Medical News

Coronary computed tomographic angiography for detection of coronary artery disease in patients presenting to the emergency department with chest pain: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
D'Ascenzo F et al. – The authors performed a meta–analysis to test the safety and efficacy of this non–invasive diagnostic approach in low– and intermediate–risk chest pain patients. The present meta–analysis shows that a strategy with coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) used as first imaging test for low– and intermediate–risk patients presenting to the ED with chest pain appears safe and seems not to increase subsequent invasive coronary angiographies. The approach is cost–effective although limited data and incomplete cost analyses have been performed. CCTA increases coronary revascularizations, with still an unknown effect on prognosis, especially in the long term.
European Journal of Echocardiography, 12/10/2012

Targeted Biopsy in the Detection of Prostate Cancer Using an Office Based Magnetic Resonance Ultrasound Fusion Device
Sonn GA et al. – The authors evaluated prostate cancer detection rates in 171 consecutive men using magnetic resonance ultrasound fusion prostate biopsy. Prostate lesions identified on magnetic resonance imaging can be accurately targeted using magnetic resonance ultrasound fusion biopsy by a urologist in clinic. Biopsy findings correlate with level of suspicion on magnetic resonance imaging....
The Journal of Urology , 12/11/2012

Primary tooth resorption and its role in the normal tooth eruption process
Frazier–Bowers SA et al. – The objective of this article is to review the process of permanent tooth eruption and primary tooth resorption in the context of the major theories of tooth eruption. Management of isolated ankylosis is definitively treated by extraction of the offending tooth while eruption failure from a genetic defect may result in no treatment at all or multiple single tooth osteotomies. A complete understanding of the clinical presentation and biological mechanisms underlying eruption and eruption disorders will facilitate the best diagnosis and patient management of difficult clinical cases....
Endodontic Topics, 12/10/2012

Pulp preservation in immature permanent teeth
Bogen G et al. – New treatment strategies for direct pulp capping and pulpotomy have shown promising potentials for improved outcomes in immature teeth with extensive caries, traumatic pulp exposures, or anatomical anomalies. Preservation and protection of the dental pulp in developing teeth promote root maturation and extend tooth survivability by postponing or even preventing more complex endodontic and restorative care. MTA and new hydraulic calcium silicate cements provide biocompatible environments that predictably promote reparative dentin bridge formation when placed under properly bonded and sealed composite restorations. Hydraulic calcium silicate cements appear to provide a promising future for the preservation of pulpal integrity in immature teeth when used with modified and conservative treatment protocols....
Endodontic Topics , 12/10/2012

Single Port Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Lobectomy for Early Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
Ng CSH et al. – Single port or uniport video–assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has been gaining popularity in simple thoracic surgical procedures such as sympathectomy, and pleural or lung biopsies. Only recently has a Spanish group reported the successful attempt in performing single port major lung resections, including lobectomy and pneumonectomy in the literature. The authors describe the approach and surgical technique in single port VATS right lower lobe lobectomy for early stage non–small cell lung carcinoma....
Surgical Practice , 12/13/2012

Long-Term Outcomes After Bariatric Surgery: Fifteen-Year Follow-Up of Adjustable Gastric Banding and a Systematic Review of the Bariatric Surgical Literature
O'Brien PE et al. – The LAGB study from 1 center demonstrates a durable weight loss with 47% EWL maintained to 15 years. This weight loss occurred regardless of whether any revisional procedures were needed. A systematic review shows substantial and similar long–term weight losses for LAGB and other bariatric procedures.
Annals of Surgery, 12/13/2012

Maternal vitamin D status as a critical determinant in gestational diabetes
Senti J et al. – Maternal vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is prevalent among gravid women and is associated with markers of altered glucose homeostasis. These findings underscore the need for mechanistic and clinical studies to determine optimal vitamin D status in pregnancy for reduction in the risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with implications for vitamin D supplementation as a potential target for GDM prevention.
Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing , 06/11/2012

Placental weight and efficiency in relation to maternal body mass index and the risk of pregnancy complications in women delivering singleton babies
Wallace JM et al. – Placental efficiency was not related to the risk of stillbirth or high birth weight. No interactions between maternal BMI and placental weight tertile were detected suggesting that both abnormal BMI and placental growth are independent risk factors for a range of pregnancy complications.
Placenta , 06/14/2012

Childhood physical abuse as a common risk factor for depression and thyroid dysfunction in the earlier postpartum
Plaza A et al. – Childhood abuse is a powerful risk factor for developing postpartum depression in adulthood, and recently it has been associated to thyroid dysfunction in postpartum depressive women. The findings suggest that women with history of childhood physical abuse are particularly at–risk for thyroid dysfunction and depressive symptomatology 24–48h after delivery. The assessment of childhood abuse in the perinatal period is important to identify women at–risk for physical and mental health problems in this period.
Psychiatry Research, 12/14/2012

Reduced exercise capacity in Greek children with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Damianidou L et al. – Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common disease that is increasingly recognized among pediatric population. The exercise capacity of adults with OSAS has been demonstrated to be impaired, but there are no data about pediatric exercise response. The present study demonstrates that young patients with OSAS, even with mild OSAS, had reduced exercise capacity as compared to control group.
Pediatric Pulmonology, 12/14/2012

Long-term treatment of venous thromboembolism with tinzaparin compared to vitamin K antagonists: A meta-analysis of 5 randomized trials in non-cancer and cancer patients
Laporte S et al. – Tinzaparin appears as a valuable option for long–term treatment of patients in whom VKA are contraindicated or difficult to monitor. Tinzaparin may have a more favorable benefit–risk ratio than VKA in patients with cancer and VTE....
Thrombosis Research , 12/12/2012

Impact of orange juice consumption on macronutrient and energy intakes and body composition in the US population
Wang Y et al. – The present study evaluated the contribution of 100 % orange juice (OJ) consumption to the intakes of macronutrients and energy and its impact on body composition. OJ consumption was associated with healthier body composition in adults; while there were no significant associations between OJ consumption and body composition in children and adolescents.
Public Health Nutrition , 12/10/2012

Cognitive Function in an Elderly Population: Interaction Between Vitamin B12 Status, Depression, and Apolipoprotein Eε4: The Hordaland Homocysteine Study
Vogiatzoglou A et al. – The study aims to investigate the cross–sectional relation between metabolic markers of vitamin B12 status and cognitive performance, and possible effect modification by the presence of depression and apolipoprotein E (ApoE)ε4. Among the well–nourished elderly, low vitamin B12 status is associated with cognitive deficit, particularly in those with the ApoEε4 allele or with depression.
Psychosomatic Medicine , 12/10/2012

Impact of orange juice consumption on macronutrient and energy intakes and body composition in the US population
Wang Y et al. – The present study evaluated the contribution of 100 % orange juice (OJ) consumption to the intakes of macronutrients and energy and its impact on body composition. OJ consumption was associated with healthier body composition in adults; while there were no significant associations between OJ consumption and body composition in children and adolescents.
Public Health Nutrition , 12/10/2012