Salivary biomarkers CYFRA 21-1 and MMP-9 for oral squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis?

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In his first blog for the Dental Elf Rajpal Tattar take a look at a review of the diagnostic accuracy of salivary biomarkers for the detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The review considers two biomarkers, cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA 21-1) and for matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) but there is no conclusive evidence for either at present.

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Panoramic radiography and calcified carotid artery atheroma detection

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This review of the diagnostic accuracy of panoramic radiography (PR) in the detection of calcified carotid artery atheroma (CCAA) suggests that PR has good dianostic accuracy compared with Doppler ultrasonograph.

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QbTest is not a diagnostic tool, but it can increase the efficiency of ADHD diagnosis

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Samuele Cortese is impressed by a recent RCT of QbTest: a computerised test of attention and activity, which can improve diagnostic decision-making in children and young people with suspected ADHD.

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Is it bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder?

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Murtada Alsaif considers the challenges facing psychiatrists in diagnosing bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. He reports on a recent qualitative study that explores the practical experience of psychiatrists and nurses and concludes that clinical diagnostic practice cannot reliably distinguish the two conditions.

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Intraoral scanners for digital impressions

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8 small studies were identified for this review of intra-oral scanners for digital impressions. Very little evidence of their validity, repeatability and reproducibility is available to guide practitioners, so further high quality studies are needed.

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Which physical examination tests provide clinicians with the most value when examining the shoulder?

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There are many tests available to clinicians when performing a physical examination of the shoulder in the attempt to reach an accurate diagnosis. In many instances there is more than one test that can be used to test a structure. The difficulty with physical examination tests recommended for shoulder is that many of these tests [read the full story…]

Is advanced practice physiotherapy equal or better care to physicians in patients with musculoskeletal disorders?

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Can you imagine how frustrating for patients it must be to wait for a surgical consultation only to be told you don’t need surgery and then be sent away. Then enter the Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner whose roles beyond those of a regular physiotherapist include activities traditionally the role of medical staff such as; screening patients [read the full story…]