Childhood obesity: know it to prevent it.

Obesity can be defined as an excess of adipose tissue. It is associated to a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia. The results of the Italian survey called Okkio alla Salute (2010), which was attended over 42'000 students of third-class of primary school and 44'000 parents, confirm bad eating habits, sedentary lifestyles and excess weight. In particular, 22,9% of the children resulted overweight and 11,1% obese. The prevalence of obesity is higher in the south of Italy than in the north and in males rather than in females. Moreover, parents do not always have a real idea of the physical aspect of their son: 36% of the mothers of overweight or obese children are do not believe their child is overweight. Just 29% of them think that the quantity of food eaten by their child is excessive. The relative risk for an obese child to become an obese adult increases with the age and is directly correlated to the severity of overweight. Among obese children of preschool age, 26 to 41% will be an obese adult., Among scholar children, the percentage increases to 69%. The paper describes a multidisciplinary approach the disease, in fact, dietary and behavioural modifications, associated with physical activity, have the purpose of educate overweight and of preventing the onset of complications or reducing their severity if already present and reversible.

Applying for regulatory approval of a clinical trial of a medical device in the UK - A practical guide.

Seeking regulatory and ethical approval is a significant task that must be completed before conducting a clinical trial of a medical device. Currently in the UK, the Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) is a unified system for preparing regulatory, ethical and governance applications for the relevant bodies that must approve health and social research. This article outlines key aspects in planning a clinical trial of a medical device and how applications for approval can be prepared using IRAS.

Replacement of radiopacifier in mineral trioxide aggregate; characterization and determination of physical properties.

OBJECTIVE: Investigation of the replacement of bismuth oxide by zirconium oxide in mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and characterization and evaluation of the radiopacity and physical properties of varying replacements of zirconium oxide mixed at either water-powder or water-cement proportions of 0.3. The suitable filler loading of zirconium oxide for Portland cement in a MTA system for use as a root-end filling material was thus determined. METHODS: Portland cement replaced by zirconium oxide in varying amounts ranging from 0% to 50% in increments of 10 was mixed with water either at a water/powder (WP) proportion or at a water/cement (WC) proportion of 0.3. Portland cement and ProRoot MTA were used as controls. The materials' microstructures were investigated using optical light microscopy. The radiopacity, strength, setting time, water uptake, solubility, sorption and porosity of the specimens were also evaluated. The optimum formulation was selected using the digital logic method. RESULTS: Portland cement replaced with 30% zirconium oxide mixed at a water/cement proportion of 0.3 resulted to have the optimum combination of properties. This material exhibited radiopacity, compressive strength, setting time, water uptake, solubility and sorption comparable to ProRoot MTA. Both microscopy and the evaluation of porosity from the solubility and sorption experiments indicated a degree of porosity consisting mainly of capillary pores and entrapped air voids. SIGNIFICANCE: A filler loading of 30% zirconium oxide to Portland cement mixed at a water to cement proportion of 0.3 resulted in a material with comparable properties to mineral trioxide aggregate.

Disappearing roots. A case of widespread apical root resorption.

This article describes the case of widespread apical root resorption of unknown origin in a 16-year-old male. Radiographic investigations showed widespread root resorption affecting permanent molars, premolars and incisors to a varying degree. Haematological and endocrine investigations were all within normal ranges. The mechanisms for the findings are considered.