Study of the relationship of psychosocial disorders to bruxism in adolescents.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Bruxism has been defined as a diurnal or nocturnal parafunctional habit. Etiology of bruxism has remained controversial and some investigators believe that psychological factors may play a major role in promoting and perpetuating this habit. The aim of this case-control study was to assess the existence of an association between bruxism and psychosocial disorders in adolescents., Participants were chosen among 114, 12-14 year old students (girls). They were divided into two groups, bruxers and nonbruxers, on the basis of both validated clinical criteria and interview with each patient. A few participants were excluded on the basis of presence of systemic disorders, TMJ disorders, other oral habits, primary teeth, defective restorations and premature contacts. Following matching of two groups in regard to parent's age and education, mother's marital status, child support status, mother's employment status, and socio-economical status, 25 cases and 25 controls were enlisted. A self report validated questionnaire (YSR, 11-18 yr) was then filled out by both groups for the evaluation of 12 psychosocial symptoms. RESULTS: Remarkable differences in certain psychosocial aspects were found between the two groups. Prevalence of psychosocial disorders including Thought Disorders (P < 0.005), Conduct Disorders (P < 0.05), Antisocial Disorders (P < 0.06) as identified by YSR was significantly higher in bruxers. Significant differences between the two groups also emerged in total YSR scores (P < 0.005). The results of Odds Ratio revealed that a bruxer adolescent has 16 times greater probability for psychosocial disorders than a non-bruxer one. Fischer exact test and T-test were used and Odds Ratio and Confidence Interval was estimated. CONCLUSION: Support to the existence of an association between bruxism and psychosocial disorders has been provided.

Locoregional late effects of paravascular thorotrast deposits: results of the german thorotrast study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess late effects of long-term exposure to alpha irradiation caused by paravascular Thorotrast deposits. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 899 patients, who had received the radioactive contrast medium Thorotrast for angiography in the 1930s and 1940s, and 662 controls were followed-up since 1968 every two years by standardized clinical and laboratory examinations. Initially, X-ray plain films of the thorax, upper abdomen and the former injection site were performed. In selected patients the sites of paravascular Thorotrast deposits were evaluated by ultrasonography, CT and MRI. RESULTS: Paravascular Thorotrast deposits were detected in 245 patients. Clinical symptoms related to deposits appeared 10 to 30 years after Thorotrast administration. The severity of symptoms depended on the location and extension of granulomas and were mainly caused by fibrosis, nerve paralysis and vascular changes. Four malignant tumors adjacent to granulomas were observed (one soft tissue sarcoma in the groin, two squamous cell carcinomas of the parotid gland and one lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the nasopharynx). MRI including MRA allowed an accurate determination of tissue damage, whereas the utility of US and CT was restricted due to strong sound attenuation and streak artefacts caused by the high X-ray absorption of Thorotrast. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Locoregional late effects of paravascular Thorotrast deposits mainly comprise radiation induced, fibrotic tissue destruction. The incidence of malignant tumors, in particular sarcomas, adjacent to deposits, however, is much lower than initially expected.

[Sonographic examination of scrotum and testes with a new scanning technique (author's transl)]. / Echographie des Scrotums und der Testes mit Hilfe einer neuen Untersuchungstechnik.

The subject of this report is an improved technique for sonographic examination of the scrotum and the testes. The method is simple; by using a waterbath, a mechanical compression of the testes is avoided. In all sections the scrotum may be continually observed and a good picture reproduction is possible. The report concerns the results of a prospective examination of 37 patients. The diagnoses of their condition could be confirmed by surgery or by follow-up examinations.

[Real time demonstration of the carotid and other peripheral arteries by ultrasound (echo arteriography) (author's transl)]. / Echographische Echtzeitdarstellung der Arteria carotis und der peripheren Arterien (Echoarteriographie).

A newly developed ultrasound apparatus for use in angiologic diagnosis is described. The apparatus is a real time scanner with significantly better resolution than commercially available scanners. The carotid artery in the neck and major arteries in the arms and legs can be traced well into the periphery. An extremity can be examined in about ten minutes. It is possible to estimate the diameter of the vessel, the border between wall and lumen, its branches, amplitude and rhythm of pulsation and the relationship between the artery and its neighbouring tissues. The procedure is painless, has no side effects and therefore can be repeated as often as necessary.