Idiopathic epistaxis and meteorological factors: case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the occurrence of idiopathic epistaxis and daily values of air pressure, temperature, and humidity. We also investigated whether biometeorological forecasts should be addressed to persons with a history of nosebleed diathesis. METHODS: We analyzed consecutive idiopathic epistaxis events over a 3-year period. Patients were included if they had been in the municipality of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina at least 24 hours before the epistaxis occurrence. The monthly variation in epistaxis events was determined. Epistaxis days (Days "0", 0 = day with epistaxis occurrence) and selected nonepistaxis days (Days "-1", -1 = each first single day without epistaxis prior to Day 0) were compared according to daily values of mean, minimum, and maximum temperature; diurnal temperature range; minimum and maximum atmospheric pressure; diurnal pressure range; and mean relative humidity. RESULTS: The greatest and smallest percentage of epistaxis events occurred in the months of March and August, respectively. There were no significant differences between Days 0 and Days -1 with respect to the examined meteorological factors. CONCLUSION: In this region with a Mediterranean climate, we found a seasonal variation with an incidence peak during the spring transition months, but we did not identify any meteorological trigger factors for epistaxis. Thus, there is no need for biometeorological forecasts to be addressed to persons with a history of nosebleed diathesis.

[Use of the maximal physiologic load test in the evaluation of functional values of newly made complete dentures and dentures rebased by the Rehm method]. / Primena testa maksimalnog fizioloskog opterecenja u proceni funkcijske vrednosti novoizradjenih i po Rehm-u podlozenih totalnih zubnih proteza.

There is a constant dilemma of dental practitioners in contact with patients in whom complete dentures have lost congruent relation toward supporting mucoosseous tegmen if new dentures should be made or rebased by change of denture base. The investigators who have studied those problems have been mostly concerned with problem of material and rebasing procedures of complete dentures. The aim of the study was to determine the functional value of unrebased, rebased by Rehm and new complete dentures and compare the time of initial functional adaptation of patients to rebased and new complete dentures. The study included 72 examinees. The functional value of complete dentures was estimated by test of masticatory muscles, bioelectrical activity by test of masticatory efficacy and by test of maximal physiological load. On the basis of the study it was concluded that complete dentures rebased by Rehm were in function worthier than unrebased, and the period of initial functional adaptation was missing. In the examinees with pair of newly made complete dentures, functional tests revealed the reduction of initial values after the new dentures were delivered. During the examination interval, progressive dynamics with tendency of establishing the optimal functional value and initial functional adaptation was revealed after 21 days.

[Electromyography recording of the silent period in masseter muscles in persons with total dental prostheses with various vertical occlusal dimensions]. / Elektromiografska registracija perioda tisine m. masseter-a kod osoba sa totalnim zubnim protezama pri razlicitim visinama vertikalne dimenzije okluzije.

Silent period is reflex pause or period suppressed activity after some kind of simulation during or after muscular contraction. In dentistry electromyographically registered silent period has important place as method of functional diagnosis. The aim of this investigation was to establish duration of silent period in both masseter muscles of persons with complete dentures in normal increased and decreased occlusal vertical dimensions. Subjects of investigation were 4 men and 4 women, average of 65 years. Occlusal vertical dimensions were established electromyographically. For every subject tree sets of complete dentures were made: with normal, increased and decreased occlusal vertical dimension for 4 mm. Silent period was registered by "Medlec" Mystro-MS 20 apparatus with intramuscular leads. The differences of silent period duration were registered among all three vertical dimensions, especially between and increased occlusal vertical dimensions.

[Use of biological feedback in persons with complete new dental prostheses during the initial period of functional adaptation]. / Primena bioloske povratne sprege kod osoba sa novim totalnim zubnim protezama u periodu inicijalne funkcijske adaptacije.

Adductor muscles muscular tone of new complete denture wearers in the period of initial functional adaptation was investigated as well as the use of visual feedback with EMG method for more efficient use of dentures. Thirteen persons of 63 years average were investigated. Action potential of masseter muscle surface layers and pterigoid muscles anterior layers on both sides were registered. Subjects were instructed how to adjust the mandible from the rest position to the full contact with upper denture teeth and to keep it that way for 5 minutes, 3 times a day. Intensity of measured muscle activity was controlled immediately after denture insertion as well as 7, 14 and 21 days after insertion. The greatest amplitude values of all of four examined muscles were registered after denture insertion. Expected changes due to the use of visual feedback had favorable effect on muscular tone lowering during the following period. Maximal therapeutic tone was reestablished.

[Physiological duration of the silent period in masticatory muscles]. / Fiziolosko trajanje perioda tisine u mastikatornim misicima.

"Silent period" is the reflex pause or the period of suppressive activity that is subsequent to some sort of stimuli during or after the muscle contraction. In current dentistry, "silent period" registered by electromyography presents in functional diagnosis one of the parameters in revealing the functional disturbances of neuromuscular system. The aim of the study was to investigate the physiological duration of "silent period" in masticatory muscles. The group of examinees comprised 4 males and 4 females of average age 29 years. All the examinees were with healthy stomatognathic system and natural dentition. "Silent period" was registered by the apparatus "Medlec" Mystro-MS 20 using intramuscular electrodes. The results of the investigation indicated the different duration of physiological "silent period", depended on the type of investigated muscle.