1,721,286 research outputs found
Is the effect of drugs in progressive MS only due to an effect on inflammation? A subgroup meta-analysis of randomised trials
No full textBackground: It is unclear whether drugs approved for the treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) are effective in disability progression only because of their effect on the inflammatory component of the disease. Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether the benefits of PMS treatments are mediated by its effect on the active component of the disease. Methods: We conducted a systematic search to identify randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of disease-modifying therapies on disability progression for primary or secondary PMS. The primary endpoint of the analysis was disability progression based on the expanded disability status scale. A subgroup meta-analysis evaluated the effects of treatment according to disease activity at baseline. Results: Twelve trials (a total of 8659 PMS cases) were selected. Analysis of the included trials demonstrated that treatment benefit appears to be mainly confined to the group with active disease (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.67; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.58-0.79) as compared to the group with inactive disease (HR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.79-1.02, interaction test: p = 0.005). Conclusions: This study showed that the benefit of treating patients with PMS was mostly confined to those with the more active disease. Drugs targeting specific pathological processes leading to disability progression remain necessary
Temporary anchorage device stability: an evaluation of thread shape factor
No full textThe resistance to extraction of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) depends on various factors, including miniscrew design, shear strength, and bone density. This research introduces the thread shape factor (TSF) as a new factor for the evaluation of TAD mechanical properties. The authors evaluated three TADs for a total of 27 tests: Mini-impianto autoforante (Leone, 1.75 mm diameter and 8 mm length), Orthoscrew (Leader Ortodonzia, 1.65 mm diameter and 9 mm length), and MAS (Miniscrew Anchorage System, 1.3 mm diameter and 11 mm length). For each TAD, the images were acquired via a 20.00 kV scanning electron microscopy to measure their respective mean depth of thread (D), pitch (P), and the relationship between the two (TSF). Subsequently, pullout tests on organic bone analogue were carried out using a testing machine; a crosshead speed of 2 mm/minutes was applied. A two-way analysis of variance was performed to evaluate the interaction between the type of miniscrew and the cortical thickness. A post hoc analysis for single comparisons was subsequently employed. In addition, if homogeneity of variances was not rejected, Scheffè's test was performed, while Tamhane's test was carried out if the homogeneity of variance assumption was not met. Univariate linear regression models were fitted to evaluate the relationship between the outcomes and TSF, D, and P separately. A P value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. From univariate linear regression, TSF, D, and P were statistically significant predictors of 'peak load'. The tests showed that TSF has a statistical significance for describing the mechanical competency of TADs
FRI0588-HPR Validation of the Italian Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire: Construct Validity, Responsiveness and Interpretability
No full textThe quality of reports of randomized trials in multiple sclerosis: a review.
No full textRandomized clinical trials (RCT) in multiple sclerosis (MS) have a recent tradition, but their number has been exponentially increasing since the first study detecting the efficacy of a disease modifying drug in MS. To examine the methodological details of reports of RCT in MS, we extracted from five leading journals all the reports of RCT published between 1993 and 2010. Trial reports were compared for different periods (1993-2001, 2002-2006, 2007-2010) for a set of indicator variables reflecting methodological quality (including details about randomization and blinding, statistical methods, results reporting, subgroup analyses). Fifty-three reports were included in the analysis. All of the methodological items indicated an improvement over time in the quality of reporting, the main weaknesses being frequent and inappropriate use of significance testing for assessing baseline imbalances and the statistical approach to subgroup analysis. A complete and transparent reporting of trial methodology is becoming even more important in an era when new design strategies are required for the feasibility of future trials in MS
Bronchial hyperreactivity in patients with allergic rhinitis: forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of vital capacity might be a predictive factor.
No full textPrevalence of sensitization to methylisothiazolinone in an Italian Skin Allergy Unit
No full textBACKGROUND: An alarming increase in the prevalence of sensitization to the preservative methylisothiazolinone (MI), alone or in combination with methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), has recently been reported, mainly in Northern Europe. Prevalence data from Southern Europe are scanty. METHODS: We evaluated the prevalence of contact allergy to MI and MCI/MI among 1392 patients consecutively patch tested in 2012-2013 at the Clinica Dermatologica of San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy. The patients were patch tested with 2000 ppm MI aq. in addition to the Italian baseline series. The MOAHLFA Index (Male, Occupation, Atopic Dermatitis, Hand, Legs, Face, Age above 40 years) was registered for all patients. Relevant exposures to MI and/or MI/MCI were determined and the patients' clinical outcome after isothiazolinones avoidance was evaluated. RESULT S: The prevalence of sensitization to MI showed a steep increase of prevalence from 2.3% in 2012 to 6.9% in 2013 while sensitization to MI/MCI rose from 6.76% in 2012 to 9.04% in 2013. Hand and face dermatitis were significantly prevalent in MI allergic patients. Cosmetics, followed by household products, were the most common sources of relevant exposure to both MI and MI/MCI. Clinical improvement after avoidance of isothiazolinones containing products was reported by 85.3% of followed up patients. CONCLUSIONS: In Italy the prevalence of MI and MI/MCI contact allergy is alarmingly high and it is increasing
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