[Oral health-related quality of life before and after bariatric surgery]. / Mondgezondheidgerelateerde kwaliteit van leven voor en na bariatrische chirurgie.

Obesity seems to adversely affect oral health-related quality of life. Remakably, several studies show a further decrease of oral health-related quality of life after bariatric surgery despite the weight loss. The objective of this study was to assess the perceived oral health-related quality of life in dentulous, obese patients and in dentulous, bariatric patients at least one year after they underwent surgery. This was assessed using the validated Dutch short version of the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire, consisting of 14 questions divided into 7 categories. A higher score on this questionnaire indicate a lower oral health-related quality of life. Based on the collected data of 440 patients, the overall oral health-related quality of life seems unaffected by bariatric surgery: a decrease was however seen regarding the functional limitation subcategory compared to preoperative patients with obesity.

Evidence for involvement of a transformer paralogue in sex determination of the wasp Leptopilina clavipes.

Transformer (tra) is the central gear in many insect sex determination pathways and transduces a wide range of primary signals. Mediated by transformer-2 (tra2) it directs sexual development into the female or male mode. Duplications of tra have been detected in numerous Hymenoptera, but a function in sex determination has been confirmed only in Apis mellifera. We identified a tra2 orthologue (Lc-tra2), a tra orthologue (Lc-tra) and a tra paralogue (Lc-traB) in the genome of Leptopilina clavipes (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae). We compared the sequence and structural conservation of these genes between sexual (arrhenotokous) and asexual all-female producing (thelytokous) individuals. Lc-tra is sex-specifically spliced in adults consistent with its orthologous function. The male-specific regions of Lc-tra are conserved in both reproductive modes. The paralogue Lc-traB lacks the genomic region coding for male-specific exons and can only be translated into a full-length TRA-like peptide sequence. Furthermore, unlike LC-TRA, the LC-TRAB interstrain sequence variation is not differentiated into a sexual and an asexual haplotype. The LC-TRAB protein interacts with LC-TRA as well as LC-TRA2. This suggests that Lc-traB functions as a conserved element in sex determination of sexual and asexual individuals.

[Wrinkle fillers in cosmetic facial procedures]. / Rimpelvullers in de cosmetische aangezichtschirurgie.

During the last decade cosmeticfacial procedures have become part of the professional work of both dentists and maxillofacial surgeons. A shift has taken place from invasive surgical treatment towards minimally invasive treatments. Besides the use ofbotulinum toxin type A, non-permanent wrinkle fillers can be an alternative to invasive surgical treatment. Since botulism was first described in the 18th century, the neurotoxin has continued to develop, as a result of which Botox, now available in synthetically produced form, can safely be employed in healthcare. The frequency with which patients visit dentists and maxillofacial surgeons offers the professional group the possibility to inform patients about cosmetic facial treatments and to carry them out according to diagnosis.

[Sialendoscopy: endoscopic approach to obstructive salivary gland disease]. / Sialendoscopie: endoscopische benadering van obstructive speekselklieraandoeningen.

Sialendoscopy: endoscopic approach to obstructive salivary gland defects Obstructive defects of the parotid and the submandibular gland often present themselves clinically by mealtime-related swelling of the affected salivary gland, the so-called 'mealtime syndrome'. Salivary ductal obstruction of the parotid and submandibular gland is predominantly caused by the presence of a salivary stone, a mucous plug, or by ductal stenosis. Until recently, diagnostic and treatment options for these obstructive salivary gland defects were restricted. Surgical removal of the affected salivary gland was often the treatment of choice. By applying sialendoscopy, a minimally invasive, semi rigid optical technique, it is possible to diagnose and treat obstructions which are found in the salivary ductal system. In many cases, therefore, the surgical removal of the salivary gland becomes unnecessary.

Long term stability of mandibular advancement procedures: bilateral sagittal split osteotomy versus distraction osteogenesis.

The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative stability of the mandible after a bilateral lengthening procedure, either by bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) or distraction osteogenesis (DO). All patients who underwent mandibular advancement surgery between March 2001 and June 2004 were evaluated. There were 17 patients in the BSSO group and 18 patients in the DO group. The decision to use intra-oral distraction or BSSO for mandibular advancement primarily depended on the choice of the patient and their parents. In both groups, standardized cephalometric radiographs were taken preoperatively, postoperatively (BSSO group) or directly post-distraction (DO group) and during the last study measurement in May 2008. Cephalometric analysis was performed using the following measurements: sella/nasion-mandibular point B and sella/nasion-mandibular plane. Point B was used to estimate relapse. This study showed no significant difference in relapse between the BSSO and the DO groups measured 46-95 months after advancement of the mandible (P>.05). It can be concluded from this study that there is no postoperative difference in the stability between BSSO and DO after mandibular advancement after 4 years.

[Cosmetic facial surgery. The application of botulinum neurotoxin type A]. / Cosmetische aangezichtschirurgie. De toepassing van botulineneurotoxine type A.

During the past decade, cosmetic facial treatments have become a standard element of the work of both dentists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. A shift has taken place from invasive surgical treatments in the direction of minimally invasive treatments. One of the most frequently carried out minimally invasive treatments is the treatment with botulinum neurotoxin type A. Since botulism was first described in the 18th century, this neurotoxin has undergone a slow development to botox which is now manufactured. Botox attaches itself to the nerve endings and is subsequently taken up in the vesicles which contain acetylcholine. Botox blocks, there, the protein which is responsible for the production of acetylcholine. Botox reduces wrinkles in the skin at the muscles offacial expression and is therefore employed in areas with dynamic wrinkles. Appropriate areas include frown lines in the glabella, lines in the forehead, lateral periorbital lines, hyperactivity in the muscles of the upper lip, hypertrophy of the musculus masseter.

The use of botulinum toxin type A in cosmetic facial procedures.

Over the past decade, facial cosmetic procedures have become more commonplace in dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery. An increasing number of patients seek minimal invasive procedures. One of the most requested procedures is treatment with botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA). Treatment of dynamic rhytids and lines with BoNTA is effective and produces high rates of improvement with rapid onset and long duration of action (longer than 4 months for some patients) compared with placebo. This paper considers the history and pharmacology of this neurotoxin, and focusses on the literature concerning the treatment of different facial areas with BoNTA. It also presents clinical guidelines on the treatment of glabellar lines, the frontalis muscle, peri-orbital lines, gummy smile and masseter muscle hypertrophy. Knowledge about the mechanisms of action and the ability to use BoNTA as an adjunctive treatment are mandatory for those working in the field of cosmetic facial surgery.

Clinical and histologic evidence of salivary gland restoration supports the efficacy of rituximab treatment in Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of rituximab (anti-CD20 antibody) therapy on the (immuno)histopathology of parotid tissue in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and the correlation of histologic findings with the flow rate and composition of parotid saliva. METHODS: In a phase II study, an incisional parotid biopsy specimen was obtained from 5 patients with primary SS before and 12 weeks after rituximab treatment (4 infusions of 375 mg/m(2)). The relative amount of parotid parenchyma, lymphocytic infiltrate, and fat, and the presence/quantity of germinal centers and lymphoepithelial duct lesions were evaluated. Immunohistochemical characterization was performed to analyze the B:T cell ratio of the lymphocytic infiltrate (CD20, CD79a, CD3) and cellular proliferation in the acinar parenchyma (by double immunohistologic labeling for cytokeratin 14 and Ki-67). Histologic data were assessed for correlations with the parotid flow rate and saliva composition. RESULTS: Four patients showed an increased salivary flow rate and normalization of the initially increased salivary sodium concentration. Following rituximab treatment, the lymphocytic infiltrate was reduced, with a decreased B:T cell ratio and (partial) disappearance of germinal centers. The amount and extent of lymphoepithelial lesions decreased in 3 patients and was completely absent in 2 patients. The initially increased proliferation of acinar parenchyma in response to inflammation was reduced in all patients. CONCLUSION: Sequential parotid biopsy specimens obtained from patients with primary SS before and after rituximab treatment demonstrated histopathologic evidence of reduced glandular inflammation and redifferentiation of lymphoepithelial duct lesions to regular striated ducts as a putative morphologic correlate of increased parotid flow and normalization of the salivary sodium content. These histopathologic findings in a few patients underline the efficacy of B cell depletion and indicate the potential for glandular restoration in SS.

Retention of lipiodol after parotid gland sialography.

There is limited information about the retention of lipiodol in the parotid gland after parotid gland sialography. This study assesses the prevalence of lipiodol retention after parotid sialography and determines if retention of lipiodol is related to the sialography technique or the underlying salivary gland pathology. Using the electronic hospital database (1996-2006), 66 out of 565 patients were identified who had additional maxillofacial radiographic examinations after the initial sialography. Additional radiographs up to October 2007 were included; these were orthopantomographic radiographs in all cases. In 28 patients (42%) signs of lipiodol retention were observed (mean radiographic follow-up: 15+/-13 months). Retention was characterized by small radiopaque spots in the periphery of the gland. Lipiodol retention was predominantly associated with a fausse route (n=8) or the presence of salivary gland disease (sialectasia; n=17). In 9 patients with signs of lipiodol retention, a series of radiographs was available. Lipiodol radiodensities decreased in size during 28 months, and could disappear gradually (follow-up 14-57 months). Despite the high frequency of retention of small depots of lipiodol for years after sialography in patients subjected to additional radiographic examinations, no clinically adverse effects were observed.

Parotid gland biopsy compared with labial biopsy in the diagnosis of patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of the parotid biopsy as a diagnostic tool for primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), and to compare the parotid biopsy and the labial biopsy with regard to diagnostic value and biopsy-related morbidity. METHODS: In 15 consecutive patients with pSS and 20 controls, the parotid biopsy was assessed as a diagnostic tool based on the presence of lymphocytic foci, benign lymphoepithelial lesions and lymphoid follicles. These new histological criteria were compared with established diagnostic criteria for the labial biopsy in 35 consecutive patients suspected for pSS who underwent simultaneous biopsies from both sites. In addition, both biopsies were compared for morbidity. RESULTS: The first analysis revealed a focus score of >or=1 or lymphocytic infiltrates (not fulfilling the criterion of a focus score of 1) combined with benign lymphoepithelial lesions as diagnostic criteria for pSS. When comparing the parotid biopsy with the labial biopsy sensitivity and specificity were comparable (sensitivity 78%, specificity 86%). Level of pain was comparable and no loss of motor function was observed. No permanent sensory loss was observed after parotid biopsy, while labial biopsy led to permanent sensory loss in 6% of the patients. Malignant lymphoma was detected in one parotid biopsy by chance, without involvement of the labial salivary gland. CONCLUSION: A parotid biopsy has a diagnostic potential comparable with that of a labial biopsy in the diagnosis of pSS, and may be associated with less morbidity.

Progression of salivary gland dysfunction in patients with Sjogren's syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Salivary gland dysfunction is one of the key manifestations of Sjögren's syndrome. OBJECTIVES: (1) To assess prospectively loss of function of individual salivary glands in patients with primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome in relation to disease duration and use of immunomodulatory drugs. (2) To study changes in sialochemical and laboratory values and subjective complaints over time. METHODS: 60 patients with Sjögren's syndrome were included in this study. Whole and gland-specific saliva (parotid and submandibular/sublingual (SM/SL)), samples were collected at baseline and after a mean of 3.6 (SD 2.3) years of follow-up. Disease duration was recorded for all patients. RESULTS: Patients with Sjögren's syndrome with short disease duration had significantly higher stimulated flow rates at baseline than those with longer disease duration (p<0.05). When compared with healthy controls, the decrease in SM/SL flow rates at baseline was more prominent than that in parotid flow rates (p<0.05). Over time, there was a significant further decrease of stimulated flow rates, especially of the parotid gland, accompanied by increasing problems with swallowing dry food (p<0.05). The decrease was independent of the use of corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Sialochemical variables remained stable. CONCLUSIONS: Early Sjögren's syndrome is characterised by a decreased salivary gland function (parotis>SM/SL), which shows a further decrease over time, regardless of the use of DMARDs or steroids. Patients with Sjögren's syndrome with longer disease duration are characterised by severely reduced secretions of both the parotid and SM/SL glands. These observations are relevant for identifying patients who would most likely benefit from intervention treatment.

Rituximab treatment in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome: an open-label phase II study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of B cell depletion treatment of patients with active primary Sjögren's syndrome of short duration (early primary SS) and patients with primary SS and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)-type lymphoma (MALT/primary SS). METHODS: Fifteen patients with primary SS were included in this phase II trial. Inclusion criteria for the early primary SS group were B cell hyperactivity (IgG >15 gm/liter), presence of autoantibodies (IgM rheumatoid factor, anti-SSA/SSB), and short disease duration (<4 years). Inclusion criteria for the MALT/primary SS group were primary SS and an associated MALT-type lymphoma (Ann Arbor stage IE) localized in the parotid gland. Patients were treated with 4 infusions of rituximab (375 mg/m2) given weekly after pretreatment with prednisone (25 mg) and clemastine. Patients were evaluated, using immunologic, salivary/lacrimal function, and subjective parameters, at baseline and at 5 and 12 weeks after the first infusion. RESULTS: Significant improvement of subjective symptoms and an increase in salivary gland function was observed in patients with residual salivary gland function. Immunologic analysis showed a rapid decrease of peripheral B cells and stable levels of IgG. Human anti-chimeric antibodies (HACAs) developed in 4 of 15 patients (27%), all with early primary SS. Three of these patients developed a serum sickness-like disorder. Of the 7 patients with MALT/primary SS, complete remission was achieved in 3, and disease was stable in 3 and progressive in 1. CONCLUSION: Findings of this phase II study suggest that rituximab is effective in the treatment of primary SS. The high incidence of HACAs and associated side effects observed in this study needs further evaluation.

C. elegans DAF-12, Nuclear Hormone Receptors and human longevity and disease at old age.

In Caenorhabditis elegans, DAF-12 appears to be a decisive checkpoint for many life history traits including longevity. The daf-12 gene encodes a Nuclear Hormone Receptor (NHR) and is member of a superfamily that is abundantly represented throughout the animal kingdom, including humans. It is, however, unclear which of the human receptor representatives are most similar to DAF-12, and what their role is in determining human longevity and disease at old age. Using a sequence similarity search, we identified human NHRs similar to C. elegans DAF-12 and found that, based on sequence similarity, Liver X Receptor A and B are most similar to C. elegans DAF-12, followed by the Pregnane X Receptor, Vitamin D Receptor, Constitutive Andosteron Receptor and the Farnesoid X Receptor. Their biological functions include, amongst others, detoxification and immunomodulation. Both are processes that are involved in protecting the body from harmful environmental influences. Furthermore, the DAF-12 signalling systems seem to be functionally conserved and all six human NHRs have cholesterol derived compounds as their ligands. We conclude that the DAF-12 signalling system seems to be evolutionary conserved and that NHRs in man are critical for body homeostasis and survival. Genomic variations in these NHRs or their target genes are prime candidates for the regulation of human lifespan and disease at old age.

Changes in salivary gland immunohistology and function after rituximab monotherapy in a patient with Sjogren's syndrome and associated MALT lymphoma.

OBJECTIVES: To report the successful use of rituximab on salivary gland immunohistology and function in a patient with Sjogren's syndrome (SS) and associated MALT lymphoma. CASE REPORT: The patient was a 42 year old woman with primary SS and associated MALT lymphoma located in the parotid gland and the hard palate. Four infusions of rituximab (375 mg/m(2)) weekly resulted in complete remission of the lymphoma. An incision biopsy of the parotid gland before and after treatment showed improvement of the (immuno)histopathological characteristics of SS, with possible regeneration of salivary gland tissue. Furthermore, salivary analysis showed decreased inflammatory characteristics and increased stimulated salivary flow. DISCUSSION: Rituximab is a promising agent in the treatment of SS associated MALT lymphoma. In addition to the effect on MALT lymphoma, B cell depletion by rituximab may also attenuate the activity of SS. This case report is the first to describe the effect of rituximab on histological and sialometric/chemical characteristics of SS. The efficacy of rituximab in the treatment of SS warrants further investigation.

[Bilateral swelling of the parotid glands as part of a systemic disease]. / Bilaterale zwelling van de glandulae parotideae als onderdeel van een systeemziekte.

In four patients, a man aged 34 years and three women aged 35, 32 and 55 years respectively bilateral swelling of the parotid glands was caused by systemic disease i.e. HIV-salivary gland disease, mucosa-associated lymphoid-tissue (MALT) lymphoma, sarcoidosis with coexisting Sjögren's syndrome, and sialosis and hypothyroidism, respectively. The HIV patient was treated with antiretroviral therapy, the first two women were treated expectantly and the third woman was given a thyroid hormone supplement which resulted in regression of the bilateral parotid enlargement. Bilateral enlargement of the parotid glands is not necessarily caused by infection, it can also be of systemic origin. Minimal invasive investigations of the salivary glands, such as sialography, measurement of salivary secretion rate (sialometry) and analysis of salivary composition (sialochemistry) can offer valuable information about the origin of the parotid gland swelling. Histopathological investigation of an incision biopsy of the parotid gland is an easy way to confirm the diagnosis. The morbidity associated with parotid biopsy is negligible.

[Sjögren' syndrome: a progressive disease]. / Het syndroom van Sjögren: een progressief ziektebeeld.

Sjögren's syndrome is an auto-immune disease resulting in, among other problems, serious eye and mouth dryness. The course of the disease, especially from an early towards a later phase, is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the symptoms and salivary gland function of Sjögren's syndrome patients, in order to gain insight in the possible progression of the disease. Forty-three patients were followed during a mean period of 3.5 years. Patients with a longer duration of oral symptoms showed more subjective complaints and less salivary flow when compared to patients with recent oral complaints. The differences in both the subjective and objective signs disappeared almost completely during follow-up. From this study it was concluded that Sjögen's syndrome is a progressive disease when diagnosed early. By asking specific questions the dentist can play an important role in early diagnosing the syndrome.

Soft tissue leiomyosarcomas and malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumors: differences in clinical outcome and expression of multidrug resistance proteins.

PURPOSE: Several studies have reported clinical behavior and chemotherapy resistance in leiomyosarcomas, but these studies did not differentiate between soft tissue leiomyosarcomas (LMS) and malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Multidrug resistance (MDR) has been associated with the expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance protein (MRP(1)), and lung resistance protein (LRP). The aim of the present study was to compare LMS and GIST with respect to clinical outcome and MDR parameters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical outcome was evaluated in 29 patients with a primary deep-seated LMS and 26 patients with a primary malignant GIST. Paraffin-embedded material, available for 26 patients with LMS and 25 with GIST, was used for immunohistochemical detection of P-gp, MRP(1), LRP, and c-kit. RESULTS: Mean overall survival (OS) was 72 months for LMS patients and 31 months for GIST patients (P: <.05). Metastases occurred in 16 (59%) of 27 assessable LMS patients and in 10 (56%) of 18 assessable GIST patients. LMS predominantly metastasized to the lungs (14 of 16 patients), whereas GIST tended to spread to the liver (five of 10 patients) and the abdominal cavity (three of 10 patients; P: <.001). P-gp and MRP(1) expression was more pronounced in GIST than in LMS (P: <.05): the mean percentage of P-gp expressing cells was 13.4% in patients with LMS and 38.4% in patients with GIST, and the mean percentage MRP(1) expressing cells was 13.3% in patients with LMS and 35.4% in patients with GIST. LRP expression did not differ between LMS and GIST. c-kit was expressed in 5% of the LMS patients and in 68% of the GIST patients. CONCLUSION: LMS patients have a better survival than GIST patients, and the metastatic pattern is different. Expression of MDR proteins in LMS is less pronounced than in GIST.