Investigating subtypes of reward processing deficits as trait markers for depression

Background: Anhedonia, the loss of pleasure in usually enjoyable activities, is a central feature of major depressive disorder (MDD). The aim of the present study was to examine whether young people at a familial risk of depression display signs of anticipatory, motivational or consummatory anhedonia, which would indicate that these deficits may be trait markers for MDD. Methods: The study was completed by 22 participants with a family history of depression (FH+) and 21 controls (HC). Anticipatory anhedonia was assessed by asking participants to rate their anticipated liking of pleasant and unpleasant foods which they imagined tasting when cued with images of the foods. Motivational anhedonia was measured by requiring participants to perform key presses to obtain pleasant chocolate taste rewards or to avoid unpleasant apple tastes. Additionally, physical consummatory anhedonia was examined by instructing participants to rate the pleasantness of the acquired tastes. Moreover, social consummatory anhedonia was investigated by asking participants to make preference-based choices between neutral facial expressions, genuine smiles, and polite smiles. Results: It was found that the FH+ group’s anticipated liking of unpleasant foods was significantly lower than that of the control group. By contrast, no group differences in the pleasantness ratings of the actually experienced tastes or in the amount of performed key presses were observed. However, controls preferred genuine smiles over neutral expressions more often than they preferred polite smiles over neutral expressions, while this pattern was not seen in the FH+ group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that FH+ individuals demonstrate an altered anticipatory response to negative stimuli and show signs of social consummatory anhedonia, which may be trait markers for depression.

Combining 3D and 2D for less constrained periocular recognition

Periocular recognition has recently become an active topic in biometrics. Typically it uses 2D image data of the periocular region. This paper is the first description of combining 3D shape structure with 2D texture. A simple and effective technique using iterative closest point (ICP) was applied for 3D periocular region matching. It proved its strength for relatively unconstrained eye region capture, and does not require any training. Local binary patterns (LBP) were applied for 2D image based periocular matching. The two modalities were combined at the score-level. This approach was evaluated using the Bosphorus 3D face database, which contains large variations in facial expressions, head poses and occlusions. The rank-1 accuracy achieved from the 3D data (80%) was better than that for 2D (58%), and the best accuracy (83%) was achieved by fusing the two types of data. This suggests that significant improvements to periocular recognition systems could be achieved using the 3D structure information that is now available from small and inexpensive sensors.

Preserved emotional awareness of pain in a patient with extensive bilateral damage to the insula, anterior cingulate, and amygdala

Functional neuroimaging investigations of pain have discovered a reliable pattern of activation within limbic regions of a putative "pain matrix" that has been theorized to reflect the affective dimension of pain. To test this theory, we evaluated the experience of pain in a rare neurological patient with extensive bilateral lesions encompassing core limbic structures of the pain matrix, including the insula, anterior cingulate, and amygdala. Despite widespread damage to these regions, the patient's expression and experience of pain was intact, and at times excessive in nature. This finding was consistent across multiple pain measures including self-report, facial expression, vocalization, withdrawal reaction, and autonomic response. These results challenge the notion of a "pain matrix" and provide direct evidence that the insula, anterior cingulate, and amygdala are not necessary for feeling the suffering inherent to pain. The patient's heightened degree of pain affect further suggests that these regions may be more important for the regulation of pain rather than providing the decisive substrate for pain's conscious experience.

Effects of infant cleft lip on adult gaze and perceptions of ‘cuteness'

Objective: Early mother-infant interactions are impaired in the context of infant cleft lip, and are associated with adverse child psychological outcomes, but the nature of these interaction difficulties is not yet fully understood. The aim of this study was to explore adult gaze behaviour and cuteness perception, which are particularly important during early social exchanges, in response to infants with cleft lip, in order to investigate potential foundations for the interaction difficulties seen in this population. Methods: Using an eye-tracker, eye movements were recorded as adult participants viewed images of infant faces with and without cleft lip. Participants also rated each infant on a scale of cuteness. Results: Participants fixated significantly longer on the mouths of infants with cleft lip, which occurred at the expense of fixation on eyes. Severity of cleft lip was associated with the strength of fixation bias, with participants looking even longer at the mouths of infants with the most severe clefts. Infants with cleft lip were rated as significantly less cute than unaffected infants. Men rated infants as less cute than women overall, but gave particularly low ratings to infants with cleft lip Conclusions: Results demonstrate that the limited disturbance in infant facial configuration of cleft lip can significantly alter adult gaze patterns and cuteness perception. Our findings could have important implications for early interactions, and may help in the development of interventions to foster healthy development in infants with cleft lip.

A retrospective study of zygomatico-orbital complex and/or zygomatic arch fractures over a 71-month period

Background/Aim: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the epidemiology, treatment, and complications of zygomatico-orbital complex (ZOC) and/or zygomatic arch (ZA) fractures either associated with other facial fractures or not over a 71-month period. Material and methods: This survey was performed in three hospitals of Ribeirao Preto in Sao Paulo, Brazil, from August 2002 to July 2008. The records of 1575 patients with facial trauma were reviewed. There were 140 cases of ZOC and ZA fractures either associated with other facial fractures or not. Data regarding gender, age, race, addictions, day of trauma, etiology, signs and symptoms, oral hygiene condition, day of initial evaluation, hospital admission, day of surgery, surgery approach, pattern of fractures, treatment performed, post-operative antibiotic therapy, day of hospital discharge, and post-operative complications were collected. The data were subjected to descriptive statistical analyses. Results: The most frequent fractures affected Caucasian men and occurred during the fourth decade of life. The most frequent etiology was traffic accident, and symptoms and signs included pain and edema. Type I fractures were the main injury observed, and the treatment of choice was always rigid internal fixation. Post-operative antibiotic therapy was solely employed when there was an indication. Complications were observed in 13.1% of the cases. Conclusions: The treatment protocol yielded suitable post-operative results and also showed success rates comparable to published data around the world.

Influence of rhBMP-2 on bone formation and osseointegration in different implant systems after sinus-floor elevation. An in vivo study on sheep

Background Several studies have reported certain bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) to have positive effects on bone generation Although some investigators have studied the effects of human recombinant BMP (rhBMP-2) in sinus augmentation in sheep, none of these studies looked at the placement of implants at the time of sinus augmentation Furthermore, no literature could be found to report on the impact that different implant systems, as well as the positioning of the implants had on bone formation if rhBMP-2 was utilized in sinus-lift procedures Purpose The aim of this study was to compare sinus augmentation with rhBMP-2 on a poly-D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid gelatine (PLPG) sponge with sinus augmentation with autologous pelvic cancellous bone in the maxillary sinus during the placement of different dental Implants Materials and methods Nine adult female sheep were submitted to bilateral sinus-floor elevation In one side (test group) the sinus lift was performed with rhBMP-2 on a PLPG-sponge, while the contralateral side served as the control by using cancellous bone from the iliac crest Three different implants (Branemark (R), 31 (R) and Straumann (R)) were inserted either simultaneously with the sinus augmentation or as a two staged procedure 6 weeks later The animals were sacrificed at 6 and 12 weeks for histological and histomorphometrical evaluations during which bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone density (BD) were evaluated Results BD and BIC were significantly higher at 12 weeks in the test group if the Implants were placed at the time of the sinus lift (p < 0 05) No difference was observed between the different implant systems or positions Conclusions The use of rhBMP-2 with PLPG-sponge increased BIC as well as BD in the augmented sinuses if compared to autologous bone Different implant systems and positions of the implants had no effect on BIC or BD (C) 2010 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery

Migraine is the Most Prevalent Primary Headache in Individuals with Temporomandibular Disorders

Aims: To assess the prevalence of primary headaches (HA) in adults with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) who were assessed in a specialty orofacial pain clinic, as well as in controls without TMD. Methods: The sample consisted of 158 individuals with TMD seen at a university-based specialty clinic, as well as 68 controls. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD were used to diagnose the TMD patients. HAs were assessed using a structured interview and classified according to the Second Edition of the International Classification for Headache Disorders. Data were analyzed by chi-square tests with a significance level of 5% and odds ratio (OR) tests with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: HAs occurred in 45.6% of the control group (30.9% had migraine and 14.7% had tension-type headache [TTH]) and in 85.5% of individuals with TMD. Among individuals with TMD, migraine was the most prevalent primary HA (55.3%), followed by TTH (30.2%); 14.5% had no HA. In contrast to controls, the odds ratio (OR) for HA in those with TMD was 7.05 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.65-13.61; P = .000), for migraine, the OR was 2.76 (95% CI = 1.50-5.06; P = .001), and for TTH, the OR was 2.51 (95% CI = 1.18-5.35; P = .014). Myofascial pain/arthralgia was the most common TMD diagnosis (53.2%). The presence of HA or specific HAs was not associated with the time since the onset of TMD (P = .714). However, migraine frequency was positively associated with TMD pain severity (P = .000). Conclusion: TMD was associated with increased primary HA prevalence rates. Migraine was the most common primary HA diagnosis in individuals with TMD. J OROFAC PAIN 2010;24:287-292

A retrospective study of mandibular fracture in a 40-month period

This retrospective study evaluated the epidemiology, treatment and complications of mandibular fracture associated, or not associated, with other facial fractures, when the influence of the surgeon`s skill and preference for ally rigid internal fixation (RIF) system devices was minimized. The files of 700 patients with facial trauma were available, and 126 files were chosen for review. Data were collected regarding gender, age, race, date of trauma, date of surgery, addictions, etiology, signs and symptoms, fracture area, complications, treatment performed, date of hospital discharge.. and medication. 126 patients suffered mandibular fractures associated, or not, with other maxillofacial fractures, and a total of 201 mandibular fractures were found. The incidence of mandibular fractures was more prevalent in males, in Caucasians and during the third decade of life. The most common site was the condyle, followed by the mandibular body. The therapy applied was effective in handling this type of fracture and the Success rates were comparable with other published data.

3-D volume rendering maxillofacial analysis of angular measurements by multislice CT

Objective. This study was designed to determine the precision and accuracy of angular measurements using three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) volume rendering by computer systems. Study design. The study population consisted of 28 dried skulls that were scanned with a 64-row multislice CT, and 3D-CT images were generated. Angular measurements, (n = 6) based upon conventional craniometric anatomical landmarks (n = 9), were identified independently in 3D-CT images by 2 radiologists, twice each, and were then performed by 3D-CT imaging. Subsequently, physical measurements were made by a third examiner using a Beyond Crysta-C9168 series 900 device. Results. The results demonstrated no statistically significant difference between interexaminer and intraexaminer analysis. The mean difference between the physical and 3-D-based angular measurements was -1.18% and -0.89%, respectively, for both examiners, demonstrating high accuracy. Conclusion. Maxillofacial analysis of angular measurements using 3D-CT volume rendering by 64-row multislice CT is established and can be used for orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic applications.

Morpho-physical Recording of Bovine Conceptus (Bos indicus) and Placenta from Days 20 to 70 of Pregnancy

The study is based on 141 pregnant Bos indicus cows, from days 20 to 70 post-insemination. First, special attention was given to the macroscopically observable phenomena of attachment of the conceptus to the uterus, i.e. the implantation, from about days 20 to 30 post-insemination up to day 70, and placentome development by growth, vascularization and increase in the number of cotyledons opposite to the endometrial caruncles. Secondly, as for the conceptuses, semiquantitative, statistical analyses were performed of the lengths of chorio-allantois, amnion and yolk sac; and the different parts of the centre and two extremes of the yolk sacs were also analysed. Thirdly, the embryos/foetuses corresponding to their membranes were measured by their greatest length and by weight, and described by the appearance of external developmental phenomena during the investigated period like neurulation, somites, branchial arcs, brain vesicles, limb buds, C-form, pigmented eye and facial grooves. In conclusion, all the data collected in this study from days 20 to 70 of bovine pregnancy were compared extensively with corresponding data of the literature. This resulted in an `embryo/foetal age-scale`, which has extended the data in the literature by covering the first 8 to 70 days of pregnancy. This age-scale of early bovine intrauterine development provides model for studies, even when using slaughtered cows without distinct knowledge of insemination or fertilization time, through macroscopic techniques. This distinctly facilitates research into the cow, which is now being widely used as `an experimental animal` for testing new techniques of reproduction like in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer and cloning.

Access to the frontal sinus and zygomatico frontal suture through the supratarsal fold

Precise repositioning of a fractured zygoma is difficult. The traditional approach is through an eyebrow incision, but it can produce a scar that causes aesthetic and psychological problems for the patient. We describe the supratarsal fold approach to expose the frontozygomatic suture and to reduce small displacements of frontal sinus anterior wall; it gives good access and excellent aesthetic results. (C) 2007 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Clinical evaluation and COL2A1 gene analysis in 21 Brazilian families with Stickler syndrome: Identification of novel mutations, further genotype/phenotype correlation, and its implications for the diagnosis

We present clinical and molecular evaluation from a large cohort of patients with Stickler syndrome: 78 individuals from 21 unrelated Brazilian families. The patients were selected in a Hospital with a craniofacial dysmorphology assistance service and clinical diagnosis was based on the presence of cleft palate associated to facial and ocular anomalies of Stickler syndrome. Analysis of COL2A1 gene revealed 9 novel and 4 previously described pathogenic mutations. Except for the mutation c.556G>T (p.Gly186X), all the others were located in the triple helical domain. We did not find genotype/phenotype correlation in relation to type and position of the mutation in the triple helical domain. However, a significantly higher proportion of myopia in patients with mutations located in this domain was observed in relation to those with the mutation in the non-tripe helical domain (c.556G>T; P < 0.04). A trend towards a higher prevalence of glaucoma, although not statistically significant, was observed in the presence of the mutation c.556G>T. It is possible. that this mutation alters the splicing of the mRNA instead of only creating a premature stop codon and therefore it can lead to protein products of different ocular effects. One novel DNA variation (c.1266+7G>C) occurs near a splice site and it was observed to co-segregate with the phenotype in one of the two families with this DNA variation. As in silico analysis predicted that the c.1266+7G>C DNA variation can affect the efficiency of the splicing, we still cannot rule it out as non-pathogenic. Our study also showed that ascertainment through cleft palate associated to other craniofacial signs can be very efficient for identification of Stickler syndrome patients. Still, high frequency of familial cases and high frequency of underdevelopment of distal lateral tibial epiphyses observed in our patients suggested that the inclusion of this information can improve the clinical diagnosis of Stickler syndrome. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Schilbach-Rott/blepharofacioskeletal syndrome in a Brazilian patient

We report on a 4-year-old girl with blepharophimosis, a typical facial gestalt and skeletal abnormalities seen in the blepharofacioskeletal syndrome (BFSS). A comparative review with previous cases provides further evidence that BFSS and Schilbach-Rott syndrome (SRS) are the same condition. (C) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Nonsyndromic Alar Clefts: Report of Five Brazilian Patients

Nonsyndromic alar clefts are rare and they range from a small notch to variable size of clefts of the nasal ala. Usually they are restricted to the alar region, but other minor anomalies such as midline nasal sinuses and small midline or ""northbound"" clefts can be present. To date all reported cases of nonsyndromic alar clefts have been sporadic. Here we report on five new cases of isolated and nonsyndromic alar clefts. (C) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

22q11 deletion syndrome and limb anomalies: Report on two Brazilian patients

Objective: To report on two Brazilian patients with chromosome 22q11 deletion who presented with velopharyngeal insufficiency, congenital heart anomalies, developmental delay, and limb anomalies. The pattern of limb anomalies in these patients, which range from ectrodactyly to limb synostosis, is very uncommon in 22q11 deletion syndrome. Conclusion: These patients widen the spectrum of clinical signs of the 22q11 deletion syndrome and alert researchers to conduct additional investigation in patients with limb involvement with velopharyngeal insufficiency and/or cardiac anomalies, along with developmental delay.