Standardizing the classification and description of follicular unit transplantation and mini-micrografting techniques. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.

Previous attempts at classifying small graft transplants have focused mainly upon graft size and have not taken into consideration other technical factors involved in graft production that may influence the outcome of the surgery. The proposed classification attempts to consider these factors by including various technical aspects of harvesting, dissection, and placement, all of which impact the quality and quantity of the small grafts used in the procedure. By standardizing the nomenclature, as well as the description of the other factors involved in the surgery, communication between physicians and patients may be facilitated. In addition, different procedures may be more accurately studied and compared.

IgA antibodies to Streptococcus mutans in caries-resistant and -susceptible children.

Previous studies have shown a positive correlation between salivary IgA antibody levels to Streptococcus mutans and caries resistance in adults. In this study, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to compare IgA antibody levels with S. mutans in whole and parotid saliva from 20 caries-susceptible (CS; DMFS > 5) and 20 caries-resistant (CR; DMFS < or = 1) children (aged 7-11 years). Whole salivary S. mutans numbers were significantly greater (P < or = 0.05) in the CS group (mean of 31.2% of total oral streptococci) than in the CR group (mean of 1.6% of total oral streptococci). Whole saliva, but not parotid saliva, from CR children had significantly higher (P < or = 0.05) levels of IgA antibodies to S. mutans than saliva from CS children. These results suggest that salivary IgA antibodies to S. mutans may play a role in natural protection from dental caries in children and that the source of increased salivary IgA antibody in CR children may be either the minor, submandibular, or sublingual salivary glands.

Non-melanomatous skin cancer in the elderly: diagnosis and management.

Non-melanomatous skin cancers, particularly basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, are frequently observed in elderly persons and are primarily the result of the chronic, cumulative effects of exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet light radiation). Characteristics of both types of neoplasm and diagnosis and management of non-melanomatous skin cancer are reviewed. Treatment based on multiple factors, including patient age, overall health status, histologic pattern, and cosmetic considerations, is described.