Dental anomalies: prevalence and associations between them in a large sample of non-orthodontic subjects, a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the prevalence and associations between dental anomalies detectable on panoramic radiographs in a sample of non-orthodontic growing subjects. METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, digital panoramic radiographs of 5005 subjects were initially screened from a single radiographic center in Rome. Inclusion criteria were: subjects who were aged 8-12 years, Caucasian, and had good diagnostic quality radiographs. Syndromic subjects, those with craniofacial malformation, or orthodontic patients were excluded and this led to a sample of 4706 subjects [mean (SD) age = 9.6 (1.2) years, 2366 males and 2340 females]. Sample was subsequently divided into four subgroups (8, 9, 10, and 11-12 year-old groups). Two operators examined panoramic radiographs to observe the presence of common dental anomalies. The prevalence and associations between dental anomalies were also investigated. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of dental anomalies was 20.9%. Approximately, 17.9% showed only one anomaly, 2.7% two anomalies, while only 0.3% had more than two anomalies. The most frequent anomalies were the displacement of maxillary canine (7.5%), hypodontia (7.1%), impacted teeth (3.9%), tooth ankylosis (2.8%), and tooth transposition (1.4%). The lower right second premolar was the most frequent missing teeth; 3.7% had only one tooth agenesis, and 0.08% had six or more missing tooth (Oligodontia). Mesiodens was the most common type of supernumerary tooth (0.66%). Two subjects had taurodontic tooth (0.04%). Tooth transpositions and displacement of maxillary canine were seen in 1.4 and 7.5%, retrospectively (approximately 69 and 58% were in the 8 and 9 year-old groups, retrospectively). Significant associations were detected between the different dental anomalies (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study revealed significant associations among different dental anomalies and provide further evidences to support common etiological factors.

Radiographic assessment of maxillary incisor position after rapid maxillary expansion in children with clinical signs of eruption disorder.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In this study we assessed the influence of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on the intraosseous vertical position and inclination of the impacted incisors diagnosed at an early developmental stage on panoramic radiographs and subsequently treated by surgical removal of the obstacle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following surgical removal of the obstacles to incisor eruption (T1), a group of 34 subjects (mean age 8 years 11 months ± 11 months) underwent RME, while a group of 28 subjects (mean age 9 years 1 month ± 1 year) was monitored after surgery without further treatment. At T2 (on average 10 months after T1), the prevalence rate of subjects with erupted incisors was recorded. The measurements were taken on the panoramic radiographs at T1 and T2 to assess the vertical position and angulation of delayed unerupted incisors. RESULTS: At T2, impacted incisors erupted in 82.4% of the patients in the RME group versus 39.3% of those in the monitored group (χ(2) =8.45, p<0.001). All the patients treated with RME showed an improvement in the vertical and angular position of the unerupted teeth. Logistic regression revealed RME therapy as the only significant predictive variable (p<0.001) for successful eruption of the delayed incisors at T2. CONCLUSION: RME in early mixed dentition appears to be an effective procedure to increase the prevalence rate of impacted maxillary incisor eruption.

[Our experience in inguinal hernia recurrences treatment]. / Il trattamento delle ernie inguinali recidive: nostra esperienza.

Reporting their personal experience, the authors focus on characteristics and causes of recurrence, either after traditional surgery or with tension-free technique. They describe difficulties and advantages in open interventions and laparoscopic ones. Facing a relapse it's convenient to assume an "eclectic" behaviour, thinking both of general and specific single patient anatomo-pathologic features.

Stabilization effects of kosmotrope systems on ornithine carbamoyltransferase.

In the present article the influence of salts and additives, such as trehalose, NaCl, ornithine, sodium phosphate and ammonium sulphate, on ornithine carbamoyltransferase (OCTase) is investigated in order to study the OCTase stabilization process as a function of solutes and to point out the fundamental role played by an enhancement of hydrophobic interactions. The synergic use of different techniques, such as neutron spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, activity and thermal measurements, allows to highlight the cosolute capability to avoid thermal inactivation, to induce important changes in secondary and tertiary enzyme structure and to stabilize biological macromolecules.

Acquired melanosis caused by acorn ingestion in the Nero Siciliano pig.

In this study, an acquired pigmentation in Nero Siciliano pigs is reported and evaluated by a multidisciplinary approach to support the hypothesis it is caused by an ingested material. A total of 18 pigs were studied. Fourteen conventionally slaughtered animals showed black discoloration of lymph nodes. The lymph nodes were normal in size and shape but showed diffuse black discoloration of the cortex and medulla. Melanosis of fat was observed in 2 animals and was limited to the back. Histochemical tests performed on tissues enabled identification and differentiation of the pigment. Immunohistochemical staining for macrophage markers showed macrophages containing a variable amount of melanin-like granules. Stains for human melanoma, as well as S-100 protein, did not show any reaction. Histochemical methods for tyrosinase showed colorimetric patterns that confirmed the presence of the enzyme in acorns. The activity was mostly latent. A high tannin content was demonstrated, reaching about 76% of the total phenolic compounds. Our data, and the well-known steps on melanin formation, permit us to hypothesize that swine tyrosinase could act on phenolic substances found in acorns. Tyrosinase activation could take place in genetically predisposed swine after acorns are eaten, and this event could increase the biosynthesis and the anomalous storage of melanin.

Glutathione metabolism during Yoshida ascites sarcoma growth.

Glutathione (GSH) metabolism and protein synthesis were observed over a period of about two weeks in Yoshida ascites sarcoma and intracellular concentration relative to days 7, 10 and 13 assumed as 'markers' of different stages of tumor development. During this period the decrease in rate of cell proliferation was followed by decrease in protein synthesis, GSH, oxidized glutathione (GSSG), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), glutathione-S-transferase (GSH-S-transferase) and gamma-glutamyl-cysteine synthatase (gamma-GCS); by increase in glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-peroxidase); while glutathione-reductase (GSH-reductase) and glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) remained unchanged. In relation to growth curve of the tumor, GSH concentration was very high up to day 7 (logaritmic phase), decreased till quantity similar to that of corresponding normal cells up to day 10 (plateau phase) and on day 13 was significantly smaller. Correlation between high concentration of GSH in tumor cells and their survival and proliferation after intraperitoneal implantation is discussed.

[Monitoring of intracranial pressure]. / In tema di monitorizzazione della pressione intracranica (PIC).

A very small fiberoptic catheter initially developed as an intravascular pressure sensor was incorporated into a system to be used as an intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor. 13 patients with intracranial hypertension have been studied with this probe. The clinical experience confirmed the safety, accuracy and reliability of the device. The monitor has functioned very well, and there have been no complications except for two breakages of optic fiber as a result of nursing manoeuvres. This new device can be placed into the ventricular, subdural and epidural space. Camino System appears to offer advantages over other monitors presently in use.