Short Review: Investigating ARSACS: models for understanding cerebellar degeneration.

Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is an early-onset neurodegenerative disease that includes progressive cerebellar dysfunction. ARSACS is caused by an autosomal recessive loss-of-function mutation in the SACS gene, which encodes for SACSIN. Although animal models are still necessary to investigate the role of SACSIN in the pathology of this disease, more reliable human cellular models need to be generated to better understand the cerebellar pathophysiology of ARSACS. The discovery of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) has permitted the derivation of patient-specific cells. These cells have an unlimited self-renewing capacity and the ability to differentiate into different neural cell types, allowing studies of disease mechanism, drug discovery and cell replacement therapies. In this study, we discuss how the hiPSC-derived cerebellar organoid culture offers novel strategies for targeting the pathogenic mutations related to ARSACS. We also highlight the advantages and challenges of this 3D cellular model, as well as the questions that still remain unanswered.

El Decálogo de Harden como base para la programación de la asignatura de ortodoncia en la licenciatura de Odontología / Harden's Decalogue base for the programmation in ortodontics in the curricula of odontology

La Ortodoncia es una asignatura que se imparte durante el tercer y cuarto curso de la Licenciatura en Odontología. Además de ciertos problemas presentes en la población (estética, maloclusiones) que cada vez requieren una mayor atención por profesionales que tengan conocimientos adecuados de ortodoncia, la elevada carga lectiva de los curricular debe obligar a los docentes a mejorar su rendimiento, por lo que la' elaboración de una programación objetiva y dinámica pasa a ser capital. Proponemos en el presente trabajo un sistema de programación basado en el "decálogo de Harden", del que pensamos que cumple los requisitos adecuados para reflejar nuestros propósitos en esta materia (AU)

Effect of cigarette smoking on periodontal status of healthy young adults.

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that tobacco is a significant risk factor for periodontal disease; however, there have been few studies on young populations where problems of general health can be discounted. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of tobacco consumption on the periodontal condition of a young, healthy population. METHODS: The study population consisted of 304 young Caucasian males (average age 19.38 +/- 0.72 years) entering the Armed Forces. All the subjects completed a self-administered questionnaire on age, oral hygiene habits, previous dental examinations, and quantity and length of tobacco use. The periodontal examination consisted of the plaque index (PI); periodontal bleeding index (PBI); probing depth (PD); and clinical attachment level (CAL). One- and 2-way ANOVA was used to compare data recorded between smokers and non-smokers. RESULTS: Forty-six percent of subjects reported that they brushed their teeth at least once a day, but only 13% visited a dentist at least once a year. Over half (53%) were habitual smokers, 43% smoking between 5 and 20 cigarettes per day; 39% of the smokers had been smoking for less than 5 years. Mean PI was 31.24 +/- 14.88 (27.19 +/- 15.93 for smokers and 35.78 +/- 12.17 for non-smokers), with significant differences between non-smokers and those who smoked 5 to 20 cigarettes per day (26.85 +/- 16.11, P<0.0001). Mean PBI was 42.29 +/- 8.43 (non-smokers 44.67 +/- 6.53 and smokers 40.17 +/- 9.46). Significant differences were found between the PBI of the non-smokers and of those who smoked 5 to 20 cigarettes per day (39.90 +/- 9.64, P <0.0001). There were also differences in the PBI between those who brushed their teeth once (40.53 +/- 9.61) and twice (44.86 +/- 5.9) a day (P<0.0001). Mean PD was 1.62 +/- 0.43 mm (non-smokers 1.56 +/- 0.36 and smokers 1.68 +/- 0.49). Deeper probing depths were recorded among smokers than among non-smokers, with statistically significant differences (P<0.049); statistically significant differences were also found between those who attended (1.49 +/- 0.50) and those who did not attend (1.65 +/- 0.42) regular dental check-ups (P<0.031). Mean CAL 1.75 +/- 0.41 (non-smokers 1.64 +/- 0.32 and smokers 1.82 +/- 0.44). CONCLUSIONS: It may be concluded that, even at such an early age, tobacco consumption affects the periodontal health. It is necessary to inform young smokers of the risk of tobacco use regarding periodontal health.

The influence of general health and socio-cultural variables on the periodontal condition of pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: There has been speculation as to whether hormonal changes during pregnancy or pre-existing conditions of general, oral, and dental health and socio-cultural background have a greater impact on the development of periodontal disease during pregnancy. METHODS: This study evaluates the periodontal status of 130 pregnant women (plaque index, bleeding index, probing depth, and clinical attachment level) and its relationship to demographic (age, professional level, education, and urban or rural residence) and clinical variables (gestation period, previous pregnancy, health status, previous live births, previous periodontal maintenance). The hospital in which the study was conducted was selected during a prior pilot study. All records were compiled by the same trained examiner with a calibrated manual probe. Statistical tests used were ANOVA and ANCOVA. RESULTS: Results showed a mean plaque index of 58.7+/-2.79%, which increased with statistical significance when the professional level was lower (P <0.014), education was lower (P <0.01), previous periodontal maintenance was less frequent (P <0.00001) and patients lived in rural areas (P <0.0003). The mean bleeding index was 68.8+/-2.44% and was significant in relation to lower professional level (P <0.025), less frequent previous periodontal maintenance (P <0.029), and an urban residence (P <0.0011). A mean clinical attachment level of 0.84+/-0.65 mm was observed and was related significantly with age (26 to 30 years) (P <0.001) and the third trimester of gestation period (P <0.0025). The mean probing depth was 1.71+/-0.3 mm, which related significantly with age (36 to 42 years) (P <0.0002), lower professional level (P <0.0013), rural residence (P <0.0025), 2 or more previous live births (P <0.0001), and non-attendance for previous periodontal maintenance (P <0.0023). Using ANCOVA testing and adjusting by age, the differences relating to previous live births disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: Gingivitis due to accumulation of plaque was the most characteristic periodontal condition in this sample and was related to professional level, level of education, and previous periodontal maintenance. These results illustrate the importance of establishing periodontal preventive measures for pregnant women, even though their demographic and clinical characteristics do not differ from those of the general population.

Craniofacial and oral manifestations of trichorhinophalangeal syndrome type I (Giedion's syndrome): a case report.

A case of trichorhinophalangeal syndrome type I (Giedion's syndrome) is presented and discussed. Pathologic alterations, including oral and facial manifestations, and the clinical history of this unusual condition are described. The case is compared with others reported in the literature.

A clinical assessment of the effectiveness of a mouthwash based on triclosan and on Zea mays L used as supplements to brushing.

The effectiveness of a mouthwash based on triclosan in combatting plaque and gingivitis was compared with a mouthwash based on nonsaponifiable maize germ (Zea mays L). Both were used to supplement conventional mechanical oral hygiene. The study was carried out under double-blind conditions with a negative control (a placebo) and a positive control (a mouthwash based on chlorhexidine). After a period of 14 days to allow the Plaque Index and Gingival Index to standardize, the 43 subjects who formed the sample were examined weekly for 3 weeks. During the study, five subjects were excluded because they did not meet the criteria for selection for the study. Although the mouthwash based on triclosan reduced the Plaque Index by 7.3% in comparison with the placebo negative control (a less marked effect than that of chlorhexidine, which achieved an 8.43% reduction), it had scarcely any effect on the Gingival Index. The mouthwash based on Zea mays L had no beneficial action on the Plaque Index, which increased slightly, but it led to an improvement in the Gingival Index (7.17% in comparison with the placebo).

[Functional study of Swanson's metacarpophalangeal arthroplasties in rheumatoid arthritis]. / Etude fonctionnelle des arthroplasties métacarpophalangiennes de Swanson dans l'arthrite rhumatoïde.

To validate a functional hand evaluation and to obtain an historical control group in a project of metacarpophalangeal total joint prosthesis, we reviewed our experience over a ten year period of Swanson's metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis. Forty-nine implants in fourteen rheumatoid arthritis patients were reviewed clinically, radiologically and evaluated by the Arthritic Hand Function Test. The mean follow up was 4.5 years. All patients were ready to repeat the experience except one. The mean metacarpophalangeal joint range of motion was 37 degrees (18 degrees to 55 degrees) with a mean of 7 degrees ulnar deviation. Although their functional performance was 50% of normal, all patients completed the test. The strength was generally greater on the operated side. The low complication rate (6% fracture rate) with the successful functional outcome of Swanson's metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis will be the gold standard for any new implant to develop.

Factores que llevan a las madres a abandonar la lactancia materna exclusiva / Factors that make mothers leave exclusive breast feeding

En este trabajo se pretende realizar una descripción de los factores que llevan a la madre a abandonar la lactancia materna exclusiva, en lactantes de 6 a 12 meses de edad controlados en Pediatría CEDIUC, durante el mes de Noviembre de 1991. Así, el objetivo general de este estudio sería detectar los factores que en un momento pueden constituir un riesgo para el abandono de la lactancia materna exclusiva. Para lograr esto nos planteamos varios objetivos específicos tomando factores maternos, del niño y ambientales. La recolección de los datos se realizó a las madres de estos lactantes, a través de la encuesta, utilizando como instrumento un cuestionario. Este cuestionario estaba dividido en dos partes, la primera constaba de 37 preguntas con respuestas de selección múltiple, y la segunda parte era 16 afirmaciones con respuestas de verdadero o falso. Los resultados obtenidos decribían a estas madres como mujeres de 25 a 35 años, casadas, con educación media completa y dueñas de casa. Madres que habían recibido educación sobre lactancia materna por una enfermera o matrona, que la calificaron como excelente o buena. Madres que poseían excelentes conocimientos sobre lactancia materna. En su mayoría eran madres multíparas con periodo de lactancia exclusiva anterior entre 2 y 5 meses, la cual calificaron como buena experiencia. Madres que usaban algún anticonceptivo antes de este embarazo, pero que iniciaron precozmente su control pre-natal. Cursaron su embarazo con un nivel nutricional normal y sin patologías. Tuvieron un parto simple, vaginal, con anestesia epidural y con un recién nacido de término adecuado a su edad gestacional. Madres que durante los primeros 6 meses de vida de su hijo, no tuvieron patologías que contraindicaran la lactancia, sin otro embarazo durante ese periodo, sin problemas con sus pezones y considerando que tenían mucha o adecuada cantidad de leche. Madres con niños sanos, que no se habían hospitalizado y que no tenían patologías que le impidieran continuar con la lactancia. Madres que consideraron que las terceras personas fueron una ayuda durante los primeros 6 meses de vida. Madres que informaron que se les había indicado alguna fórmula látea artificial antes de los 6 primeros meses. Madres que paradójicamente estaban de acuerdo con dar lactancia exclusiva a sus hijos hasta los 6 meses de vida. Madres que poseían algunas creencias sobre la lactancia

Evidence that G-CSF is a fibroblast growth factor that induces granulocytes to increase phagocytosis and to present a mature morphology, and that macrophages secrete 45-kd molecules with these activities as well as with G-CSF-like activity.

Evidence is provided that conditioned medium from a macrophage-like cell line contains molecules of approximately 45 kd molecular weight with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-like activity as well as with the property of inducing granulocytes to phagocytose latex particles and to mature morphologically. This type of differentiation was found to be induced on either bone marrow or induced granulocytes, but not on resident or induced macrophages. On the other hand, resident but not induced macrophages are shown to induce these types of activities when challenged by bacterial lipopolysaccharides. Evidence that macrophages produce a factor that is mitogenic for fibroblasts is also provided. This activity was measured by the induction of increased proliferation by either low-density or saturated cultures of fibroblasts. Human recombinant G-CSF was employed and found also to possess these dual capabilities of inducing both the proliferation and differentiation of granulocytes as well as the proliferation of fibroblasts. Finally, a mechanism for the regulation of myeloid cell production and differentiation is described in which G-CSF produced by macrophages not only induces granulocytes to differentiate but induces fibroblasts to proliferate and secrete macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), which in turn makes myeloid monocyte precursors proliferate and secrete more G-CSF.