Dental caries and first permanent molar pit and fissure morphology in 7- to 8-year-old children in Wuhan, China

To obtain the caries experience and,plaque accumulation severity and pit and fissure morphology in first permanent molars in 7-8 children in Wuhan,as a reasonable prediction of caries risk and preventive attention in the future,a convenient sample of five primary schools in the vicinity of the Wuhan University School and Hospital of Stomatology was drawn.Two calibrated examiners orally examined all present grade 2 children in the classroom,using standard caries plaque and tooth morphology criteria.Dental caries was scored at enamel(D 2) and dentine(D 3) for tooth and surface level.Independent variables were age,gender and school.Data analysis used analysis of variance and t-test.The sample comprised 1 043 7-and 8-year-olds.The prevalence of dental caries in permanent dentition was 8.7% and in primary dentition,68.7%.Mean Decayed,Missing,Filled Teeth/S(DMFT/S) scores were 0.11 and 0.14,respectively.Mean dmft/s scores were 2.8 and 5.0.The d-component constituted 75% of the d 3 mft index,while enamel carious lesions constituted 36% of the total number of carious lesions(d 2,3-component).Prevalence of medium and deep pits and fissures was 84.6%.Prevalence of medium and severe plaque accumulation was 67.4%.Prevalence of dental caries in the deciduous and permanent dentitions of 7-to 8-year-old children was high.Deep pits and fissures in high caries risk children should be sealed.     

Oral health status in Sichuan Province:findings from the oral health survey of Sichuan, 2015–2016

To investigate oral health status in the residents of Sichuan Province, southwest China, a cross-sectional study was performed using the latest Oral Health Survey Basic Methods recommended by the World Health Organization. A multistage stratified random cluster-sampling method was used to enroll participants from the following three groups: children aged 3–5 years, adolescents aged 12 years, and people aged 65–74 years. In these three groups, the mean numbers of teeth that were affected by caries were 3.28, 0.86 and 5.13, respectively, resulting in a prevalence of 63.47%, 37.20%and 83.20%, respectively. Relative to the high rate of decayed teeth, the prevalence of fillings was very low in all age groups (0.97%, 7.24% and 5.43%, respectively). In the 12-year-old adolescent group, only 3.61%had good pit and fissure sealing. In addition, the rate of dental fluorosis was 24.80%, and the Community Fluorosis Index value was 0.39. In the elder group, the community periodontal index was 2.92. The prevalence in the elderly of having lost at least one tooth was 75.54%. Additionally, 4.44%of these participants were edentulous. The incidence of dental prosthesis was 51.75%, the proportion with a removable partial denture, a fixed denture, full dentures, dental implants and an informal fixed bridge was 21.59%, 11.45%, 4.64%, 0 and 16.67%, respectively. In this study, 8.2%of the elderly participants were affected by different types of oral mucosal lesions. Among such lesions, recurrent aphthous ulcers were most prevalent (2.69%) and oral lichen planuses were second (1.6%). The conclusion presented in this survey is that oral diseases, especially dental caries and periodontal disease, are frequent and common in Sichuan province, China. Moreover, the treatment rate is very low, and primary prevention and treatment options are therefore urgently needed in this population.     

Caries Patterns in the Primary Dentition: Cluster Analysis of a Sample of 5,169 Arizona Children 5-59 Months of Age

Aim Cluster analysis was conducted on data from 5,169 United States （U.S.） Arizona children, age＇s 5-59-months with the goal of delineating patterns of caries in the primary dentition of pre-school children without a priori pattern definitions.
Methodology Cluster analyses were conducted using all data for children ages 0-4 years in aggregate： 1） for all subjects, and 2） for subjects without crowned restored teeth. Each of these two sets of analyses consisted of 8 differently specified cluster analyses as a validation procedure.
Results The caries patterns identified from the clustering analysis are： 1） smooth surfaces （other than the maxillary incisor）, 2） maxillary incisor, 3） occlusal surfaces of first molars, and 4） pit and fissure surfaces of second molars.
Conclusion The cluster analysis findings were consistent with results produced by multidimensional scaling. These cross-validated patterns may represent resulting disease conditions from different risks or the timing of various risk factor exposures. As such, the patterns may be useful case definitions for caries risk factor investigations in children under 60 months of age.     

Efficacy of two calcium phosphate pastes on the remineralization of artificial caries： a randomized controlled double-blind in situ study

To test the efficacy of two calcium phosphate pastes compared to that of fluoride toothpaste on remineralizing artificial caries in situ, this study had a double-blind crossover in situ design, involving three experimental phases of 14 days each, with an 8-day washout period between phases. Nine healthy subjects participated in the study. The subjects wore removable palatal appliances mounted with six human enamel slabs with artificial caries lesions, and in each of the experimental phases, used one of the following methods two times/day： group A, brushing with 1.0 g of Colgate Regular Flavor, followed by applying 0.25 g of Tooth Mousse Plus; group B, brushing with 0.25 g of Clinpro Tooth Crbme; and group C, brushing with 1.0 g of Colgate Regular Flavor. After 14 days, the enamel slabs （54 slabs/ group） were embedded in resin, sectioned and examined with a polarized-light microscope, and the lesion areas were quantified using Image-Pro Plus. All experimental groups showed a significant reduction in lesion area compared to the initial lesion area （paired t-test, P〈O.O01）. The mean reduction in lesion area of Groups A, B and C were （0.029__.0.010）, （0.030_＋0.009） and （0.027_＋0.009） mm2, respectively. There were no statistical differences between groups （KruskaI-Wallis test, P〉0.05）. All three groups remineralized the enamel slab lesions, indicating model sensitivity to fluoride. Given the differences in usage amounts and treated regimens, Clinpro Tooth Crbme provided similar benefits to the fluoride toothpaste; however, no additional benefit of Tooth Mousse Plus was observed when used in conjunction with the fluoride toothpaste.     

Study of the prevalence and distribution of dental caries in a medieval population in Southwest France

INTRODUCTION: Teeth are an interesting material for the study of ancient populations. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of caries in a medieval sample of paired maxillas in a rural population in Southwest France and to compare men and women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our sample included 58 adults, 29 men and 29 women, with dentate maxillas in good state of conservation, for a total of 1,395 teeth out of a possible 1,846 (75%). The number of caries and their localization were noted. RESULTS: The frequency of antemortem missing teeth was 8.67%. The prevalence of caries was 17.46% and the most frequent caries were occlusal and proximal. Second and third molars were the most frequently affected maxillary and mandibular teeth. Caries on maxillary teeth were statistically more frequent than on mandibular teeth (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between men and women (p>0.05). DISCUSSION: Our study showed that the frequency and the distribution of dental caries in this medieval population from southwest France were comparable to those of other European populations from the same period. The low level of caries was probably due to attrition and noncariogenic food. Differences between men and women were not significant, even though our results suggest that men were much more concerned by caries than women, especially for posterior teeth. A different diet may be the reason for this difference.     

Sialoendoscopic treatment for radioiodine induced sialadenitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The use of radioiodine (RI) for the ablation of residual thyroid tissue and metastatic thyroid cancer lesions after thyroidectomy has become established as standard treatment in the management of differentiated thyroid cancer and subsequent sialadenitis is the most common complication of RI therapy. The purpose of this study was to establish a new treatment modality for RI-induced sialadenitis. METHOD: The study group consisted of 115 patients with a mean age of 47.7 (range, 24-78) years. All patients received RI therapy after total thyroidectomy. The incidence of RI-induced sialadenitis, salivary gland involvement, administered RI dose, treatment modality, and result of treatment by interventional sialoendoscopy were evaluated. RESULTS: The incidence of RI-induced sialadenitis was 18% (21/115), with involvement of the parotid more frequent than the submandibular gland. The average development period of RI-induced sialadenitis was 4.8 months. The average RI dosage for the sialadenitis group was higher than for the nonsialadenitis group, suggesting that RI-induced sialadenitis may be dose related, although the data were not statistically significant because of the small numbers in the high-dose group. Conservative management was effective in 71% (15/21) of the cases, and interventional sialoendoscopy was successful in 50% of those cases that did not respond to conservative treatment. The causes of treatment failure in the remaining cases were a totally obstructed parotid duct and stenosis at the bifurcation site. CONCLUSION: Sialadenitis is the most common complication after RI therapy. Sialadenitis was successfully managed by conservative treatment in most cases, and interventional sialoendoscopy is an alternative method of treatment in selected cases such as in partial ductal stenosis.     

Comparison between visual clinical examination and the replica method for assessments of sealant retention over a 2-year period

To compare the levels of agreement and the survival rates of sealant retention for different sealing materials over a 2-year period assessed using the visual clinical examination and replica methods, sealant retention data were obtained by visual clinical examination and from replicas of the same sealed tooth at baseline and at 0.5-, 1- and 2-year evaluation points in 407 children and were compared for agreement using kappa coefficients. Survival curves of retained sealants on occlusal surfaces were created using modified categorisation （fully retained sealants and those having all pits and fissures partly covered with the sealant material versus completely lost sealants that included pit and fissure systems that had /〉 1 pit re-exposed） according to the Kaplan-Meier method. The kappa coefficient for the agreement between both assessment methods over the three evaluation time points combined was 0.38 （95% confidence interval （CI）： 0.35-0.41）. More sealant retention was observed from replicas than through visual clinical examination. Cumulative survival curves at the three evaluation times were not statistically significantly higher when assessed from replicas （P=0.47）. Using the replica method, more retained sealant material was observed than through visual clinical examination during the 2-year period. This finding did not result in a difference in the survival rates of sealants assessed by the two assessment methods. When replicas cast in die stone are used for assessing sealant retention, the level of reliability of the data is higher than that of data obtained through the commonly used visual clinical examination, particularly if such assessments are conducted over time.     

Sphenoorbitale Meningeome

Background

The purpose of this study was to present the findings on growth patterns in a large surgical series of sphenoorbital meningiomas.

Patients and methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 77 patients (61 f) harboring sphenoorbital meningiomas, who underwent surgery between 1991 and 2009. The standard surgical approach consisted of pterional craniotomy and extradural resection of any infiltrated bone. The intradural and orbital tumor was resected, with complete reconstruction of the dura while the lateral bone was partially reconstructed. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 130 months (mean: 57.9 months).

Results

Total macroscopic resection was achieved in 42 patients. Fifty-eight meningiomas extended to the orbital roof and/or lateral orbital wall, 42 involved the extraconal space, and 11 the intraconal space. Sixty-three tumors involved the superior orbital fissure, 54 the optic canal, and 24 the inferior orbital fissure. Seventeen tumors infiltrated the cavernous sinus and 37 involved the anterior clinoid process. The rate of minor morbidity was 14.3% (slight deficits) and the rate of major morbidity was 4% (significant deficits). Subtotal resections were performed on 35 patients because there was intraorbital tumor (n=8); tumor in the cavernous sinus (n=12); tumor invading the superior orbital fissure (n=12); and tumor of the skull base (n=3). Nine patients underwent postoperative three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, which resulted in stable tumor volume at follow-up in eight patients. Tumor recurrence was identified in ten patients (12.9%) postoperatively (range of follow-up: 10–47 months).

Conclusion

The goal of surgery is complete tumor removal without morbidity. Exact analysis of tumor growth and possible involvement of pertinent structures are mandatory in planning the procedure.     

前壁外耳道-鼓膜瓣应用于开放式鼓室成形术31例

目的 探讨前壁外耳道-鼓膜瓣应用于开放式鼓室成形术中,能否提高鼓膜修补成功率和手术疗效.方法 对慢性化脓性中耳炎及中耳胆脂瘤伴中、下鼓室自行封闭患者66例(66耳),予开放式鼓室成形术治疗,其中31例术中应用前壁外耳道-鼓膜瓣内植法鼓室成形(前瓣组),35例应用软骨和筋膜内植法鼓室成形(软骨组),测定术前及术后6个月气导(AC)、气骨导差(ABG),比较两组的临床疗效.结果 前瓣组成功率为96.8%(30/31),软骨组88.6%(31/35),两组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);前瓣组有效率为88.46%,软骨组为65.52%,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),即前瓣组优于软骨组.结论 伴有中、下鼓室封闭的慢性中耳炎患者,行开放式鼓室成形术中应用前壁外耳道-鼓膜瓣鼓室成形能提高筋膜成活率,术后鼓膜穿孔率低,较好成形鼓室,并能同期听力重建,提高听力.     

Effect of inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and oxatomide on immune mediated otitis media

OBJECTIVE: Inflammatory mediators (IMs) play a major role in the production of middle ear effusion (MEE). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and leukotrienes (LTs) appear to be important in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion (OME). The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of TNF-alpha and LT antagonist on the outcome of experimental immune-mediated OME. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective. METHODS: Otitis media was induced in rats by injecting keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) transtympanically 7 days after systemic immunization. Experimental groups were treated with soluble TNF receptor type I (sTNF RI) or oxatomide simultaneously. Seventy-two hours after transtympanic injection, MEE was aspirated, and temporal bone was taken. Vascular permeability (VP) of the middle ear mucosa was measured using the Evans blue dye technique. Hematoxylin-eosin stain and immunohistochemical stain for leukocyte common antigen was performed. RESULTS: In KLH, sTNF RI, and oxatomide groups, MEE was developed in 83%, 0%, and 66% of the ears, respectively. The sTNF RI group showed significant decrease in effusion production, inflammation, mucosal thickening, and VP compared with the KLH group. These parameters were less significant in the oxatomide group than in the sTNF RI group. CONCLUSION: Transtympanic administration of sTNF RI and oxatomide appears to suppress the development of immune-mediated MEE.     

Novel rechargeable calcium phosphate nanoparticle-containing orthodontic cement

White spot lesions (WSLs), due to enamel demineralization, occur frequently in orthodontic treatment. We recently developed a novel rechargeable dental composite containing nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) with long-term calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) ion release and caries-inhibiting capability. The objectives of this study were to develop the first NACP-rechargeable orthodontic cement and investigate the effects of recharge duration and frequency on the efficacy oftion re-release. The rechargeable cement consisted of pyromellitic glycerol dimethacrylate (PMGDM) and ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (EBPADMA). NACP was mixed into the resin at 40% by mass. Specimens were tested for orthodontic bracket shear bond strength (SBS) to enamel, Ca and P ion initial release, recharge and re-release. The new orthodontic cement exhibited an SBS similar to commercial orthodontic cement without CaP release (P>0.1). Specimens after one recharge treatment (e.g., 1 min immersion in recharge solution repeating three times in one day, referred to as"1 min 3 times") exhibited a substantial and continuous re-release of Ca and P ions for 14 days without further recharge. The ion re-release did not decrease with increasing the number of recharge/re-release cycles (P>0.1). The ion re-release concentrations at 14 days versus various recharge treatments were as follows:1 min 3 times>3 min 2 times>1 min 2 times>6 min 1 time>3 min 1 time>1 min 1 time. In conclusion, although previous studies have shown that NACP nanocomposite remineralized tooth lesions and inhibited caries, the present study developed the first orthodontic cement with Ca and P ion recharge and long-term release capability. This NACP-rechargeable orthodontic cement is a promising therapy to inhibit enamel demineralization and WSLs around orthodontic brackets.     

显微手术切除脑干海绵状血管瘤的临床分析

目的探讨脑干海绵状血管瘤显微手术适应证、手术入路的选择及术中注意事项和预后。方法回顾性分析16例手术治疗的脑干海绵状血管瘤临床资料。所有病例均行头部CT、MRI和全脑血管DSA检查,病变位于中脑和脑桥4例,脑桥11例,延髓1例,直径大小为（1.3±0.4）cm。采用枕下后正中经小脑延髓裂四脑室入路7例,枕下经天幕入路1例,颞下或颞枕入路4例,枕下乙状窦后入路4例。术中行脑神经监护、神经导航引导下切除病变。结果术前所有患者均有出血史及脑神经症状和（或）运动功能障碍、感觉障碍、共济失调表现。16例中涉及中脑病变手术入路选择以颞下、颞枕或枕下经天幕入路为主;脑桥病变多选择枕下后正中经小脑延髓裂四脑室入路;脑桥前外侧方病变采用枕下乙状窦后入路。而病变位于延髓者以枕下后正中经小脑延髓裂四脑室入路为主。显微镜下将肿瘤全切,无手术死亡。随访4～48个月。16例均无复发及再出血者。结论脑干海绵状血管瘤个体化地选择显微手术入路、术中神经电生理监测以及神经导航导引是手术成功的重要保证。把握好手术时机,积极手术治疗,完全可以达到治愈目的。     

射频消融术治疗慢性肥厚性鼻炎

目的：探讨射频消融治疗慢性肥厚性鼻炎所致鼻塞的效果及对鼻黏膜功能的影响。方法：采用射频消融术治疗慢性肥厚性鼻炎60例的双侧下鼻甲，术前及术后3个月应用视觉模拟评分表（visual analogue scale, VAS）评价鼻塞的主观感觉；应用糖精试验法测定术前及术后3个月的鼻腔黏膜纤毛输送率（mucociliary transport rate, MTR）。结果：术前鼻塞VAS评分左侧为（68.7±9.6）%，右侧为（72.5±10.2）%；术后3个月左侧为（35.0±9.0）%，右侧为（40.3±10.6）%，与术前相比，差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.01）。随访3个月，双侧下鼻甲与鼻中隔的最小距离从术前小于0.2?cm增加到术后大于0.3?cm。术前鼻黏膜纤毛MTR为（7.64±1.56）mm/min，术后3个月鼻黏膜纤毛MTR为（6.89±2.01）mm/min，与术前比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。结论：射频消融术是治疗慢性肥厚性鼻炎所致鼻塞的较好方法，对鼻黏膜纤毛无明显影响，未破坏鼻黏膜纤毛的正常生理功能     

Tooth loss patterns in older adults with special needs: a Minnesota cohort

This study was conducted to detail tooth loss patterns in older adults with special needs. A total of 491 elderly subjects with special needs were retrospectively selected and followed during 10/1999-12/2006. Medical, dental,cognitive, and functional assessments were abstracted from dental records and used to predict risk of tooth loss.Tooth loss events were recorded for subjects during follow-up. Chi-squared tests were used to study the association between tooth loss and the selected risk factors. Logistic, poisson, and negative binomial regressions were developed to study tooth loss patterns. Overall, 27% of the subjects lost at least one tooth during follow-up. Fourteen subjects had tooth loss events per 100 person-years. Tooth loss pattern did not differ significantly among different special-needs subgroups (i.e. community-dwelling vs. long-term care, physically disabled vs. functionally independent). Special-needs subjects with three or more active dental conditions at arrival had more than twice the risk of losing teeth than those without any existing conditions. After adjusting other factors, the number of carious teeth or retained roots at arrival was a significant predictor of tooth loss for older adults with special needs (P=0.001). These findings indicate that appropriately managing active caries and associated conditions is important to prevent tooth loss for older adults with special needs.     

Guided-tissue regeneration in endodontic surgery

AIM: Endodontic surgery has for aim to treat bone lesions due to dental-canal infections. The authors investigated the success rate of guided-tissue regeneration (GTR) in endodontic surgery for large periapical lesions. METHODOLOGY: Both bone defects with eroded lingual/palatal and buccal cortex (two-wall defect: transosseous) and lesions with noneroded lingual/palatal cortex (four-wall defect) were assessed. All lesions had a diameter of least 10mm. A total of 73 teeth in 55 patients were included according to specific selection criteria. Full mucoperiosteal tissue flap were used. A straight fissure bur in a hand-piece was positioned apically and 2.5 to 3mm of the root-end were shaved away. Root-end cavities, 2.5 to 3mm deep, were prepared with ultrasonic tips. Root-ends were sealed using Super EBA. The choice of using or not GTR associated with deproteinized bovine bone for each patient wax made by a computer-generated randomized table. For cases allocated to the GTR group, the defect was filled with anorganic bovine-bone mineral and then covered with a resorbable collagen membrane. The outcome was assessed by clinical and radiographic evaluation at one-year follow-up. RESULTS: Sixty-nine teeth were evaluated at one year follow-up. Twenty-six cases were transosseous lesions. At the one-year follow-up, 56 teeth had successfully healed (81.2%), healing was uncertain for 10 teeth and three were classified as failure. The cases classified as uncertain healing were scheduled for another follow-up three years later. DISCUSSION: According to published data, GTR as a complement of periapical surgery is not necessary for four-wall defects. However, it may be an indication for transosseous lesions.     

影响正常眼压性青光眼的血管因素研究

目的 观察血管因素对正常眼压性青光眼(NTG)的影响。方法 前瞻性地对NTG组40眼及年龄、性别相匹配的正常对照组40眼行彩色超声多普勒成像(CDFI)研究,分析颈总动脉(CA)、颈内动脉(ICA)、 眼动脉(OA)、视网膜中央动脉(CRA)和睫状后短动脉(SPCA)的收缩期峰值血流速度(PSV)、舒张末期血流速度(EDV)及阻力指数(RI)。结果 NTG组ICA、OA、CRA、 SPCA的PSV与正常对照组比较均降低 (P<0.01、P<0.05),RI则明显增高 (P<0.01), OA和CRA的EDV与正常对照组比较亦均降低 (P<0.01、P<0.05), ICA和SPCA的EDV与正常对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),而CA的各项参数与正常对照组比较差异亦均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 应将ICA 、OA、CRA、PCA的RI增高作为早期诊断NTG及判断预后的重要指标,同时亦应参考OA、CRA的EDV是否降低,以对NTG患者的预后及治疗方案提供有利信息。     

Specific language impairment in families: evidence for co-occurrence with reading impairments.

Two family aggregation studies report the occurrence and co-occurrence of oral language impairments (LIs) and reading impairments (RIs). Study 1 examined the occurrence (rate) of LI and RI in children with specific language impairment (SLI probands), a matched control group, and all nuclear family members. Study 2 included a larger sample of SLI probands, as well as their nuclear and extended family members. Probands and their family members who met specific criteria were classified as language and/or reading impaired based on current testing. In Study 1, the rates of LI and RI for nuclear family members (excluding probands) were significantly higher than those for control family members. In the SLI families, affected family members were more likely to have both LI and RI than either impairment alone. In Study 2, 68% of the SLI probands also met the diagnostic classification for RI. The language and RI rates for the other family members, excluding probands, were 25% and 23% respectively, with a high degree of co-occurrence of LI and RI (46%) in affected individuals. Significant sex ratio differences were found across generations in the families of SLI probands. There were more male than female offspring in these families, and more males than females were found to have both LIs and RIs. Results demonstrate that when LIs occur within families of SLI probands, these impairments generally co-occur with RIs. Our data are also consistent with prior findings that males show impairments more often than females.     

Second premolar agenesis is associated with mandibular form:a geometric morphometric analysis of mandibular cross-sections

The aim of this study was to compare mandibular form (i.e., size and shape) between patients with agenesis of the lower second premolar (P2) and a control group with no agenesis. Three hypotheses were tested: (H1) agenesis causes a change in mandibular morphology because of inadequate alveolar ridge development in the area of the missing tooth (mandibular plasticity); (H2) agenesis is caused by spatial limitations within the mandible (dental plasticity); and (H3) common genetic/epigenetic factors cause agenesis and affect mandibular form (pleiotropy). A geometric morphometric analysis was applied to cross-sectional images of computed tomography (CT) scans of three matched groups (n=50 each):(1) regularly erupted P2;(2) agenesis of P2 and the primary second molar in situ;and (3) agenesis of P2 and the primary second molar missing for 43 months. Cross-sections of the three areas of interest (first premolar, P2, first molar) were digitized with 23 landmarks and superimposed by a generalized Procrustes analysis. On average, the mandibular cross-sections were narrower and shorter in patients with P2 agenesis compared with that in the control group. Both agenesis groups featured a pronounced submandibular fossa. These differences extended at least one tooth beyond the agenesis-affected region. Taken together with the large interindividual variation that resulted in massively overlapping group distributions, these findings support genetic and/or epigenetic pleiotropy (H3) as the most likely origin of the observed covariation between mandibular form and odontogenesis. Clinically, reduced dimensions and greater variability of mandibular form, as well as a pronounced submandibular fossa, should be expected during the treatment planning of patients with P2 agenesis.     

Absence of planned neck dissection for the N2-N3 neck after chemoradiation for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

OBJECTIVE: To review our institutional experience of patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and N2-N3 neck disease with respect to neck recurrence after chemoradiation without planned neck dissection (ND). DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. PATIENTS: Fifty-four adults with locally advanced SCCHN and N2-N3 neck disease. INTERVENTIONS: Eighty consecutive patients were treated with chemoradiation, 70 Gy given as 2 Gy daily for 7 weeks, with cisplatin, 20 mg/m(2), given on the first 4 days of weeks 1 and 5. Of the 80 patients, 54 were evaluable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were overall survival and absence or presence of neck disease after chemoradiation. Secondary outcomes included disease-specific survival and locoregional recurrence-free survival. RESULTS: Median follow-up of living patients was 35 months. Patients with a complete response (CR) did not have any planned ND. Factors associated with the absence of recurrent neck disease included CR (P < .001), younger age (P = .02), and better Karnofsky Performance Status (P = .049). In patients achieving CR, 2-year overall, disease-specific, and locoregional recurrence-free survival was 92%, 95%, and 95%, respectively. Three of the 43 patients (7%) with N2 lesions obtaining CR subsequently experienced a neck recurrence at a median of 15 months (range, 7-24 months). CONCLUSIONS: In these patients with locally advanced SCCHN and N2-N3 neck disease treated with chemoradiation and achieving CR, only a few patients with N2 neck disease experienced recurrence despite the absence of planned ND. Prospective trials are needed to identify patients with N2 neck disease who may still benefit from planned ND after chemoradiation. There were not enough patients with N3 neck disease to make any recommendations.     

Micronucleus frequency in acquired middle ear cholesteatoma

Objective—To determine the micronucleus (MN) frequency of acquired cholesteatoma tissue using an MN assay.

Material and Methods—Eighteen patients were diagnosed as having chronic otitis media with acquired cholesteatoma and were divided into primary and secondary acquired cholesteatoma groups. Cholesteatoma tissue and normal tissue specimens from the external ear canal skin were taken from the patients during surgical operations. MN frequencies of cholesteatoma and control samples were determined according to standard criteria.

Results—The MN frequencies of the cholesteatoma and control tissues were 0.54%±0.31% and 0.24%±0.11%, respectively (p<0.01). MN frequencies for the primary and secondary acquired cholesteatoma groups were 0.63%±0.36% and 0.46%±0.26%, respectively (p>0.05). MN frequencies in cholesteatoma patients without and with complications were 0.42%±0.19% and 0.85%±0.37%, respectively (p<0.05).

Conclusion—MN frequencies were found to be increased in cholesteatoma tissues when compared with external ear canal skin. The MN frequency in five cases with complications was higher than in cases without complications. These results indicate that there could be associations between MN frequency and acquired cholesteatoma and between MN frequency and complications.