Diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients with refractory recurrent aphthous ulcer and systemic diseases / 口腔疾病防治

@#Recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU) is one of the most common diseases of the oral mucosa. At present, no effective method is available for RAU treatment, especially for refractory RAU, which significantly affects patients’ oral health and quality of life. Research shows that combination with systemic diseases greatly increases the difficulty of curing refractory RAU, making conventional oral ulcer treatment harder to perform effectively. This is probably because dentists commonly only focus on handling oral ulcers but neglect to think about the etiology of oral ulcers from a holistic perspective. Thus, we summarized some conditions of refractory RAU accompanied by systemic diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, iron deficiency anemia, diabetes mellitus, Behçet’s disease, Reiter’s syndrome, sprue syndrome, Sutton syndrome, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. We also outlined the treatment principles of these patients. To be specific, on the one hand, dentists should cooperate with the relevant specialists to treat the systemic diseases, while on the other hand they should take measures including topical/general use of medicine, local physical therapy, Traditional Chinese medicine treatment, and psychotherapy for RAU management. This paper aims to provide clinicians with a more comprehensive understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of refractory RAU, in order to make personalized treatment plans for patients and improve the clinical efficacy of refractory RAU.

Enterocolopatía sprue-like asociada a la toma de olmesartán / Olmesartan-induced sprue-like enteropathy

Resumen La diarrea crónica es una patología frecuente con un amplio diagnóstico diferencial. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con diarrea crónica secundaria a enterocolopatía por la toma prolongada de olmesartán. Se trata de una patología infradiagnosticada por desconocimiento de la entidad, pero que debe considerarse en base a la frecuencia de uso del grupo farmacológico. En nuestro caso, la buena evolución clínica tras la retirada del fármaco nos muestra la necesidad de considerarlo como causa directa del cuadro clínico. Un adecuado enfoque terapéutico en estos pacientes nos permitirá evitar pruebas complementarias, costos innecesarios y se traducirá en una mejora diagnóstica y del pronóstico de estos pacientes. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2203).

Abstract Chronic diarrhea is a common pathology with a broad differential diagnosis. We present the case of a patient with chronic diarrhea secondary to enteropathy due to prolonged consumption of olmesartan. This is an underdiagnosed pathology due to lack of knowledge regarding this entity, but it should be considered, given the frequency with which this pharmacological group is used. In our case, the favorable clinical progression after withdrawing the medication indicates the need to consider it as the direct cause of the clinical picture. An appropriate therapeutic approach to these patients will allow us to avoid complementary tests and unnecessary costs, and will translate into a better diagnosis and prognosis in these patients. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2203).

Hemorragia digestiva y enfermedad celíaca complicada en paciente anticoagulado / Gastrointestinal bleeding and complicated celiac disease in anticoagulated patient

Resumen La enfermedad celíaca tiene una considerable frecuencia en nuestro medio. La mayoría de los pacientes presenta mejoría clínica, serológica y endoscópica al poco tiempo de iniciada la dieta libre de gluten. Un muy bajo porcentaje puede presentar o desarrollar una "enfermedad celíaca complicada", entidad que comprende el esprue refractario, la yeyunitis ulcerativa y el linfoma intestinal, que conllevan pronósticos desfavorables, con requerimiento de tratamientos más radicales. Presentamos aquí el caso de un paciente de 77 años evaluado en nuestro centro, que ingresó para estudio de hemorragia digestiva aguda y se realizó finalmente diagnóstico de enfermedad celiaca complicada, requiriendo inicio de tratamiento con corticoides sistémicos y seguimiento estrecho ambulatorio.

Abstract Celiac disease is considerably frequent in our media. Gluten-free diet shows clinical, serological and endoscopic improvement in most patients shortly after its start. A few patients may present or develop a "complicated celiac disease", an entity that includes refractory sprue, ulcerative jejunitis and intestinal lymphoma, which carry unfavorable prognoses, requiring more radical treatments. We present here the case of a 77-year-old male patient evaluated in our center, who was admitted for study of acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Complicated celiac disease was diagnosed, systemic corticosteroids were started and a close follow-up was carried out.

Consumo crónico de olmesartán como causa de enteropatía "sprue-like" / Chronic consumption of olmesartan as a cause of "sprue-like" enteropathy

La diarrea es un efecto secundario habitual a la toma de fármacos, y en algunas ocasiones la enteropatía perdedora de proteínas tipo "sprue like" puede estar detrás de esta patología. El estudio de esta enfermedad puede suponer un desafío importante para el clínico, sobre todo en los casos que cursan con serología negativa para enfermedad celiaca. La atrofia vellositaria duodenal secundaria a la ingesta de micofenolato-mofetil y metotrexate es bien conocida y descrita desde hace tiempo, pero desde la inclusión en la posológica habitual de olmesartán como antihipertensivo de primera elección hemos objetivado un repunte importante de esta entidad. Debido al amplio uso de esta medicación, queremos poner de manifiesto esta enteropatía iatrogénica a través de dos casos clínicos ocurridos en nuestro hospital en 2014.(AU()

Diarrhea is a common side effect of medical treatment. "Sprue like" enteropathy may be behind this pathology. The study of this disease can be an important clinical challenge, especially in those cases with negative serology for celiac disease. Duodenal villous atrophy secondary to the intake of mycophenolate mofetil and methotrexate have been well known and described but since the inclusion of olmesartán as a first-line antihypertensive, we have seen an important rebound of this entity. Due to the wide use of this medication we want to report this iatrogenic effect through two clinical cases that occurred in our hospital in 2014.(AU)

Spectrum of chronic small bowel diarrhea with malabsorption in Indian subcontinent: is the trend really changing?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to document the recent etiological spectrum of chronic diarrhea with malabsorption and also to compare features that differentiate tropical sprue from parasitic infections, the two most common etiologies of malabsorption in the tropics. METHODS: We analyzed 203 consecutive patients with malabsorption. The etiological spectrum and factors that differentiated tropical sprue from parasitic infections were analyzed. RESULTS: The most common etiology was tropical sprue (n=98, 48.3%) followed by parasitic infections (n=25, 12.3%) and tuberculosis (n=22, 10.8%). Other causes were immunodeficiency (n=15, 7.3%; 12 with human immunodeficiency virus and 3 with hypogammaglobulinemia), celiac disease (n=11, 5.4%), Crohn's disease (n=11, 5.4%), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (n=11, 5.4%), hyperthyroidism (n=4, 1.9%), diabetic diarrhea (n=4, 1.9%), systemic lupus erythematosus (n=3, 1.4%), metastatic carcinoid (n=1, 0.5%) and Burkitt's lymphoma (n=1, 0.5%). On multivariate analysis, features that best differentiated tropical sprue from parasitic infections were larger stool volume (P=0.009), severe weight loss (P=0.02), knuckle hyperpigmentation (P=0.008), low serum B12 levels (P=0.05), high mean corpuscular volume (P=0.003), reduced height or scalloping of the duodenal folds on endoscopy (P=0.003) and villous atrophy on histology (P=0.04). Presence of upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like bloating, nausea and vomiting predicted parasitic infections (P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Tropical sprue and parasitic infections still dominate the spectrum of malabsorption in India. Severe symptoms and florid malabsorption indicate tropical sprue while the presence of upper GI symptoms indicates parasitic infections.

Celiac Disease: A Disorder Emerging from Antiquity, Its Evolving Classification and Risk, and Potential New Treatment Paradigms

Celiac disease is a chronic genetically based gluten-sensitive immune-mediated enteropathic process primarily affecting the small intestinal mucosa. The disorder classically presents with diarrhea and weight loss; however, more recently, it has been characterized by subclinical occult or latent disease associated with few or no intestinal symptoms. Diagnosis depends on the detection of typical histopathological biopsy changes followed by a gluten-free diet response. A broad range of clinical disorders may mimic celiac disease, along with a wide range of drugs and other therapeutic agents. Recent and intriguing archeological data, largely from the Gobleki Tepe region of the Fertile Crescent, indicate that celiac disease probably emerged as humans transitioned from hunter-gatherer groups to societies dependent on agriculture to secure a stable food supply. Longitudinal studies performed over several decades have suggested that changes in the prevalence of the disease, even apparent epidemic disease, may be due to superimposed or novel environmental factors that may precipitate its appearance. Recent therapeutic approaches are being explored that may supplement, rather than replace, gluten-free diet therapy and permit more nutritional options for future management.

Casting made simple using modified sprue design: An in vitro study.

Background: Success in dental casting restorations for fixed partial dentures (FPDs) depends on the castability. Castability is described as the ability of an alloy to faithfully reproduce sharp detail and fine margins of a wax pattern. The goal of a prosthodontist is to provide the patient with restorations that fit precisely. Regardless of the alloy used for casting, the casting technique should yield a casted alloy, which should possess sufficient mass, surface hardness and minimal porosity after casting. Materials and Methods: Twenty patterns for casting were made from three‑dimensional printed resin pattern simulating a 3 unit FPD and casted using modified sprue technique. Later test samples were cemented sequentially on stainless steel model using pressure indicating paste and evaluated for vertical marginal gap in eight predetermined reference areas. Marginal gap were measured in microns using Video Measuring System (VMS2010F‑CIP Corporation, Korea). A portion of the axial wall of the cast abutments depicting premolar and molar were sectioned and embedded in acrylic resin and tested for micro hardness using Reichert Polyvar 2 Met Microhardness tester (Reichert, Austria) and porosity using Quantimet Image Analyzer (Quantimet Corporation London, England). Results: The results obtained for marginal gap, micro hardness, and porosity of all test samples were tabulated, descriptive statistics were calculated and the values were found to be within the clinically acceptable range. Conclusion: The new sprue technique can be an alternative and convenient method for casting which would minimize metal wasting and less time consuming. However, further studies with same technique on various parameters are to be conducted for its broad acceptance.

Effect of different pattern size and pattern shape on castability of commercially pure titanium / 대한치과보철학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of geometrically different wax pattern shapes and sizes on the castability of Grade2 Cp-Ti (commercially pure titanium). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total of 40 mesh wax pattern (61 mm x 24 mm, 207 grids), (61 mm x 17 mm, 138 grids) was cast in this experiment. Depending on the geometrical shape of the wax pattern, 8 groups was organized; Flat, Semicircular, Horse-shoe and V-shape, each consisting 5 samples. Runner-bar sprue was used in all patterns. The number of completely cast grid in wax pattern served as a measure for the castability of comercially pure titanium. RESULTS: The mean value of square count in each group was as followed; 133.20 squares in group SS (96.52%), 132.40 squares in group SH (95.94%), 132.00 squares in group SF (95.65%), 127.60 squares in SV (91.43%), 198.60 squares in group LF (95.94%), 197.80 squares in group LV (95.56%), 196.40 squares in group LS (94.88%), and 188.00 squares in group LH (90.82%). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study the results indicate that there were no sttistically significant difference in castability of titanium regarding wax pattern shape (P>.05). However, Small size wax patterns were showing the noticeable castability more than Large size pattern.

Spectrum of malabsorption syndrome among adults & factors differentiating celiac disease & tropical malabsorption.

Background & objectives: Aetiology of malabsorption syndrome (MAS) differs in tropical and temperate countries over time; clinical and laboratory parameters may differentiate between various causes. This study was undertaken to investigate the spectrum of MAS among Indian adults and to find out the features that may help to differentiate between TM and celiac disease. Methods: Causes of MAS, and factors differentiating tropical malabsorption (TM) from celiac disease (CD) were determined in 275 patients. Results: Using standard criteria, causes in 275 patients [age 37.5+13.2 yr, 170, (61.5%) male] were, TM 101 (37%), CD 53 (19%), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth 28 (10%), AIDS 15 (5.4%), giardiasis 13 (5%), hypogammaglobulinemia 12 (4%), intestinal tuberculosis 7 (2.5%), strongyloidiasis 6 (2%), immunoproliferative small intestinal disease 5 (2%), Crohn's disease 6 (2%), amyloidosis 4 (1.5%), intestinal lymphangiectasia 3 (1%) and unknown 22 (8%). On univariate analysis, patients with CD were younger than TM (30.6+12 vs. 39.3+12.6 yr, P<0.001), had lower body weight (41.3+11.8 vs. 49.9+11.2 kg, P<0.001), longer diarrhoea duration (median 36 inter-quartile range 17.8-120 vs. 24-months, 8-48, P<0.01), lower stool frequency (6/day, 5-8 vs. 8, 5-10, P<0.05), lower haemoglobin (9.4+3.2 vs. 10.4+2.7 g/dl, P<0.05), higher platelet count (2,58,000, range 1,35,500-3,23,500 vs. 1,60,000, 1,26,000-2,58,000/mm3, P<0.05), and more often had hepatomegaly (9/53, 17% vs. 4/101, 4%, P<0.01), and subtotal or partial villous atrophy (36/50, 72% vs. 28/87, 32%, P<0.001). Younger age (<35 yr), longer diarrhoea duration, higher platelet count and villous atrophy were significant on multivariate analysis. Interpretation & conclusions: TM and CD are common causes of MAS among Indian adults. Younger age (<35 yr), longer diarrhoea duration, higher platelet count and villous atrophy were found to be associated with CD.

Evaluation and comparison of castability between an indigenous and imported Ni-Cr alloy.

Context: Since 1907 casting restorations have been in use in dentistry. Numerous companies have been manufacturing and marketing base metal alloys. Gold was a major component of casting alloys. But alloys with less than 65% gold tarnished easily and the increase in cost of gold post-1970s lead to the revival of base metal alloys such as nickel-chromium and cobalt-chromium alloys which were in use since 1930s. Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the castability between an indigenous alloy and an imported alloy, as imported base metal alloys are considered to be expensive for fabrication of crowns and bridges. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the castability (for the accurate fabrication of crowns and bridges) between an indigenous base metal alloy-Non-ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre (NFTDC), Hyderabad (Alloy A) -and an imported base metal alloys (Alloy B). Castability measurement was obtained by counting the number of completely formed line segments surrounding the 81 squares in the pattern and later calculating the percentage values. The percentage obtained was taken as the castability value for a particular base metal alloy. The percentage of castability was determined by counting only the number of completely cast segments in a perfect casting (81 × 2 = 162), and then multiplying the resulting fraction by 100 to give the percentage completeness. Statistical Analysis Used: The Student t-test was used. Results: When the castability of alloys A and B was compared, the calculated value was less than the tabular value (1.171 < 2.048) leading to the conclusion that castability between alloys A and B is insignificant. Therefore we conclude that both the alloys have the same castability. Conclusions: Using the above-mentioned materials and following the method to test castability, we were able to derive favorable results. As the results were satisfactory, we can conclude that the castability of the indigenous alloy is on par with the imported alloy.

Chronic diarrhea and malabsorption due to hypogammaglobulinemia: a report on twelve patients.

Hypogammaglobulinemic sprue (HGS), which may predispose to infection, is uncommon. Twelve patients (all men; median age 29 years, 15–50) with HGS (4%) of 296 with chronic small bowel diarrhea and malabsorption syndrome (MAS) during a 10-year period were analyzed. Treatment of HGS was delayed due to misdiagnosis as intestinal tuberculosis (n=7) and diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (n=1). All had diarrhea and weight loss (median loss 12 Kg). Associated conditions were clubbing, bronchiectasis, and seizure (2 patients each), and hypothyroidism (n=1). Laboratory parameters were urinary D-xylose median 0.46 g/5 g/5 h (range 0.2–1.6; normal ≥1), fecal fat 11.9 g/day (3.8–16.7; normal ≤7 g), serum IgA, IgG, and IgM: 23.5 mg/dL (17–114; normal 90–450), 584 mg/dL (145–1051; normal 800–1800), and 23 (0–40.3; normal 60–280). IgA, IgG, and IgM were low in 10, 10, and 11, respectively. Duodenal biopsy was normal in 6 patients and showed partial villous atrophy in 6 and nodular lymphoid hyperplasia in two. Associated infections were giardiasis (n=1), disseminated strongyloidiasis (1), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (3), septicemia (2), and septic arthritis (1). Two patients died of sepsis, five are well on immunoglobulin and specific antiinfective treatment, and five are lost to follow up. Approximately 4% patients with MAS have hypogammaglobulinemia, which is often associated with infection and is diagnosed late.

Celiac disease suspected at endoscopy in patients with chronic liver disease.

Endoscopic findings of celiac disease have high specificity and sensitivity. We evaluated records of 137 consecutive patients who had endotherapy for variceal hemorrhage, and who had features of celiac disease at endoscopy; patients who had such markers at endoscopy had undergone duodenal histology and serology. Thirty-one patients had changes of portal hypertensive vasculopathy in the duodenum, 8 had scalloping, and 6 had mosaic pattern; 3 patients also had decreased fold height or sparse folds in the descending duodenum. Six of these 8 patients had positive serology and histology suggestive of celiac disease. Endoscopic evaluation resulted in diagnosis of CD in 4.37% patients of chronic liver disease undergoing endotherapy.

Current spectrum of malabsorption syndrome in adults in India.

Aim Tropical sprue was considered to be the most important cause of malabsorption in adults in India. However, several reports indicate that celiac disease is now recognized more frequently. Methods We analyzed the clinical presentation, endoscopic and histological features of 94 consecutive patients (age >12 years) with chronic diarrhea and malabsorption syndrome. The spectrum of disease in these patients and features differentiating celiac disease and tropical sprue are reported here. Results Celiac disease (n=61, 65%) was the most common cause of malabsorption followed by tropical sprue (21, 22%). Other conditions including cyclosporiasis (3), Crohn’s disease (2), common variable immunodeficiency (2), lymphangiectasia (1), William’s syndrome (1), and idiopathic malabsorption (3) accounted for the remainder. A greater number (21, 34%) of patients with celiac disease than those with tropical sprue (4, 19%) presented with atypical manifestations. Patients with celiac disease were younger (p=0.001), more often had anemia, (p=0.001), scalloping of folds (p=0.001), moderate (p=0.02) or severe (p=0.001) villous atrophy, higher grade of intraepithelial lymphocytic infiltration (p=0.001), crypt hyperplasia (p=0.001), cuboidal (p=0.001) and pseudostratified (p=0.009) surface epithelial cells, and diffuse (p=0.001) epithelial damage. In comparison, patients with tropical sprue were older and more often had normal duodenal folds, normal villi, tall columnar epithelial cells and focal epithelial damage. Conclusions Celiac disease was the most frequent cause of malabsorption syndrome in this series of patients. There are significant clinical and histological differences between celiac disease and tropical sprue.

Gastritis colágena: presentación de un caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Collagenous gastritis: presentation of a clinical case and review of the literature

Collagenous gastritis (CG) is an exceptional disease characterized by the deposition of subepithelial collagen band thicker than 10 tm in association with increased inflammatory cell infiltrate of the lamina propria. These histological features seem to overlap with other "collagenous enterocolitides". The pathogenesis and prognosis of CG still remains unclear. CG presentation is seen completely different in two major subsets of patients, children and adults. We report a 38 year-old man with abdominal pain and chronic diarrhea. The upper endoscopy showed a severe gastritis with biopsies that revealed CG, and the colonoscopy was normal with biopsies indicative of collagenous colitis. This characteristic form of clinical presentation in adult patients suggests that subepithelial collagen deposition may be a generalized disease affecting different areas of the gastrointestinal tract. The patient was treated with proton-pump-inhibitors and budesonide, with clinical improvement.

La gastritis colágena (GC) es una enfermedad poco frecuente caracterizada por el depósito subepitelial de colágeno de grosor mayor de 10 um asociado a infiltrado inflamatorio en la lámina propia. Estos hallazgos histológicos son similares a los encontrados en la enterocolitis colágena. La patogénesis y pronóstico de la GC permanece aún desconocida. La presentación clínica de la GC se observa de manera diferente en dos subgrupos de pacientes, niños y adultos. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 38 años con dolor abdominal y diarrea crónica. La endoscopia digestiva alta mostró una gastritis severa con biopsias que revelaron la presencia de GC y la colonoscopia fue normal con biopsias que mostraron una colitis colágena. Esta forma de presentación clínica en el paciente adulto sugiere que el depósito de colágena subepitelial corresponde a una enfermedad generalizada que puede afectar a diferentes áreas del tracto gastrointestinal. El paciente fue tratado con inhibidores de la bomba de protones y budesonida con mejoría clínica.

The effect of casting machine and investment on the castability of titanium / 대한치과보철학회지

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Despite of the recent development of the titanium casting system methods, the casting defects such as imperfect casting and internal porosity were frequently observed. PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to compare and measure the castability, microhardness, and surface reaction between Grade 2 pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V by casting these alloys from the different sprue design conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Depending on the sprue designs and titanium alloys, 42 ready-made wax patterns were used. By analyzing the remodeling of the cast, internal porosity, microhardness, and titanium surface layer of SEM, there were several results we observed. RESULTS: 1. The measured castability of titanium were categorized in the ascending order: individual sprue group, runner bar group, and single group. This data are based on the statistically signigicant differences. 2. The castability of titanium has not showed the statistically significant differences among the alloys. However, CP-Ti groups were superior to Ti-6Al-4V groups by showing the noticeable castability. 3. The surface layers of the castings of all groups have showed 5 micrometer titanium oxide layers irrespective of sprue designs and titanium alloys. CONCLUSION: From the above study results, by fabricating the restorations from the centrifugal casting machine direct sprue designs revealed better castability. As we increased the number of sprues in the wax pattern, it revealed better castability. The castability of pure titanium rather than that of Ti-6Al-4V was remarkable. To fabricate the complex forms of the restorations, further researches on the efficient sprue designs and titanium alloys must be made.

Relato de caso: doença celíaca recém-diagnosticada como fator agravante de osteoporose em mulher idosa / Case report: recently diagnosed celiac disease as aggravating factor of osteoporosis in old woman / Case report: recently diagnosed celiac disease as aggravating factor of osteoporosis in old woman

Mulher de 63 anos procurou endocrinologista para seguimento de osteoporose. Densitometria óssea revelava T L1-L4= -3,5 DP [Densidade mineral óssea (DMO): 0,766 g/cm²] e Tcolo fêmur= -2,4 DP (DMO: 0,716 g/cm²). Em uso de cálcio e vitamina D há 2 anos. Hipotireoidismo há 5 anos em uso de levotiroxina. Introduzido alendronato 70 mg/semana com ganho significativo de massa óssea no primeiro ano (6,1 por cento, igualmente em coluna e colo de fêmur). Após 5 anos de seguimento, paciente passou a apresentar emagrecimento, anemia e piora dos níveis densitométricos (perda de 12,6 por cento em coluna lombar e 20,9 por cento em colo de fêmur). Anamnese revelou quadro de diarréia intermitente há 2 anos, levando à suspeita de doença celíaca. Pesquisa de anticorpos anti-gliadina e anti-endomísio resultou positiva: 25,3 U/mL (< 20) e 1/5 U/mL (VR: negativo), respectivamente. Bioquímica óssea mostrava cálcio e fósforo normais, paratormônio aumentado: 283 pg/mL (10-65) e marcadores de reabsorção óssea aumentados, sugerindo hiperparatireoidismo secundário à síndrome mal-absortiva. Após 1 ano de dieta isenta de glúten, houve melhora dos sintomas mal-absortivos e importante aumento de DMO (47,3 por cento em coluna lombar e 31,6 por cento em colo de fêmur), reforçando o diagnóstico de doença celíaca como fator agravante de osteoporose nesta paciente.

Sixty-three-year-old woman requested medical attention for osteoporosis. Bone densitometry revealed: Tspine (L1-L4)= -3.5 SD [Bone mineral density (BMD): 0.766 g/cm²]. Tfemoral neck= -2.4 SD (BMD: 0.716 g/cm²). She has been in calcium and vitamin D supplementation for 2 years. She informed a 5-year-history of hypothyroidism in levothyroxine replacement. Alendronate sodium 70 mg/week was initiated with significant increase in BMD in the first year (6.1 percent equally in spine and femoral neck). After a 5-year follow-up, the patient presented with weight loss, anemia and decrease in BMD (12.6 percent in spine and 20.9 percent in femoral neck). Clinical history revealed intermittent diarrhea episodes for 2 years and the hypothesis of celiac disease was suspected. Anti-gliadin and anti-endomysium antibodies were positive: 25.3 U/mL (< 20) e 1/5 U/mL (RV: negative), respectively. Bone biochemical parameters revealed normal levels of calcium and phosphate, increased parathyroid hormone: 283 pg/mL (10-65) and increased levels of bone reabsortion markers, consistent with secondary hyperparathyroidism in response to malabsorptive syndrome. One year after gluten-free diet, patient improved of malabsorptive symptoms and gained BMD (47.3 percent in spine and 31.6 percent in femoral neck), confirming the hypothesis of celiac disease as aggravating factor of osteoporosis in this patient.

The effect of sprue design on the internal porosity of titanium castings / 대한치과보철학회지

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The high melting temperature and chemical reactivity of titanium necessitates casting machines different from those used in conventional casting. Despite the new developments in Ti casting systems, inadequate mold filling and internal porosity are frequently observed casting defects. Therefore, the study on the fabrication technique including sprue design to solve these casting defects is still necessary. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of sprue design and cross sectional area of sprue on the internal porosity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 simulated cast three units titanium crowns were prepared. 5 cast crowns for each with different sprue design(sinlge sprue, double sprue and plate sprue) of two cross sectional areas(small and large cross sectional areas) were fabricated. The sections of titanium castings were photographed in a microscope at x100 magnification to record internal porosities. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, the following conclusions were drawn: 1. There was a significantly lower in internal porosity of titanium castings for large cross sectional area of sprue group than the small group(P>.05). 2. There was no significant difference in internal porosity among sprue designs in similar cross sectional area of sprue(P>.05).

A Case of Enteropathy-associated T-cell Lymphoma Presenting with Recurrent Hematochezia / 대한소화기학회지

Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) is an unusual primary gastrointestinal lymphoma, particularly associated with celiac sprue. This tumor usually affects the jejunum and grossly presents as multiple circumferential ulcers without the formation of definite tumor masses. Moreover, mesenteric lymph nodes are commonly involved. The patients have typically suffered from abdominal pain, diarrhea, or weight loss whereas some patients may manifest with nonspecific symptoms for a period of years or an acute emergency of perforation, obstruction, or hemorrhage. The clinical course of EATL is very unfavorable and the prognosis is poor. Both celiac sprue and EATL are very rare diseases in Asia, except India and Middle East. We report a 60-year-old male diagnosed as having EATL after segmental small bowel resection, who presented with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding.

Computer-aided casting design for implant titanium superstructures / 대한치과보철학회지

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: It is difficult to obtain a good titanium casting body using the traditional sprue design because of high melting point of Ti, and the low fluidity and high reactivity of molten Ti. PURPOSE: A new sprue design for titanium casting bodies needs more trial and error. In order to decrease the number of trial and error, computer simulation(MAGMASOFT, Magmasoft Giessereitechnologie GmbH, Achen, Germany) was used to optimize sprue design in U-shaped implant superstructures. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Five kinds of sprue were examined for the design of the sprue former for titanium casting: Sprue design A(sprue length 4 mm, rectangular shape, 4 sprues), Sprue design B(sprue length 4 mm, round shape, radius 2 mm, 7 sprues), Sprue design C (sprue length 2 mm, round shape, radius 2 mm, 7 sprues), Sprue design D (sprue length 2 mm, cone shape, large radius 3mm, small radius 2mm, 7 sprues), and Sprue design E( sprue length 2 mm, one unit channel shape). Sprue design F(sprue length 2mm, one unit channel hape) was also examined for the design of the customized sprue former in the Biotan system(Schutz Dental Gmbh, Germany). The casting bodies were taken in Sprue design A, Sprue design D, Sprue design E, and Sprue design F in the Biotan casting system. The numerically predicted defects were compared with the experimental dental castings by the radiographic and sectional view observations. RESULTS: 1. According to the result of computer simulation, turbulence during mold filling was decreased in the sequence of Sprue design F, Sprue design E, Sprue design D, Sprue design C, Sprue design B, and Sprue design A. 2. The calculated solidification time contours indicate that hot spot was moved from the casting body to the sprue button in the sequence of Sprue design A, Sprue design B, Sprue design C, Sprue design D, and Sprue design E. The filling pattern of Sprue design F was similar to that of Sprue design E. 3. The predicted filling pattern shows that less turbulence was found in the customized sprue former than in the standard sprue former. 4. According to the results of the radiographic and cross sectional observations, casting defects less than 1mm were found at the center of a casting body with Sprue design E and Sprue design F. However, larger casting defects of 4mm were found in a casting with Sprue design A. 5. The predicted casting porosity was similar to that of the real casting. CONCLUSION: One unit channel-type and customized sprue former can be recommended. Further research and development of various sprue designs using computer simulation is necessary to optimize casting design, in order to reduce the formation of casting defects in implant titanium superstructures.

Malabsorption syndrome and tropical sprue in a patient with capillaria infection.

A 52-year-old male complained of a four-year history of diarrhea. He had severe diarrhea and lost 10 kg of weight during the previous eight months. Physical examination revealed moderate wasting with mild eodema on both legs. His serum cholesterol, calcium, total protein, albumin, glodium and potassium levels were depressed. Both serum folate and vitamin B12 levels were within the normal limits. A G-I follow through study revealed irregularity of distal jejunum and mid-ileum. Intestinal biopsy showed shortening and widening of ileal villi, and that the submucosa was infiltrated with lymphocytes, eosinophils and plasma cells. Because of these findings coupled with the fact that no ova and parasites were detected in the stool, this patient was diagnosed as a case of tropical sprue. Tetracycline, flagyl and folic acid were given, but there was no clinical improvement. A segmental biopsy of the ileum showed C. philippinensis larvae in the crypts and surface mucosa. Mebendazole was given and the patient improved. Intestinal capillariasis is different from tropical sprue in that its pathology is usually in the jejunum while tropical sprue is in both the jejunum and ileum. Therefore, the serum vitamin B12 level is usually normal in the former while both serum folate and vitamin B12 levels are low in the latter.