Non-grafted versus grafted sinus lift procedures for implantation in the atrophic maxilla: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to critically evaluate the currently existing clinical evidence on the efficacy of graftless maxillary sinus membrane elevation for implantation in the atrophic posterior maxilla. A search protocol without limitations to November 2020 was followed by two independent researchers. Randomized controlled trials using the lateral window approach for graftless sinus membrane elevation were included. Uncontrolled, retrospective, non-comparative studies, case reports, and experimental studies in animals or cadavers were excluded. The search identified 2777 studies. Critical selection by two independent researchers then led to the inclusion of a total of nine studies. A risk of bias assessment was applied using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. A meta-analysis was conducted for seven studies. Results showed a high overall implant survival rate in both the graftless and bone-grafted sinus lift groups (97.92% and 98.73%, respectively). The graftless sinus lift group showed a significantly lower vertical bone height gain, with a mean difference of -1.73mm (P=0.01), and a significantly lower bone density, with a mean difference of -94.7 HU (P<0.001). The implant stability quotient values did not differ significantly between the test and control groups (P=0.07).

The reliability and validity of the Romanian rapid estimate of adult literacy in dentistry (RREALD-30).

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to translate and adapt the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (RREALD-30) instrument for Romanian urban adults and to test its reliability and validity for oral health literacy studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study examined urban adult patients (n = 224) who attended the dental school clinic at the Faculty of Dental Medicine, Bucharest. We collected data through face-to-face interviews utilising the REALD-30 instrument. The interviews enquired about the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), background characteristics, oral health-related knowledge, visits to dentists and self-rated oral health status. We applied principal component analysis for factor structure and Item Response Theory models to discriminate ability. A structural equation model (SEM) evaluated whether knowledge, perceived oral health, and visits to the dentist mediate the effect of RREALD on OHIP-14. RESULTS: Of the 224 participants, 113 (50.4%) were males. The internal consistency of the RREALD-30 measured by Cronbach's alpha was 0.88. The test-retest reliability was excellent (Spearman's correlation coefficient 0.98, ICC 0.90). RREALD-30 exhibited good concurrent and predictive validity. SEM demonstrated that RREALD mediated the effect of visits to dentist on OHIP-14. CONCLUSION: The RREALD-30 proved satisfactory psychometric properties and may serve to evaluate dental health literacy among Romanian adults.

The effects of a probiotic milk drink on bacterial composition in the supra- and subgingival biofilm: a pilot study.

Probiotics can convert a dysbiotic bacterial environment into a healthy one. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of daily intake of a probiotic milk drink on the composition of bacterial species in dental supra- and subgingival biofilms. Sixteen dental students were enrolled into this study with a crossover, within subject, design. The participants were asked to allow plaque accumulation by refraining from cleaning their molars during two separate periods, each lasting three weeks. Each period consisted of an initial professional dental cleaning procedure done at the university clinic, then a 3 week plaque accumulation period, followed by a return to the clinic for supra- and subgingival plaque sampling. The first period served as a control, and during the second plaque accumulation period the participants drank 200 ml probiotic milk beverage each day. The accumulated plaque removed at the end of the accumulation period was later tested against a panel of 20 oral bacterial species using the checkerboard method. Three weeks consumption of a probiotic beverage led to a significant reduction in 15 of 20 bacterial species present in supragingival plaque and a reduction in 4 of 20 bacterial species in subgingival plaque (all P<0.05). This study showed a favorable effect of probiotics on periodontopathic bacteria in dental biofilms. The potential influence of this kind of probiotic in prevention or treatment of periodontal inflammation deserves further study.

Human dental pulp stromal cell conditioned medium alters endothelial cell behavior.

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis is of utmost importance for tissue regeneration and repair. Human dental pulp stromal cells (hDPSCs) possess angiogenic potential, as they secrete paracrine factors that may alter the host microenvironment. However, more insight into how hDPSCs guide endothelial cells (ECs) in a paracrine fashion is yet to be obtained. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effect(s) of conditioned medium derived from hDPSCs (hDPSC-CM) on EC behavior in vitro. METHODS: hDPSCs were harvested from third molars scheduled for surgical removal under informed consent. The angiogenic profile of hDPSC-CM was identified using human angiogenesis antibody array and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and ELISA, the mRNA and protein expression level of specific angiogenic biomarkers was determined in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to hDPSC-CM. The effect of hDPSC-CM on HUVEC attachment, proliferation and migration was evaluated by crystal violet staining, MTT, transwell migration along with real-time cell monitoring assays (xCELLigence; ACEA Biosciences, Inc.). A Matrigel assay was included to examine the influence of hDPSC-CM on HUVEC network formation. Endothelial growth medium (EGM-2) and EGM-2 supplemented with hDPSC-CM served as experimental groups, whereas endothelial basal medium (EBM-2) was set as negative control. RESULTS: A wide range of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase protein 1, plasminogen activator inhibitor (serpin E1), urokinase plasminogen activator and stromal cell-derived factor 1, was abundantly detected in hDPSC-CM by protein profiling array and ELISA. hDPSC-CM significantly accelerated the adhesion phases, from sedimentation to attachment and spreading, the proliferation rate and migration of HUVECs as shown in both endpoint assays and real-time cell analysis recordings. Furthermore, Matrigel assay demonstrated that hDPSC-CM stimulated tubulogenesis, affecting angiogenic parameters such as the number of nodes, meshes and total tube length. CONCLUSIONS: The sustained proangiogenic and promaturation effects of hDPSC-CM shown in this in vitro study strongly suggest that the trophic factors released by hDPSCs are able to trigger pronounced angiogenic responses, even beyond EGM-2 considered as an optimal culture condition for ECs.

Increased infiltration and tolerised antigen-specific CD8+ TEM cells in tumor but not peripheral blood have no impact on survival of HCMV+ glioblastoma patients.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) antigens in glioblastoma (GBM) present opportunities for personalised immunotherapy. However, their presence in GBM tissue is still under debate, and evidence of their impact on functional immune responses and prognosis is sparse. Here, we investigated the presence of pp65 (UL83) and immediate early 1 (IE-1) HCMV antigens in a cohort of Norwegian GBM patients (n = 177), using qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and serology. HCMV status was then used to investigate whether viral antigens influenced immune cell phenotype, infiltration, activation and patient survival. Pp65 and IE-1 were detected by qPCR in 23% and 43% of GBM patients, respectively. Furthermore, there was increased seropositivity in GBM patients relative to donors (79% vs. 48%, respectively; Logistic regression, OR = 4.05, 95%CI [1.807-9.114], P = 0.001, also when adjusted for age (OR = 2.84, 95%CI [1.110-7.275], P = 0.029). Tissue IE-1-positivity correlated with increased CD3+CD8+ T-cell infiltration (P < 0.0001), where CD8+ effector memory T (TEM) cells accounted for the majority of CD8+T cells compared with peripheral blood of HCMV+ patients (P < 0.0001), and HCMV+ (P < 0.001) and HCMV- (P < 0.001) donors. HLA-A2/B8-restricted HCMV-specific CD8+ T cells were more frequent in blood and tumor of HCMV+ GBM patients compared with seronegative patients, and donors irrespective of their serostatus. In biopsies, the HCMV-specific CD8+ TEM cells highly expressed CTLA-4 and PD-1 immune checkpoint protein markers compared with populations in peripheral blood (P < 0.001 and P < 0.0001), which expressed 3-fold greater levels of CD28 (P < 0.001 and P < 0.0001). These peripheral blood T cells correspondingly secreted higher levels of IFNγ in response to pp65 and IE-1 peptide stimulation (P < 0.001). Thus, despite apparent increased immunogenicity of HCMV compared with tumor antigens, the T cells were tolerised, and HCMV status did not impact patient survival (Log Rank3.53 HR = 0.85 95%CI [0.564-1.290], P = 0.45). Enhancing immune functionality in the tumor microenvironment thus may improve patient outcome.

Brief intervention, physical exercise and cognitive behavioural group therapy for patients with chronic low back pain (The CINS trial).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cognitive-behavioural treatments (CBT) and physical group exercise (PE) have both shown promising effects in reducing disability and increasing work participation among chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients. A brief cognitive intervention (BI) has previously been demonstrated to reduce work disability in CLBP. The aim of this study was to test if the effect of BI could be further increased by adding either group CBT or group PE. METHODS: A total of 214 patients, all sick listed 2-10 months due to CLBP, were randomized to BI (n = 99), BI + group CBT (n = 55) or BI + group PE (n = 60). Primary outcome was increased work participation at 12 months, whereas secondary outcomes included pain-related disability, subjective health complaints, anxiety, depression, coping and fear avoidance. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups in work participation at 12 months follow-up (χ2  = 1.15, p = 0.56). No significant differences were found on the secondary outcomes either, except for a statistically significant reduction (time by group) in pseudoneurology one domain of subjective health complaints (sleep problems, tiredness, dizziness, anxiety, depression, palpitation, heat flushes) (F2,136  = 3.109, p = 0.048) and anxiety (F2,143  = 4.899, p = 0.009) for the groups BI + group CBT and BI + group PE, compared to BI alone. However, these differences were not significant in post hoc analyses (Scheffé adjusted). CONCLUSION: There was no support for an effect of the added group CBT or group PE treatments to a brief cognitive intervention in this study of patients on sick leave due to low back pain. SIGNIFICANCE: Our study demonstrates that treatments that previously were found to be effective and are included in most treatment guidelines, such as group cognitive-behavior therapy and exercise, were not effective in this given context compared to a brief, cognitive intervention. This implies that an optimized brief intervention is difficult to outperform in patients on sick leave due to low back pain.

The effect of smoking on inflammatory and bone remodeling markers in gingival crevicular fluid and subgingival microbiota following periodontal therapy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Periodontal health is mediated by suppressing microorganisms inducing a local inflammatory host response. Smoking may impair this process. This study compares gingival crevicular fluid levels of inflammatory and bone remodeling markers in heavy smokers and non-smokers following active and supportive periodontal therapy in patients with chronic periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Gingival crevicular fluid and subgingival plaque were collected from the deepest periodontal pocket in 50 patients, 25 smokers and 25 non-smokers, at baseline (T0), following active (T1) and 12 mo of supportive periodontal therapy (T2). Smoking status was validated measuring serum cotinine levels. Gingival crevicular fluid levels of 27 inflammatory and two bone remodeling markers were analyzed using multiplex and singleplex micro-bed immunoassays, and subgingival plaque samples using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Amounts of markers in smokers and non-smokers were compared calculating the effect size. RESULTS: Expression of inflammatory and bone-remodeling markers in smokers demonstrated an overall reduced effect size at T0 and T2 (p < 0.001). In particular, proinflammatory markers (p < 0.001), chemokines (p = 0.007) and growth factors (p = 0.003) at T0, osteoprotegerin (p = 0.003) at T1, proinflammatory markers (p = 0.019) and chemokines (p = 0.005) at T2. At T2, interleukin-8 was detected in significantly higher levels in smokers. Ten different markers in non-smokers and none in smokers responded to periodontal therapy (p < 0.05). An overall negative association was revealed between smoking and subgroups of markers at sites presenting ≥ 105 red complex periodontal microbial species. CONCLUSION: Except for an upregulation of interleukin-8, smokers exhibited reduced gingival crevicular fluid levels of several inflammatory markers at baseline and following active and supportive periodontal therapy. Only inflammatory responses in non-smokers adapted to periodontal therapy. Apparently, there seems to be an immunosuppressant effect of smoking regulating the local inflammatory response and bone remodeling markers captured in gingival crevicular fluid following periodontal therapy.

Oral-health-related background factors and dental service utilisation among Sudanese children with and without a congenital heart defects.

BACKGROUND: Sudanese children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) were found to have poorer oral health than those without CHDs. The aims of this study were to: describe the patterns of oral-health-related background factors in children with and without CHD and explore any differences, and to evaluate the effects of background factors on caries and gingivitis prevalence and dental services utilisation. METHODS: In this analytical cross-sectional study, caregivers of children aged 3-12 years with (CHD cases n = 111) and without CHDs (Controls n = 182), underwent face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire items covered several oral health background factors (independent variables) including: child's health status, oral hygiene practices, dental services utilization, mother's level of education, and caregiver's perception and awareness of their child's oral health. The relationship between these factors and occurrence of 'caries' and 'gingivitis' as well as 'child's dental services utilisation' (dependent variables) were explored using multiple adjusted and hierarchal logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Compared with controls, CHD cases had lower frequencies of brushing and use of fluoridated toothpaste, and their caregivers were less knowledgeable about caries. Among CHD cases, the variables (brushing and fluoridated toothpaste use) had significant impacts on caries prevalence (odd ratio (OR) =5.6, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4-22.8 and OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1-0.8 for infrequent compared to frequent ones, respectively) as well as the mother's level of education (OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.0-6.4). When differences in background factors were controlled for, the adjusted ORs for caries and gingivitis prevalence in CHD cases compared with controls were 1.8, (95% CI: 1.1-3.2) and 5.3 (95% CI: 2.9-9.4), respectively. Among CHD cases, the child's age (8-12 years: OR = 11.9, 95% CI: 1.9-71.6), and the mother's level of education (lower education: OR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.03-0.9) were significantly associated with the child's dental services utilisation. CONCLUSIONS: Lower frequencies of brushing and use of fluoride tooth paste were reported among CHD cases, and brushing had the predominant significant impact on caries prevalence. The child's age and the mother's level of education were the main factors affecting the child's (CHD cases) dental services utilisation.

The results of 479 thumb carpometacarpal joint replacements reported in the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register.

In this study we report the results of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint replacements in the Norwegian population over a 17-year period. In total, 479 primary replacements performed from 1994 to 2011 were identified in the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register. Implant survival and risk of revision were analyzed using Cox regression analyses. Four different implant designs were compared and time trends were analyzed. The overall 5 and 10 year survivals were 91% and 90%, respectively. The newer metal total arthroplasties did not outperform the older silicone and mono-block implants. At 5 years, the implant survival ranged from 90% to 94% for the different implant brands. Gender, age, and diagnosis did not influence the risk of revision. The incidence of thumb CMC joint replacement did not change during the study period. Despite relatively satisfactory implant survivorship in our register study, current evidence does not support widespread implementation of thumb CMC replacements.

Authors' reply Cobb correspondence re: J-E. Gjertsen, S. A. Lie, T. Vinje, et al. More re-operations after uncemented than cemented hemiarthroplasty used in the treatment of displaced fractures of the femoral neck: An observational study of 11 116 hemiarthroplasties from a national register. J Bone Joint Surg [Br] 2012;94-B:1113-1119.

We welcome letters to the Editor concerning articles that have recently been published. Such letters will be subject to the usual stages of selection and editing; where appropriate the authors of the original article will be offered the opportunity to reply.

Radiological findings that may indicate a prior silent slipped capital femoral epiphysis in a cohort of 2072 young adults.

The reported prevalence of an asymptomatic slip of the contralateral hip in patients operated on for unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is as high as 40%. Based on a population-based cohort of 2072 healthy adolescents (58% women) we report on radiological and clinical findings suggestive of a possible previous SCFE. Common threshold values for Southwick's lateral head-shaft angle (≥ 13°) and Murray's tilt index (≥ 1.35) were used. New reference intervals for these measurements at skeletal maturity are also presented. At follow-up the mean age of the patients was 18.6 years (17.2 to 20.1). All answered two questionnaires, had a clinical examination and two hip radiographs. There was an association between a high head-shaft angle and clinical findings associated with SCFE, such as reduced internal rotation and increased external rotation. Also, 6.6% of the cohort had Southwick's lateral head-shaft angle ≥ 13°, suggestive of a possible slip. Murray's tilt index ≥ 1.35 was demonstrated in 13.1% of the cohort, predominantly in men, in whom this finding was associated with other radiological findings such as pistol-grip deformity or focal prominence of the femoral neck, but no clinical findings suggestive of SCFE. This study indicates that 6.6% of young adults have radiological findings consistent with a prior SCFE, which seems to be more common than previously reported.

Prevalence of radiographic findings associated with hip dysplasia in a population-based cohort of 2081 19-year-old Norwegians.

In Norway total joint replacement after hip dysplasia is reported more commonly than in neighbouring countries, implying a higher prevalence of the condition. We report on the prevalence of radiological features associated with hip dysplasia in a population of 2081 19-year-old Norwegians. The radiological measurements used to define hip dysplasia were Wiberg's centre-edge (CE) angle at thresholds of < 20° and < 25°, femoral head extrusion index < 75%, Sharp's angle > 45°, an acetabular depth to width ratio < 250 and the sourcil shape assessed subjectively. The whole cohort underwent clinical examination of their range of hip movement, body mass index (BMI), and Beighton hypermobility score, and were asked to complete the EuroQol (EQ-5D) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). The prevalence of hip dysplasia in the cohort varied from 1.7% to 20% depending on the radiological marker used. A Wiberg's CE angle < 20° was seen in 3.3% of the cohort: 4.3% in women and 2.4% in men. We found no association between subjects with multiple radiological signs indicative of dysplasia and BMI, Beighton score, EQ-5D or WOMAC. Although there appears to be a high prevalence of hip dysplasia among 19-year-old Norwegians, this is dependent on the radiological parameters applied.

The progression of end-stage osteoarthritis: analysis of data from the Australian and Norwegian joint replacement registries using a multi-state model.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of joint replacements is considered an indicator of symptomatic end-stage osteoarthritis (OA). We analysed data from two national joint replacement registries in order to investigate whether evidence of a pattern of progression of end-stage hip and knee OA could be found in data from large unselected populations. DESIGN: We obtained data on 78,634 hip and 122,096 knee arthroplasties from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry and 19,786 hip and 12,082 knee arthroplasties from the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register. A multi-state model was developed where individuals were followed from their first recorded hip or knee arthroplasty for OA to receiving subsequent hip and/or knee arthroplasties. We used this model to estimate relative hazard rates and probabilities for each registry separately. RESULTS: The hazard rates of receiving subsequent arthroplasties in non-cognate joints were higher on the contralateral side than on the ipsilateral side to the index arthroplasty, especially if the index was a hip arthroplasty. After 5 years, the estimated probabilities of having received a knee contralateral to the index hip were more than 1.7 times the probabilities of having received a knee ipsilateral to the index hip. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that there is an association between the side of the first hip arthroplasty and side of subsequent knee arthroplasties. Further studies are needed to investigate whether increased risk of receiving an arthroplasty in the contralateral knee is related to having a hip arthroplasty and/or preoperative factors such as pain and altered gait associated with hip OA.

Emotional development in children with tics: a longitudinal population-based study.

Children with tics often experience accompanying problems that may have more impact on their well being and quality of life than the tics themselves. The present study investigates characteristics and the course of associated problems. In a population-based follow-up study, we investigated the developmental trajectory of children with and without tics when they were 7-9 years old. Parents and teachers completed the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) when the children were 7-9 years (wave 1) and 4 years later (wave 2). Using strict criteria, we identified 38 children with tics in the cohort of 4,025 children (0.94% of the total cohort) with a preponderance of boys (78.9%). 22 children (57.9%) in the group with tics had only motor tics, and 16 (42.1%) had both motor and vocal tics. Children with tics had significantly higher parent- and teacher-rated SDQ total difficulty scores and subscale scores in both waves. Children with tics experienced an increase in emotional problems and in peer problems between the first and the second wave. This study in a general population indicates that the presence of tics is associated with a range of internalizing and externalizing difficulties, as well as problems in peer relationships. Moreover, our study indicates that emotional and peer problems tend to increase over time in the group of children with tics.

More re-operations after uncemented than cemented hemiarthroplasty used in the treatment of displaced fractures of the femoral neck: an observational study of 11,116 hemiarthroplasties from a national register.

Using data from the Norwegian Hip Fracture Register, 8639 cemented and 2477 uncemented primary hemiarthroplasties for displaced fractures of the femoral neck in patients aged > 70 years were included in a prospective observational study. A total of 218 re-operations were performed after cemented and 128 after uncemented procedures. Survival of the hemiarthroplasties was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and hazard rate ratios (HRR) for revision were calculated using Cox regression analyses. At five years the implant survival was 97% (95% confidence interval (CI) 97 to 97) for cemented and 91% (95% CI 87 to 94) for uncemented hemiarthroplasties. Uncemented hemiarthroplasties had a 2.1 times increased risk of revision compared with cemented prostheses (95% confidence interval 1.7 to 2.6, p < 0.001). The increased risk was mainly caused by revisions for peri-prosthetic fracture (HRR = 17), aseptic loosening (HRR = 17), haematoma formation (HRR = 5.3), superficial infection (HRR = 4.6) and dislocation (HRR = 1.8). More intra-operative complications, including intra-operative death, were reported for the cemented hemiarthroplasties. However, in a time-dependent analysis, the HRR for re-operation in both groups increased as follow-up increased. This study showed that the risk for revision was higher for uncemented than for cemented hemiarthroplasties.

Mapping of titanium particles in peri-implant oral mucosa by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and high-resolution optical darkfield microscopy.

The present study examines the quantity, size, element signatures and distribution of titanium particles in normal oral mucosal tissue and in oral mucosa exposed to a titanium implant. Tissue samples from six healthy patients were obtained by a full thickness biopsy taken from the edge of the oral mucosa when inserting a titanium dental implant. At the abutment insertion 6 months later, a punch test biopsy of oral mucosa was taken over the implant site. Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is a sensitive and specific multi-element microanalytical technique that demonstrated the presence of Ti particles in the tissue adjacent to implant cover-screws. The epithelial part of the control samples revealed more particles than the corresponding area of the test samples, consisting partly of newly formed scar tissue. High-Resolution Optical Darkfield Microscope (HR-ODM) confirmed the presence of particles in both the control and the test samples. The combination of LA-ICP-MS and HR-ODM appears to be a powerful combination for detection of particles in oral tissues; optical microscopy provides an overview with histological references, whereas LA-ICP-MS identifies the chemical composition.

Diurnal rhythm in British Antarctic personnel.

INTRODUCTION: The diurnal rhythm of saliva cortisol and its association to adaptation, performance and health were examined in personnel over-wintering at two British Antarctic stations. METHODS: In total, 55 healthy individuals (49 males, 6 females) participated in the study. Cortisol in saliva was sampled on 3 consecutive days (at awakening, 15 and 45 min after waking, at 15.00 h, and 22.00 h) immediately after arrival at the station, midwinter, and the last week before departure. Subjective health complaints were also measured at arrival, midwinter, and the last week before departure, while depression (Burnam screen for depression) and positive and negative affect (PANAS) were measured at midwinter only. At the end of the winter appointment, base commanders evaluated the performance of all personnel. RESULTS: The variations in external light (darkness during winter, midnight sun during arrival and departure) did not influence the diurnal rhythms. The normal peak level in the morning, and the normal and gradual fall towards the evening were observed at arrival, midwinter, and before departure. Immediately after arrival the cortisol values were relatively high and correlated positively with base commander's evaluation of performance. During midwinter, approximately 58% scored for depression on the Burnam scale. However, when examining these data more closely, only 4 participants (7%) reported depression, the main reason for the high score on the depression scale was related to sleep problems and tiredness. CONCLUSIONS: There was no indication that over-wintering led to any disturbance in the diurnal rhythm of cortisol in British Antarctic personnel. There were no other indications of any 'over-wintering syndrome' than reports of subjective sleep problems and tiredness.

Internal screw fixation compared with bipolar hemiarthroplasty for treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Internal fixation and arthroplasty are the two main options for the treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures in the elderly. The optimal treatment remains controversial. Using data from the Norwegian Hip Fracture Register, we compared the results of hemiarthroplasty and internal screw fixation in displaced femoral neck fractures. METHODS: Data from 4335 patients over seventy years of age who had internal fixation (1823 patients) or hemiarthroplasty (2512 patients) to treat a displaced femoral neck fracture were compared at a minimum follow-up interval of twelve months. One-year mortality, the number of reoperations, and patient self-assessment of pain, satisfaction, and quality of life at four and twelve months were analyzed. Subanalyses of patients with cognitive impairment and reduced walking ability were done. RESULTS: In the arthroplasty group, only contemporary bipolar prostheses were used and uncemented prostheses with modern stems and hydroxyapatite coating accounted for 20.8% (522) of the implants. There were no differences in one-year mortality (27% in the osteosynthesis group and 25% in the arthroplasty group; p = 0.76). There were 412 reoperations (22.6%) performed in the osteosynthesis group and seventy-two (2.9%) in the hemiarthroplasty group during the follow-up period. After twelve months, the osteosynthesis group reported more pain (mean score, 29.9 compared with 19.2), higher dissatisfaction with the operation result (mean score, 38.9 compared with 25.7), and a lower quality of life (mean score, 0.51 compared with 0.60) than the arthroplasty group. All differences were significant (p < 0.001). For patients with cognitive impairment, hemiarthroplasty provided a better functional outcome (less pain, higher satisfaction with the result of the operation, and higher quality of life as measured on the EuroQol visual analog scale) at twelve months (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Displaced femoral neck fractures in the elderly should be treated with hemiarthroplasty.

Survival and cause of death in multiple sclerosis: results from a 50-year follow-up in Western Norway.

BACKGROUND: Survival time among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has varied considerably according to previous reports. OBJECTIVES: Survival and cause of death were analyzed among all patients with MS (878) with onset of MS in Hordaland County, Western Norway during 1953-2003, of whom 198 were dead at follow-up on January 1, 2005. METHODS: Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and relative mortality ratios (RMRs) were calculated based on observed mortality in MS and expected mortality. RESULTS: Median survival from onset was 41 years versus 49 years in the corresponding population, and mortality (SMR) was 2.7-fold increased in MS. The median survival was 43 years among women and 36 years among men, but women had higher relative mortality, when compared with the corresponding population, than men (RMR = 1.40). The median survival time was 45 years among young-onset patients (21-30 years) and 23 years among older-onset patients (51-60 years), but young-onset patients had higher relative mortality than older-onset patients, as shown by a significant reduction by 10-year interval of age at onset (RMR = 0.65). Median survival from onset was longer (43 years) among relapsing-remitting MS than primary progressive MS ([PPMS]; 49 years), and the relative mortality was higher in the PPMS group, (RMR = 1.55). According to death certificates, 57% died from MS. CONCLUSION: Female patients and patients with young onset had longer median time to death but higher relative risk of dying compared with the corresponding population. PPMS had both shorter median time to death from onset and a higher relative risk of dying.

Medium- and long-term performance of 11,516 uncemented primary femoral stems from the Norwegian arthroplasty register.

Primary uncemented femoral stems reported to the Norwegian arthroplasty register between 1987 and 2005 were included in this prospective observational study. There were 11 516 hips (9679 patients) and 14 different designs of stem. Kaplan-Meier survival probabilities and Cox regression were used to analyse the data. With aseptic loosening as the end-point, all currently used designs performed excellently with survival of 96% to 100% at ten years. With the end-point as stem revision for any cause, the long-term results of the different designs varied from poor to excellent, with survival at 15 years ranging between 29% and 97%. Follow-up for longer than seven years was needed to identify some of the poorly-performing designs. There were differences between the stems; the Corail, used in 5456 hips, was the most frequently used stem with a survival of 97% at 15 years. Male gender was associated with an increased risk of revision of x 1.3 (95% confidence interval 1.05 to 1.52), but age and diagnosis had no influence on the results. Overall, modern uncemented femoral stems performed well. Moderate differences in survival between well-performing stems should be interpreted with caution since the differences may be caused by factors other than the stem itself.