Copper deficit as a potential pathogenic factor of reduced bone mineral density and severe tooth wear.

UNLABELLED: The study evaluated if men and women with severe tooth wear were at increased risk of general bone loss. Enamel biopsies obtained from 50 subjects aged 47.5 ± 5 years showed decreased copper content, which was associated with reduced spine bone mineral density, suggesting deficits of this trace element contributing to bone demineralization, enamel attrition, and deteriorated quality of mineralized tissues. INTRODUCTION: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess associations between enamel trace minerals and bone mineral density (BMD) in severe tooth wear. We hypothesized that similar factors contributed to both the excessive abrasion of dental enamel and reduced BMD in subjects with tooth wear. METHODS: Fifty patients aged 47.5 ± 5 years with severe tooth wear and 20 age-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy volunteers with normal dental status were studied regarding dietary intakes of trace elements, serum and salivary copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and calcium (Ca) concentrations, and serum PTH, osteocalcin, and hydroxyvitamin D levels. Tooth wear was determined using clinical examination based on standard protocol according to Smith and Knight. In all subjects, acid biopsies of the maxillary central incisors were carried out to assess mineral composition of the enamel. Atomic absorption spectroscopy with an air/acetylene flame was used to measure Ca and Zn, and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to analyze Cu content. BMD was examined using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Tooth wear patients had reduced lumbar spine, but not femoral, BMD relative to controls (p < 0.001). No differences were found in enamel Ca concentration and Zn content was slightly higher in tooth wear patients than in controls whereas Cu content was significantly decreased in the patients: 19.59 ± 16.4 vs 36.86 ± 26.1 µg/l (p = 0.01) despite similar levels of Cu in serum and saliva. The differences were independent of serum 25-OH-D, osteocalcin concentrations or PTH either. CONCLUSION: Severe tooth wear is associated with reduced spinal BMD. Enamel in adult individuals with severe tooth wear is low in copper content. Therefore, further work is needed to determine whether copper plays a role in bone pathophysiology in these patients.

Reduced systemic bone mineral density associated with a rare case of tooth and nail syndrome.

PURPOSE: This is the first report of a rare genetic tooth and nail syndrome (TNS) diagnosed in a 14-year-old Caucasian girl with a complete absence of the permanent dentition and, additionally, reduced total and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD). This coincidence suggests a new clinical manifestation of the disorder in which genetic factors and/or shared mechanisms may be responsible for the deterioration of the stomatognathic system, anodontia, nail phenotype and osteopenia. Low bone mass appears to be a new component of the syndrome. There is a rationale for bone densitometry scans assuming that patients with TNS may have an increased risk of osteopenia. Reduced BMD and, possibly, impaired bone quality and strength may produce difficulties or even exclude such patients from future treatment with dental implants.

The influence of the occlusal vertical dimension on masticatory muscle activities and hyoid bone position in complete denture wearers.

PURPOSE: Long lasting usage of complete dentures causes lower occlusal vertical dimension, producing potential detrimental consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate how changes in vertical dimension during denture exchange affect muscular activity and hyoid bone position. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-five edentulous, otherwise healthy patients (14 females, 11 males) aged 70.5 +/- 9 years, wearing their dentures over 5 years but no longer than 15 years (mean 9.8 +/- 5.2), were studied. New dentures were fabricated and the occlusal vertical dimension was recorded on cephalometric radiographs. Cephalograms were analyzed according to Ricketts. The relation of the hyoid bone position to the mandible was estimated. An evaluation of muscular activity was performed using the Biopak Electromyography Recording System synchronized with the T-Scan II Occlusal Analysis System. RESULTS: The occlusal vertical dimension was higher with the new dentures compared with the old dentures. The transition to new dentures was accompanied by a change of the vertical position of the hyoid bone. Digastric muscle activity was lower with the new dentures in comparison with the old dentures. CONCLUSIONS: Increase of the occlusal vertical dimension in complete denture wearers affects the hyoid bone position and masticatory muscle activity.

Association of erosive esophagitis with Helicobacter pylori eradication: a role of salivary bicarbonate and glycoprotein secretion.

In some populations, Helicobacter pylori eradication is associated with development of erosive esophagitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of salivary bicarbonate and glycoprotein secretion to the pathogenesis of erosive esophagitis developing after H. pylori eradication. Gastroscopy and saliva collection were performed at recruitment and 12 months after completion of eradication therapy. Eighty-eight patients with duodenal ulcer were recruited to the study. Erosive esophagitis was found in 13 patients (grade A, 8 patients; grade B, 4 patients; grade C, 1 patient). Among the 74 subjects who completed the study, erosive esophagitis was detected in 21 patients (grade A, 15 patients; grade B, 6 patients); they all were successfully eradicated. Bicarbonate and glycoprotein secretion was not found to differ significantly between the subjects with and without erosive esophagitis both before and 1 year after H. pylori eradication. However, it was lower in H. pylori-infected (baseline) than in H. pylori-noninfected erosive esophagitis subjects (1 year after successful eradication) (bicarbonate 2.34 [1.29-3.40)]vs. 3.64 [2.70-4.58]micromol/min and glycoprotein 0.23 [0.15-0.31]vs. 0.35 [0.28-0.43] mg/min, P= 0.04 and P= 0.04, respectively). We conclude that changes in salivary bicarbonate and glycoprotein secretion related to H. pylori eradication do not promote the development of erosive esophagitis in duodenal ulcer patients.

The effect of mastication on occlusal parameters in healthy volunteers.

PURPOSE: To assess possible associations between occlusal parameters and comminution of solid food during chewing in a group of completely dentate subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five completely dentate volunteers (28 teeth, 14 functional dental units) aged 24-50 yrs, without any complaints of the stomatognathic system participated in this study. An Optosil test was used to estimate masticatory efficiency for 20 and 80 cycles of chewing. An occlusal analysis, using the T-Scan II System, was performed to assess the following occlusal parameters: the distribution of occlusal contacts, the time of occlusion, the chewing platform area before chewing and after 20 and 80 cycles of chewing. RESULTS: The parameters, that were taken into account: i. X50 for 20 and 80 cycles of chewing, ii. the occlusion time, iii. the occlusal contact area. The occlusion time decreased after 20 and 80 chewing cycles (mean TO0=0.28+/-0.07 vs TO20=0.21+/-0.05 s vs TO80=0.18+/-0.05 s, respectively). The mean value of the chewing platform area was 125.12+/-46.5 mm2. CONCLUSION: Prolongation of chewing produces, shortening of the occlusion time while the chewing platform area remains at the same level independent of the number of chewing cycles.

The relationship between mineral status of the organism and the number of teeth present and periodontal condition in postmenopausal patients.

PURPOSE: The determination of the relationship between the mineral status of the organism and the number of teeth present and periodontal condition in women after menopause. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study covered 65 postmenopausal women with partial loss of dentition, mean age was 66.2 years. The group was divided into 3 subgroups: healthy, with osteopenia and with osteoporosis. The division was made on the basis of the results of densitometric analysis (BMD) of femoral neck (F) and the lumbar spine (L2-L4), according to diagnostic criteria concerning the density of bone mass according to WHO. The number of teeth present was taken into consideration in the clinical examination. Periodontal condition was evaluated using CPITN index. RESULTS: The total number of own teeth strongly negatively correlated with the results of the lumbar spine densitometry. The correlation between mineral density of the lumbar spine and the femoral neck and the number of teeth in the maxilla was also strongly negative. However, the significant relationship between the number of teeth present in the mandible and the mineral density of examined bones was not observed. We did not state the increase in periodontal changes advancement together with the decrease in mineral status in the examined group of women. CONCLUSIONS: There was not any influence observed of the decreased mineral status of the organism on the number of own teeth and the degree of periodontal disease advancement.

The assessment of periodontium in patients with uncontrolled diabetes.

PURPOSE: Uncontrolled diabetes leads to disturbances of carbohydrate, protein, and lipid balance as well as morphological changes in many organs. It can be assumed that the changes can also regard the masticatory organ and thus, periodontal tissues. The aim of the study was the assessment of periodontium in patients with uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c > 7%) and the comparison of the results with data obtained in the group of healthy individuals--depending on sex. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out in the group of 275 subjects: 155 hospitalized patients with uncontrolled diabetes (the examined group) and 120 healthy individuals comprising the control group. Russell's index was used for the evaluation of the periodontal condition. RESULTS: The mean level of glycated hemoglobin HbA1c in patients was 9.43% in women and 9.57% in men. The mean value of Russell's index was 2.14 in the examined group and 0.99--in the controls. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Although other authors' results are ambiguous and controversial, the theory that there is the connection between uncontrolled diabetes and periodontitis and the consequences of the coexistence of these diseases are very serious, is still maintained. CONCLUSIONS: Uncontrolled diabetes was the crucial cause of periodontal changes and, to a large extent, influenced the function of the masticatory organ in patients.

The relationship between masticatory efficiency and the state of dentition at patients with non rehabilitated partial lost of teeth.

UNLABELLED: Factors believed to affect masticatory efficiency include loss of postcanine teeth, bite force, severity of malocclusion, occlusal contact area, body size and oral motor function. THE AIM: to record if there is relationship between masticatory efficiency and the state of dentition at patients whose occlusion has never been rehabilitated. MATERIAL: The study was performed in 22 patients who were missing over 50% of their functional dental units and never used any prosthetic appliances and in 15 healthy completely dentate controls. METHODS: The masticatory efficiency was measured using Optosil test for 20 and 80 cycles of chewing. The occlusal conditions were analyzed by means of the computerized T-Scan II System which registered the maximal force of pressure during the maximal occlusal contacts, the time which passed between the first contact and the maximal force of pressure and the occlusal platform area. RESULTS: It was observed a considerable difference in the integrity of the masticatory system between both groups. The force of pressure on the indicator, chewing platform area and the time from the first contact to the maximal force calculated in T-Scan II System differs significantly between both groups. The value of X50 for 20 and 80 cycles of chewing estimated in Optosil test were statistically significant only for 80 cycles of chewing. CONCLUSION: The severe reduction of the number of functional dental units is caused of the impairment of chewing ability but prolongation of mastication could improve the comminution of hard food.

Periodontal condition in patients with cardiovascular diseases.

UNLABELLED: The cardiovascular system diseases constitute a serious problem for modern medicine. THE AIM: To investigate the potential risk and the connection of periodontal diseases and cardiovascular disorders. MATERIAL: The examination was performed in the group of 104 patients of both sexes, aged 50-90 years. The patients were divided into two groups: group I--patients with hypertension (47 subjects), group II--patients with fresh myocardial infarction, treated with primary coronary angioplasty (57 subjects). METHODS: The OHI index, according to Greene and Vermillion, was used to assess the oral hygiene and periodontal clinical conditions were evaluated according to Russell's PI index, modified by Davies. CPI index was used to estimate the state of periodontium. Teeth loss was classified according to the Eichner's classification. RESULTS: The value of OHI index differs in both groups. Highest value was registered at 5 patients in the I group vs 2 in the II group. Lowest value was recorded in 11 patients in the I group and 4 in the II group. The value 0.0-0.2 PI was recorded at 14 persons in the I group and 11 in the II group. The value 1.6-3.8 of PI index was registered at 2 in the I group and 6 in the II group. Healthy periodontium was stated in 10 patients with hypertension and only 2 with myocardial infarction. The CPI = 2 was shown in 12 patients with hypertension and 11 with myocardial infarction, CPI = 3 was shown in 23 patients with myocardial infarction. CONCLUSION: The studies revealed bad condition of the oral cavities of patients with hypertension, and specifically with fresh myocardial infarction.

Peptic ulcers and oral health status.

PURPOSE: Helicobacter pylori infection plays a crucial role in pathogenesis of peptic ulcers; however, among infected individuals only a small percentage will develop peptic ulcers at any time during their life. This low virulence suggests that many additional factors beside H. pylori are implicated in pathogenesis of the disease. The aim of the study was to determine whether there is a relationship between the prevalence of peptic ulcers and oral health status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The evaluation of dental status was performed in H. pylori infected population. The study involved 93 peptic ulcer patients (77 duodenal ulcer, 16 gastric ulcer) with ulcer niche not related to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) consumption and 93 gender and age matched dyspeptic controls. H. pylori infection was determined in endoscopically taken slices from gastric mucosa with two methods (CLO-test and histology). RESULTS: Both in duodenal and gastric ulcer patients, the number of filled teeth was lower and debris index was higher than in controls, the number of decayed teeth was also higher in gastric ulcer patients. The number of natural teeth, number and type of prosthetic restorations, as well as the periodontal index, did not differ between the ulcer and control groups. Poor oral health in patients with peptic ulcers corresponded with education level, smoking habit, and visits to the dentist. CONCLUSIONS: Poor oral health is associated with the prevalence of peptic ulcers not related to NSAIDs consumption, but it appears doubtful that it is a significant pathogenetic factor in ulcer disease.

[Dental status and efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication]. / Uzebienie naturalne a skutecznosc leczenia eradykacyjnego bakterii Helicobacter pylori.

Beside stomach Helicobacter pylori can colonize the oral cavity. One may think, therefore, that if H. pylori persists the eradication therapy in the oral cavity, it could infect the stomach again. Since in the oral cavity H. pylori occurs most frequently in a dental plaque gathering on teeth, the aim of the study was to investigate whether the natural teeth status is important for the efficacy of H. pylori eradication. The study was conducted on 45 peptic ulcer patients with natural teeth. They were eradicated with one of two regimens: 1/OAT-omeprazole (2 x 20 mg), amoxicillin (2 x 1000 mg), tinidazole (2 x 500 mg) (14-day course), 2/OAC-omeprazole (2 x 20 mg), amoxicillin (2 x 1000 mg), clarithromycin (2 x 250 mg) (7-day course). Dentistry examination was performed 4-6 weeks after the end of eradication therapy and consisted of determination of the number of teeth, caries index, dental treatment index, plaque index, and periodontal index. It was found that in successfully eradicated patients with OAT regimen, the number of teeth was higher and caries index lower than in those whose eradication therapy was unsuccessful; 24.8 +/- 5.2 vs 15.5 +/- 8.6 (p < 0.01) and 31.4% vs 46.0% (p < 0.01), respectively. The number of teeth and caries index were not associated with the efficacy of H. pylori eradication in OAC treated group. Irrespectively of the eradication regimen used, OAT or OAC, dental treatment index, plaque index, and periodontal index were not associated with the efficacy of H. pylori eradication. It is concluded that the natural teeth status may have influence on the outcome of H. pylori eradication. One should remember about this prescribing drugs for H. pylori eradication.

[Clinical assessment of schizophrenic syndromes (CASS): rationale, construction, reliability and sensitivity evaluation, and an attempt at normalization of the new diagnostic tool]. / Kliniczna ocena syndromów schizofrenicznych (KOSS)--zalozenia, konstrukcja, ocena rzetelnosci i czulosci oraz próba normalizacji nowego narzedzia diagnostycznego.

UNLABELLED: The CASS (Clinical Assessment of Schizophrenic Syndromes) is a new multi-purpose and multi-level clinical diagnostic instrument consisting of a diagnostic questionnaire (CASS-D) allowing for analysis of a diagnosis of schizophrenia according to DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria, as well as of three rating scales designed for description and intensity evaluation of schizophrenic syndromes on the global (CASS-G), dimensional (CASS-P, a profile of 13 basic dimensions) or symptomatological (CASS-S, a set of 31 symptoms) level. AIM: The paper presents a rationale and construction principles of the tool followed by a study of its reliability and sensitivity as well as by preliminary attempt to normalize its results. SUBJECTS: Twelve trained diagnosticians assessed twice (at the start and end of their hospitalization) 194 inpatients admitted consecutively, within approximately 6 months, to the Department. METHOD: Results of the CASS were compared with results of the SANS/SAPS, BPRS, and PANSS assessments playing the role of standard, reference instruments. FINDINGS: High agreement coefficients (kappa) were calculated between a diagnosis of schizophrenia based on unoperationalized (clinical) criteria and operationalized diagnoses based on the CASS diagnostic questionnaire including ICD-10 and DSM-IV diagnostic criteria and algorithms. In the case of both complex (many-item) CASS scales (CASS-P, CASS-S) high reliability measures (internal consistency according to Cronbach's alpha) were found. Characteristics of frequency, intensity and dynamics of the CASS individual symptoms, dimensions and of syndrome as a whole were consistent with expectations based on clinical experience. Direct indices of clinical improvement calculated from CASS-G, CASS-P or CASS-S scores obtained at two time-points (admission, discharge) correlated fairly highly with more direct measures based on diagnosticians' clinical global impressions made when summing the results of treatment at discharge from the hospital. This finding suggests that CASS scores may sensitively register changes in patients' mental state during hospital stay and treatment. On the base of empirical distributions of CASS scales, a normalization (sten-scales) was proposed which may be useful for comparison of results obtained in differing groups of patients. Analysis of percentile and sten distributions of the CASS-P and CASS-S pointed out that patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia had higher mean scores than patients with other diagnoses. This observation as well as above mentioned reasonableness (consistency with clinical experience) of a picture and dynamics of schizophrenic syndromes revealed in CASS assessments may be treated as preliminary assumptions of its content validity. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the study suggest that CASS has satisfactory measures of reliability and sensitiveness. They allow for a preliminary normalization of its scales and prompt to study its validity.

[Clinical assessment of schizophrenic syndrome (CASS): validity evaluation of the new diagnostic tool]. / Kliniczna ocena syndromów schizofrenicznych (KOSS)--ocena trafnosci nowego narzedzia diagnostycznego.

AIM: The aim of the study was an evaluation of validity measures of the CASS (Clinical Assessment of Schizophrenic Syndromes)--a new multi-purpose and multi-level clinical diagnostic instrument consisting of a diagnostic questionnaire (CASS-D) allowing to analyze a diagnosis of schizophrenia according to DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria as well as of three rating scales designed for description and intensity evaluation of schizophrenic syndromes on the global (CASS-G), dimensional (CASS-P, a profile of 13 basic dimensions) or symptomatological (CASS-S, a set of 31 symptoms) level. SUBJECTS: 194 inpatients consecutively admitted to the Department within approximately 6 months were assessed twice (at the start and end of their hospitalization) by 12 trained diagnosticians. METHOD: Several measures of validity were analyzed. Results obtained by means of CASS were compared with results of the SANS/SAPS, BPRS, and PANSS as reference rating scales (diagnostic validity). Characteristics of frequency, intensity, dynamics and specificity of scale items were used to analyze content validity. Factorial structure of CASS scales was applied as a measure of construct validity. FINDINGS: Diagnostic validity of the new instrument seems to be confirmed by its very high correlation coefficients with rating scales recognized as international standards: BPRS, PANSS, and SANS/SAPS. Reasonable characteristics of frequency, intensity, dynamics and specificity of individual items (dimensions, symptoms) and sum scores of CASS scales and relationships between their values strongly suggest their content validity. Both sum (CASS-P, CASS-S) and global (CASS-G) scores of scales under study revealed some specificity--they had significantly higher values in patients with schizophrenia than in patients with other diagnoses. It allows to distinguish in a schizophrenic syndrome described by CASS components which are specific and not specific for this disorder. The latter have been left also in the final version for their practical and clinical importance. Construct validity of the CASS was studied separately for different scales (CASS-P, CASS-S) and different groups (all or only schizophrenic patients) by means of several factor analyses, and performed along identical statistical procedure (principal component method of extraction with criterion eigenvalue > 1, followed by Equamax rotation). Resulting solutions could be interpreted reasonably and consistently with contemporary attempts to find adequate factorial models of intrinsic structure of schizophrenic syndrome. Thus they support confidence for constructive aspect of the CASS validity. CONCLUSIONS: Ultimately, results obtained in the study suggest that the CASS may be considered as an instrument with some promising indices of diagnostic, content and construct validity, which may be potentially useful for clinical and research purposes.

[The effect of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption on efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication]. / Wplyw palenia tytoniu i konsumpcji alkoholu na skutecznosc eradykacji bakterii Helicobacter pylori.

None of the drug regimens used to treat H. pylori infection ensures 100% of efficacy. One may think therefore that among factors modifying H. pylori eradication there are also cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption on efficacy of H. pylori eradication. The study was conducted on 142 H. pylori positive peptic ulcer patients treated with either OAT-omeprazole (2 x 20 mg), amoxycillin (2 x 1000 mg), tinidazole (2 x 500 mg) (69 patients) or OAC-omeprazole (2 x 20 mg), amoxycillin (2 x 1000 mg), clarithromycin (2 x 250 mg) (73 patients). Detailed information on smoking and drinking habits was obtained from a questionnaire fulfilled by all subjects. Patients were defined as smokers if smoked 5 or more cigarettes per day and as drinkers if drank 25 g or more alcohol per week. To enter the study patients had to have confirmed H. pylori infection by two tests (CLO-test and histology). Eradication was considered successful if both tests gave negative results 4-6 weeks after the cessation of treatment. The efficacy of H. pylori eradication was similar in both groups (OAT--69.6%, OAC--78.1%). Patients who smoked cigarettes had lower rate of H. pylori eradication in OAC group (smokers 65.8%, non-smokers 91.4%, p < 0.01), while patients who drank alcohol had higher eradication rate in OAT group (drinkers 85.2%, non-drinkers 59.5%, p < 0.05). When two factors (smoking, drinking) were analyzed together, it was found that in drinkers treated with OAT, smoking did not change the efficacy of H. pylori eradication, while in non-drinkers decreased by two times (75.0% vs 38.9%, p < 0.02). In drinkers treated with OAC, smoking did not change the efficacy of H. pylori eradication (but this was likely related to the limited number of patients), while decreased it in non-drinkers from 90.0% to 65.2% (p < 0.05). When two groups were analyzed together (OAT + OAC), the lowest efficacy of H. pylori eradication exhibited smokers who do not drink (53.7%) followed by smokers who drink (75.8%), non-smokers who do not drink (83.3%) and non-smokers who drink (92.9%); in each case the efficacy of eradication was higher than in smokers who do not drink (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.01, respectively). Both cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption can affect the efficacy of H. pylori eradication. Smoking and drinking habits should be taken into account, when the set of drugs for H. pylori eradication is chosen.

[Psychopathological profile of acute schizophrenic syndromes diagnosed according to ICD-10 and DSM-IV criteria]. / Profil psychopatologiczny ostrych zespolów schizofrenicznych rozpoznawanych wg kryteriów ICD-10 i DSM-IV.

Diagnostic and symptomatological profiles of schizophrenic syndromes diagnosed according to ICD-10 and DSM-IV were compared. For this reason a group of patients fulfilling at least one of these sets of criteria was created and then diagnostic and symptomatological profile was compared between those who fulfilled the ICD-10 and those who fulfilled DSM-IV criteria. 105 inpatients hospitalized in acute phase of their first or one of consecutive episodes were included--102 of them had fulfilled ICD-10, and 90 DSM-IV criteria of schizophrenia. Diagnostic concordance between the two systems of criteria was high (83%). Differentiation of diagnostic profile (i.e. difference between frequency of fulfilling the specific requirements of ICD-10 or DSM-IV criteria) of the symptoms in these two groups was not significant, expert of 6-month criterion of duration of illness, which was significantly less frequently valid in ICD-10 syndromes group. A comparison of symptomatological profiles (i.e. frequency and intensity of symptoms) of schizophrenic syndromes diagnosed by ICD-10 or DSM-IV criteria and described by several rating scales (PANSS, SAPS/SANS, KOSS-S) did not show any significant differences. Results suggested that despite of different ways of defining the schizophrenic syndromes in both diagnostic systems, disorders manifested in the groups of patients created by means of them are very similar in psychopathological picture. This seems to be a significant change in comparison to more prominent differences contrasting the previous versions of the diagnostic systems (i.e. ICD-9 and DSM-III-R).

Affective state and acceptance of dentures in elderly patients.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between the affective state and acceptance of dentures by elderly patients. SETTING: Dental Outpatient clinics and a residential home for the elderly. Bialystok, Poland. DESIGN: Cross sectional survey of denture wearers. SUBJECTS: One hundred and forty one patients between the ages of 60-94. INTERVENTION: A semi-structured interview, which focused on the patient's self-evaluation of their affective state, and a clinical examination. RESULTS: There was a trend for the negative affects (irritability, boredom, anger, loneliness, helplessness) to relate to denture intolerance and for the positive affects (joy, peace, usefulness) to relate to denture acceptance. CONCLUSIONS: Anger related significantly to intolerance of upper and lower dentures. The relationship of age and gender to the acceptance of dentures in the present sample was not significant.

Ultrastructural changes on the root surface in "pressure zone" after experimental movement of teeth in young rats fed a low calcium and vitamin D-deficient diet.

Dietary calcium and vitamin D-deficiency, as a potential biological factor in etiopathogenesis of root resorption occurring during orthodontic tooth movement, still remains controversial. The aim of the present investigation was to assess the ultrastructural changes on the surface of the root in "pressure zone" after orthodontic tooth movement in rats fed a low calcium and vitamin D-deficient diet. The studies were carried out on 20 young Wistar rats. The results from the scanning electron microscopic showed the increased root resorption in "pressure zone" after orthodontic tooth movement in rats fed a low calcium and vitamin D-deficient diet.

Ultrastructural changes of a tooth root in young rats fed a low calcium and vitamin D-deficient diet.

The aim of the investigation was to assess the ultrastructural changes of the roots of the teeth in young rats fed a low calcium and vitamin D-deficient diet. The studies were carried out on 20 young Wistar rats. The results of the scanning microscopic observations showed the increased cementolysis and decreased mineralization of cementum and dentin in rats fed a low calcium and vitamin D-deficient diet. The results indicated that the hard tissues of the teeth, besides bony system, are also involved in calcium homeostasis in rat organism.

Scanning electron microscopy of the influence of dietary calcium and vitamin D-deficiency on periodontium in the adult rats.

Mandibular bone and teeth in test animals fed a low calcium and vitamin D-deficient diet in comparison to control rats were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The observations showed increased resorption of the mandibular bone, increased resorption and decreased mineralization of cementum in the test group. The study indicated that calcium and vitamin D-deficiency in adult rats is related with changes of the mandibular bone and teeth.

[The evaluation of reliability and validity of a preliminary version of the Clinical Assessment of Schizophrenic Syndrome (CASS)]. / Ocena rzetelnosci i trafnosci próbnej wersji Klinicznej Oceny Zespolu Schizofrenicznego (KOZS).

Basic indices of reliability and validity of a preliminary version of the new tool for "Clinical Assessment of Schizophrenic Syndrome" (CASS) was evaluated. Six experienced psychiatrists working in two teams examined the mental state of 49 patients with clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia, in the majority of them confirmed by the criteria of DSM-IV and ICD-10 (one of the teams examined 25 patients, the other-24). Each diagnostician rated the patients' mental state independently, by means of three-level rating permitted by the CASS-CASS-G (global), CASS-D (dimensions), and CASS-S (symptoms)--as well as by means of BPRS and PANSS scale included in the study as international standard scales for validity testing. Statistical analysis of the results confirmed that the scales under study allow to obtain results which could be characterized, with few minor exceptions, by high concordance coefficients (Kendall's W) high internal consistence coefficients (Cronbach's alpha) and high correlations (as measured both by Pearson's and Kendall's rank correlation coefficients taub) with internationally appreciated standard scales. It suggests reliability and validity of the CASS to the degree which could be considered as encouraging to continue the study on this instrument.