Anthropomorphic assessment of the retromolar foramen and retromolar nerve: anomaly or variation of normal anatomy?

The retromolar foramen, retromolar canal, and retromolar nerve constitute a variation of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) with a prevalence of 12-75%; this represents type 1 bifidity of the IAN. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of the retromolar nerve in our population and to obtain related data. One hundred and thirty-six mandibles of fresh cadavers aged 20-75 years were dissected. The buccolingual location, diameter, and distance from the third molar, and their associations with sex, were measured. The area of innervation and demographic data were also documented and analysed statistically. The retromolar foramen and retromolar nerve were observed in 55 cases (40.4%). The mean diameter of the retromolar foramen was 1.7 mm (range 1.1-2.1 mm); the mean diameter was 1.8 mm in males and 1.5mm in females. Histological findings showed that the retromolar nerve extended from the anterior border of the ramus, innervating the retromolar pad and continuing to the buccal gingiva of up to two teeth anteriorly (first molar region). This high percentage of IAN type 1 bifidity (40.4%) suggests it to be a normal anatomical variation of the IAN rather than an anomaly.

Anencephaly and pregnancy outcome in Iran.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research is to study the complications of pregnancy associated with anencephaly. STUDY METHODS: Thirty-five mothers who delivered an anencephalic baby (as a case group) and forty-three mothers who delivered a non-anencephalic baby (as a control group)were included in this analytical research study. All cases and controls had singleton pregnancies. More than one matched control was chosen for each case when possible. The cases were selected by a survey of 149,000 births in six educational centers located in Tehran. The control group matched with the study group regarding birth date, maternal age, socioeconomic status and living environment. The outcomes for the control and study groups were studied and compared in the following areas: premature rupture of membrane, pregnancy length, fetal presentation, hydramnios, fetal death, sex ratio (male to female ratio) and other anomalies. RESULTS: Anencephaly increased the likelihood of premature rupture of membrane by a factor of seven (p < 0.001). Pre-term birth was six times more likely (p < 0.005) and acephalic fetal presentation was 46% (p < 0.0005). In the study group, sex ratio was 0.52 and in control was 1.68 (p < 0.025). Further, hydramnios appeared in 90% of the study group. Finally, the general likelihood of any abnormality was 19 times (p < 0.0005) greater in the study group than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the clear correlation between anencephaly and pregnancy complications, precise prenatal care, early diagnosis and treatment are strongly indicated in order to avoid serious maternal complications.

Prevalence of DMFT and fluorosis in the students of Dayer city (Iran).

The survey was performed using the cross-sectional method on 506 students selected using multi-stage random sampling. The fluorosis level according to Deans classification and DMFT with its standard method were surveyed. The water fluoride level was estimated in 6 town sources twice, using Alizarin chemical method. The fluorosis and DMFT prevalence in the samples was determined. A total number of 506 students (55.6% boys and 44.4% girls) aged 13 +/- 3 years were examined. The water fluoride level was 2.43 +/- 0.23 ppm and in all the samples, which was more than normal. 19.9% of the subjects being surveyed were healthy 43.6% had mild, 25% moderate and 11.5% had severe fluorosis. Severe fluorosis was found in 65.8% of girls and 34.2% of boys (p < 0.05). The mean DMFT value was 1.8 +/- 1.73 and was higher in girls in comparison with boys (p < 0.05).

Primary capsulectomy, anterior vitrectomy, lensectomy, and posterior chamber lens implantation in children: limbal versus pars plana.

PURPOSE: To compare the results of a limbal versus a pars plana approach for primary posterior capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy in the management of childhood cataract. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Labbafinejad Medical Center, Tehran, Iran. METHODS: A randomized, controlled, double-masked clinical trial of 45 eyes was conducted. After being matched, 38 eyes were included in the study and were divided into 2 equal groups for data analysis. All eyes had lensectomy and posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) implantation. Primary posterior capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy were performed through the limbus in half of the eyes and the pars plana in the other half. Main outcome measures included visual acuity, estimated red reflex, postsurgical inflammatory reaction, corneal clarity, posterior synechias, iris capture, IOL position, capsulectomy size, glaucoma, cystoid macular edema, retinal tear, and postoperative refraction. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the 2 approaches in the outcome measures. CONCLUSION: The anatomic and visual results were encouraging when posterior capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy, using a limbal or pars plana approach, were combined with lensectomy and PC IOL implantation in children. The application of these techniques depends on surgeon experience and skill.