Primary Headache Approach in the Emergency Departments: A Systematic Scoping Review of Prospective Studies

This systematic scoping review aims to answer questions related to the main characteristics of primary headache, the need for neuroimaging, and the presence of red flags in these patients. A review of prospective studies including the MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, and SCIELO databases, as well as the grey literature, was conducted. The methodological quality of the selected investigations was also assessed. Six investigations met the selection criteria. The mean age of people with primary headache was less than 43 years, with ages ranging from 39 to 46 years. Most of the studies reported the presence of nausea/vomiting, between 12% and 60% of the patients studied. To a lesser extent, there was also the presence of intense and moderate pain, loss of consciousness, stiff neck, presence of aura, and photophobia. The most frequent diagnoses were unspecified headache, migraine, and tension headache. The studies did not recommend neuroimaging and no red flags were reported. Primary headache occurred more frequently in women, in those under 46 years of age with a history of migraine and similar episodes. Moreover, the presence of red flags and the need for neuroimaging in patients with primary headaches were not evidenced.

Efficacy of wireless sensors in assessing occlusal and bite forces: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The noteworthy correlation between bite force and masticatory performance emphasizes its significance as a meaningful and objective method for assessing oral function. Furthermore, in the study of bruxism, the measurement of intraoral bite force assumes critical importance. Given the importance of assessing occlusal forces and bite force, this systematic review aims to assess the efficacy of wireless sensors in measuring these forces.

METHODS

The search methodology employed in this systematic review adhered to the guidelines outlined by PRISMA. The strategy involved the exploration of various databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS and SCIELO. An assessment tool was employed to evaluate the bias risk and study quality.

RESULTS

This systematic review encompassed six prospective clinical studies involving a total of 89 participants. Wireless sensors for measuring occlusal forces and bite forces were predominantly employed in healthy adults or individuals with bruxism, along with children undergoing orthodontic treatment. All wireless sensors employed in the studies underwent validation and reproducibility assessments, affirming their reliability. The findings indicated that all wireless sensors exhibited efficacy in detecting occlusal forces and bite forces.

CONCLUSION

Wireless sensors offer real-time monitoring of occlusal and bite forces, aiding in understanding force distribution and identifying bruxism patterns. Despite limited studies on their application, these sensors contribute to evolving insights. Integration into clinical practice requires careful consideration of factors like calibration and patient compliance. Ongoing research is crucial to address limitations and enhance the efficacy of wireless sensors in measuring occlusal and bite forces and managing bruxism.

Opportunistic pathogens are associated with deteriorated clinical parameters in peri-implant disease

OBJECTIVES

To assess the association between Gram-negative enteric rods and Pseudomonas with the clinical parameters in peri-implant disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients treated with implants and diagnosed with peri-implant mucositis and/or peri-implantitis participate in this cross-sectional research. Unusual microorganisms from the implants were recognized using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Linear regression models were applied.

RESULTS

A total of 103 implants were evaluated in thirty-one participants. Gram-negative enteric rods/Pseudomonas were observed in 47 implants (46%). Interestingly, there were differences in probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CA), and bleeding on probing (BOP) between the groups, where implants with the presence of Gram-negative enteric rods/Pseudomonas presented deteriorated clinical parameters (p < .0001). The crude and adjusted linear regression models for PPD in peri-implant mucositis, PPD in peri-implantitis, CA in peri-implantitis, and BOP in peri-implant disease present significant βs, demonstrating deteriorated parameters (p < .0001) in the presence of Gram-negative enteric rods/Pseudomonas. Besides, the model for CA in peri-implantitis showed that cemented restored reconstructions were statistically significant (p = .009). Additionally, the R2 value in most models indicated a high degree of correlation (>85%).

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of Gram-negative enteric rods and Pseudomonas was associated with deteriorated clinical parameters in patients with peri-implant disease.

Severe Sinus Dysfunction in the Context of Chronic Lithium Intoxication and Poorly Controlled Hypothyroidism

Cardiotoxicity associated with lithium is not a common event; however, it is potentially life-threatening, manifesting electrocardiographically with sinoatrial blocks, high-degree atrioventricular blocks, QT prolongation, and ventricular tachyarrhythmias. This case report presents a patient with severe sinus dysfunction in a clinically severe presentation secondary to cardiogenic shock. The patient sought medical attention for a one-week history of non-anginal chest pain, dizziness without syncope, generalized weakness, and somnolence progressing to bedridden status in the days preceding hospital admission. Laboratory findings revealed elevated blood levels of lithium and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), along with concomitant Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) II acute kidney injury. Subsequently, the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit, where persistent extreme sinus bradycardia of 30 bpm (beats per minute) with sinus pauses without ischemic changes was observed. The patient received supportive treatment, including renal replacement therapy, resulting in complete recovery of hemodynamic status without the need for long-term cardiac conduction devices.

High levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced immunoglobulin G2 are associated with lower high-density lipoprotein levels in chronic periodontitis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced immunoglobulin G antibodies and the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level.

METHODS

A total of 108 individuals were examined. The presence of P. gingivalis was detected using primers designed to target the 16S rRNA gene sequence. Peripheral blood was collected from each subject to determine the levels of P. gingivalis-induced IgG1 and IgG2 serum antibodies. The HDL levels were determined using fully enzymatic methods.

RESULTS

A higher proportion of periodontitis patients had high levels of P. gingivalis-induced IgG1 and IgG2, and the proportion of subjects with a HDL level of < 35 md/dL was higher in the group of chronic periodontitis patients. In the unadjusted regression model, the presence of high levels of P. gingivalis-induced IgG2 was associated with a HDL level of < 35 md/dL. The adjusted model indicated that periodontitis patients with high levels of P. gingivalis-induced IgG2 showed 3.2 more chances of having pathological HDL levels (odds ratio = 3.2, 95% confidence interval = 1.2-9.8).

CONCLUSION

High levels of P. gingivalis-induced IgG2 were associated with low HDL concentrations in patients with periodontitis, which suggests that the response of the host to periodontal infection may play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.

Oral lesions in patients with human monkeypox: A systematic scoping review

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical features and location of oral lesions in patients with human monkeypox.

METHODS

A systematic scoping review was accomplished by implementing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews. The analysis incorporated varied databases and the gray literature. Keywords were implemented to search publications in all languages until July 2022.

RESULTS

The initial electronic exploration included 889 reports, of which 843 studies were eliminated. Reading the full text occasioned the omission of 27 additional investigations. Finally, 19 publications were included. These reports analyzed 1256 patients with monkeypox, mostly described in Europe. Most of them were men who have sex with men. The study population consisted mainly of adults but children were also infected. The oral lesions of monkeypox patients were observed in different parts of the oral mucosa, including lips and tongue, but mainly in the tonsils (15 cases). The oral lesions manifested as papules, vesicles, pustules, and ulcers. Erythema, edema, enanthema, and severe pain were also observed, accompanied by tonsillar enlargement. Sore throat was also reported. Monkeypox is accompanied by a significant number of systemic manifestations, mainly including multiple skin lesions throughout the body, as well as lymphadenopathy, fever, headache, myalgia, and fatigue, among others. The symptoms associated with monkeypox were managed with different antiretroviral and antimicrobial therapies and medications to control pain and fever principally. Seventeen deaths were informed.

CONCLUSION

Most monkeypox-associated oral lesions are seen in different parts of the oral mucosa, mainly in the tonsils manifested as papules, vesicles, pustules, and ulcers.

Artificial intelligence as a predictive tool for gastric cancer: Bridging innovation, clinical translation, and ethical considerations

With gastric cancer ranking among the most prevalent and deadly malignancies worldwide, early detection and individualized prognosis remain essential for improving patient outcomes. This letter discusses recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI)-driven predictive tools for gastric cancer, emphasizing a computed tomography-based radiomic model that achieved a predictive accuracy of area under the curve of 0.893 for treatment response in advanced cases undergoing neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy. AI offers promising avenues for predictive accuracy and personalized treatment planning in gastric oncology. Additionally, this letter highlights the comparison of these AI tools with traditional methodologies, demonstrating their potential to streamline clinical workflows and address existing gaps in risk stratification and early detection. Furthermore, this letter addresses the ethical considerations and the need for robust clinical-AI collaboration to achieve reliable, transparent, and unbiased outcomes. Strengthening cross-disciplinary efforts will be vital for the responsible and effective deployment of AI in this critical area of oncology.

Antimicrobial resistance in patients with odontogenic infections: A systematic scoping review of prospective and experimental studies

BACKGROUND

Patients with odontogenic infections are commonly prescribed antimicrobials on an experiential base without knowing the precise microorganisms implicated. The aim of this systematic scoping review is to evaluate the prevalence and proportions of antimicrobial-resistant species in patients with odontogenic infections.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic scoping review of scientific evidence was accomplished involving different databases.

RESULTS

Eight randomized clinical trials and 13 prospective observational studies were included. These investigations analyzed 1506 patients. The species that showed higher levels of resistance included aerobic and facultative anaerobe such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus viridans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus milleri, Enterococcus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, and Staphylococcus coagulases-negative. In obligate anaerobes sampled were Peptostreptococcos spp., Bacteroides spp., and Prevotella spp. Staphylococcus showed resistance to ampicillin, piperacillin, clindamycin, amoxicillin, metronidazole, and penicillin. Streptococcus had resistance to metronidazole, clindamycin, doxycycline, penicillin, and amoxicillin. Peptostreptococcus spp. presented resistance to penicillin, amoxicillin, erythromycin, and cefalexin. Gram-negative microorganisms had resistance to tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, amoxicillin, erythromycin, and penicillin. Bacteroides spp. exhibited resistance to penicillin, erythromycin, and gentamicin. Prevotella spp. showed resistance to penicillin, amoxicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, levofloxacin, and imipenem. Finally, Klebsiella spp. displayed resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin, moxifloxacin, and cefalexin. Interestingly, one clinical trial showed that after therapy there was a reduction in sensitivity of 18% for azithromycin and 26% for spiramycin.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the microorganisms had resistance to diverse groups of antimicrobials. Suitable antimicrobials must be prescribed founded on the microbial samples, culture susceptibility, and clinical progression of the odontogenic infection. Furthermore, it was observed high levels of resistance to antimicrobials that have been used in local and systemic therapy of oral cavity infections. A preponderance of anaerobic microorganisms over aerobic ones was observed. Key words:Antibiotic resistance, odontogenic infections, efficacy, microorganisms, scoping review.

Efficacy of antimicrobials in preventing resistance in solid organ transplant recipients: A systematic review of clinical trials

BACKGROUND

In the absence of effective antimicrobials, transplant surgery is not viable, and antirejection immunosuppressants cannot be administered, as resistant infections compromise the life-saving goal of organ transplantation.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobials in preventing resistance in solid organ transplant recipients.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted using a search methodology consistent with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. This review included randomized clinical trials that evaluated the efficacy of antimicrobial agents (prophylactic or therapeutic) aimed at preventing antimicrobial resistance. The search strategy involved analyzing multiple databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and SciELO, as well as examining gray literature sources on Google Scholar. A comprehensive electronic database search was conducted from the databases' inception until May 2024, with no language restrictions.

RESULTS

After the final phase of the eligibility assessment, this systematic review ultimately included 7 articles. A total of 2318 patients were studied. The most studied microorganisms were cytomegalovirus, although vancomycin-resistant enterococci, Clostridioides difficile, and multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales were also analyzed. The antimicrobials used in the interventions were mainly maribavir, valganciclovir, ganciclovir, and colistin-neomycin. Of concern, all clinical trials showed significant proportions of resistant microorganisms after the interventions, with no statistically significant differences between the groups (mean resistance 13.47% vs 14.39%), except for two studies that demonstrated greater efficacy of maribavir and valganciclovir (mean resistance 22.2% vs 41.1% in the control group; P < 0.05). The total reported deaths in three clinical trials were 75, and there were 24 graft rejections in two studies.

CONCLUSION

All clinical trials reported significant proportions of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms following interventions. More high-quality randomized clinical trials are needed to corroborate these results.

Hegemony of economic values in conducting clinical trials with a placebo-control group to investigate the treatment of periodontitis in lower-middle-income countries

This article analyzes the bioethical implications of using a control/placebo group when conducting clinical trials (CTs) investigating the treatment of periodontitis. For this, the deductive method was used, proposing the interrelation of values, and a scoping systematic review was carried out. A total of 53% of the CTs reviewed were performed in low- and middle-income (LMI) countries, and 92% used a control/placebo group as a comparison group. Although there is a gold standard for the adjunctive treatment of periodontitis, the research ethics committees of most of the analyzed studies approved the use of control/placebo groups for the performance of CTs that did not explore new therapeutic alternatives. In some cases, the CT protocols were not approved by ethics committees, nor was informed consent used. In the LMI countries, a shorter period of recruitment was observed for patients who attended universities and public hospitals. Likewise, most of the CTs reviewed had public funding, a significant amount of which came from the pharmaceutical industry. Only one CT reported the low economic and educational level of its participants. Furthermore, none of the authors of the reviewed CTs declared conflicts of interest. Although the axiology of techno-science always takes into account at least the epistemic, technical and economic value systems, the hegemony of the economic values imposed by the pharmaceutical industry is evident in the performance of CTs investigating the treatment of periodontitis in LMI countries.

Machine learning for predicting antimicrobial resistance in critical and high-priority pathogens: A systematic review considering antimicrobial susceptibility tests in real-world healthcare settings

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a worldwide health threat; quick and accurate identification of AMR enhances patient outcomes and reduces inappropriate antibiotic usage. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy of machine learning (ML) approaches in predicting AMR in critical and high-priority pathogens (CHPP), considering antimicrobial susceptibility tests in real-world healthcare settings.

METHODS

The search methodology encompassed the examination of several databases, such as PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and SCIELO. An extensive electronic database search was conducted from the inception of these databases until November 2024.

RESULTS

After completing the final step of the eligibility assessment, the systematic review ultimately included 21 papers. All included studies were cohort observational studies assessing 688,107 patients and 1,710,867 antimicrobial susceptibility tests. GBDT, Random Forest, and XGBoost were the top-performing ML models for predicting antibiotic resistance in CHPP infections. GBDT exhibited the highest AuROC values compared to Logistic Regression (LR), with a mean value of 0.80 (range 0.77-0.90) and 0.68 (range 0.50-0.83), respectively. Similarly, Random Forest generally showed better AuROC values compared to LR (mean value 0.75, range 0.58-0.98 versus mean value 0.71, range 0.61-0.83). However, some predictors selected by these algorithms align with those suggested by LR.

CONCLUSIONS

ML displays potential as a technology for predicting AMR, incorporating antimicrobial susceptibility tests in CHPP in real-world healthcare settings. However, limitations such as retrospective methodology for model development, nonstandard data processing, and lack of validation in randomized controlled trials must be considered before applying these models in clinical practice.