Dental caries status and salivary properties of asthmatic children and adolescents

Aims. This study aimed to investigate the dental caries status and salivary properties in 3- to 15-year-old children/adolescents. Methods. The sample was split in two groups: asthma group (AG), composed of 65 patients who attended Public Health Service; asthma-free group (AFG), composed of 65 nonasthmatic children/adolescents recruited in two public schools. Stimulated salivary samples were collected for 3 min. Buffering capacity and pH were ascertained in each salivary sample. A single trained and calibrated examiner (kappa = 0.98) performed the dental caries examination according to WHO criteria. Results. The AFG showed salivary flow rate (1.10 +/- 0.63 mL/min) higher (P = 0.002) than AG (0.80 +/- 0.50 mL/min). An inverse relationship was observed between asthma severity and salivary flow rate (Phi coefficient, r phi: 0.79, P = 0.0001). Children with moderate or severe asthma showed an increased risk for reduced salivary flow rate (OR: 17.15, P < 0.001). No association was observed between drug use frequency (P > 0.05) and drug type (P > 0.05) with salivary flow rate. Buffering capacity was similar in both groups. No significant differences were encountered in dental caries experience between AFG and AG groups. Conclusions. Although asthma can cause reduction in flow rate, the illness did not seem to influence dental caries experience in children with access to proper dental care.

Auditory steady state response in pediatric audiology

The main issue regarding pediatric audiology diagnosis is determining procedures to configure reliable results which can be used to predict frequency-specific hearing thresholds. Aim: To investigate the correlation between auditory steady-state response (ASSR) with other tests in children with sensorineural hearing loss. Methods: Prospective cross-sectional contemporary cohort study. Twenty-three children (ages 1 to 7; mean, 3 years old) were submitted to ASSR, behavioral audiometry, click audiometry brain stem response (ABR), tone burst ABR, and predicting hearing level from the acoustic reflex. Results: the correlation between behavioral thresholds and ASSR was (0.70- 0.93), for the ABR tone burst it was (0.73 -0.93), for the ABR click it was (0.83-0.89) only at 2k and 4 kHz. The match between the ASSR and the hearing threshold prediction rule was considered moderate. Conclusion: there was a significant correlation between the ASSR and audiometry, as well as between ABR click (2k and 4 kHz) and for the ABR tone burst. The acoustic reflex can be used to add information to diagnosis in children.

Dental caries in adolescents from public schools in Maputo, Mozambique

Aim: To assess dental caries prevalence in adolescents at urban and sub-urban areas of Maputo-City, Mozambique and to identify its relationship with dental fluorosis, dental plaque, nutritional status, frequency of sugar consumption and the concentration of fluoride in public water supply. Methods: Subjects (n=601) were randomly selected from five urban schools and five sub-urban schools. Clinical examinations were performed under standardised conditions by a trained examiner using DMFT index, SiC index, fluorosis index, PHP, BMI, a sugar consumption questionnaire and water supply analysis. The bivariate analysis and Pearson correlation was used (p<0.05). Results: The mean (DMFT) was 0.9 (+/- 1.65 SD). Children in urban schools showed less dental caries (0.8 +/- 1.49SD) than children in sub-urban schools (1.1 +/- 1.80SD, p=0.03). Only 8.15% had very mild to moderate fluorosis but most presented poor oral hygiene. Cases of malnutrition were found in more sub-urban schools (n = 109; 36.22%) than in urban schools (n = 66; 22.00%) (p=0.03). The frequency of sugar consumption was higher among urban children compared to suburban schools (p<0.00). The level of fluoride in water consumption in urban schools was 0.4 ppmF, above the level of fluoride in sub-urban schools, 0.2 ppmF. Conclusion: Dental caries should not be considered a major oral health problem in Maputo at the moment. However the data suggest the implementation of a population strategy to reduce dental caries rates, in children of both urban and sub-urban areas, in Maputo.

Ki-67 expression in non-tumour epithelium adjacent to oral cancer as risk marker for multiple oral tumours

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether the differential assessment of epithelial proliferation is useful to diagnose premalignant fields and assess the risk of multiple tumours. Material and methods: We analysed 83 oral carcinomas with associated non-tumour epithelium classified as distant or close according to its distance (> or < 1 cm) from the invasion point, and as squamous hyperplasia, mild, moderate, severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ. Twenty-five healthy oral mucosa samples were used as controls. An immunohistochemical technique was applied using Mib-1. Ki-67 in premalignant epithelium was assessed in basal layer, parabasal layer, medium and upper third. Results: Parabasal expression was significantly higher or showed a tendency to be higher in close and distant epithelia with any histological grade than in the controls. Parabasal Ki-67 significantly differed between distant epithelia associated with multiple vs single tumours (P < 0.001) and between distant epithelia associated with multiple tumours vs controls (P < 0.001). This difference was not observed between distant epithelia associated with single tumours and controls (P = 0.175). The cut-off point that differentiated epithelia associated with multiple tumours was > 50% of Ki-67 + parabasal cells in distant epithelia, which yielded 0.88 sensitivity and 0.79 specificity. Conclusions: The concept of a precancerous field may be linked to an increase in the proliferative activity of parabasal cells.

A modified orthodontic protocol for advanced periodontal disease in Class II division 1 malocclusion

An interdisciplinary approach is often the best option for achieving a predictable outcome for an adult patient with complex clinical problems. This case report demonstrates the combined periodontal/orthodontic treatment for a 49-year-old woman presenting with a Class II Division 1 malocclusion with moderate maxillary anterior crowding, a 9-mm overjet, and moderate to severe bone loss as the main characteristics of the periodontal disease. The orthodontic treatment included 2 maxillary first premolar extractions through forced extrusion. Active orthodontic treatment was completed in 30 months. The treatment outcomes, including the periodontal condition, were stable 17 months after active orthodontic treatment. The advantages of this interdisciplinary approach are discussed. Periodontally compromised orthodontic patients can be satisfactorily treated, achieving most of the conventional orthodontic goals, if a combined orthodontic/periodontic approach is used. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2011; 139:S133-44)

High doses of dexamethasone induce increased beta-cell proliferation in pancreatic rat islets

Rafacho A, Cestari TM, Taboga SR, Boschero AC, Bosqueiro JR. High doses of dexamethasone induce increased beta-cell proliferation in pancreatic rat islets. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 296: E681-E689, 2009. First published January 21, 2009; doi:10.1152/ajpendo.90931.2008.-Activation of insulin signaling and cell cycle intermediates is required for adult beta-cell proliferation. Here, we report a model to study beta-cell proliferation in living rats by administering three different doses of dexamethasone (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg ip, DEX 0.1, DEX 0.5, and DEX 1.0, respectively) for 5 days. Insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, and histomorphometric data were investigated. Western blotting was used to analyze the levels of proteins related to the control of beta-cell growth. DEX 1.0 rats, which present moderate hyperglycemia and marked hyperinsulinemia, exhibited a 5.1-fold increase in beta-cell proliferation and an increase (17%) in beta-cell size, with significant increase in beta-cell mass, compared with control rats. The hyperinsulinemic but euglycemic DEX 0.5 rats also showed a significant 3.6-fold increase in beta-cell proliferation. However, DEX 0.1 rats, which exhibited the lowest degree of insulin resistance, compensate for insulin demand by improving only islet function. Activation of the insulin receptor substrate 2/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/serine-threoninekinase/ribosomalprotein S6 kinase pathway, as well as protein retinoblastoma in islets from DEX 1.0 and DEX 0.5, but not in DEX 0.1, rats was also observed. Therefore, increasing doses of dexamethasone induce three different degrees of insulin requirement in living rats, serving as a model to investigate compensatory beta-cell alterations. Augmented beta-cell mass involves beta-cell hyperplasia and, to a lower extent, beta-cell hypertrophy. We suggest that alterations in circulating insulin and, to a lesser extent, glucose levels could be the major stimuli for beta-cell proliferation in the dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance.

Intralesional injection of triamcinolone hexacetonide as an alternative treatment for central giant-cell granuloma in 21 cases

Central giant-cell granulomas are benign, but occasionally aggressive, lesions that traditionally have been treated surgically. 21 cases of central giant-cell granuloma of the jaw were treated with intralesional injection of corticosteroids. The treatment protocol adopted was intralesional injection of 20 mg/ml triamcinolone hexacetonide diluted in an anaesthetic solution of 2% lidocaine/epinephrine 1:200,000 in the proportion 1:1; 1.0 ml of the solution was infiltrated for every 1 cm(3) of radiolucid area of the lesion, totalling 6 biweekly applications. Ten patients had aggressive lesions and 11 nonaggressive. Two patients showed a negative response to the treatment and underwent surgical resection, 4 showed a moderate response and 15 a good response. 8 of the 19 who had a moderate-to-good response to the drug treatment underwent osteoplasty to reestablish facial aesthetics. In these cases, only mature or dysplastic bone was observed, with the presence or absence of rare giant multinucleated cells. The advantages of this therapy are its less-invasive nature, the probable lower cost to the patient, lower risk and the ability to treat the lesion surgically in the future, if necessary.

HLA class II antigens positively and negatively associated with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis in a Chinese population

To identify possible associations between host genetic factors and the onset of liver fibrosis following Schistosoma japonicum infection, the major histocompatibility class II alleles of 84 individuals living on an island (Jishan) endemic for schistosomiasis japonica in the Poyang Lake Region of Southern China were determined. Forty patients exhibiting advanced schistosomiasis, characterised by extensive liver fibrosis, and 44 age and sex-matched control subjects were assessed for the class II haplotypes HLA-DRBI and HLA-DQB1. Two HLA-DRB1 alleles, HLA-DRB1*0901 (P = 0.012) and *1302 (P = 0.039), and two HLA-DQB1 alleles, HLA-DQB1*0303 (P = 0.012) and *0609 (P = 0.037), were found to be significantly associated with susceptibility to fibrosis. These associated DRB1 and DQB1 alleles are in very strong linkage disequilibrium, with DRB1*0901-DQB1*0303 and DRB1*1302-DQB1*0609 found as: common haplotypes in this population. In contrast, the alleles HLA-DRB1*1501 (P = 0.025) and HLA-DQB 1*0601 (P = 0.022) were found to be associated with resistance to hepatosplenic disease. Moreover, the alleles DQB1*0303 and DRB1*0901 did not increase susceptibility in the presence of DQB1*0601, indicating that DQB1*0601 is dominant over DQB1*0303 and DRB1*0901. The study has thus identified both positive and negative associations between HLA class II alleles and the risk of individuals developing moderate to severe liver fibrosis following schistosome infection. (C) 2001 Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Single Intranasal Administration of 1-Methyl-4-Phenyl-1,2,3,6-Tetrahydropyridine in C57BL/6 Mice Models Early Preclinical Phase of Parkinson`s Disease

Many studies have shown that deficits in olfactory and cognitive functions precede the classical motor symptoms seen in Parkinson`s disease (PD) and that olfactory testing may contribute to the early diagnosis of this disorder. Although the primary cause of PD is still unknown, epidemiological studies have revealed that its incidence is increased in consequence of exposure to certain environmental toxins. In this study, most of the impairments presented by C57BL/6 mice infused with a single intranasal (i.n.) administration of the proneurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) (1 mg/nostril) were similar to those observed during the early phase of PD, when a moderate loss of nigral dopamine neurons results in olfactory and memory deficits with no major motor impairments. Such infusion decreased the levels of the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase in the olfactory bulb, striatum, and substantia nigra by means of apoptotic mechanisms, reducing dopamine concentration in different brain structures such as olfactory bulb, striatum, and prefrontal cortex, but not in the hippocampus. These findings reinforce the notion that the olfactory system represents a particularly sensitive route for the transport of neurotoxins into the central nervous system that may be related to the etiology of PD. These results also provide new insights in experimental models of PD, indicating that the i.n. administration of MPTP represents a valuable mouse model for the study of the early stages of PD and for testing new therapeutic strategies to restore sensorial and cognitive processes in PD.

Yarrol terrane of the northern New England Fold Belt: forearc or backarc?

The Upper Devonian to Lower Carboniferous volcanosedimentary rocks of the Yarrol terrane of the northern New England Fold Belt have previously been ascribed to a forearc basin setting. New data presented here, however, suggest that the Yarrol terrane developed as a backarc basin during the Middle to early Late Devonian. Based on field studies, we recognise four regionally applicable strati graphic units: (i) a basal, ?Middle to Upper Devonian submarine mafic volcanic suite (Monal volcanic facies association); (ii) the lower Frasnian Lochenbar beds that locally unconformably overlie the Monal volcanic facies association: (iii) the Three Moon Conglomerate (Upper Devonian - Lower Carboniferous): and (iv) the Lower Carboniferous Rockhampton Group characterised by the presence of oolitic limestone. Stratigraphic and compositional differences suggest the Monal volcanic facies association post-dates Middle Devonian silicic-dominated magmatism that was coeval with gold-copper mineralisation at Mt Morgan. The Lochenbar beds, Three Moon Conglomerate and Rockhampton Group represent a near-continuous sedimentary record of volcanism that changed in composition and style from mafic effusive (Late Devonian) to silicic explosive volcanism (Early Carboniferous). Palaeocurrent data from the Three Moon Conglomerate and Rockhampton Group indicate dispersal of sediment to the west and northwest, and are inconsistent with derivation from a volcanic-are source situated to the west (Connors-Auburn Arch). Geochemical data show that the Monal volcanic facies association ranges from tholeiitic subalkaline basalts to calc-alkaline basaltic andesite. Trace and rare-earth element abundances are distinctly MORE-like (e.g, light rare earth element depletion), with only moderate enrichment of the large-ion lithophile elements in some units, and negative Nb anomalies, suggesting a subduction-related signature. Basalts of the Monal volcanic facies association are best described as transitional between calc-alkali basalts and N-MORB. The elevated high field strength element contents (e.g. Zr, Y, Ti) are higher than modern island-are basalts, but comparable to basalts that floor modern backarc basins. This geochemical study, coupled with stratigraphic relationships, suggest that the eruption of backarc basin basalts followed widespread Middle Devonian, extension-related silicic magmatism (e.g. Retreat Batholith, Mt Morgan), and floored the Yarrol terrane. The Monal volcanic facies association thus shows similarities in its tectonic environment to the Lower Permian successions (e.g. Rookwood Volcanics) of the northern New England Fold Belt. These mafic volcanic sequences are interpreted to record two backarc basin-forming periods (Middle - Late Devonian and Late Carboniferous - Early Permian) during the Late Palaeozoic history of the New England Orogen. Silicic-dominated explosive volcanism, occurring extensively across the northern New England Fold Belt in the Early Carboniferous (Varrol terrane, Campwyn Volcanics, Drummond and Burdekin Basins), reflects another period of crustal melting and extension, most likely related to the opening of the Drummond Basin.

Body size and ovarian cancer: case-control study and systematic review (Australia)

Objective: Although increased body mass is an established risk factor for a variety of cancers, its relation with cancer of the ovary is unclear. We therefore investigated the association between measures of body mass index (BMI) and ovarian cancer risk. Methods: Data from an Australian case-control study of 775 ovarian cancer cases and 846 controls were used to examine the association with BMI. We have also summarized the results from a number of other studies that have examined this association. Results: There was a significant increased risk of ovarian cancer with increasing BMI, with women in the top 15% of the BMI range having an odds ratio (OR) of 1.9 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.3-2.6) compared with those in the middle 30%. Stratifying by physical activity showed a stronger effect among inactive women (OR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.3-6.9). The overall effect was consistent with the findings of most prior population-based case-control studies, while cohort studies reported positive effects closer to the null. Hospital-based studies gave variable results. Conclusions: Taken together, the evidence is in favor of a small to moderate positive relation between high BMI and occurrence of ovarian cancer.

Early-Mid Holocene climatic variations in Tasmania, Australia: multi-proxy records in a stalagmite from Lynds Cave

Mass spectrometric uranium-series dating and C-O isotopic analysis of a stalagmite from Lynds Cave, northern Tasmania, Australia provide a high-resolution record of regional climate change between 5100 and 9200 yr before present (BP). Combined delta(18)O, delta(13)C, growth rate, initial U-234/U-238 and physical property (color, transparency and porosity) records allow recognition of seven climatic stages: Stage I ( > 9080 yr BP) - a relatively dry period at the beginning of stalagmite growth evidenced by elevated U-234/U-238; Stage II (9080-8600 yr BP) - a period of unstable climate characterized by high-frequency variability in temperature and bio-productivity; Stage 111 (8600-8000 yr BP) - a period of stable and moderate precipitation and stable and high bio-productivity, with a continuously rising temperature; Stage IV (8000-7400 yr BP) - the warmest period with high evaporation and low effective precipitation (rainfall less evaporation); Stage V (7400-7000 yr BP) - the wettest period with highest stalagmite growth and enhanced but unstable bio-productivity; Stage VI (7000-6600 yr BP) - a period with a significantly reduced precipitation and bio-productivity without noticeable change in temperature; Stage VII (6600-5100 yr BP) - a period of lowest temperature and precipitation marking a significant climatic deterioration. Overall, the records suggest that the warmest climate occurred between 8000 and 7400 yr BP, followed by a wettest period between 7400 and 7000 yr BP. These are broadly correlated with the so-called 'Mid Holocene optimum' previously proposed using pollen and lake level records. However, the timing and resolution of the speleothem. record from Lynds Cave are significantly higher than in both the pollen and lake level records. This allows us to correlate the abrupt change in physical property, delta(18)O, delta(13)C, growth rate, and initial U-234/U-238 of the stalagmite at similar to8000 yr BP with a global climatic event at Early-Mid Holocene transition. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Assessment of the biocompatibility of Epiphany root canal sealer in rat subcutaneous tissues

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of the root canal sealer Epiphany in rat subcutaneous tissues. Study design. Polyethylene tubes were filled with the sealer (I: Epiphany; II: photoactivated Epiphany; III: Epiphany associated with self-etch primer; IV: photoactivated Epiphany associated with primer; and V: control group) and later implanted into 4 different regions of the dorsum of 15 adult male rats (Rattus novergicus, Albinus Wistar). After 7, 21, and 42 days, 5 animals were killed, obtaining 4 samples per group, in addition to the control group, at each analyzed time. Results. In all periods, Epiphany induced a mild inflammatory reaction. However, in group II, in which the primer was not used, extensive necrosis and a moderate to intense inflammatory reaction were observed, mainly after 7 and 21 days. Conclusion. Epiphany sealer appears biocompatible when tested on rat subcutaneous tissues.

Biocompatibility Evaluation of Epiphany/Resilon Root Canal Filling System in Subcutaneous Tissue of Rats

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of the root canal filling system Epiphany/Resilon in connective tissue of rats. Methods: Fifteen rats were used, separated into 3 groups in accordance with its period of death (7, 21, 42 days). Four filled dentin tubes were implanted with the tested materials as follows: ERSP group, Epiphany/Resilon with Self-etch Primer; ER group, Epiphany/Resilon without primer; EG group, Endofill/gutta-percha points; and ET group, empty tube. After 7, 21, and 42 days, animals were killed, obtaining 5 samples per group. A grade from I-IV was used to graduate the inflammatory reaction. Results: Results showed that Epiphany/Resilon (ERSP and ER groups) induced a slight (II) inflammatory reaction after 42 days. However, in ER group, in which the self-etch primer was not applied, severe (IV) to moderate (III) inflammatory reactions were observed between 7 and 21 days. When compared with the EG and ET groups, it was observed that these groups presented tissue reaction ranging from slight (II, 7 and 21 days) to no inflammation (I, 42 days). Conclusions: Epiphany/Resilon root canal filling system presented satisfactory tissue reaction. It was biocompatible when tested in connective tissue of rats. (J Endod 2010;36:110-114)

Case fatality after an acute cardiac event: the effect of smoking and alcohol consumption

The objective of this study was to use a population-based register of acute cardiac events to investigate the association between survival after an acute event and history of smoking and alcohol consumption. The population was all residents of the Lower Hunter Region of Australia aged 25 to 69 years who suffered myocardial infarction or sudden cardiac death between 1986 and 1994. Among 10,170 events, 2504 resulted in death within 28 days. After adjusting for sex, age and medical history, current smokers had a similar risk of dying after an acute cardiac event to never-smokers [odds ratio (OR)=1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94-1.29]. People who consumed more than 8 alcoholic drinks per day on more than 2 days per week (OR=1.93, 95% CI 1.39-2.69) and former moderate to heavy drinkers (OR=4.59, 95% CI 3.65-5.76) were more likely to die than people who were nondrinkers. The results of this large community study, suggesting no effect of smoking on case fatality and an increased risk of death after an acute cardiac event for heavy drinkers and former moderate to heavy drinkers, highlight the importance of a population view of case fatality. These results can also shed some light on reasons for the paradoxical results from clinical trials. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.