Third molar as an age indicator in young individuals.

The authors developed a method of chronological age estimation in young individuals on the basis of third molar developmental stage. The new method is based on the finding that time course of third molar development depends on the number of assessed third molars. That means, in individuals with 1 to 3 third molars agenesis the development of founded third molars is delayed in comparison with individuals having all third molars present. This difference is statistically significant. Retardation of development is directly proportional to the number of congenitally missing third molars. Chronological age corresponding to individual stages of third molar development was calculated separately for individuals with all four third molars present and separately for individuals with 1 to 3 third molars agenesis. With this division it was possible to decrease the error of age estimation to 1.63 years in the group of individuals with all four third molars present and to correct the age underestimation in individuals with agenesis. The elaborated method of chronological age estimation in young individuals shows incomparably much more accuracy in contrary to methods used in adults. In addition this new method is distinguishing by maximum simplicity.

[Effect of heavy metals on immune reactions in patients with infertility]. / Vliv tezkých kovu na imunitní reakci u pacientu s prokázanou neplodností.

BACKGROUND: Heavy metals can negatively influence reproduction because in sensitive persons they are able to alter the immune reactions including autoantibodies production. The altered immune reaction can then cause infertility. METHODS AND RESULTS: The in vitro lymphocyte reaction after stimulation with metals, the production of interferon (IFN-gamma) and antisperm antibodies in supernatants after lymphocyte stimulation in patients with infertility and with the antisperm antibodies present in their serum were investigated. The cause of antisperm antibodies presence was not determined. The diagnosis of metal intolerance was performed by the proliferation method modified for metals (Melisa). In supernatants of tissue cultures of lymphocytes without the antigen stimulation and after stimulation with mercury chloride, the in vitro production of gamma interferon and antisperm antibodies was studied by Elisa. More than 50% of patients did not tolerate mercury, iron, aluminium and silver. When the lymphocyte reaction was compared in patients with and without mercury intolerance we found that lymphocytes of patients with mercury intolerance produced less gamma interferon and more antisperm antibodies in supernatants after mercury stimulation of lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with metal intolerance diagnosed by the Melisa test, metal ions released from the dental materials can represent a factor, that does not cause infertility but is able to influence it negatively.

Th1 and Th2 cytokine profile in patients with early onset periodontitis and their healthy siblings.

Early onset periodontitis (EOP) is a chronic inflammatory periodontal disease with a strong genetic link affecting individuals aged 17 to 25. In the familial studies we tested the hypothesis about the role of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in the pathogenesis of EOP disease. The study involved 6 individuals with EOP disease and their 6 siblings with healthy periodontium. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (A. a), a bacterium typical for EOP, was detected in all people studied. Th1 and Th2 cytokine production was measured after in vitro stimulation. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated and cultivated for 24 h and 7 days with PWM, A. a. or Escherichia coli. The levels of IL-4, IFN-gamma, IgA, IgG and IgM were measured by ELISA methods. After in vitro stimulation of PBMC, a significantly higher production of IL-4 and significantly lower production of IFN-gamma were found in the group of patients compared with their healthy siblings. The increased level of IL-4 in patients was in good agreement with an increased level of IgM after stimulation of lymphocytes with E. coli. These results support Seymour's hypothesis according to which patients with progressive disease primarily activate Th2 lymphocytes while non-susceptible individuals activate Th1 lymphocytes.

Expression of the LFA-1 beta molecule on peripheral blood leukocytes of patients with early-onset periodontitis: effects of dental plaque microbes.

The effect of dental plaque bacteria on LFA-1 beta expression on peripheral blood leukocytes was studied in 20 patients with early-onset periodontitis and in 10 healthy controls. Stimulation of PMN with selected dental plaque bacteria which play a role in the pathogeny of periodontitis significantly increased the expression of LFA-1 beta in the group of patients as compared with the controls.

[Prevalence of mineralization disorders in dental tissues in children in fluoridated regions of Kladno]. / Prevalence poruch mineralizace zubních tkání detí ve fluoridovanych oblastech Kladenska.

The authors subjected to dental examinations a group of children aged 12-13 years from the Kladno area and surrounding rural communities. The children from Kladno drank from birth fluoridated water from the water mains, while the rural children, where well water had a minimum fluoride content, had to rely on sodium fluoride tablets. In all children the prevalence of non-carious changes of dental tissues was assessed, the cariosity (DMF), oral hygiene (OHI) and the state of the gingiva (PI). The objective was to assess to what extent and in which indicators the urban and rural children differ. The results were compared with the status in Prague children who were not exposed to fluoride during the first years of life. The results revealed that the Kladno children differ only as regards cariosity which is significantly higher in the rural children. This finding can be explained by irregular intake of sodium fluoride tablets. As compared with Prague children, there was a marked difference in the prevalence of non-carious changes of dental tissues in favour of the children from the Kladno area. Their cariosity was also significantly lower. The results provide evidence that fluoridation of drinking water is not only the most effective way how to prevent caries but that it prevents also inadequate mineralization of dental tissues.

[Partial results of an investigation of the state of dentition of the Czechoslovak population with regard to targets of WHO for the year 2000]. / Dílci výsledky výberového setreni stavu chrupu obyvatel CSSR z hlediska cílu SZO do R. 2000.

In 1987 a nation-wide survey of the state of dentition of Czechoslovak population in age groups of 2-65 years and above was made. The paper presents the results in the age category of 5-6 years, 12 years, 18 years, 35-44 and 65 year and more, with regard to criteria defined for WHO targets for the year 2000. Data for the CSSR, SSR and CSSR are presented separately.

[Oxytocinase in pregnancy complications]. / Aktivita oxytocinázy u tehotenských komplikací.

Using a simpler method for cystylaminopeptidase (oxytocinase) investigation modified by means of p-nitranilide the oxytocinase activity was examined in blood serum of 51 pregnant women with complicated pregnancy in the period of week 31-34 of gestation. Lower oxytocinase values were found in women with complicated course of pregnancy compared to those in women with physiological course of pregnancy and the same gestational age. Significantly low oxytocinase activity values were established in pregnant women with preterm uterine activity. A significant variability was found in the whole group of 51 women with complicated pregnancy as well as in individual groups.

[Oxytocinase activity in pregnancy complications]. / Aktivita oxytocinázy u tehotenských komplikací.

Using a simpler method for cystylaminopeptidase (oxytocinase) investigation modified by means of p-nitranilide the oxytocinase activity was examined in blood serum of 51 pregnant women with complicated pregnancy in the period of week 31-34 of gestation. Lower oxytocinase values were found in women with complicated course of pregnancy compared to those in women with physiological course of pregnancy and the same gestational age. Significantly low oxytocinase activity values were established in pregnant women with preterm uterine activity. A significant variability was found in the whole group of 51 women with complicated pregnancy as well as in individual groups.

[Comparison of Czechoslovak and foreign toothpastes]. / Srovnáni Ceskoslovaenských a zahranicních zubních past.

The authors made a nation-wide investigation focused on the consumption of foreign toothpastes and their evaluation, as compared with locally produced ones. They also assessed the properties of selected foreign toothpastes according to the Czechoslovak norm by laboratory tests. The investigation related that foreign toothpastes are purchased by one quarter of the subjects where enquiries were made. The main reason for selection of a foreign toothpaste was better taste and a better sensation of fragrance. People appreciate also the attractivity packing and adequate information on the properties and composition of the toothpaste. As compared with local toothpastes, the better taste of foreign ones is emphasized. Laboratory tests of the properties of foreign tooth pastes, as compared with local revealed that from the physico-chemical and microbiological aspect local toothpastes compare favourably with foreign ones. However, the organoleptic properties, packing and information are not comparable.

[Czechoslovak toothpaste--present choice, consumption, quality]. / Ceskoslovenské zubní pasty--soucasný stav výberu, spotreby a jakosti.

The authors made a nation-wide survey focused on the choice, appreciation of different properties of toothpastes and the popularity of different brands. They also evaluated the quality of some toothpastes according to Czechoslovak standards. The results revealed that the attitude of the public as regards toothpastes is correct. The great majority of subjects consider fluorine and therapeutic substances an important part of toothpastes. The majority of subjects are satisfied with the supply, one third of the people complain that some types are in short supply. More than half the subjects ask for toothpastes with texts providing information. The majority of toothpastes met the demand defined by the Czechoslovak standards. Some shortcomings were revealed during organoleptic evaluation and in the technology of production. The authors discuss the small consumption of toothpastes which must be increased by the health educational activities of dental surgeons but also by increased attention of manufactures and the network of shops to the technology, distribution and propagation of toothpastes.

Stimulation of human blood lymphocyte by different polyclonal B cell activators of bacterial and plant origin: production of IgM, IgG and IgA estimated by the ELISA method.

Lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood of healthy donors were stimulated in vitro with pokeweed mitogen, concanavalin A, flagellin, Nocardia delipidated cell mitogen (NDCM) and heat-killed bacteria Escherichia coli and Actinomyces viscosus. A simple and sensitive technique, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the detection of nanogram levels of IgM, IgA and IgC in media from lymphocyte cultures after polyclonal stimulation, Pokeweed mitogen, NDCM and E. coli were shown to stimulate a high production of IgM; after stimulation with A. viscosus a higher production of IgA was detected. No immunoglobulin production was observed after stimulation with polymerized flagellin.