Singular Hecke algebras, Markov traces, and HOMFLY-type invariants

We define the singular Hecke algebra ${\mathcal H} (SB_n)$ as the quotient of the singular braid monoid algebra ${\mathbb C} (q) [SB_n]$ by the Hecke relations $\sigma_k^2 = (q-1) \sigma_k +q$, $1 \le k\le n-1$, and define the Markov traces on the sequence $\{{\mathcal H}(SB_n)\}_{n=1}^{+\infty}$ in the same way as for the Markov traces on the tower of (non-singular) Hecke algebras of the symmetric groups. We prove that the Markov traces are in one-to-one correspondance with the invariants that satisfies some skein relation, and compute an explicit classification of the Markov traces. Thanks to this classification, we define some universal HOMFLY-type invariant which has the property that it distinguishes all the pairs of singular links that can be distinguished by an invariant which satisfies the required skein relation

Patient preference in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis with bisphosphonates

The leading treatments for postmenopausal osteoporosis are the nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, which are required long term for optimal benefit. Oral bisphosphonates have proven efficacy in postmenopausal osteoporosis in clinical trials, but in practice the therapeutic benefits are often compromised by patients’ low adherence. Nonadherence to bisphosphonate therapy negatively impacts outcomes such as fracture rate; fractures are in turn associated with decreased quality of life. The most common reason cited by patients for their nonadherence is that the strict dosing instructions for bisphosphonates are difficult to follow. One aspect of bisphosphonate administration that can be changed is dosing frequency and several studies have evaluated patient preferences for different dosing schedules. Studies have shown a preference for a weekly bisphosphonate regimen versus daily dosing and it has been demonstrated that this preference for reduced dosing frequency impacts on adherence. Ibandronate is the first nitrogen-containing oral bisphosphonate for osteoporosis that can be administered in a monthly regimen and two robust clinical studies demonstrated a strong patient preference for this monthly regimen versus a weekly regimen. It is important that physicians consider patient preference when prescribing treatment for osteoporosis to ensure that the disease is effectively managed for the long-term benefit of the patient

Time to onset of antifracture efficacy and year-by-year persistence of effect of zoledronic acid in women with osteoporosis

Oral bisphosphonates reduce fracture risk in osteoporotic patients but are often associated with poor compliance, which may impair their antifracture effects. This post hoc analysis assessed the time to onset and persistence of the antifracture effect of zoledronic acid, a once-yearly bisphosphonate infusion, in women with osteoporosis. Data from 9355 women who were randomized in two placebo-controlled pivotal trials were included. Endpoints included reduction in the rate of any clinical fracture at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months in the zoledronic acid group compared with placebo, and the year-by-year incidence of all clinical fractures over 3 years. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to determine the timing of onset of antifracture efficacy. A generalized estimating equation model was used to assess fracture reduction for the 3 consecutive years of treatment, thereby evaluating persistence of effect. Safety results from women in the two studies were collated. Zoledronic acid reduced the risk of all clinical fractures at 12 months (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61–0.92, p = 0.0050) with significant reductions maintained at all subsequent time points. Year-by-year analysis showed that zoledronic acid reduced the risk for all clinical fractures compared with the placebo group in each of the 3 years (year 1: odds ratio [OR] = 0.74, 95% CI 0.60–0.91, p = 0.0044; year 2: OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.42–0.66, p < 0.0001; year 3: OR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.48–0.77, p < 0.0001). This antifracture effect was persistent over 3 years, with the reductions in years 2 and 3 slightly larger than in year 1 (p = 0.097). This analysis shows that zoledronic acid offered significant protection from clinical fractures as early as 12 months. When administered annually, its beneficial effects persisted for at least 3 years

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors use and risk of fractures in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: to evaluate the association between SSRI and SNRI use and risk of fractures in older adults. Methods: We systematically identified and analyzed observational studies comparing SSRI/SNRI use for depression with non-SSRI/SNRI use with a primary outcome of risk of fractures in older adults. We searched for studies in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, DARE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science clinical trials research registers from 2011 for SSRIs and 1990 for SNRIs to November 29, 2016. Results: Thirty-three studies met our inclusion criteria, 23 studies were included in meta-analysis: 9 case-control studies and 14 cohort studies. A 1.67-fold increase in the risk of fracture for SSRI users compared to non-users was observed (Relative Risk 1.67, 95% CI 1.56-1.79, p=0.000). The risk of fracture increases with their long-term use: within 1 year the risk is 2.9% or one additional fracture in every 85 users; within 5 years the risk is 13.4% or one additional fracture in every 19 users. In meta-regression we found that the increase in risk did not differ across age groups (OR=1.006; p=0.173). A limited number of studies on SNRIs use and the risk of fractures prevented us from conducting a meta-analysis. Conclusions: Our systematic review showed an association between risk of fracture and the use of SSRIs, especially with increasing use. Age does not increase this risk. No such conclusions can be drawn about the effect of SNRIs on the risk of fracture due to a lack of studies

Management of osteoporosis in central and eastern Europe (CEE): conclusions of the “2nd Summit on Osteoporosis—CEE”, 21–22 November 2008, Warsaw, Poland

In November 2008, the “2nd Summit on Osteoporosis—Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)” was held in Warsaw, Poland. Discussions at this meeting focused on the identification and discussion of diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic measures used in CEE. Evaluated information was used to identify issues regarding diagnosis and therapy of osteoporosis in these countries to facilitate the subsequent setup of appropriate support and development strategies. The main debate was structured according to the following five subjects: (1) present status and future perspectives for implementation of FRAX® into local (CEE) diagnostic algorithms, (2) principles of drug selection in osteoporosis treatment in CEE countries, (3) nonpharmacological interventions in osteoporosis treatment and prophylaxis in CEE countries, (4) treatment benefit evaluation, and (5) cost–effectiveness and evaluation of reimbursement policies in CEE countries. The most important and substantial comments of the delegates are summarized in the present article. The multinational panel of experts with representatives from many CEE countries as well as Austria and Switzerland made the “2nd Summit on Osteoporosis—CEE” a perfect platform to identify issues and needs regarding diagnosis and therapy of osteoporosis as well as the cost–effectiveness of osteoporosis management in CEE countries. The information gained will serve as a basis for the development of strategies to resolve the identified issues at the “3rd Summit on Osteoporosis—CEE” in November 2009

Compliance and persistence with osteoporosis medications: A critical review of the literature

It is widely acknowledged that compliance and persistence with oral osteoporosis medications, particularly with bisphosphonates, is poor. Several excellent reviews have been written on compliance and persistence with osteoporosis medications and have discussed improvements seen with extended dosing intervals. This review begins with studies on extended dosing intervals to examine the limitations of administrative claims data. It also looks at compliance and persistence across multiple medical conditions, examining the importance of prescription fulfillment, intentional choice, causation and possible interventions

Effect of a natural extract of chicken combs with a high content of hyaluronic acid (Hyal-Joint®) on pain relief and quality of life in subjects with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Intra-articular hyaluronic acid represents a substantive addition to the therapeutic armamentarium in knee osteoarthritis. We examined the effect of dietary supplementation with a natural extract of chicken combs with a high content of hyaluronic acid (60%) (Hyal-Joint^®) (active test product, AP) on pain and quality of life in subjects with osteoarthritis of the knee.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Twenty subjects aged ≥40 years with knee osteoarthritis (pain for at least 15 days in the previous month, symptoms present for ≥6 months, Kellgren/Lawrence score ≥2) participated in a randomized double-blind controlled trial. Ten subjects received AP (80 mg/day) and 10 placebo for 8 weeks. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and quality of life by the Short Form-36 (SF-36v2) were administered at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>WOMAC pain (primary efficacy variable) was similar in both study groups (mean [SD]) with 6.6 (4.0) points in the AP group and 6.4 (2.7) in the placebo group (<it>P </it>= 0.943). As compared with baseline, subjects in both groups showed statistically significant improvements in WOMAC pain, stiffness, physical function subscales, and in the aggregate score, but the magnitude of changes was higher in the AP group for WOMAC physical function (-13.1 [12.0] vs. -10.1 [8.6], <it>P </it>= 0.575) and total symptoms (-18.6 [16.8] vs. -15.8 [11.4], <it>P </it>= 0.694). At 4 weeks, statistically significant mean changes compared with baseline were observed in the SF-36v2 scales of role-physical, bodily pain, social functioning and role-emotional among subjects in the AP group, and in physical functioning, bodily pain, and social functioning in the placebo group. At 8 weeks, changes were significant for role-physical, bodily pain, and physical component summary in the AP group, and for physical functioning and role-emotional in the placebo arm. Changes in bodily pain and social functioning were of greater magnitude in subjects given AP.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This pilot clinical trial showed that daily supplementation with oral hyaluronic acid from a natural extract of chicken combs (Hyal-Joint^®) was useful to enhance several markers of quality of life in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee. The results warrant further study in larger sample sizes.</p

Oral bisphosphonate compliance and persistence: a matter of choice?

Compliance to oral bisphosphonates is suboptimal, with negative consequences of increased healthcare utilization and less effective fracture risk reduction. Extending dose interval increased adherence only moderately. We used literature derived from multiple chronic conditions to examine the problem of noncompliance with osteoporosis medication. We reviewed the literature on adherence to osteoporosis medication as well as that across multiple chronic conditions to understand what is known about the cause of the poor adherence. Poor compliance to oral medications is due mostly, not to forgetfulness, but to deliberate choice. Gender differences and style of healthcare management also play a role. Preliminary data suggest psychobehavioral interventions may help to improve motivation. We need to understand better reasons for poor compliance before effective interventions can be developed. Forgetfulness is only a small part of poor compliance. Patient preferences must be considered in medication decision making