Human papillomavirus and HIV coinfection and the risk of neoplasias of the lower genital tract: a review of recent developments

ONE OF THE RISK FACTORS FOR HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) INFECTION and subsequent lower genital tract neoplasias and cancers is impaired cell-mediated immunity. HIV-positive women with severe immunosuppression are 5 times more likely than HIV-negative women to have lower genital tract neoplasias. A corresponding increase in the risk of invasive vulvar and anal cancers, but not of cervical cancer, has also been observed among HIV-positive women. Treatment failure and recurrence of neoplasia occur much more frequently among HIV-positive than among HIV-negative women. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the understanding of the relation between HIV and HPV coinfection and the development of lower genital tract neoplasias and cancers in women. In addition, we present strategies for monitoring and treating noninvasive and invasive neoplasias of the lower genital tract in HIV-positive women.     

Misdiagnosed fibrosarcoma of the mandible mimicking temporomandibular disorder: a rare condition.

The jawbones can be sites of various neoplastic conditions. Given the variety of processes affecting this particular anatomical area, formulation of a precise diagnosis can be challenging to clinicians. Limited jaw movement, pain, and facial asymmetry are common signs among patients, especially those with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). This paper reports a case of primary fibrosarcoma affecting the mandible and surrounding structures in a 14-year-old girl presenting signs and symptoms similar to TMD. Her condition was misdiagnosed, and she was treated for TMD over an extended period before the correct diagnosis was made for fibrosarcoma. The patient underwent surgical resection with postsurgical radiotherapy and chemotherapy and now is being followed up. Although malignant lesions are rare in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) region, dentists are advised to be aware of the condition and to keep in mind that patients who are admitting for TMD can also possibly be affected from neoplasms. Hence, those patients have to be examined meticulously to avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment.     

Computed tomography evaluation of temporomandibular joint alterations in patients with class II division 1 subdivision malocclusions: condyle-fossa relationship.

Thirty persons with Class II Division 1 subdivision malocclusions, ranging in age from 12 years 8 months to 42 years, underwent computed tomography of the temporomandibular joints. The images obtained from sagittal slices were used to assess the depth of the mandibular fossa, the angulation of the posterior wall of the articular tubercle, the condyle-fossa relationship, and the concentric position of the condyles associated with this malocclusion. Paired Student t tests were applied, and Pearson product moment correlations (r) were determined after measurements on both Class I and Class II sides were obtained. No statistically significant asymmetries were found in the depth of the mandibular fossa, the angulation of the posterior wall of the articular tubercle, or the condyle-fossa relationship. However, a statistically significant (P <.05) anterior positioning of the condyles was observed.     

Bulk polymerization of lactides initiated by aluminium isopropoxide, 3. Thermal stability and viscoelastic properties

The thermal stability of poly(L -lactide) and L /D -lactide stereocopolymers polymerized in bulk with aluminium isopropoxide as initiator was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, and time and temperature dependence of molecular weight and polydispersity. Compared to poly(L -lactide) prepared with stannous octoate as catalyst the thermal stability of polylactides is remarkably enhanced when the ring-opening polymerization is initiated by aluminium alkoxide. Ultimate mechanical properties and viscoelasticity of these melt-stable thermoplastics have also been studied in relation to the polyester enantiomeric composition.     

Low back pain and physical exercise in leisure time in 38-year-old men and women: A 25-year prospective cohort study of 640 school children

A cohort of 38-year-old men and women were studied for leisure time physical exercise in relation to low back pain (LBP), education, work, social class and smoking by a self-administered questionnaire. At the age of 14 years, the subjects had been interviewed by their school doctor regarding history of LBP and radiographs of the thoracic and lumbar spine were taken. The results show no positive correlation between radiographic changes and LBP in the adolescent period and decreased physical activity in adulthood. Physical activity for at least 3 h/week reduces the risk of LBP measured as lifetime, 1-year and point prevalence. Eighty-five percent of the subjects who reported taking physical exercise for at least 3 h/week had participated in sports activity almost constantly since their school days and these reported being in better condition than the rest of the cohort. Otherwise they did not have a healthier mode of life. No physical exercise during leisure time was associated with a short school education, un-skilled work, unemployment and sickness, low social class, divorce, living in an apartment and smoking. Sixty percent had never or not for many years been interested in participating in sports. Badminton and tennis were the most common sports practised (36%), followed by gymnastics (32%), ball games — soccer and team handball - (25%), running (20%) and swimming (18%). Gymnastics and swimming seem to reduce LBP significantly. Our results show a falling interest in participating in sports activities over time, with 68% of the subjects being members of an athletic association previously, but only 29% currently. Women were more physically inactive during leisure time, probably because of their dual role. Logistic regression analysis indicates that physical activity is related to a long school education, high social class and regular sports activity over time.     

Polyclonal B-lymphocyte stimulation in human malaria and its association with ongoing parasitemia

To study the polyclonal B-lymphocyte stimulation or activation (PBA) phenomenon in human malaria, the numbers of immunoglobulin (G, A, and M)-secreting cells in the peripheral blood, serum levels of immunoglobulins, and the presence of antibodies directed against the DNA-autoantigen were evaluated in Plasmodium falciparum- and P. vivax-infected individuals. Individuals chronically exposed to the risk of infection or non-immune subjects who contracted malaria during first visits to endemic areas were studied. Numbers of immunoglobulin-secreting cells (IgSC) were increased dependent upon ongoing parasitemia. Levels of IgG and the anti-DNA activity were also augmented in malarious individuals from the endemic area. Study of the kinetics of PBA done in treated patients showed that PBA decreased during treatment and disappeared 5-15 days after the start of chemotherapy.