Statistical analysis of clinical, radiographic, and histologic features of temporomandibular arthropathy

For a variety of reasons, the past few years have brought about a tremendous emphasis on conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint and associated structures. Although important advances are being made relative to the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, a myriad of problems remain for the practitioner who tries to sort through the literature or who attends courses in order to determine a means for properly diagnosing and treating these patients. This article attempts to develop correlations between certain clinical and radiographic findings documented by histologic evaluation as a beginning guide to more sound diagnosis.     

Identification of an ion channel-forming motif in the primary structure of CFTR, the cystic fibrosis chloride channel.

Synthetic peptides with sequences representingputative transmembrane (M) segments of CFTR (the cystic fibrosis transmembraneconductance regulator) were used as tools to identify the involvement of suchsegments in forming the ionic pore of the CFTR Cl- channel. Peptides withsequences corresponding to M2 and M6 form anion-selective channels afterreconstitution in lipid bilayers. In contrast, peptides with the sequences ofM1, M3, M4, and M5, or peptides of the same amino acid composition as M2 and M6but with scrambled sequences, do not form channels. Conductive heterooligomersof M2 and M6 exhibit a single channel conductance of 8 pS (in 0.15 M KCl) and a95% selectivity for anions over cations, properties that emulate both theconductance and the selectivity of the authentic CFTR channel. Theidentification of sequence-specific motifs that account for key functionalattributes of the CFTR channel suggests that such modules may representfundamental units of function and are plausible constituents of the pore-formingstructure of the CFTR Cl- channel.     

The Ethics of Caring for Conjoined Twins The Lakeberg Twins

In June 1993, conjoined twins Amy and Angela Lakeberg became the focus of national attention. They shared a complex six-chambered heart and one liver; only one could survive separation surgery, and even her chances were slim. The medical challenge was great and the ethical challenges were even greater.     

Development of Activity Assays for High-Volume Evaluation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Protease Inhibitors in Rat Serum: Results with Ditekiren

We showed previously that a commercially available synthetic tetradecapeptide, Asp-Arg-Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe-His-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-Ser, produces authentic angiotensin I (Ang I) upon incubation with the HIV-1 protease (S. K. Sharma et al., Anal. Biochem. 198:363, 1991). Therefore, we developed an Ang-I based activity assay for HIV protease inhibitors based on the technology developed earlier (M. J. Ruwart et al., Pharm. Res. 7:407, 1990; S. K. Sharma et al., Anal. Biochem. 186:24, 1990) for tracking renin inhibitors in rat sera. Ditekiren was either extracted from sera with ethyl acetate or assayed after the interfering substances in sera were precipitated with acetonitrile. Purified recombinant HIV-1 protease was added to extracted rat serum and the enzymatic reaction was initiated in the presence of the tetradecapeptide substrate. The inhibition of Ang I production was measured by a commercially available RIA kit. The cleanup methodology also enabled a commercially available Proteinase Scintillation Proximity Assay (SPA, Amersham) to quantify ditekiren in rat serum through the addition of recombinant HIV-1 protease and cleavage of substrate from SPA beads. Results were confirmed by HPLC or by the renin assay for ditekiren, which inhibits both aspartyl proteases. These technologies should prove useful for assessing serum levels of HIV protease inhibitors in rat.     

Posttraumatic Growth Following Cancer: Links to Quality of Life

This study examined the linkage of posttraumatic growth (PTG) to quality of life (QOL) among individuals newly diagnosed with cancer. Individuals (26 men, 36 women) reported PTG 3 months postdiagnosis (T1) and 3 months later (T2). Cross‐sectional analyses revealed a linear association between PTG and QOL—more PTG was related to worse mental health at T1 (β = ?.28). PTG, however, revealed a quadratic relationship with depressive symptoms at T1 and physical health at T2: Individuals with high or low levels of PTG had fewer depressive symptoms and better QOL than those with moderate levels. Longitudinal analyses revealed a linear association between PTG and QOL; more PTG at T1 predicted better physical health at T2. There were no longitudinal curvilinear associations. Although the linear links of PTG to QOL were contradictory within this study, both of the curvilinear relations, although not robust, confirm previous research. Further analyses differentiated low, medium, and high PTG groups in terms of perceiving cancer as stressful, intrusive thoughts, and coping strategies. Overall, relations of PTG to adjustment may be more complex and dynamic than previously assumed. Clinicians should consider the notion that more growth may sometimes, but not always, be better.     

The use of biopsy in dental practice. The position of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

Biopsy is the gold standard of diagnostic procedures. The American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology has stated its position concerning biopsy use in dental practice, believing that using the procedure more frequently will enhance diagnosis and contribute substantially to the quest for more evidence-based practice. Biopsy is a technique within the scope of practice of general dentists. It is vital to understand that biopsy is a tool for the diagnosis of myriad benign and malignant oral conditions. More frequent use of biopsy in dental practice will likely reduce the number of successful lawsuits brought for delay or failure to diagnose. This article offers 10 guidelines to dentists to help assure the success of the procedure.     

Perceived growth and decline following breast cancer: a comparison to age-matched controls 5-years later

Research indicates that individuals who experience stressful life events, such as a diagnosis of cancer, often experience both positive and negative changes as a result of their experiences, but little research has compared these changes with those of a control group who have experienced other stressful life events. We compared 184 5-year breast cancer survivors (Stages: I, II, and III; 95% Caucasian) with 184 age-matched controls in terms of perceived growth and decline that stem from stressful events. Survivors reported on their experience with cancer, whereas controls identified the most stressful event that happened to them 5 years ago. Survivors reported more growth (e.g. appreciation of life) and more decline (e.g. physical side effects) compared with controls. However, there were no group differences in reports of psychological stress. When survivors were compared with controls whose stressor was a personal health problem, many of the differences in growth between the two groups remained, but the differences in decline disappeared. These findings suggest that some growth is unique to breast cancer, but much of the decline associated with breast cancer is similar to the decline associated with other types of health problems. Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Spontaneous resolution of a central vascular lesion of the mandible following needle aspiration

A case of a central vascular lesion of the mandible that appeared to be healing spontaneously after needle aspiration has been described. It is suggested that more lesions of this type than previously realized may have the potential to resolve spontaneously after simple needle aspiration, which leads to intramedullary hemorrhage, organization of a clot, and complete healing.