Fibroblast subpopulations in intra-oral wound healing

The objective of this study was to characterize fibroblasts at sequential time points during intra-oral wound healing in the rat. Experimental wounds were made at several time points in the mucoperiosteum of the palate of 35-day-old Wistar rats. Fibroblasts were cultured from the biopsies under standard conditions for the same number of passages. The expression of the integrin subunits alpha 1, alpha 6, and beta 1; and the intermediate filaments alpha-smooth muscle actin and vimentin were analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was performed at 0, 8, and 60 days postwounding to confirm the expression of both intermediate filaments. The phenotypic profiles of fibroblasts cultured from subsequent stages in the wound healing process differed considerably. We conclude that distinct fibroblast phenotypes can be isolated from different stages in wound healing. These phenotypes remained stable during in vitro culturing. In addition, cryosections of the wound areas were made at identical time points and were immunohistochemically stained for the same antigens. The immunohistochemical staining correlated well to the flow-cytometric data. These results suggest the occurrence of multiple subpopulations of fibroblasts with a specialized function during wound healing. We hypothesize that undesirable consequences of wound healing might be prevented through the modulation of specific fibroblast subpopulations.     

Eligible Veterans'' Choice Between VA-covered and Non-VA-covered Dental Care

Veterans who were eligible for dental care in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities at no monetary cost responded to a mailed questionnaire. Seventy-one percent were aware that they were actually eligible for VA dental care. However, only 48 percent reported the VA as their only or primary source of dental care. Eligibility status, perceived quality of VA dental care, use of VA medical care, perception that one's income meets expenses, and perceived need for dental care were significant correlates of using the VA as one's current source of dental care. Level of formal education, perception that one's income meets expenses, transportation pattern, geographic distance from a VA facility, and eligibility status were significant correlates of using the VA as one's current medical care source. Research on VA utilization offers the opportunity to study issues of access to, and use of, a large public health care system whose patients largely receive care at no monetary cost. Veterans' use of VA dental and medical care is apparently influenced by a wide variety of factors, ranging from barriers to access to non-VA systems, to characteristics of the VA delivery system itself, to need for treatment.     

Modified orthodontic treatment goals in a patient with multiple complicating factors

This paper reviews orthodontic care in patients who are in non-traditional categories. Specific orthodontic management of a patient who had severe hemophilia, seropositivity for anti-HIV Ab, and Hepatitis B surface antigen is reviewed. The Importance of defining acceptable treatment goals in these patients is of paramount Importance.