effects of different storage media on the regeneration of pdl in experimentally avulsed teeth [histological and immuno-histochemical study]

The choice of storage medium for preserving the traumatically avulsed teeth is important for the success of future replantation. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of pre-replantation storage media on periodontal ligament healing. Extracted, fully-developed rat maxillary incisors were stored in milk, saline or tap water for 15 minutes. Teeth that had been stored in either cold milk or saline showed regeneration of typical PDL, while those stored in tap water showed signs of degeneration. The present study has showed that cold milk and saline may thus be rec-'ommended as storage medium for ex-articulated teeth prior to replantation in case when immediate replantation is not possible

Scanning electron microscopic observations of the root surface in both permanent and deciduous teeth

This study describes the histological features of human cementum along different locations of the root in both deciduous and permanent teeth. 20 freshly extracted teeth with minimal periodontal involvement were collected. They include deciduous [anterior and posterior] teeth and permanent [anterior and posterior] teeth. Scanning electron microscopic observations revealed presence of minute resorping lacunae in both deciduous and permanent teeth with great variability in the number and depth. A striking observation revealed the presence of cracks on the root surface of permanent teeth and their absence in deciduous one. The recorded differences may be related to the differences in the fate as well as the function of the roots in both dentitions. Where in deciduous teeth, roots were re-sorped during shedding whereas in permanent teeth, cementum provides media for the attachment of periodontal ligament through out the life span of the tooth

Assessment of severity and outcome of head injuries using a new serum marker [S-100 B protein]

Head injury is recognized as a major public health problem that is a frequent cause of death and disability in young people and makes a considerable demands on health services. The aim of the present study was to assess the severity and outcome of patients with head injuries using a new serum marker which is the level of S-100 B protein, in addition to the use of Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS], brain computed tomography [CT] findings and the Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS]. The study was conducted on fifty patients with head injury [moderate and severe] who were admitted to the Critical Care Medicine Department [CCMD] at Alexandria Main University Hospital [AMUH] during the period from 1[st] March till the end of June 2004. Ten healthy adult individuals of both sexes were chosen and matched with patients of the present study as regards age and sex. They served as a control group when measuring S-100 B protein level. All patients were subjected to complete history taking with emphasis on causes of head injury, and clinical examination especially neurological examination using Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS]. Serum level of S-100 B protein was measured within six hours from the onset of head trauma, using ELISA technique. Radiological assessment included X-ray skull and computed tomography [CT] of the brain. The outcome of the patients was determined using the Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS]. The present study revealed that the age of patients with head injuries ranged from 15-60 years with a mean age of 33.7+14.2 years. Male to female sex ratio was 5.25: 1. Road traffic accidents [RTAs] constituted the main cause of head injury [74.0%]. More than half the patients [58%] had open head injuries, while 42.0% had closed head injuries. Severe head injury [GCS=3-8] was encountered in 84.0% of patients, while moderate head injury [GCS=9-12] was evident in 16.0%. More than one quarter of the patients [26.0%] had skull fractures. Brain lesions demonstrated by CT scan was found in 86.0% of the patients while normal CT brain was reported in 14.0%. In patients with head injuries, S-100B protein level ranged from 0.7 to 4.5 mirco g/L with a mean level 1.8 +/- 1.5 mirco g/L, which was significantly higher than the mean serum level of the control group [0.1 +/- 0.02 mirco g/L]. A significant rise of serum S-100B protein level was related to severe head injuries assessed by GCS, posttraumatic amnesia [PTA] more than one week, absence of spontaneous ventilation, abnormal brain findings demonstrated by C T scan, and associated injuries especially thoracic trauma. More than half the patients showed poor outcome by GOS [60.0%], while those with good outcome [good recovery. and moderate disability] accounted for 40.0%. Serum S-100B protein level was significantly higher in patients with poor outcome than in those with good outcome using GOS. The study concluded that the admission level of S-100B protein is a useful early predictive marker in determination of the outcome [disability and mortality] after head injury

Homocysteine in pregnancy and its complications

This study was done on 197 pregnant women. Fasting plasma total homocysteine [tHcys] was measured in each women at 16th week of pregnancy. They were divided into two groups according to development of preeclampsia. Women who did not develop preeclampsia [n=179] comprised the study group. Fasting plasma tHcys at 16th week of gestation was significantly higher in preeclampsia group compared to control group. Also, the number of cases with tHcys >/90th percentile of controls [>/5.37 ng/dl] was significantly higher in preeclampsia group compared to control group. It could be concluded that hyperhomocysteinemia at 16th week of gestation may be an indirect risk factor for placental vasculopathy predating preeclampsia

Hospital environment stressors as perceived by psychiatric nurses. comprative study

The aim of the study was to identify sources of stress among nurses working in psychiatric hospitals. The sample included 196 staff nurses [120 working in Jeddah Hospital and 76 at El-Maamoura Psychiatric Medicine Hospital]. The questionnaire sheet included 2 parts biosocial characteristics of the studied sample and the different stressors they are exposed to. The results indicated that the psychiatric nurse is exposed to stressors common to other areas of nursing. Concerning patients behaviors, suicide, depression, hallucination and violence are the most stressful behaviors. Results of the present study revealed that working in ward with short staff, and having administrative work interfering with patient's care as well as involvement in clerical work activities were significant stressors. Concerning interpersonal relation conflict more than half of the nurses from the present study [64.8%] perceived conflict with the medical staff on the way of dealing with patients as stressful