CT diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a very rare condition. It is characterised by the presence of loose bodies in the joint space. Clinical signs, histopathological findings and radiography play an important role in the diagnostic process. Conventional X-rays have shown to be of limited value, for they fail to depict the intra-articular loose bodies in a significant amount of cases. Axial as well as coronal computer tomography (CT) is extremely useful in detecting loose bodies in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In this report we present and discuss a further case, and the use of CT in the diagnosis of TMJ-synovial chondromatosis is illustrated.     

A case of undifferentiated carcinoma arising in the mandible

A case of undifferentiated carcinoma arising in the minor salivary gland is reported. Preoperative chemotherapy, surgery and postoperative immunotherapy were performed and good results were obtained for 15 months after surgery. However, metastasis to the lung occurred 18 months after surgery. The histologic diagnosis, clinical findings and origin of this tumor are discussed.     

Serum levels of iron and proteins in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF)

Serum proteins, serum iron and total iron binding capacity were estimated in 50 patients with oral submucous fibrosis and 50 patients with oral leukoplakia. The values were compared with that of 50 age- and sex-matched controls. A significant depression in hemoglobin and serum iron was observed in both groups of patients, whereas total iron binding capacity showed significant change only in the oral submucous fibrosis patients. Serum protein values were significantly lower in all the patients. The role of iron deficiency anemia in the causation of this premalignant lesion is discussed.     

Total hemolytic complement (CH50) and its fractions (C3 and C4) in the sera of patients with premalignant and malignant lesions of the oral cavity

Total hemolytic complement (CH50) and its fractions (C3 and C4) were estimated in the sera of 50 patients with oral leukoplakia, 50 patients with oral submucous fibrosis and 50 oral cancer patients. The values were compared with that of 50 normal controls. No significant alterations in the values of CH50, C3 or C4 were observed in the sera of patients with either leukoplakia or oral submucous fibrosis whereas the values were found to be altered significantly in oral cancer (P less than 0.001). In the case of oral submucous fibrosis the mean complement levels were slightly lower than those of normal controls and leukoplakia. Age and sex had no influence either on the total complement activity or its fractions (C3 and C4). The serum complement levels may be useful as a biological marker for the early detection of tissue dysplasia.     

A study of facially expressed emotions as a function of age, exposure time, and sex in children

Facial expressions and body language constitute a major component of communication in the human population. There are no studies in the dental literature that have examined children's ability to recognize facial expressions. The purpose of this study was to determine children's accuracy and latency to respond to facial expressions (photographs) as a function of age and sex. Sixty children were recruited randomly and placed into three groups according to their age (3, 6, and 9 years) with 20 children per group. They were shown photographs of three different emotions (happiness, anger, and sadness) expressed by actors at three different exposure times (0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 sec), tachistoscopically. The children's responses (accuracy and latency) were recorded. The results indicated that three year olds were significantly less accurate and took longer to respond than the older children. Factors that may have influenced the results and clinical implications are discussed.     

Influence of beta-adrenergic stimulation on glycosylation of a major, secretory N-linked glycoprotein from rat parotid salivary gland

beta-Adrenergic stimulation with 10 microM isoproterenol increased the [3H]-mannose/[14C]-leucine ratio (three- to six-fold) of protein extracts in double-radiolabelled rat parotid acinar cells. Characteristics of oligosaccharides in a major parotid glycoprotein (Mr approximately 220,000; gp 220) were studied. Gp 220 from control and experimental cells was endoglycosidase H-insensitive, endoglycosidase F-sensitive and bound both concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin. Gp 220 was removed from concanavalin A-Sepharose by sequential elution with 10 mM alpha-methyl glucoside and 0.5 M alpha-methyl mannoside. These findings suggest that (1) oligosaccharides in gp 220 have both a biantennary complex and hybrid oligosaccharide chains, and (2) beta-adrenoreceptor stimulation has little effect on the gross oligosaccharide structures of this glycoprotein.     

Osteochondroma of the coronoid process of the mandible. Report of a case showing histological evidence of neoplasia

A case of unilateral enlargement of the coronoid process of the mandible is presented. The patient, a 37-year-old woman complained of restricted mandibular movement and swelling in the left zygomatic region. Coronoidectomy was performed intraorally, producing improved mandibular movement. The specimen consisted of a large amount of cartilage and mature bone. Most of the cartilage showed a marked disturbance in endochondral ossification. The histopathological diagnosis was osteochondroma. A review of the basic nature of the disease in the reported cases is presented. The value of computed tomography in deciding on a surgical procedure is briefly mentioned.