Histologic characteristics of clinically healthy gingiva in adolescents

Abstract – Gingival biopsies from healthy buccal gingival units in 10 young individuals (12–14 yr) were analyzed morphometrically. The connective tissue was generally characterized by a dense collagenous network, apart from a well defined zone subjacent to the smooth and noninfiltrated juncdonal epithelium. This zone, which constituted on average 10%, of the connective tissue volume, was less dense than the remaining part of the connective tissue and devoid of well defined collagen fiber bundles. This zone could also harbor clusters of infiammatory cells, mainly mononuclear cells, surrounded by non-infiltrated collagen-poor connective tissue, in the noninfiltrated collagen-dense mid-portion of the gingival connective tissue small areas of infiltrates could be found, the composition of which resembled that of the infiltrated areas subjacent to the junctional epithehum.     

Permeability of different lining materials

abstract — The permeability of four dental lining materials has been tested by water vapor penetration in vitro . Films of Dycal® and Copalite® were found to have low permeability values while rather great permeability was found for test specimens of Dropsin® and Tubulitec®.     

Experimental gingivitis in young dogs

abstract — The aim of the present study was to analyze and express in quantitative terms some of the structural alterations which develop in an initially normal gingiva during a phase of continuous plaque accumulation. Four beagle dogs were used. The animals had from birth been twice daily subjected to meticulous mechanical tooth cleaning. When the dogs were 10 months of age their gingiva were in excellent health as evaluated by Gingival Index and Gingival Exudate measurements. Gingival tissues were harvested from the premolar and molar regions in the right jaws. The tooth cleanings were then terminated and plaque allowed to accumulate. Clinical examinations were performed and gingival biopsies sampled after 4, 7, 14, 21 and 28 d. The composition of the gingival biopsies was analyzed in a sampling microscope. After 4 d of plaque accumulation significant amounts of gingival exudate could be sampled. The exudation then gradually increased during the following weeks. Biopsies representing day zero did not contain any inflammatory cell infiltrates. However, after 4 d of the experiment leukocytes were found in the collagen-poor connective tissue immediately beneath the junctional epithelium. The size of the infiltrated connective tissue (ICT) gradually increased during the experiment. The volumetric density of collagen in the noninfiltrated connective tissue (NCT) was always much higher than in ICT. In ICT, however, this density parameter remained rather constant throughout the study. On days 4 and 7 neutrophilic granulocytes constituted 60–70% of the leukocyte population. On day 28, however, the infiltrate comprised mainly mononuclear leukocytes, especially plasma cells, neutrophils at that time occupying only a small fraction of the infiltrate.     

Margin Gap Size of Ceramic Inlays Using Second-Generation CAD/CAM Equipment

Abstract: Objective : The goal of this study was to determine if the fit of second-generation computer-assisted design/computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) (CEREC 2, Sirona Dental Systems, Bensheim, Germany) inlays within Class II cavity preparations were within the range of 50 to 100 um and were equal or better to CEREC 1 inlays.
Materials and Methods : Extracted human molars free of surface defects and caries were prepared with standard mesio-occlusodistal cavity preparations. Ceramic inlays were fabricated with CEREC 2 CAD/CAM equipment and seated into cavity preparations. Digital images were captured at 100 times magnification. Marginal gaps were measured with an image analysis program. For each restoration, gaps were measured at 12 locations along interproximal margins and 10 locations along occlusal margins.
Results : No difficulty occurred in seating any of the milled inlays. Average marginal gaps for occlusal (59 ± 35 um) and interproximal (97 ± 66 μm) margins were statistically different (t-test, p < .01). Average marginal gap for all sites combined was 80 ± 57 μm. Marginal gap widths were smaller than those obtained from a similar study done earlier with the CEREC 1 unit for occlusal (89 ± 65 μm) and interproximal (105 ± 81 μm) margins. Ease of seating with CEREC 2 inlays was much better than with CEREC 1.     

Risk factors of institutionalization in an elderly disabled population

Due to increased life expectancy and demographic ageing an increasingnumber of elderly people have to spend the eve of their lifein institutional settings, which is often associated with adversepsychosocial and financial consequences. The purpose of thisprospective study is to assess the extent and determinants ofinstitutionalization in a population sample of severely disabledelderly people from south Germany. The study population includedall non-institutionalized persons in a defined region who metthe criteria of permanent nursing dependency set by the Germanstatutory health insurance system. Study participants were recruitedin 1991–1993 and followed for a mean of 1.7 years. Rateratios of Institutionalization for potential risk factors werecalculated using Cox's proportional hazards model. Out of 1,583study participants 159 aged 60 years or older were admittedto a nursing home during the follow-up period. Old age, femalegender, living In urban compared to rural areas, professionalprovider of nursing care compared to family members as maincare givers and cognitive impairments independently increasedthe rate of institutionalization In multivariable analysis.There was no relationship between limitations in basic activitiesof daily living and the rate of institutionalization. Theseempirical data extend the scarce database in Germany, whichis needed for further planning of nursing care facilities inthe community in order to improve the situation of disabledpeople, in particular to prevent nursing home admission.     

Correlates of alcoholic beverage preference: traits of persons who choose wine, liquor or beer

We studied correlates of wine, hard liquor or beer preference among 53172 white men and women in a Northern California prepaid health plan. Preference for a beverage type was reported by 51% of drinkers; 22% of persons with a preference reported exclusive use of the preferred beverage. Persons who prefer wine are likely to be women, temperate, young or middle-aged, non-smokers, better educated and free of symptoms or risk of illness. Persons who prefer liquor are likely to be men, heavier drinkers, middle-aged or older, less educated and afflicted with symptoms or risk factors for major illnesses. Persons who prefer beer are likely to be young men who are intermediate between wine and liquor preferrers for most traits. The traits of persons reporting exclusive use of a beverage type were similar. These data identify correlates of beverage choice which need to be controlled for in alcohol-health studies.     

IN-SITU CHARACTERIZATION OF MONONUCLEAR CELL INFILTRATES IN LESIONS OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Nyland H, Mork S & Matre R.1982 Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology 8, 403–411
In-situ characterization of mononuclear cell infiltrates in lesions of multiple sclerosis
The mononuclear cell infiltrates in autopsy material from brains and spinal cords of six patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) were characterized in situ. Receptors for sheep erythrocytes and anti-T lymphocyte serum were used to identify T lymphocytes. Receptors for the activated third components of complement and for the Fc-portion of IgG (Fey receptors) were used as markers for macrophages and lymphocytes. In acute and recent MS lesions, perivascular infiltrates of mononuclear cells were commonly found. Most cells were T lymphocytes. Some B lymphocytes were also demonstrated. The demyelinating lesions contained large numbers of lipid macrophages expressing Fey receptors. The lipid macrophages are probably derived from microglial cells. The chronic, demyelinated lesions contain a few mononuclear cells, mainly B lymphocytes and plasma cells.     

Alcohol and accidents in Switzerland-a critical review

The analysis of alcohol-related traffic accidents points to a negative relationship between the average amount of alcohol consumed and the percentage of alcohol-related accidents. The data show that the officially registered problem-rates among drivers under the influence of alcohol depend primarily neither on consumption trends nor on general preventive factors, but, rather on the capacity for accident detection, the recording practices of the authorities and a less tolerant public opinion. Regional differences in the willingness to enforce control measures are related to varying cultural drinking contexts. The under-reporting of occupational accidents reflects an undue emphasis in insurance statistics which are based on a guilt/moral concept which is used to justify sanctions, such as cuts in insurance benefits. It is clear from the empirical evidence, that the broad press coverage on ‘alcohol-related’ ski accidents proves to be a typical case of problem amplification.     

Protective effect of different lining materials placed under composite resin restorations in monkeys

abstract — The protective qualities of the cavity lining materials Tubulitec®, Dycal®, Dycal+Tubulitec and De Trey® phosphate cement were tested beneath the composite resin Addent Concise® in 153 monkey teeth. Insufficient pulpal protection was obtained from restorations lined with the phosphate cement, while the three other lining procedures gave good protection.     

High Occurrence of Mitral Valve Prolapse in Cardiac Catheterization Patients with Pure Isolated Mitral Regurgitation

ABSTRACT. Danielsen R, Nordrehaug JE, Vik-Mo H (Department of Clinical Physiology, Haukeland Hospital, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway). High occurrence of mitral valve prolapse in cardiac catheterization patients with pure isolated mitral regurgitation. Acta Med Scand 1987; 221:33–8. The aetiological spectrum of angiographically verified pure isolated mitral regurgitation (MR) was studied in 48 consecutive adult patients (35 males). Severe MR was found in 35 patients (73%) and moderate MR in 13 patients (27%). Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) syndrome was found in 21 patients (44%). These were younger than the rest of the study population (55±13 vs. 62±6 years, p<0.05) and 15 (71%) of them were men. Endocarditis and chordal rupture occurred in 19% and 43% of the MVP patients. Sixteen patients (33%) had MR secondary to myocardial infarction while only three patients (6%) had MR of rheumatic aetiology. Bacterial endocarditis, hypertensive heart disease, hypertrophic obstructive car-diomyopathy and mitral annulus calcification were less frequently found. Mitral valve replacement was done in 20 (57%) of the patients with severe MR and MVP was the underlying disease in 15 (75%) of these patients. In conclusion, MVP is a frequent cause of pure isolated MR and of mitral valve replacement. In contrast to the preponderance of young females amongst MVP patients in population surveys, most of the MVP patients with MR in this study are middle-aged and elderly men.