Impact of early childhood caries and its treatment under general anesthesia on orofacial function and quality of life : A prospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) has become a major public health concern worldwide, mostly affecting children from disadvantaged families in increasingly severe forms. This condition has been frequently reported to alter children's nutrition, growth and general development. It negatively impacts their quality of life, through painful episodes and severe eating difficulties. While this period is crucial for oral praxes development, the impact of dental state on oro-facial functions is poorly documented. This study evaluated the impact of ECC and its treatment under general anesthesia on oro-facial functions and quality of life in pre-school children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The dysfunction and quality of life scores from 25 children with ECC were evaluated before treatment (T0), one month (T1) and three months after treatment (T2), using the Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S) and the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS), respectively, in comparison with 16 caries-free children. The number and extent of inter-arch dental contacts were also observed. RESULTS: The pre-operative higher NOT-S score observed in children with ECC decreased to reach the control level at T2. The mastication item was the most affected in the ECC group throughout the study. Their mean ECOHIS score also significantly decreased post-operatively and differences remaining between both groups were no longer clinically relevant. In addition, in children with ECC, values of functional inter-arch surfaces tended to increase over the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Oro-facial functions and quality of life, altered by ECC, could be restored through a conservative treatment approach. Relations between dental state, orofacial functions and particularly chewing, and nutrition should be investigated further.

Evaluation of learned helplessness, self-efficacy and disease activity, functional capacity and pain in Argentinian patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between learned helplessness (LH) and self-efficacy (SE) with disease activity, functional capacity, and level of pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to compare LH and SE between patients in remission and patients with active disease. METHOD: This multicentre, cross-sectional study included consecutive patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with RA according to 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) criteria. LH was measured by the Rheumatology Attitude Index (RAI), Spanish version; SE with the Arthritis Self-efficacy Scale (ASES), Spanish version; functional capacity with the Health Assessment Questionnaire, Argentinian version (HAQ-A); and perceived pain by the visual analogue scale (VAS). Disease activity was measured by the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI). RESULTS: A total of 115 patients (82% females) with a mean (± sd) age of 58 ± 13 years were included. We found a significantly positive correlation between LH and perceived pain (p < 0.001), HAQ-A score (p < 0.001), and CDAI (p < 0.001) and a significantly negative correlation between SE and perceived pain (p < 0.001), HAQ-A score (p < 0.001), and CDAI (p < 0.001). We found greater levels of SE and lower grades of LH in patients in remission compared to those with active disease (median 76 vs. 58; p < 0.001 and 6 vs. 11; p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: LH and SE correlated significantly with disease activity, functional capacity, and perceived pain. Levels of SE were higher in patients in remission compared to those with active disease as opposed to levels of LH, which were lower in patients in remission compared to those with active disease. These results show that cognitive factors are related to disease activity and their modifications may have importance in the management of RA.

Using e-learning to train dentists in the development of standardised oral health promotion interventions for persons with disability.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate whether an e-learning curriculum was sufficient to impart the necessary knowledge to dentists to allow them to implement an oral health promotion intervention in an institution for persons with disability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were asked to complete a 10-module online training course and to implement a standardised intervention in an institution. The outcome measures were as follows: online tracking of progress; multiple choice questionnaires completed at the end of most modules; self-efficacy questionnaire completed before and after online training; completion of training and calibration in the use of a standardised risk assessment form; initiation and full completion of an oral health promotion intervention in an institution; satisfaction of participants with the online training experience; and evaluation of the impact of the intervention by the institution staff. RESULTS: The study sample included 26 dentists. The 10 modules were passed by 24 dentists, and the mean value of the highest overall score recorded in the multiple questionnaires was 88.4% (± 4.0). Twenty participants completed the self-efficacy questionnaire before and after training; the mean values of scores after training were statistically different and higher than those at baseline. Questionnaire regarding satisfaction with the online training experience was completed by 22 participants; all of them stated that they were satisfied with the online training experience. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the online training course helped participants to increase self-efficacy and to provide interventions in institutions. This study could have implications for both undergraduate and postgraduate dental education in France.

Simultaneous surface plasmon resonance and x-ray absorption spectroscopy.

We present an experimental setup for the simultaneous measurement of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) on metallic thin films at a synchrotron beamline. The system allows measuring in situ and in real time the effect of x-ray irradiation on the SPR curves to explore the interaction of x-rays with matter. It is also possible to record XAS spectra while exciting SPR in order to study changes in the films induced by the excitation of surface plasmons. Combined experiments recording simultaneously SPR and XAS curves while scanning different parameters can be also carried out. The relative variations in the SPR and XAS spectra that can be detected with this setup range from 10(-3) to 10(-5), depending on the particular experiment.

Masticatory dysfunction in persons with Down's syndrome. Part 2: management.

The functional and anatomical characteristics of Down's syndrome have direct repercussions on oral health; orofacial dysfunction results and feeding and swallowing are impaired. These problems have been described in an earlier article. Different techniques are proposed for the prevention of the development of orofacial dysfunction in Down's syndrome. In particular, early myofunctional therapy coupled with appliance wear has been shown to be successful over the long term when multidisciplinary management is possible. Functional or conventional orthodontic treatment may be successful for older children when performed concurrently with the use of appropriate behaviour management techniques. More recently, techniques for the compensation of masticatory dysfunction in adults have been proposed, although further research is necessary to confirm their efficacy. The aim of this second article was to review techniques for the prevention, treatment and compensation of orofacial dysfunction in persons with Down's syndrome from birth to adulthood.

Masticatory dysfunction in persons with Down's syndrome. Part 1: aetiology and incidence.

The functional and anatomical characteristics of Down's syndrome have direct repercussions on oral health. Orofacial dysfunction is on account of poor neuromotor control, muscle weakness, dental anomalies, dysmorphology and intercurrent illness. In particular, feeding and swallowing are impaired. The aim of this first article was to summarize the orofacial difficulties encountered by persons with Down's syndrome at all stages of life and to explain their aetiology. Indicators are proposed for the identification of masticatory problems within this population and reduced masticatory efficiency is discussed in relation to repercussions on oral and general health and on the social integration of persons with Down's syndrome. A second article will describe techniques for preventing, treating and compensating for masticatory dysfunction in this population.

Dental difficulty for adult patients undergoing different dental procedures according to level of dental anxiety.

This study aimed to determine the level of dental anxiety before different dental care procedures. A group of 116 adults presenting for the first time at a French dental hospital were included in the study. These patients completed a French-language version of Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale 1 and used a visual analogue scale to score their perception of the level of difficulty generated by 13 different dental treatments. The acts perceived as the most difficult to face were root canal and restorative treatment without local anaesthesia (LA), followed by oral surgery. There was a positive correlation between DAS score and level of difficulty experienced during dental treatment. Healthy subjects declared difficulty in coping with dental care. Dental procedures may be a factor of co morbidity in terms of the psychological status of dental patients. A classification of dental procedures is given according to the level of difficulty generated.

Plasma electrophoretogram in feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and/or feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infections.

The electrophoretogram of 89 cats, including those infected by feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV+), feline leukaemia virus (FeLV+) and non-infected, showed statistically significant differences in several of the fractions. FIV+ cats had very high protein values (mean, 8.10 g/dl), mostly because of hypergammaglobulinemia (mean, 2.81 g/dl) as compared with non-infected animals and FeLV+. In addition, in these FIV+ animals, the albumin/globulins ratio (A/G) was very low (mean, 0.72). Statistically significant differences in A/G and alpha2-globulin fraction were observed in FeLV+ group (A/G mean, 0.88 +/- 0.08; alpha2-globulin, mean, 0.84 +/- 0.07 g/dl) when compared with non-infected group (A/G mean, 1.06 +/- 0.08; alpha2-globulin mean, 0.68 +/- 0.04 g/dl). The alpha1-globulin fraction was higher in double infected animals (FIV and FeLV positive, F-F) (3.55 g/dl), than in FeLV+ or FIV+ cats (3.10 and 3.07 g/dl respectively), but no statistical conclusions may be drawn from this fact because of the low number of F-F animals. This technique may help to assess the initial clinical status of retrovirus-infected cats, and the clinical course of these chronic diseases, specifically during and after suitable therapy.

Laser induced formation of CsI ion clusters analyzed by delayed extraction time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

(CsI)nCs+ (n = 1,2) cluster ion formation from polycrystalline CsI irradiated by pulsed-UV laser (337 nm) is analyzed by delayed extraction time-of-flight mass spectrometry technique. Measurements were performed for different laser intensities and for several delayed extraction times. Experimental data show that CsI laser ablation produces the emission of (CsI),Cs+ ions (n = 0, 1, 2), whose yields decrease exponentially with n and increase exponentially with the laser pulse energy. A quasi equilibrium evolution of the clusters is proposed to extract a parameter characteristic of the cluster recombination process. The delayed extraction method of initial velocity determination was improved to take into account collisions in the high density plasma close to the target. The new parameterization helps to describe the dynamics of secondary ions of different masses for laser irradiances above the ion desorption threshold in a collision regime. The initial velocity of the secondary ions [(CsI)nCs+ (n = 0, 1, 2)] as function of the laser irradiance was determined. The distance to the target when the free expansion process starts is reported as function of the secondary ions mass and of the laser irradiance. The collision regime's influence on the secondary ion dynamics is discussed.

Impact of teaching requirements for students on the activity of a university dental hospital.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at investigating the influence of teaching requirements on the clinical activity of a dental hospital. METHOD: The annual clinical activity of seven classes of fifth-year students (n = 294) was monitored between 1994 and 2001 within the conservative dentistry and endodontic departments of a French dental hospital. The variables chosen were: (i) the mean number of procedures performed per student, and (ii) the proportion of different types of treatment within the global activity (i.e. endodontic treatment, anterior, and posterior restorations). These data were analysed in relation to changes in student assessment criteria over time. RESULTS: Quantitative clinical teaching requirements were removed for the academic year 1998-99 and student clinical activity subsequently decreased by 32.7%, going from 51.9 +/- 12.2 dental procedures on average per student in 1997-98, to 29.1 +/- 7.2 in 2000-01. The mean number of patients treated per student also declined significantly during this period. The size of the minimum clinical requirement altered over the years prior to being removed altogether and a positive correlation existed between the volume of activity and the minimum requirement over this time. The types of treatment provided changed independently from the assessment criteria over the study period. There was a decrease in the percentage of amalgams placed and an increase in the number of posterior composites. A negative correlation existed between the evolution of these two types of treatment. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the clinical activity of a department in a dental teaching hospital is directly related to the assessment criteria fixed by the university. This may have repercussions for hospital services.

[Extrapulmonary tuberculosis in a patient with septic shock]. / Tuberculosis extrapulmonar en un paciente con shock séptico.

A 61-year-old woman who was negative for type 1 human immunodeficiency virus developed vertebral osteomyelitis and skin lesions due to sepsis by Staphylococcus aureus. Microscopic examination of the skin showed alcohol-resistant acid-fast bacilli. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for Mycobacterium tuberculosis was positive for skin and spinal samples, although the cultures were negative. The diagnosis of M. tuberculosis infection is difficult, particularly when the disease is extrapulmonary. Rapid diagnostic tests that use PCR identify the DNA of the bacillus with greater sensitivity than microscopic examination and can give results within 24 hours of receipt of a sample. We analyze the utility of PCR for diagnosing extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

Strychnine alters response properties of trigeminal nociceptive neurons in the rat.

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of glycine in sensory processes in the spinal trigeminal nucleus oralis (Sp5O). We evaluated the effect of intravenous administration of strychnine, a glycine receptor antagonist, on the responses of Sp5O convergent neurons evoked by innocuous peripheral electrical and mechanical stimuli in halothane-anesthetized rats. Strychnine significantly increased the Abeta-fiber-evoked activities of Sp5O neurons to electrical stimulation in a dose-dependent (0.2-0.8 mg/kg) fashion. The response to air-jet stimulation was also significantly enhanced at the highest dose of strychnine. These findings indicate that glycinergic neurons participate in the control of the flow of information conveyed to Sp5O nociceptive neurons by myelinated low-threshold mechanoreceptive afferents. Thus, alteration of trigeminal glycinergic modulation may contribute to the dynamic mechanical allodynia that occurs in trigeminal neuropathies.

[Intracranial diffusion. A complication of retrobulbar anesthesia]. / Difusión intracraneal. Una complicación de la anestesia retrobulbar.

Retrobulbar anesthesia is considered a safe, effective local-regional technique for ocular surgery. However, local complications that can arise from needle trauma during injection, include retrobulbar hemorrhage, perforation of the ocular globe and occlusion of the artery and/or the central vein of the retina. Systemic complications, such as respiratory arrest, convulsions and cardiovascular collapse, have also been reported, and although they only occur in less than 1% of cases, they are potentially life threatening. We report two cases of intracranial diffusion after retrobulbar anesthesia and describe possible mechanisms that may contribute to its development.

[Propofol in continuous infusion for performing nuclear magnetic resonance in children: an effective alternative to sedation with other drugs]. / Propofol en infusión continua para la realización de resonancia nuclear magnética en niños: una alternativa eficaz a la sedación con otros fármacos.

Sedation is often needed for obtaining nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) images in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of propofol administered by continuous infusion to non-intubated children for whom our hospital's usual method of sedation (oral chlorohydrate 75 mg/kg at a maximum dose of 2 g plus 4 hours sleep privation the night before) had failed. Deep sedation was induced in 37 ASA I-II children aged 4 and 14 year old, with 2.5 mg/kg propofol followed by 6 mg/kg/h in continuous infusion. An additional dose of 1 mg/kg was administered if the child moved, and the perfusion was reduced to 4 mg/kg if SpO2 fell below 95%. Apnea occurred after induction in 24% (n = 9), 29% (n = 11) required additional doses of propofol, and a tendency to hypercapnia was observed as the imaging procedure progressed. Sedation failed in one child, who required general anesthesia when opisthotonos presented after the induction dose. Awakening was early and satisfactory in all patients, with a score of 2 on the Ramsay scale 15 minutes after NMR. Deep sedation with propofol is a safe and effective method of performing NMR in a child for whom other methods of sedation have failed, provided the child is ASA I-II, monitoring is exhaustive and procedure is carried out by an anesthesiologist.

[Diagnosis and follow-up of cerebral ventricle pathology using transfontanelle real-time echography]. / Diagnóstico y seguimiento de la patología ventricular cerebral mediante ecografía de tiempo real transfontanelar.

Authors evaluate 36 patients with different degrees of cerebral ventricular dilation divided in three groups according with previous clinical features. Cerebral ultrasonography demonstrated to be a more accurate method than CAT in most of cases examined by these two procedures. Real time cerebral ecography is indicated in follow-up of conditions which need repetitive controls like hydrocephalus with ventriculo-peritoneal shunts, posthemorhagic ventricular dilations or daily follow-up o acute pathology like ill-course meningitis. Finally they describe situations in which ultrasonography may have a great value as cerebral screening test.