Mitochondrial function in human brains is affected by pre- and post mortem factors.

AIM: Mitochondrial function and the ensuing ATP synthesis are central to the functioning of the brain and contribute to neuronal physiology. Most studies on neurodegenerative diseases have highlighted that mitochondrial dysfunction is an important event contributing to pathology. However, studies on the human brain mitochondria in various neurodegenerative disorders heavily rely on post mortem samples. As post mortem tissues are influenced by pre- and post mortem factors, we investigated the effect of these variables on mitochondrial function. METHODS: We examined whether the mitochondrial function (represented by mitochondrial enzymes and antioxidant activities) in post mortem human brains (n=45) was affected by increased storage time (11.8-104.1 months), age of the donor (2 days to 80 years), post mortem interval (2.5-26 h), gender difference and agonal state [based on Glasgow Coma Scale: range=3-15] in the frontal cortex, as a prototype. RESULTS: We observed that the activities of citrate synthase, succinate dehydrogenase and mitochondrial reductase (MTT) were significantly affected only by gender difference (citrate synthase: P=0.005; succinate dehydrogenase: P=0.01; mitochondrial reductase: P=0.006), being higher in females, but not by any other factor. Mitochondrial complex I activity was significantly inhibited by increasing age (r=-0.40; P=0.05). On the other hand, the mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme glutathione reductase decreased with severe agonal state (P=0.003), while the activity of glutathione-S-transferase declined with increased storage time (P=0.005) and severe agonal state (P=0.02). CONCLUSION: Our data highlight the influence of pre- and post mortem factors on preservation of mitochondrial function with implications for studies on brain pathology employing stored human samples.

Dental anxiety among patients visiting a dental institute in Faridabad, India.

Despite advances in dentistry, anxiety about dental treatment and the fear of pain remains widespread among patients and is a significant barrier to dental treatment. This study would therefore provide information so as to minimize levels of anxiety and aid in planning stress-free treatment. The cross-sectional study utilizing a self-reported questionnaire based on Modified Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) framed in Hindi (local language) was performed on 1032 patients (aged 14-68 years). Around 1004 questionnaires were returned (response rate--97.3%). Overall, prevalence of dental anxiety was high (50.2%), but severe anxiety (phobia) was low (4.38%). The prevalence of anxiety was seen mostly in the 20-30-year age group (37.3%). Anxiety was also seen to be significantly higher in females (mean - 11.79) than in males [mean - 9.47] (p < 0.0000). Patients anxious about dental procedures are often more difficult to treat. Anxious patients should be identified and managed appropriately by behavioural/pharmacological measures.

Dental anxiety among patients visiting a dental institute in Faridabad, India / Ansiedad dental entre pacientes que asisten a un instituto dental en Faridabad, India

Despite advances in dentistry, anxiety about dental treatment and the fear of pain remains widespread among patients and is a significant barrier to dental treatment. This study would therefore provide information so as to minimize levels of anxiety and aid in planning stress-free treatment. The crosssectional study utilizing a self-reported questionnaire based on Modified Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) framed in Hindi (local language) was performed on 1032patients (aged 14-68 years). Around 1004 questionnaires were returned (response rate - 97.3%). Overall, prevalence of dental anxiety was high (50.2%), but severe anxiety (phobia) was low (4.38%). The prevalence of anxiety was seen mostly in the 20-30-year age group (37.3%). Anxiety was also seen to be significantly higher in females (mean - 11.79) than in males [mean - 9.47] (p < 0.0000). Patients anxious about dental procedures are often more difficult to treat. Anxious patients should be identified and managed appropriately by behavioural/pharmacological measures.

A pesar de los adelantos en la odontologia, la ansiedad en torno al tratamiento dental y el miedo al dolor, siguen extendidos entre los pacientes, y constituyen una barrera significativa al tratamiento dental. Por lo tanto, este estudio persigue brindar información que permita minimizar los niveles de ansiedady ayude a planificar un tratamiento libre de tensión. Este estudio transversal, que utiliza una encuesta auto-reportada basada en la Escala de ansiedad dental modificada (EADM) de Corah -enmarcada en hindi (el idioma local) - ser aplicó a 1032 pacientes (14-68 anos de edad). Alrededor de 1004 cuestionarios regresaron con sus respuestas (para una tasa de respuesta de 97.3%). En general, la prevalencia de la ansiedad dental fue alta (50.2%), pero la ansiedad severa (la fobia) fue baja (4.38%). El prevalencia de la ansiedad se vio principalmente en el grupo etario de 20-30 anos (37.3%). También se observó que la ansiedad era significativamente más alta en las hembras (media 11.79) que en los varones (media 9.47, p < 0.0000). Los pacientes dentalmente ansiosos son a menudo dificiles de tratar. Los pacientes ansiosos deben ser identificados y tratados apropiadamente por medio de medidas farmacológicas conductuales.

Abscess-a rare fourth ventricular mass.

Midline posterior fossa mass lesions in young adults are usually medulloblastomas, pilocytic astrocytomas, haemangioblastomas or ependymomas. We present clinical, imaging and intraoperative findings of an abscess occurring within the fourth ventricle which was associated with right chronic suppurative otitis media and right transverse sinus thrombosis. The possible pathogenesis is discussed.