The stoichiometric solubility of calcium orthophosphates

abstract — On the assumption that the calcium orthophosphates dissolve stoichiometrically, the solubility of Hap, Fap, DCPD, OCP and TCP , as well as of CaCO₃ and CaF₂, have been calculated in terms of grams of solid phase per liter under equilibrium conditions. As exemplified in the text, these calculated solubilities facilitate the understanding of the complex behavior of the orthophosphates when in solution.     

Response from a disadvantaged, rural population to a subsidized dental program

abstract – The present report deals with the first part of an investigation concerning the dental treatment in a disadvantaged, rural population in Norway. A state-supported dental program was introduced, and the response of the recipients was recorded. In a community of 5,214 inhabitants (Nord-Odal) all persons (280) between 20–60 years of age receiving economic support under different welfare programs were sent a short questionnaire and an accompanying letter offering subsidized dental services. After a follow-up letter, remaining non-respondents were visited in their homes for collection of the questionnaires. Finally, completely or partially answered questionnaires totalled 265, representing 97 % of all recipients excluding 7 with residence outside the community. Of the respondents, 78 % agreed to participate in the program, 12 % refused, and 10 % were uncertain. In general, those who refused were most likely to be found in the oldest age group and among people with a minimum income. Persons wearing dentures in both jaws refused the program more frequently than did persons with 15 or more teeth. The most common reason for refusing participation was satisfaction with their present dental condition.     

Prevention of fall injuries requiring hospital treatment among community-dwelling elderly

Background: To reduce the number of fall injuries requiringhospital treatment among community-dwelling elderly a community-basedintervention programme was set up. The study was designed asa prospective intervention study with the intervention consistingof information and home visits with follow-up, removing physicalhazards, treating somatic and psychiatric illnesses and dealingwith improper drug consumption, diet insufficiencies and physicaland mental inactivity. The setting was five municipalities ofthe county of Vejle, Denmark (intervention area) with 12,905community-dwelling elderly (65 years) and four other municipalitiesin the same county (control area) with 11,460 community-dwellingelderly (65 years) from 1 January 1986 to 31 March 1988. Method:A separate injury register at hospitals, with catchment areasfor the above study population, was established to collect informationon fall-related injuries among the community dwelling elderlywho were referred to out-patient treatment or hospitalization.The fall injuries requiring treatment were registered for ninemonths prior to the intervention and for 18 months during theimplementation of the intervention programme. Results: The preventedfraction was estimated for all fractures, lower extremity fracturesand hip fractures. A non-significant reduction of 14% in thenumber of all fractures was found in the intervention groupcompared with the control group. The reduction of lower extremityfractures in the intervention group was found to be significantlygreater: 33% (95% CI: 3–63%), due to a highly significantreduction among women: 46% (95% CI: 8–84%), but withoutreduction among men. Similarly a high, although non-significant,reduction of hip fractures among women was found: 43% (95% CI:-2 - 88%). The reductions appeared to be highest in the lastnine months of the intervention period and highest among womenliving alone. Conclusion: It is possible to reduce the numberof major fall-related fractures among elderly with a well-integrated,community-based intervention programme having information, homevisits and follow-up as major components and utilizing existinghealth personnel in a municipality.     

BILE ACID EXCRETION AND MALABSORPTION IN INTRAHEPATIC CHOLESTASIS OF INFANCY ("NEONATAL HEPATITIS")

Bile acid excretion has been studied in four patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of infancy neonatal hepatitis) after intramuscular administration of cholic acid-24-¹⁴.C Bile acid secretion to the intestines was found to be highly impaired and the main route of excretion was via the urine. Practically all of the administered labeled cholic acid was conjugated prior to excretion. The main conjugates were glycocholic and taurocholic acid. At least three additional conjugates of cholic acid were isolated from the urine. Analysis of bile obtained from three of the patients in connection with operative cholangiography showed a very low concentration of bile acids, phospholipids and cholesterol. The bile was of normal colour owing to the presence of bilirubin. Severe steatorrhea and markedly impaired absorption of vitamin A was demonstrated when the patients were jaundiced. The impairment of bile acid excretion to the gut and the degree of steatorrhea were well correlated. In some of the patients steatorrhea persisted after the disappearance of jaundice. In those instances, the impairment of bile acid excretion to the gut was found to persist.     

Preliminary results of the use of indole-3-carbinol for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

OBJECTIVE: We report the preliminary results of a phase I trial using indole-3-carbinol for the treatment of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Indole-3-carbinol is a chemical that is found in high concentrations in cruciferous vegetables and has been shown to alter the growth pattern of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis cell cultures and to be effective in an in vivo animal model of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. METHODS: Eighteen patients were treated with oral indole-3-carbinol and had a minimum follow-up of 8 months and a mean follow-up of 14.6 months. All patients received indole-3-carbinol, and outcome measures included a change in papilloma growth rate and the need for surgery during treatment compared with before treatment. All patients had serial examinations with videoendoscopy to document papilloma location and growth rate. RESULTS: Thirty-three percent (6 of 18) of the study patients had a cessation of their papilloma growth and have not required surgery since the start of the study. Six patients have had reduced papilloma growth rate, and 6 (33%) patients have shown no clinical response to indole-3-carbinol. Indole-3-carbinol affects the ratio of hydroxylation of estradiol; changes in the ratios of urinary 2-hydroxylation and 16-hydroxylation of estradiol caused by indole-3-carbinol correlated well with clinical response. No major complications or changes in the children’s growth curve were noted. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results of treating recurrent respiratory papillomatosis with indole-3-carbinol holds promise. Longer follow-up of this patient group and a blinded, controlled trial are required. We conclude that indole-3-carbinol appears to be safe and well tolerated and may be an efficacious treatment for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;118:810-5.)