A comparison of patient satisfaction between treatment with conventional complete dentures and overdentures in the elderly: a literature review

Background:It has been stated that mandibular overdentures are more satisfactory than conventional dentures, but problems relating to the use of retrospective ratings, lack of control group and sequential provision of treatment may compromise the findings.Objective:To establish a comparison between treatment with conventional complete dentures and implant-retained overdentures in elderly patients by conducting a literature review.Materials and methods:A search of English language peer-review literature was completed using Medline up to 2008 focusing on evidence-based research. Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) and longitudinal prospective studies were favoured in the review, using a general hierarchical classification. Articles that did not focus exclusively on the comparison of patient satisfaction between complete dentures and overdentures were excluded from further evaluation. The last search was conducted in February 2008. Key terms included quality of life, patient satisfaction, edentulism, complete denture and overdenture.Results:Among the 90 articles found in the initial search, 27 met the inclusion criteria. This included 18 RCTs and eight prospective and one cohort study. Most of the articles stated superiority of the mandibular implant-retained overdenture therapy over the conventional complete denture regarding patient satisfaction and quality of life.Conclusion:Even with implant treatment presenting higher patient satisfaction and improvement of quality of life, it was not possible to establish a direct comparison between the studies due to differences in adopted methodologies.

MTA versus Portland cement: review of literature

Introduction: Both Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and Portland cement (PC) have been highlighted because of their favorable biological properties, with extensive applications in Endodontics, including the possibility of using into root canal filling. Objective: This article reviews literature related to MTA and PC comparing their physical, chemical and biological properties, as well as their indications. Literature review: Literature reports studies revealing the similarities between these materials’ properties, including both biocompatibility and bone repair induction. Moreover, there is the need for the development of a root canal sealer based on these materials (MTA and PC). Conclusion: MTA and CP show promissory perspective both in Dentistry and Endodontics.

Factors to Achieve Aesthetics in All-Ceramic Restorations

The demand for aesthetic restorations has increased during the last years. Dental ceramics are a successful alternative for some cases because of aesthetics and biocompatibility. Therefore, the aim of this literature review was to present the factors necessary to fabricate all-ceramic restorations with aesthetics similar to natural dentition. A search of English-language peer-review literature was completed using MEDLINE database from 1975 to 2009 including the keywords "aesthetic," "metal-free crown," "all-ceramic," and "color." It was observed that several factors influence aesthetics of all-ceramic restorations. Color scale, light source during color evaluation, characteristic of core material, color of supporting tooth, presence of root post, and type of cement are clinical factors that may influence color of the restorations. Laboratorial factors as technique for ceramic condensation, thickness, temperature, and number of firing cycles also influence the result of these crowns. Although several clinical and laboratorial factors influence aesthetics of all-ceramic restorations, the aesthetic success and longevity of these restorations depend on the integration with surrounding periodontal tissue.

Passivity in Implant-Supported Prosthesis

Because of the widespread use of implant-supported restorations and that the success of this treatment depends on the passivity of the different component systems of implant-prosthesis, a literature review was performed to highlight issues related to passivity in framework of implant-supported fixed prosthesis. A search of English-language peer-review literature was completed using MEDLINE database (PubMed) focusing on acceptable levels of passivity, misfit classification, problems related to misfit, methods to evaluate misfit, general factors that affect the passivity, and the biologic tolerance in the presence of misfit. The information obtained in the present review suggested that even if it is hard to obtain an implant-supported prosthesis with complete passivity, the professional should use the technological resources to offer better conditions for their patients. An acceptable clinical level of passivity that does not cause any problem to the biologic, aesthetic, and functional parameters of the patient should be sought.

Terapia manual no tratamento da espondilólise e espondilolistese: revisão de literatura

A espondilólise é um defeito na pars interarticularis da vértebra com descontinuidade óssea do segmento intervertebral; a progressão do defeito resulta em deslizamento de uma vértebra sobre a outra, chamado espondilolistese, o que pode provocar dor. O tratamento não-cirúrgico é a escolha inicial na maioria dos casos de espondilolistese, mas poucos estudos verificam a eficácia dos tratamentos conservadores. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão da literatura sobre esses tratamentos, sobretudo no que concerne à terapia manual, a fim de ajudar os terapeutas na prescrição de intervenções eficazes. Os resultados mostram que tanto a terapia manual como a fisioterapia convencional apresentam efeitos benéficos na redução da dor lombar e na melhora funcional do paciente. As terapias manuais envolvem manipulação da coluna vertebral e articulação sacroilíaca, músculo-energia e alongamento dos músculos afetados. Exercícios de estabilização lombopélvica, fortalecimento dos músculos posturais e alongamento dos isquiotibiais e psoas também foram considerados importantes. O paciente deve ser avaliado individualmente em seu quadro clínico e radiográfico para determinação do plano de tratamento. Dentre as opções conservadoras de tratamento encontradas, nenhuma se mostrou conclusivamente superior às outras e todas podem ser incluídas no tratamento sintomático de pacientes com espondilólise/listese.

Immediate X delayed loading dental implants: An overview

The aim of this investigation was to accomplish an overview about the principles of the indication and of the success parameters involving immediate and delayed loading dental implants procedures. Studies about the philosophies (immediate and delayed loading dental implants) and their clinical indications will be discussed in order to overview the rules for the clinical success in both techniques. In addition, studies regarding the criteria for immediate loading implants as primary stabilization, surface treatments and bone density and amount will be also analyzed. More important than the philosophy selection, is how and when to use it according to biomechanical rules and principles. Among the vast limitations pointed by the literature regarding procedures of immediate and delayed loading are evidenced the parafunctional habits, primary stabilization, bone quality, surface treatments and the number of dental implants. The anterior region of the jaw seems to be associated with a major percentage of satisfactory results, regardless of rehabilitation procedures. Although several studies have demonstrated high success rates for the immediate loading dental implants, several aspects remain without an explicit definition and further studies are needed to elucidate some reservations.

Systematic reviews showed insufficient evidence for clinical practice in 2004: What about in 2011? the next appeal for the evidence-based medicine age

Rationale and aim The aims of the Cochrane systematic reviews are to make readily available and up-to-date information for clinical practice, offering consistent evidence and straightforward recommendations. In 2004, we evaluated the conclusions from Cochrane systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials in terms of their recommendations for clinical practice and found that 47.83% of them had insufficient evidence for use in clinical practice. We proposed to reanalyze the reviews to evaluate whether this percentage had significantly decreased. Methods A cross-sectional study of systematic reviews published in the Cochrane Library (Issue 7, 2011) was conducted. We randomly selected reviews across all 52 Cochrane Collaborative Review Groups. Results We analyzed 1128 completed systematic reviews. Of these, 45.30% concluded that the interventions studied were likely to be beneficial, of which only 2.04% recommended no further research. In total, 45.04% of the reviews reported that the evidence did not support either benefit or harm, of which 0.8% did not recommend further studies and 44.24% recommended additional studies; the latter has decreased from our previous study with a difference of 3.59%. Conclusion Only a small number of the Cochrane collaboration's systematic reviews support clinical interventions with no need for additional research. A larger number of high-quality randomized clinical trials are necessary to change the 'insufficient evidence' scenario for clinical practice illustrated by the Cochrane database. It is recommended that we should produce higher-quality primary studies in active collaboration and consultation with global scholars and societies so that this can represent a major component of methodological advance in this context. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Recanalization after acute deep vein thrombosis

O processo de recanalização das veias dos membros inferiores, após um episódio de trombose venosa profunda aguda em pacientes anticoagulados com heparina e inibidores da vitamina K, faz parte da evolução natural da remodelagem do trombo venoso. Esse complexo processo de remodelagem envolve a adesão do trombo à parede da veia, à resposta inflamatória da parede do vaso, levando à organização e subsequente contração do trombo, à neovascularização e à lise espontânea de áreas no interior do trombo. A presença de fluxo arterial espontâneo em veias com trombose recanalizada tem sido descrita como secundária à neovascularização e se caracteriza pelo desenvolvimento de fluxo com padrão de fístulas arteriovenosas, identificadas por meio de mapeamento dúplex colorido. Nesta revisão, são discutidos alguns aspectos controversos da história natural da trombose venosa profunda, para uma melhor compreensão da sua evolução e do seu impacto sobre a doença venosa.

Informatics competencies in nursing management

This study aimed to identify in scientific literature the informatics competencies required from the nurses to make decision in management process. Through a scoping review, literature databases were searched to find articles published in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, until July 2013. 188 articles were found, and seven were included in this study, published between 1994 and 2011. The studies were written in English (5; 71%), in USA (5; 71%), using experience reports or literature review designs (5; 71%). The informatics competences were categorized according the Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform (TIGER). The findings highlight gaps in informatics competence to make decisions in the management process--essentially in information management competence.

Detecção de microrganismos de infecções bucais: perspectivas e cuidados a serem seguidos

The diagnosis of head and neck infections constitutes relevant step in their treatment. However, in spite of the fact that most of diseases in head and neck region are infectious in nature, several reasons collaborated for dentists do not ask laboratory tests in order to help clinical diagnosis. By mean of this review literature, based on research articles about the newest and most reliable methods of diagnosis for clinical laboratories, the authors discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each selected method and the relevant aspects in transportation of the specimens to the laboratory. Saliva, biofilm, pus, and blood are the most frequent specimens for microbial diagnosis, being that the most used methods are culture and those based on detection of deoxyribonucleic acid by polymerase chain reaction method. Whereas, the culture depends on cellular viability, and has reduced sensitivity, as well as needs favorable conditions in the sample collection and transportation, PCR shows high sensitivity and specificity, but it does not allow the determination of antibiogram, what reduces its usefulness. In addition, few laboratories possess conditions to perform cultivation of obligate anaerobes or have experience in the molecular detection of these microorganisms.

Mortalidade Materna: uma abordagem atualizada

Purpose: to review literature, highlighting current aspects of maternal mortality.  Method: research initiated through electronic data base PubMed [http:// www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed], limited to the last 10 years. The selected cases which related to pre-defined aspects of interest to the study, such as vulnerable population, risk factors, causes, difficulties in obtaining data, preventive measures e new approaches to the problem, among them, ‘near misses’ and severe maternal morbidity.  Results: maternal death is directly related to the quality of life of the population, with relevant disparities among the different social economic areas. Although maternal mortality is the proper indicator to the female population health, its numbers are presented in unrealistic manners due to the difficulties in identifying the cases through death certificates. Preventive measures associated to early and adequate diagnose and treatment are benefic factors in decreasing those maternal deaths. Apart from these, identification and classification of ‘near misses’ and maternal morbidity are featured in the contemporary approach to the issue.  Final considerations: In spite of advanced technology and recognition of preventive measures, a large number of women die daily due to complications in the pregnancy and puerperal cycle. To decrease such tragedy political, social and economical commitment to Health is necessary, in order to promote the needed reforms in the assistance of such cycle.

Peritoneal pseudomyxoma associated with synchronic malignant mucinous neoplasias of the cecum, appendix and rectum: case report and review of the literature

O pseudomixoma peritoneal é uma condição patológica que acomete o peritoneo, caracterizada pela produção de grandes quantidades de líquido mucinoso, que progressivamente preenche a cavidade peritoneal, tendo em geral como origem tumores mucinosos apendiculares ou de ovário. Relatamos a ocorrência de um pseudomixoma peritoneal associado a adenocarcinoma mucinoso do apêndice sincrônico e adenocarcinoma do reto em paciente de 44 anos, cujo diagnóstico inicial foi de adenocarcinoma do reto. A neoplasia do apêndice e o pseudomixoma peritonial foram achados incidentais, intra-operatórios. Enfocamos as principais características anatomo-patológicas das lesões, o diagnóstico e tratamento, através de ampla revisão da literatura.

Persistent Pleuropulmonary Air Leak Treated with Autologous Blood: Results from a University Hospital and Review of Literature

Background: Persistent air leak after pulmonary resection is a difficult complication for thoracic surgeons to manage. Objectives: To show the results of our experience treating persistent pleuropulmonary air leak with autologous blood and review the literature on this specific method of treatment. Methods: Retrospective study of patients with persistent aerial pleuropulmonary fistula treated with autologous blood. The patient's own blood was collected from a peripheral vein and directly introduced through the pleural drain. An inverted siphon was located in the drainage system to avoid prolonged clamping of the drain. This siphon impeded blood return but not air escape. Results: Between January 2001 and August 2008, 27 patients were treated by the above method. Patient age ranged from 2 to 74 years, and 78% were male. Each procedure used a mean quantity of 92 ml blood. Mean persistent air leak time before pleurodesis was 10.6 days and mean time to fistula resolution after pleurodesis was 1.5 days. Twenty-three (85%) patients had persistent pleuropulmonary air leak closed with the above procedure. Conclusion: Treating persistent pleuropulmonary air leak with autologous blood is promising, but further studies are required to quantify its real effectiveness. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel

Gender differences in obsessive-compulsive disorder: a literature review

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Paracoccidioidomycosis of external genitalia: report of six new cases and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis of dermatological interest due to the frequency of cutaneous and mucosal lesions. The involvement of the external genitalia is extremely rare and few cases have been reported.OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of external genitalia lesions in paracoccidioidomycosis patients, identify clinical characteristics and compare with what is observed in the specific literature.METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study, with focus on paracoccidioiodomycosis patients with external genitalia lesions. The demographic and clinical aspects of cases were compared with what has been reported so far on LILACS, SciELO e MEDLINE data bases.RESULTS: Data of 483 cases of paracoccidioidomycosis were studied in a 42-year period. Six (1.2%) patients showed specific lesions on external genitalia. Five patients were male with mean age of 47.2 years and all of them presented with the chronic multifocal clinical form. Only one, a 15-year-old female patient was observed who showed a subacute clinical form, juvenile type.CONCLUSIONS: Compromise of the genitourinary tract among paracoccidioidomycosis patients is rare and even rarer when only the external genitalia are considered. As observed in the classical picture of paracoccidioidomycosis patients, the male gender and the chronic multifocal clinical form prevailed in the present study.