immune system in Reactive arthritis. This review focuses on elucidating how the immune system mediates reactive arthritis and explores the roles of intestinal dysbiosis-induced immune disorders and stress-related factors in autoimmune diseases, providing novel insights into understanding reactive arthritis.

Anti-inflammatory Role of Trypsin, Rutoside, and Bromelain Combination in Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review.

The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness, acceptability, and safety of systemic enzyme therapy, consisting of trypsin, bromelain, and rutoside trihydrate, as an anti-inflammatory agent, either when utilized independently or in conjunction with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Two studies met the inclusion criteria and were assessed in the review. The bias risk was evaluated using the risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2). Both studies revealed highly significant results for the study population. Individuals receiving oral enzymes and diclofenac sodium combination therapy showed a significant improvement in pain reduction, better eating, and mouth opening, as well as a decrease in joint noise and jerky mandibular motions. Patients receiving systemic enzyme therapy with diclofenac combinations performed better than those receiving NSAIDs alone, and the differences were quite substantial. For the treatment of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), we recommend combining enzymes and diclofenac. Systemic enzyme therapy can be used in the treatment of TMJ osteoarthritis, as it shows a highly significant result in the study population.

Metabolic Derangement in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Opportunities for Early Diagnostic and Prognostic Markers.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a globally prevalent disorder that can rapidly progress if not detected early. Currently, no accepted markers exist for early diagnosis and prognosis of NAFLD. This review describes derangement in major metabolic pathways of lipid, carbohydrate, and amino acids in NAFLD. It suggests that measuring levels of thrombospondin, TyG index, asymmetric dimethylarginine, LAL-A, GLP-1, FGF-21, and GSG index are potential markers for early diagnosis of NAFLD. A single marker may not indicate early NAFLD, and further large-scale studies on correlating levels of Thrombospondin-2, triglyceride-glucose index, and FGF-21 with NAFLD are warranted.

Arthroscopy versus arthrocentesis and versus conservative treatments for temporomandibular joint disorders: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of arthroscopy compared to arthrocentesis and to conservative treatments for temporomandibular joint disorders. Thirteen controlled studies on various patient outcomes were included after a systematic search in seven electronic databases. Meta-analyses were conducted separately for arthroscopic surgery (AS) and arthroscopic lysis and lavage (ALL), and short-term (<6 months), intermediate-term (6 months to 5 years), and long-term (≥5 years) follow-up periods were considered. No significant differences in pain reduction and complication rates were found between AS or ALL and arthrocentesis. Regarding improvement in maximum mouth opening (MMO), both AS at intermediate-term and ALL at short-term follow-up were equally efficient when compared to arthrocentesis. However, at intermediate-term follow-up, ALL was superior to arthrocentesis for MMO improvement (mean difference 4.9 mm, 95% confidence interval 2.7-7.1 mm). Trial sequential analysis supported the conclusion of the meta-analysis for MMO improvement for ALL versus arthrocentesis studies at intermediate-term follow-up, but not for the other meta-analyses. Insufficient evidence exists to draw conclusions regarding other patient outcomes or about comparisons between arthroscopy and conservative treatments. Due to the low quality of the primary studies, further research is warranted before final conclusions can be drawn regarding the management of temporomandibular joint disorders.

Intra-articular injection of platelet-rich plasma vs hyaluronic acid as an adjunct to TMJ arthrocentesis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to find out if there is any difference in outcomes with the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or hyaluronic acid (HA) intra-articular injections after temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis. METHODS: A systematic search of the electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus was undertaken up to 5th May 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PRP with HA after TMJ arthrocentesis were included. RESULTS: Seven RCTs were eligible. Pooled analysis failed to demonstrate any significant difference in MMO between PRP and HA groups at 1 month (MD: 0.21 95 % CI: -1.29, 1.70), 3 months (MD: 0.92 95 % CI: -2.96, 4.80), and 6 months (MD: -0.05 95 % CI: -2.08, 1.97). The inter-study heterogeneity was high with I2 values of 85 %, 98 %, and 81 % respectively. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference in pain scores between the PRP and HA groups at 1 month (MD: 0.42 95 % CI: -2.25, 3.10), 3 months (MD: 0.90 95 % CI: -1.60, 3.41), and 6 months (MD: 0.06 95 % CI: -0.92, 1.04) with inter-study heterogeneity of 99 %, 99 %, and 92 % respectively. CONCLUSION: Intra-articular use of PRP or HA after TMJ arthrocentesis may lead to comparable clinical outcomes. The current evidence is low-quality and fraught with high heterogeneity.

Successful Management of Post-Traumatic Residual Orbital Roof Defects with Cosmetic Disfigurement and Functional Deficits Using Innovative Titanium Plate Orbitoplasty.

Introduction: Late presentations of post-traumatic residual orbital roof deformities ensuing from old, unaddressed orbital injuries, can be extremely challenging to manage and quite complicated to correct, owing to proximity of the brain and frontal sinus, malunion or bony fusion of the displaced, delicate orbital fracture fragments, necrosis of entrapped extraocular muscles and progressive intraorbital soft tissue fibrosis and adhesions. There exists a paucity in literature on delayed repair of displaced and comminuted orbital roof fractures and late reconstruction of the three-dimensional architecture of the orbital frame and internal orbit. Aim & Objectives: To present an unusual case of severe post-traumatic residual orbital roof deformity, resulting in longstanding aesthetic disfigurement and persisting functional deficits, and its successful management. Material & Methods: The patient had sustained orbital injuries sixteen months ago, on being punched in the face at a boxing tournament. The increased orbital volume produced by an impure blowout fracture of the left orbital roof, with comminution of the upper and lower orbital rims, had resulted in considerable cosmetic deformity, discomfort as well as functional debility, all of which were successfully and efficaciously managed by an innovative use of a Titanium Orbital Plate for orbital roof reconstruction. Discussion: Overlooked, undetected or ignored derangements in intraorbital volume and contour, can lead to severe cosmetic disfigurement in the form of enophthalmos, hypoglobus, entropion, telecanthus, palpebral fissure width narrowing and ptosis; in addition to crippling functional deficits, such as diplopia, blurred vision, levator dysfunction, restricted ocular motility and reduced visual range and acuity. Results & Conclusions: An innovative Titanium mesh orbitoplasty enabled achievement of both, the aesthetic and functional goals of reconstruction of the distorted bony orbit, with successful correction of severe functional and aesthetic deficits.

Single-Puncture Versus Double-Puncture Technique Arthrocentesis in the Treatment of Internal Derangement of TM Joint-A Comparative Clinical Study.

Introduction: Tempormandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders require early diagnosis with a prompt and effective treatment. Arthrocentesis has been found to be a valuable treatment aid for patients with early stage internal derangement of temporomandibular joints. The use of this procedure has been well documented in literature and had been performed for decades. Arthrocentesis under local anaesthesia can be performed in two different techniques i.e Single puncture and Double puncture techniques. Aims and Objectives: Our study was done to show the effectiveness of each of these techniques in aiding the patient as well as time taken to perform this procedure. Our study compares the two techniques to allow us to draw a proper conclusion on which can be put to use for better and less traumatic treatment of these patients. Materials and Method: For this study 50 patients with Internal Derangement, group A was 25 patients that were treated with Arthrocentesis of 200 ml RL using OnePrick TMJ Arthrocentesis System with Single Puncture technique and group B consisted of 25 patients who were treated with Arthrocentesis of 200 ml RL using Double Puncture technique. Result: We found a significant increase in maximal mouth opening in patients undergoing arthrocentesis regardless of the technique. Comparison of mean duration of surgery performed among different groups were assessed using sample T test. Mean duration of technique A is around 17.18 minutes whereas for technique B is 20.90 minutes. The mean difference for two techniques performed is -3.722 with P value of 0.001. In technique A 24% of subjects needed additional lavage whereas in techniques B it is 20 %. On an average, total of 22 % of subjects needed additional lavage for better results. The resultant p value is around 0.733. Discussion: The traditional double puncture technique involves the insertion of two needles into the upper joint space. Difficulties in accurate triangulation, positioning of the needle, and frequent intraoperative needle dislocations lead to longer operating times and are often encountered with the double puncture technique. On comparing the two arthrocentesis techniques in terms of easiness to operator a study done showed the group treated with single needle techniques found it easier than the double needle technique. The difference between groups was significant. The mean difference for two techniques performed was seen to be above three minutes in our study which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Single needle technique is advantageous in the fact that it takes a shorter duration to perform, is less invasive and easier for the operator to complete successfully.

Interpretación psiquiátrica forense de la fórmula de inimputabilidad del nuevo Código Penal cubano de 2022 / Psychiatric forensic interpretation of non-imputability formula in the new 2022 Cuban Penal Code

Resumen: En 2022 el Código Penal cubano incorporó una nueva fórmula de inimputabilidad. Este artículo aborda el problema de cómo interpretarla y aplicarla durante las pericias psiquiátricas a imputados. Es su objetivo analizar desde la Psiquiatría dicha fórmula penal para su interpretación forense. Se muestran las críticas que, en publicaciones y ámbitos académicos, fueron hechas a la anterior fórmula; así como la norma complementaria del organismo rector para su interpretación pericial. Se expone y analiza la actual fórmula, elaborada con asesoría de psiquiatras al proceso legislativo, para superar aquellas críticas, pero que, precisamente por diferente, demanda actualizar su interpretación y los métodos periciales para calificar casos acertadamente, detectar simulación y ser controlable como prueba por los jueces. Un criterio de interpretación fue elaborado por el autor y se le sometió a grupos de expertos para consensuar una propuesta final normativa, consistente en considerar pericialmente pretenso inimputable a quién actuó ilícitamente por un trastorno psicótico diagnosticado que se manifestó directamente en el delito, lo que debe quedar demostrado en el informe. En su generalidad, estos criterios pueden aplicarse a valoración de inimputabilidad según otros códigos penales.

Introduction: In 2022 a new Cuban Penal Code incorporated a new requirement of non-imputability. This article approaches to the problem of how to interpret and apply this new non-imputability formula to the psychiatric examination of defendants and has the objective of analyzing it in forensic interpretation. It shows the academic and publisher's criticism made of the previous Cuban non-imputability formula and the complementary precept of the health ministry for forensic interpretation. The new non-imputability formula, elaborated with psychiatrists' assistance during a legislative process to surpass those previous criticisms, is exposed and analyzed. This new different penal requirement put under obligation to change in forensic interpretations and methods to identify criminal non-imputability, pretenders and to be a clue controlled by judges. A new forensic interpretation criterion was elaborated and submitted to groups of psychiatrist experts, to obtain a normative proposition that considered in possible non-imputability of the person who committed the crime during a diagnosed psychotic disorder that was the certain direct determinant of the fact. The psychiatric report may show all mentioned below and, in general view, according to other penal codes, these criteria can be applied in the forensic expertise relative to non-imputability.

Evaluation of hemostatic derangements associated with canine anaphylaxis and the relationship to syndrome severity.

OBJECTIVE: To describe hemostatic derangements associated with canine anaphylaxis and to assess for association with syndrome severity. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Twenty-seven client-owned dogs, recruited from November 2018 to January 2022, diagnosed with anaphylaxis of varying severity were included. Study inclusion required presentation <6 hours after initiation of clinical signs, no medications or history of illness within the prior 2 weeks, lack of comorbidities expected to affect hemostasis, and lack of a disease state that could alternatively explain the clinical presentation. INTERVENTIONS: Blood samples were collected within the first hour of presentation for CBC, serum biochemistry, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and viscoelastic coagulation testing for use with a cartridge-based point-of-care device. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Clotting time and clot formation time were prolonged, alpha angle and maximum clot firmness were decreased, PT and aPTT were prolonged, and platelet counts were lower in severe cases compared to mild and moderate cases. There were no differences for any parameter between mild and moderate cases. The presence or absence of abdominal effusion was not associated with hemostatic status. CONCLUSIONS: Global hemostatic derangements consistent with hypocoagulability are a prominent feature of severe anaphylaxis in dogs and should be considered for routine evaluation.

Efficacy of Arthrocentesis and Anterior Repositioning Splints in Treatment of Internal Derangement of TMJ: A Prospective Clinical Study.

The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of double puncture arthrocentesis and anterior repositioning splints in the treatment of internal derangement of temporomandibular joint. 35 patients with mean age of 36.6 years ± 10.2 years diagnosed with unilateral TMD who fell into Wilkes stage 2 and disc displacement with reduction with intermittent locking described by RDC/TMD were treated with Nitzan's double puncture arthrocentesis and were given a anterior repositioning hard splint. The parameters following parameters were assessed at intervals of 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months: pain, maximum inter-incisal mouth opening, Joint noise/click. Statistically significant (p < 0.001) improvements were seen at all recorded intervals in all observed parameters. Simultaneous arthrocentesis and anterior repositioning splint therapy is effective in alleviating pain and improving mouth opening without discomfort in patients with unilateral painful TMD showing disc displacement with reduction with intermittent locking.

The Results of the URRAH (Uric Acid Right for Heart Health) Project: A Focus on Hyperuricemia in Relation to Cardiovascular and Kidney Disease and its Role in Metabolic Dysregulation.

The relationship between Serum Uric Acid (UA) and Cardiovascular (CV) diseases has already been extensively evaluated, and it was found to be an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality but also acute coronary syndrome, stroke and heart failure. Similarly, also many papers have been published on the association between UA and kidney function, while less is known on the role of UA in metabolic derangement and, particularly, in metabolic syndrome. Despite the substantial number of publications on the topic, there are still some elements of doubt: (1) the better cut-off to be used to refine CV risk (also called CV cut-off); (2) the needing for a correction of UA values for kidney function; and (3) the better definition of its role in metabolic syndrome: is UA simply a marker, a bystander or a key pathological element of metabolic dysregulation?. The Uric acid Right for heArt Health (URRAH) project was designed by the Working Group on uric acid and CV risk of the Italian Society of Hypertension to answer the first question. After the first papers that individuates specific cut-off for different CV disease, subsequent articles have been published responding to the other relevant questions. This review will summarise most of the results obtained so far from the URRAH research project.

A comparative analysis between intra articular injections of injectable platelet rich fibrin versus platelet rich plasma in the management of temporomandibular disorders: A randomized control trial.

Background: Platelet concentrate has become an increasingly popular alternative source of growth factors for several types of dental and surgical procedures. It improves healing and stimulates cell proliferation, matrix remodeling, and angiogenesis. The injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) has various advantages over platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of intra-articular injections of i-PRF versus PRP in the management of temporomandibular disorders (TDMs). Method: The prospective randomized study involved 14 patients (N = 28 joints) of internal derangement between the age groups of 20 to 50 years divided randomly into two groups with seven patients (N = 14 joints) in each group. For all the patients, arthrocentesis was carried out in the first sitting followed by intra-articular injections of PRP and i-PRF in group I and group II, respectively, at 1-month interval for 6 months. A single surgeon has performed the procedure. All patients were assessed clinically for pain, maximal mouth opening (MMO), lateral movement, protrusive movement, and joint sounds and radiographically for disc position and joint effusion (JE). Results: Pain reduction, MMO, lateral movement, protrusive movement, and joint sounds were significant in both groups with more significance in group II. Disc position had improved toward normal in both groups and showed significant changes in both groups at the 9-month follow-up with better results in group II. Conclusion: PRP and i-PRF injections are regarded as simple and safe methods with potential beneficial effects and are cost-effective. In this preliminary study, i-PRF has been found to be scoring better in terms of efficacy over PRP across all set parameters.