Prevalence of root dilacerations in Central Anatolian Turkish dental patients / Prevalencia de las dilaceraciones radiculares en pacientes dentales turcos de la región de Anatolia Central

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine, retrospectively, the prevalence and distribution of the dilaceration of the root for each tooth-type in a sample of Central Anatolian Turkish population by using panoramic radiographs. METHOD: Panoramic radiograhs of 6912 patients (3860 women and 3052 men, mean age 29.04 years, range, 15 to 50 years) were examined for the presence of root dilacerations. Chi-square test was also used to compare the prevalence of dilacerations between male and female subjects and upper and lower jaws. RESULTS: Data showed that 1108 (16.0%) of these subjects had one or more teeth that were dilacerated and these were detected in 466 (15.2%) males and 642 (16.6%) females. Statistical analysis (χ² test) showed a significant difference in the prevalence of dilaceration among male and female patients. Mandibular third molars were dilacerated most often (3.76%), followed by mandibular second molars (1.81%). Dilaceration was found in 1.23% of maxillary second premolars and 1.23% of mandibular second molars. CONCLUSION: Root dilacerations are not uncommon among Turkish dental patients, and their early detection could be important in treatment problems associated with it. However, further larger scale studies are required to assess its prevalence in the general population in order to compare it with other ethnic groups.

OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar retrospectivamente la prevalencia y distribución de la dilaceración radicular para cada tipo de diente en una muestra poblacional turca de Anatolia Central, usando radiografías panorámicas. MÉTODO: Se examinaron las radiografías panorámicas de 6912 pacientes (3860 mujeres y 3052 hombres, edad promedio 29.04 años, rango 15 a 50 años) en busca de presencia de dilaceraciones de la raíz. También se usó la prueba de Chi-cuadrado para comparar la prevalencia de dilaceraciones entre los sujetos varones y hembras, y la mandíbula inferior y superior. RESULTADOS: Los datos mostraron que 1108 (16.0%) de estos sujetos tenían uno o más dientes dilacerados, detectados en 466 (15.2%) varones y 642 (16.6%) hembras. El análisis estadístico (prueba χ²) mostró una diferencia significativa en la prevalencia de dilaceración entre los pacientes varones y las hembras. Los terceros molares mandibulares se hallaban dilacerados con mayor frecuencia (3.76%), seguidos por los segundos molares mandibulares (1.81%). Se halló dilaceración en 1.23% de los segundos premolares maxilares y 1.23% de los segundos molares mandibulares. CONCLUSIÓN: Las dilaceraciones radiculares no son poco comunes entre los pacientes dentales turcos, y su detección temprana podría ser importante en el tratamiento de problemas asociados con ellas.

Genetic variants in sporadic Parkinson's disease: East vs West.

A number of gene variants or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been shown to modulate the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). These variants are identified from genetic association studies of familial PD and candidate genes, and from genome wide association studies (GWAS). These include REP1 dinucleotide repeat polymorphism within the promoter region of the SNCA gene, and SNPs within the vicinity of SNCA and LRRK2 genes. A number of exonic variants of LRRK2 (G2385R, R1628P, S1647T, M1646T, A419V, R1398H, N551K, Y2189C) have been shown to influence PD risk in various ethnic populations. Numerous GWAS linked loci including BST1 (bone marrow stromal cell antigen 1), PARK16 (parkinson disease 16 susceptibility), GAK (cyclin G associated kinase), and HLA (human leukocyte antigen) have also been identified. The genetic variants have differential effect on PD risk in Eastern and Western populations. Knowing the basis behind ethnic-specific variances would further our understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms and help planning of genetic testing programmes.

Prevalence of root dilacerations in Central Anatolian Turkish dental patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine, retrospectively, the prevalence and distribution of the dilaceration of the root for each tooth-type in a sample of Central Anatolian Turkish population by using panoramic radiographs. METHOD: Panoramic radiograhs of 6912 patients (3860 women and 3052 men, mean age 29.04 years, range, 15 to 50 years) were examined for the presence of root dilacerations. Chi-square test was also used to compare the prevalence of dilacerations between male and female subjects and upper and lower jaws. RESULTS: Data showed that 1108 (16.0%) of these subjects had one or more teeth that were dilacerated and these were detected in 466 (15.2%) males and 642 (16.6%) females. Statistical analysis (chi2 test) showed a significant difference in the prevalence of dilaceration among male and female patients. Mandibular third molars were dilacerated most often (3.76%), followed by mandibular second molars (1.81%). Dilaceration was found in 1.23% of maxillary second premolars and 1.23% of mandibular second molars. CONCLUSION: Root dilacerations are not uncommon among Turkish dental patients, and their early detection could be important in treatment problems associated with it. However further larger scale studies are required to assess its prevalence in the general population in order to compare it with other ethnic groups.

Extracellular matrix gene expression by human endothelial and smooth muscle cells.

In this study, the expression of extracellular matrix genes by vascular cells from human iliac blood vessels was characterized on the mRNA steady-state level by slot blot and Northern transfer analyses, as well as by in situ hybridization. Endothelial cells were isolated from adult human iliac arteries and veins, as well as from umbilical veins; smooth muscle cells were isolated from adult human iliac arteries and inferior vena cava. The results show that confluent umbilical vein endothelial cells expressed the genes that encode types I, III, IV and VI collagens, as well as fibronectin and laminin. In contrast, the iliac endothelial cells expressed the genes for types IV and V collagens, fibronectin and laminin; mRNA transcripts for types I, III and VI collagens were not detectable. The smooth muscle cells from iliac arteries or inferior vena cava displayed gene expression for types I, III, IV, V and VI collagens, fibronectin and laminin. The results indicate major differences in gene expression for the various types of collagens by human iliac endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, the fetal-derived umbilical endothelial cells displayed differential collagen gene expression from that of adult iliac endothelial cells.

El ejercicio físico y los antecedentes patológicos familiares como factores de riesgo de Hipertensión Arterial

Se realizó una investigación retrospectiva de caso-control. La muestra estuvo constituída por 476 personas adultas de la población atendida en los primeros 8 consultorios del médico de familia en el municipio Sancti Spíritus. Se estudió la prevalencia y evaluamos diferentes variables en el grupo de hipertensos dispensarizados (238) y en otro control con igual número. La prevalencia hallada fue 57,41 x diez al cubo habitantes y los factores de riesgo determinados fueron: no realizar ejercicios físicos sistemáticamente y antecedentes patológicos familiares de hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus, enfermedad cardiovascular e hiperlipemía. (AU)

El ejercicio físico y los antecedentes patológicos familiares como factores de riesgo de Hipertensión Arterial

Se realizó una investigación retrospectiva de caso-control. La muestra estuvo constituída por 476 personas adultas de la población atendida en los primeros 8 consultorios del médico de familia en el municipio Sancti Spíritus. Se estudió la prevalencia y evaluamos diferentes variables en el grupo de hipertensos dispensarizados (238) y en otro control con igual número. La prevalencia hallada fue 57,41 x diez al cubo habitantes y los factores de riesgo determinados fueron: no realizar ejercicios físicos sistemáticamente y antecedentes patológicos familiares de hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus, enfermedad cardiovascular e hiperlipemía. (AU)

Long-term efficacy, curative potential, and carcinogenicity of topical mechlorethamine chemotherapy in cutaneous T cell lymphoma.

Complete responses lasting from 4 to 14 years were documented in 65 of 331 (20%) patients with cutaneous T cell lymphoma treated with topical mechlorethamine (HN2) between 1968 and 1982. Such long-lasting remissions occurred most often, but not invariably, in patients with patch or plaque phase mycosis fungoides without palpable lymphadenopathy (stage Ia or Ib). The likelihood of a continuous remission was enhanced by initiation of treatment before an unequivocal pathologic diagnosis. Despite the long-lasting responses in these patients, however, relapses have been documented in 11 (17%) of these patients, and all relapses occurred within 8 years of discontinuing maintenance topical chemotherapy. Thus, in our experience, a continuous remission lasting 8 or more years provides evidence that cutaneous T cell lymphoma can be eradicated by aggressive topical chemotherapy. This circumstance was observed in 35 patients, representing a cure rate of at least 11% overall. In addition, when compared with the general population of the United States, patients who received topical HN2 were at an 8.6-fold and a 1.8-fold increased risk for the development of squamous cell carcinoma and enhanced for Hodgkin's disease and colon cancer but not for systemic cancers known to be induced by systemic administration of alkylating drugs. These results compare favorably with experiences with topical HN2 chemotherapy at other centers but raise questions about the risks associated with long-term administration for maintenance of remissions.

Cellular effects of the pulsed tunable dye laser at 577 nanometers on human endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and erythrocytes: an in vitro study.

The 577-nm flashlamp-pumped tunable dye laser pulsed at 450 microseconds is rapidly becoming the treatment of choice for removal of portwine stains and other vascular ectasias. In this study, we examined the mechanisms of vessel destruction by determining the effects of laser irradiation on three types of primary target cells--erythrocytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. Human endothelial cells and fibroblasts in microwell plates were irradiated at various energy densities with the laser, after which several aspects of cellular biology were determined, including 1) viability of cells by trypan blue exclusion test; 2) cell proliferation by [3H]thymidine incorporation; and 3) rate of protein synthesis using [3H]leucine incorporation as a marker. In endothelial cell cultures, both [3H]thymidine and [3H]leucine incorporations were inhibited at energy levels of 5-12 J/cm2 (P less than 0.01). In fibroblast cultures, cell proliferation was similarly inhibited, while supratherapeutic energy density (greater than or equal to 12 J/cm2) was required for inhibition of protein synthesis. The laser energy in the range of 5-8.5 J/cm2 had no effect on cell viability. Erythrocytes as target cells for laser energy demonstrated rapid, dose-dependent lysis, as determined by release of free hemoglobin into culture medium. Addition of erythrocytes into a coculture with endothelial cells abolished the direct inhibitory effect noted in cultures when endothelial cells were present alone. The results of the latter experiment imply that erythrocytes are the primary target cell absorbing the laser energy at 577 nm. However, direct laser effects on endothelial cells may also contribute to the mechanisms of ablation of the vascular ectasias by the tunable dye laser at 577 nm.

Mixed connective tissue disease in childhood. A clinical and serologic survey.

Mixed connective tissue disease is a syndrome with overlapping clinical features of SLE, scleroderma, and polymyositis. Only one other child with MCTD has been described in detail. In this study 14 children with MCTD are described. Each had overlapping clinical findings that evolved over an extended period of observation, and all 14 had high serum titers of speckled ANA and antibodies to RNP. A serologic survey of 127 children with various rheumatic diseases confirmed the specificity of high titer of speckled ANA and antibodies to RNP for MCTD in children. Significant cardiac and renal involvement, and thrombocytopenia, may be more common in affected children than in adults with MCTD, may lead to longer therapy with higher doses of a corticosteroid, and may contribute to a more serious prognosis than in adults.