Treatment of chronic mandibular dislocations using a new miniplate.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation is defined as an excessive forward movement of the condyle beyond the articular eminence with complete separation of the articular surfaces and fixation in that position. The aim of this study was to describe a modified miniplate designed for treating chronic mandibular dislocations and evaluate the results of its placement in one patient, who was followed for 18 months. The treatment of chronic mandibular dislocation using this modified miniplate was shown to be efficient in relation to the postoperative maximal mouth opening, recurrence and articular function.

[Influence of migration on the prevalence of serologic hepatitis B markers in a rural community. 2. Comparative analysis of various characteristics of the population studied]. / Influência da migração na prevalência de marcadores sorológicos de hepatite B em comunidade rural. 2-Análise comparativa de algumas caracteristicas das populações estudadas.

The association between prevalence of hepatitis B serological markers and birthplace, in a study carried out in a small rural county of S. Paulo State, Brazil, suggests different risk factors for hepatitis B between migrants and nonmigrant populations. These two groups were compared with regard to the following variables: level of education, professional occupation, number of previous hospitalizations, past history of blood transfusions and type of dental treatment. Migrants, mainly those from other states of Brazil, showed a low-level of education, a high proportion of people employed in agricultural activities, a higher number of past hospitalizations and higher exposure to blood transfusion and to more aggressive dental procedures. Associations were observed between the prevalence of serological markers and the following variables: level of education, professional occupation, number of previous hospitalizations and type of dental procedures, even though the last two associations did not justify the higher prevalences observed among migrants. The different distribution of hepatitis B markers seems to be dependent on the migrants' worse socio-economic condition, demonstrated by their lower level of education and by the predominance of secondary occupations.

[Influence of migration on the prevalence of serologic hepatitis B markers in a rural community. 1. Analysis of prevalence by birthplace]. / Influência da migração na prevalência de marcadores sorológicos de hepatite B em comunidade rural. 1-Análise da prevalência segundo local de nascimento.

Distribution of hepatitis B serological markers according to people's birthplaces and area of residence (urban/rural) was studied as a part of a field epidemiological research project carried out in Cássia dos Coqueiros, a small rural community of S. Paulo State, Brazil. The total prevalence of HBV markers was 7.7%, with rural showing a higher risk than urban inhabitants (9.8% as against 4.9%, respectively). Analysis of prevalence according to people's birthplaces revealed the highest value among those from other Brazilian states (15.8%), followed by people from other municipalities of the State of S. Paulo (9.2%). Those born in Cássia dos Coqueiros and particularly in Ribeirão Preto (the main city of the area, located 80 kilometers away), showed the lowest values of prevalence (5.2% and 2.5%, respectively). The importance of studying people's birthplaces when field epidemiological studies on hepatitis B are carried out is stressed. This variable is considered to be capable of exercising an influence on the natural history of the disease in a community, and may even explain differences in the distribution of markers in apparently similar populations.

[Prevalence of serological markers of hepatitis B in a small rural community of São Paulo State, Brazil]. / Prevalência de marcadores sorológicos de hepatite B numa pequena comunidade rural do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil.

Prevalence of three hepatitis B markers was measured by immunoassay techniques in small rural community of the State of S. Paulo, Brazil. Total prevalence was 7.74%, corresponding to values of 0.10%, 1.69% and 7.74% for HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc, respectively. The importance of anti-HBc determination in such studies is stressed. Comparisons between the low viral circulation observed in this area and high prevalences described in other rural communities may contribute to the raising of new hypothesis concerning alternative transmission mechanisms of hepatitis B.